09
Jun '20
I Am Who God Says I Am
09
Jun '20
For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle . . . (1 Corinthians 15:9)
Thank goodness God isn’t limited by how we see ourselves!
Paul had ravaged Christians, but God saw the forerunner in Him, the Apostle and Superintendent of all the early churches.
Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and said, “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? (1 Chronicles 17:16)
King David was sent to the fields while his brothers went to war.
In David’s family he was an unimportant shepherd.
But, in the family of Christ, David was a King – related to the King of Kings.
Let me remember God sees what I am here to do and has given me all I need to do it. I am not how others see me and I am not how I see myself. I am who God says I am!
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)
When I read this devotion it made me stop and think who does God say I am. Here are just a few to remind you and I. I am the apple of God’s eye. I am loved by God, cherished by God, and highly valued by God. I am a child of The King. I am redeemed, forgiven and sanctified. I am a friend of God. I am because He is.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
25
Feb '19
Weeping With Us
25
Feb '19
Jesus wept. (John 11:35)
One Sunday when I was young, we were challenged to memorize a Bible verse. I searched through my Bible looking for the shortest verse I could find. Bingo! I found John 11:35 which contained only two words! Even I could remember this! Now that I’m older and have stood beside the caskets of family members and loved ones, now that I have wept as they have been lowered into the grave, I think of this verse in a different light. Oh, the love Jesus had for this family! Standing at the burial tomb of Lazarus, tears running down his face, “Jesus wept.” Oh, the love Jesus has for each of us! Even in the most trying times, even when darkness surrounds us, even when death is knocking at our door, there stands Jesus, loving us and weeping with us.
Dear God, thank you for your love and compassion and your constant presence with us. As Jesus taught us, we pray, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil” (Luke 11:2-4, KJV). Amen.
This devotion blessed me. It reminded me of just how real Jesus is. Jesus comforts us with His grace. We may grieve, but not without hope, all because of who He is, a constant in our lives, if we allow Him to be.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 91:1
15
Feb '19
His Strength in Your Weakness
15
Feb '19
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Corinthians 12:9).
I didn’t have an easy childhood. I came from a home that was broken many, many times over. But I can look back on my past today and instead of moaning about it, I can say, “I went through that, and now I can comfort others.” It has become a tool to help others.
I wouldn’t want to go through that again, of course. Nor would I want anyone else to go through the same thing. But I’m thankful that God can take my past and use it for His glory today. I’m thankful that He can take that hardship and use it for His glory. He can do the same for you.
Maybe at this time in your life, you’re going through some hard times, and you’re wondering why. God will use it. It’s hard to believe now. But just remember that it won’t last forever.
As 1 Peter 1:6–7 says, “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ). Trials don’t last forever.
I’m reminded of a sign posted at the end of an airport runway that reads, “Keep moving. If you stop, you are in danger and a danger to those who are flying.”
You can take that same statement and apply it to the Christian life. Keep moving. Don’t give up. Don’t abandon hope. You are going to get through that valley in your life. There will be an even greater mountaintop beyond it, with great lessons you have learned as God demonstrated His strength in your weakness.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 John 4:10
11
Dec '18
What Does God Want?
11
Dec '18
Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. (Hosea 6:3)
If we want to know what’s expected of us at work, we ask our supervisors or read the employee handbook. If we want to know what’s expected at school, we talk to teachers or read the student code of conduct.
Understanding what God wants for us works the same way. If we want to know what God wants for our lives, we ask and we read. We ask God in prayer and we read the Bible. The Bible is called God’s Word because every word was inspired by God to help us know Him and His desire for our lives.
Just like we wouldn’t submit to someone we don’t work for or a school we don’t attend, giving the Bible authority in our lives only happens when we recognize God’s authority in our lives. In Hosea 6:3, the prophet Hosea tells God’s people to “acknowledge the LORD” and “press on to acknowledge him.” Properly understanding our role in a relationship is key to a having a healthy relationship. God is God, and we are not.
From the beginning of time, God’s desires for us haven’t changed. What God wants from us is also what He wants for us — a healthy, strong and consistent relationship with Him. We can’t experience that depth of relationship simply by doing the right things the right way (Hosea 6:6). A thriving relationship comes from time spent together.
The more we get to know someone, the more we trust him or her. Our obedience becomes not just a matter of doing what’s right but trusting that person to lead us well. The same is true with God. As we spend time talking with God and reading His word, we’ll find ourselves submitting to His desires, not because we have to, but because we want to.
Amen! This devotion blessed me. Today, spend time getting to know Him better than you did yesterday. Today is a new day, make the most of it. He’s waiting.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Jeremiah 29:13
13
Nov '18
Thanks for Who God Is
13
Nov '18
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. (Psalm 95:2-3)
Among the thousands of sentiments printed on greeting cards, perhaps one of the most touching is this simple statement: “Thanks for being you.” If you receive that card, you know that someone cares for you not because you did something spectacular for that person but because you’re appreciated for your essence.
I wonder if this kind of sentiment might indicate for us one of the best ways to say “thank you” to God. Sure, there are times when God intervenes in our lives in a tangible way, and we say something like, “Thank You, Lord, for allowing me to get that job.” But most often, we can simply say, “Thank You, God, for being who You are.”
That’s what’s behind verses like 1 Chronicles 16:34: “O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.” Thank You, God, for who You are—good and loving. And Psalm 7:17: “I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high.” Thank You, God, for who You are—the holy One. And “Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving. . . for the Lord is a great God” (Psalm 95:2–3). Thank You, God, for who You are—the Almighty God of the universe.
