Viewing entries tagged
dailydevotional
📖 “For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” -1 Peter 1:3 AMP
🤔 Have you forgotten that God has literally given you all that you need to live your life victoriously? The more time we spend “at His feet” and meditating on His Word, we get to know Him better thus making it easier to conform to His ways. He sent His Son Jesus so that you could be reconciled with Him, delivered and set free from any sickness, disease, bondage or baggage. He’s made you MORE than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). He is your protection and covering, so you have nothing to fear (Psalm 91:4). If you need wisdom and direction, you have access to the Holy Spirit - your Helper - and you only have to ask Him (James 1:5). In and through the mighty power of God, you will find the strength you need to fulfill every task before you today (Ephesians 6:10, Philippians 4:13)! So hold your head up and walk humbly and confidently in the divine power that God has been given you on this #ThankfulThursday!
📖 “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” -Lamentations 3:21-23 ESV
🙌 Good morning new mercies! God has has blessed you with an entirely new set of them today. Yes…He is faithful and because of His faithfulness, we can be faith FULL; we can put our hope in Him. He is dependable and consistent, and His heart towards us is compassionate. So never tire seeking God’s direction and/or walking in His purpose for your life. If you’ve missed the mark, His grace is sufficient; if you’ve hit it, it’s still only because of His grace.
Take the time to reflect on and thank God for His love for you this morning. Appreciate His “leading” of your life (Psalm 23, Isaiah 30:21). Because of God’s faithfulness to us, our hope and faith IN HIM can be renewed afresh this morning and the next, just like his mercies. He is a good Father! May we represent you and the family well today (Ephesians 2:19)!
📖 “But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.” -Galatians 5:22-23 AMP
🤔 In order for us to walk harmoniously with God and reject our carnal nature, we have to ensure that the fruits of the spirit are actively “growing” inside of us. Love, inner peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are all fruits that should be developing and bearing witness in our personal character if God’s Spirit is in us, and we are allowing Him to change us from the inside out. Just as fear & love - light & darkness - can NOT co-exist, neither can we walk in the spirit and in the flesh simultaneously.
The more we grow and mature in our relationship with God, the more we are able to reject carnality. The “fruit” will be visible to those around us; and as representatives of Christ, it’s important that others know us by our fruit, especially love (John 13:35). Ask God for His help in making sure that you are providing the best “environment” for your fruit to be harvested in. Sometimes, that simply means being aware of what we are exposing our spirit man to (entertainment, unfruitful conversations, associations, etc.). So stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit. The maturation and condition of your fruit depends on it. HappyGrowingSeason!
Not only do we have the Greater One living inside of us, but He’s on OUR side! When we submit ourselves totally to God, there is nothing the enemy can do to foil the plans God has for our lives. Though he may try, his attempts will be futile in the end. We have to make the determination to "stay with God" no matter what comes our way. His love for us is UNDISPUTED because of the sacrifice He made for us through His Son Jesus. There’s nothing we cannot do or conquer because our Father not only walks with us, but He leads our path, going before us and making the crooked placed ahead straight for us (Isaiah 45:2, Deuteronomy 31:8). Because of His great love for us, we have the ability to live free and victoriously. So pick your head up (if you need to) and keep your eyes focused on God. We WIN…and YOU are loved!
“The Lord is near to all who call on Him, To all who call on Him in truth (without guile).” -Psalm 145:18
Our Heavenly Father desires to be near us at all times. He wants to be “in our midst” and to work in and through us daily (John 14:12, Ephesians 2:10, Philippians 2:13). We only have to call His name, humble ourselves and come to Him with a pure and humble heart. Regardless of where the paths of your feet tread today, determine to commit your life to God and yield to Him for wisdom in your decision-making. When you do, you set the scene for Him to act on your behalf (Psalm 37:5, Proverbs 3:5-6). Rest and have confidence in knowing that today. Have a blessed day.
🤔 Oftentimes, when we deal with challenges or disappointments in our lives, we internalize or trust our own knowledge as opposed to trusting God in combatting them. It can be easy to focus more so on what we see in the natural instead of focusing on the fact that our struggles are not really “of this world”; it’s a spiritual fight and that’s why we always have to be ready and equipped with the right weapons. We can’t fight a spiritual battle with physical weapons (vs. 10-17). The challenges and triumphs we face are often impacted by spiritual influences. So more than ever, it’s important that we put on the whole armor of God so that we are able to resist the enemy, live victoriously and share the love of God & the Gospel. Remember, you are at war, but don’t forget, we’re supposed to be dressed for battle, and we win!