Who God is. That’s reason enough for us to stop what we’re doing and praise and thank Him. Thank You, God, for just being You!
Thank You, dear God, for being who You are—the Almighty God who loves us and welcomes our love in return. Thank You for everything that makes You magnificent. We stand in awe of You as we praise You with word and song. Amen.
There are countless reasons to thank God, including for who He is! Amen! This devotion blessed me so very much. What an incredible reminder. Today, give God thanks for who He is. At the end of the day, be thankful that your blessings are always bigger than your problems. He is faithful.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 Peter 2:15-16
01
Nov '18
He is Worthy
01
Nov '18
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? (Revelation 5:2)
Who is worthy? Who is worthy to do the work of God? Who is worthy to fulfill the plans of God? John tells us in verse 3 that, “no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.” When I first read that verse I thought, “Where is Jesus? Isn’t He worthy?” But I was wrong in comparing Jesus to any other created being. Those who are in heaven, on earth or under the earth are all created by God. No created thing is worthy or equal to God Himself.
Next we find John weeping, filled with sorrow that no one could open the book. Do you frequently find yourself weeping over your own inadequacies as well as over the shortcomings of others? It fills our hearts with grief that we can’t do all that needs to be done, be all that we know we have the ability to be, or serve the Lord with limitless devotion. We are limited by physical boundaries: our flesh, our sin and time. So when one of the elders said to John, “Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof” (verse 5), we find such hope and joy that Jesus is not limited. He has overcome, and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, He is helping us to overcome our shortcomings also. Jesus is God and He is worthy to accomplish all the works of God.
We stand before the Lord as a saint only because the blood of Christ covers our sin. The Lord Jesus gives us, unworthy sinful man, the strength to stand before a Holy God. On earth, we too cry with John but one day, we will stop crying. The Lord Jesus will come to our side to say to the Father, “They are worthy—because I died for them.”
Oh, trust the Lord today. Allow His power to flow through you. Tell Him you are willing to be that vessel for Him to accomplish all His works.
He is worthy to accomplish all you need, if you are willing to allow Him to work.
When I read this devotion I asked myself that very question, am I willing, and I would challenge you today to stop, take a moment and ask yourself that very question. Allow His power to flow through you and remember one day every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11). When that day comes I want to be on the winning side with The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David. Remember, you are worthy, He died for you and me. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:9-10). He is Worthy!!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalms 42:11
26
Sep '18
It’s Not About the Fish
26
Sep '18
And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not. (Jonah 3:10)
The Bible tells us about a “huge fish” so rare that God had provided it especially to swallow a runaway prophet (Jonah 1:17). Most know the story. God told Jonah to take a message of judgment to Nineveh. But Jonah wanted nothing to do with the Ninevites, who had a reputation for cruelty to just about everyone—including the Hebrews. So he fled. Things went badly. From inside the fish, Jonah repented. Eventually he preached to the Ninevites, and they repented too (3:5–10).
Great story, right? Except it doesn’t end there. While Nineveh repented, Jonah pouted. “O Lord, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? ” he prayed. “I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness” (4:2). Having been rescued from certain death, Jonah’s sinful anger grew until even his prayer became suicidal (v. 3).
The story of Jonah isn’t about the fish. It’s about our human nature and the nature of the God who pursues us. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God offers His love to brutal Ninevites, pouting prophets, and you and me.
Father, we tend to look at what others “deserve” and forget we need Your love just as much. Help us live in Your love and tell others about it. Amen.
When I read this devotion today it reminded me of just how good God is. Despite our failures and weaknesses He still loves us. Today’s Reading goes right in line with today’s devotion, I love when God does that, Ephesians 2:8-9, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Live in His love today and remember just how much He loves you no matter what your going through. Our love has limits; God’s love is limitless.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Ephesians 2:8-9
07
Aug '17
Who is Greater Than My God?
07
Aug '17
Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind: Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire: Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever. Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains. At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away. They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them. Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth. He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down. Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth. O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. (Psalm 104:1-9, 19-20, 24)
Take a moment and read these verses. Take even more time and read the entire Psalm 104. Sometimes we need to be reminded of God’s awesome power and greatness. This Psalm captures the beauty of the Lord in poetic imagery. We can read the verses and almost visualize God’s majesty. He is God and there is none other. He is worthy of all praise and worship.
Who covers Himself with light? God is light. Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain and lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters? God. The same God moves upon the clouds as though they were His chariots and walks on the wings of the wind, because He made them. Who placed the waters in their place and put a border around them? God. The same God put the moon and the sun in their places, for seasons and for days, for light and for darkness. There is but one true God. Creator God. Sovereign Lord. Lord of heaven and earth.
And as if all of this is not enough, He created us in His image. He has a plan for each of us. He loves us beyond our understanding. And He wants to spend eternity with us. He has even prepared the place in heaven that awaits us. What do we have to do in return? Believe in His Son Jesus Christ, and receive the free gift of salvation. Take time today and praise the Lord, not just for all that He has done, but for just who He is.
As I read this I must admit, I cried and cried and cried, my daughter said mommy what’s the matter and I had the opportunity to share with her His goodness. As the children of God we are so rich, I was reminded of this as I read Psalm 104. Wow!! What a mighty God we serve. His majesty is beyond my imagination. After I got my composure I said out loud, wow, that’s powerful!!! I pray as you read this today you feel the strength and power that jumps off the page because He is!! He is good, He is love, He is forgiveness, He is mercy, He is grace, He is I Am, He is beautiful, He is the beginning and the end, He is. Take time today and praise the Lord, not just for all that He has done, but for just who He is. He is my everything!!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 104