Good morning! As we prepare our hearts and minds for service this morning, let us remember Pastor’s message on the importance of unity (Romans 15:5-6). As believers, God wants us to not only be a constant source of encouragement, love and kindness to one another in spirit, but we should never take for granted the physical opportunity we have to ourselves to do just that. We need God, and we each other. May we rejoice as we walk in - unified - through His gates this morning, trusting and believing that He will continue to help us grow & develop us both individually and collectively, as a body (Psalm 138:8).
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall read [and meditate on] it day and night, so that you may be careful to do [everything] in accordance with all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:8-9 AMP
How’s your diet been working out so far in 2019? Not talking about your nutritional diet (though we wish you the best in that area too lol). How has your spiritual appetite been? Most likely you’ve heard the expression “You are what you eat!” at some point in your life and with that statement is the connotation is that whatever foods you are consuming on a daily basis - good or bad - can affect your physical well-being. Well, in the same light, whatever you are meditating on a regular basis whether it’s God’s Word or entertainment, social media, etc. will eventually influence and affect your spiritual health and your outlook on the world and the Kingdom of God. God desires and has called for us to meditate (think deeply or focus one's mind for a period of time) on His Word so that our spiritual man is strengthened and so that we will know His heart and become aligned with His will for our lives. By obeying His Word, we set the scene for God to bless and prosper us! On top of that, He’s promised that He won’t abandon us while we walk in obedience. He’s promised to be with us every step of the way! Glory to God! Have a blessed & prosperous Friday.
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9 NLT
Just as He was with His servant Joshua, we can rest assured that God is with us too only, the Holy Spirit lives IN us (1 Corinthians 6:19). When we receive instructions from the Lord, we have nothing to fear. God is with us, and “They that be with us is greater than they that be with them” (2 Kings 6:16, Hebrews 13:6)! God has given you the wisdom, insight, favor and the POWER (2 Timothy 1:7) to accomplish all that He’s called you to. So don’t be discouraged or hesitate about obeying the call on your life or following the specific instructions God has given you (Philippians 1:6). He’s backing you up, and He’s equipped you with power to fulfill each and every part of the assignment.
📖 “Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you]; Bind them [securely] around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. So find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.” -Proverbs 3:3-4 AMP
🤔Are you known for showing mercy and kindness to others? Is that your “staple”? In addition to being defined as 'a thick piece of square-shaped wire' that is used as a fastener on papers; a 'staple' is also defined as 'a basic or principal element or feature'. Is one of the principal elements that defines your character mercy, kindness and/or love? We have the awesome responsibility and privilege of representing the King of all kings - the Creator of the universe (2 Corinthians 5:20). We are His ambassadors and that means communicating the “staples” of His priorities and passions with love and truth being at the core of them. So, for those of you that are more visual, just imagine as you go throughout the day that you’re walking around with little pieces of paper “stapled” to your shirt. On each of those pieces of paper is written the character traits that you are known for by others, only you can’t attach them to your garments yourself. Only those that interact with you can attach the staple and description based on what they honestly observe. Would you be proud or satisfied with the descriptions that you had to wear around or would you be ashamed? Let’s commit anew and ask for God's help in more accurately demonstrating the heart of God to others. Not only will it make God proud, but it will bring us favor both in His sight and in the sight of others. Have a blessed day.
🤔 The more we allow our hearts (convictions, priorities, etc) to mirror God’s, the more we become like Him; and the more we become like our Father, the more our faith is developed. Just as with any earthly relationship, the more time you spend with a person, the easier it is to trust them and “have faith” in them and their character. God’s given all of us a “measure of faith (Romans 12:3) and that faith is strengthened when we trust and rely in God and invest in our relationship with Him. In fact, it’s literally the only way to bring God pleasure. Seek Him diligently just as you would if you’d lost something of value to you. God will honor your heart and reward you and your faith in Him will grow even stronger. He is faith-full and proven 💯. You can firmly put ALL your confidence and trust in Him.
📖 “The wise in heart [are willing to learn so they] will accept and obey commands (instruction), but the babbling fool [who is arrogant and thinks himself wise] will come to ruin.” -Proverbs 10:8 AMP
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🤔 May God help us all to be “part A” and not “part B” of this verse lol. We serve a God who desires to perfect those areas that concern us (Psalm 138:8); and as a result, God - our Father - gives instruction and sometimes even discipline to us because of His love for us. Like any good Father, it’s His desire to grow and get better so that we can serve better as His representatives. So never fret, get dismayed or annoyed at His instruction. One of the worse things in life is for one to go through life thinking you are wise or intelligent, but to viewed any others as foolish. Humility is one of our greatest assets. On God’s part, His “instruction” is a sign of His love. It should spark appreciation in our hearts. We should be honored to learn and receive it [God’s instruction]. SELAH and be sure to give God thanks for His unconditional love for you.
"Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly." -Psalm 5:3
Good morning! Have a request? Just like the psalmist David, we can give our requests to God and expect that God will answer us. In fact, we can put our confidence in the fact that if those request please and honor Him, that He will not only heart those prayers, but He will answer them (1 John 5:14-15, Isaiah 65:24, John 14:14) . So, remove any doubt, un-forgiveness and ask God to reveal any other hindrances. Then wait patiently on God. You can depend on the Lord. He will never fail you! Rest IN Him this morning. Have a great day!
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” -1 Peter 2:9 AMP
Do you know who you are? Better yet…do you know WHOSE you are? You belong to God if you were born again into His family. He treasures you and has deemed you royalty, so hold your head up king/queen (Psalm 3:3; Proverbs 27:6)! If you were not “fit” for royalty, then God wouldn’t have proclaimed you to be “His people”; He cannot lie (Numbers 23:19). God not only cares about our hearts, but He cares about our countenance. Does your life and mouth testify of the goodness of God? He cares about how we represent Him, as His “chosen” people, both in deed and in conversation. Who you identify with will eventually influence your decisions and how you live. May we accept and rest IN His love for us today and may He help us today to properly represent Him today both in word and deed. Happy Friday!
#dailydevotionals #chosen #Godschosen #royalty #HappyFriday
“He who trusts confidently in his own heart is a [dull, thickheaded] fool, but he who walks in [skillful and godly] wisdom will be rescued.” -Proverbs 28:26 AMP
Enough said, huh? We are to trust in God - not in our own emotions, will and personal desires. We serve an omniscient God; He knows ALL things and there is no information, no secret that has the ability to hide itself beyond His watchful eyes. Instead of relying on our flesh or intellect, we are encouraged throughout the Word of God to instead trust in God (Proverbs 3:5-6) and to make sure that we are spirit led (1 Corinthians 2:11; Galatians 5:18,25). Walk in godly wisdom today. Your spirit man will always be more aware than your intellect will, and you will never be led astray when you allow the Holy Spirit to be your Compass. So don’t neglect praying in tongues throughout the day so that He can give you the direction you need and desire. Trust Him for wisdom, the words to say and for opportunities to share the Gospel - God's love - today. Happy Spirit-Led Thursday!
So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God. -2 Corinthians 5:20 AMP
Rise and shine! It’s definitely a GREAT morning: you have the privilege of being an ambassador of the King of all Kings and the Lord of all Lords. You’re a representative of Jesus Christ! Most country’s ambassadors are entrusted with the responsibility of representing and communicating the interest of their home country while residing in a foreign land.
In a similar fashion, we as believers are aliens, strangers in this world. The world’s customs and priorities are foreign to us. Furthermore, we are just “passing through” for a temporary assignment on earth and while we are here, God encourages us to not be conformed to the world. Though we physically reside in the world, our citizenship papers are in Heaven (Philippians 3:20). It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day circumstances of life, but it’s important that we not loose site of the mission that we are on as sons and daughters of God. Never forget that one key way to stay “in tune” with your heavenly homeland and to make sure you are fulfilling the assignment of the King of that land is to regularly pray in tongues. We get direction, wisdom, power and insight that others aren’t privy to. Remember, we are “living epistles” (communicators) of God’s ability! Embrace the assignment and expect Him to move on your behalf!
“The Lord is my SHEPHERD; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he LEADS me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He GUIDES me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” -Psalm 23:1-4 NLT
You can tell from David’s reflections in the twenty third psalm that He was convinced that the Lord desires to lead His children every step of the way in our personal lives. Shepherds LEAD their flock every step of the way. The Good Shepherd LEADS us beside peaceful streams (He doesn’t want us anxious or to fret about anything; He wants us to rest IN Him. Philippians 4:6). He GUIDES you and directs your steps to walk in the will and purpose that He desires for your life (Psalm 37:23). Even when we may find ourselves going through tough times or in the presence of company that is ill willed against us, our Good Shepherd gives us perfect peace and never leaves our side (John 14:27)!
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God desires to not only lead your life not only for your benefit - though He desires good for you (Psalm 139:17) - but also so that He gets the glory and more men & women are led into the Kingdom as a result. Find comfort in His love for you today and don’t forget to stir up the gift by praying in tongues throughout the day. That’s one of the key ways He LEADS you on a daily basis and not just with big life decision but with the day-to-day ones. He will give you the words to say, how and when to say them, tell you who to speak to, who not to and even what to do. Allow Him to lead you into this blessed Monday morning and the remainder of your work week. #RestINHim
