Tag Archives: devotion

Devotions (Kinda) Acts 4: 1-13-2/11/24

Posted on by
Reply

Hello. I’m back! Hopefully I won’t go away again. This is like an unusual home now, haha!

Before I get back into this new feature I am sorry and have to admit something.

This technically isn’t a “devotion” per se, but I wanted to share what I want to say about this. This is sort of based on a bible study I just went to at an earlier time. As a group we went over things our own way at the time but there was some stuff here that really interested me.

Keep reading and I hope you will understand. What I do want to share doesn’t have a lot to do with what was talked about but is on the scripture itself. Because sometimes when reading the bible the word just comes alive and is exciting!

Things hit me deep and that is what I want to now share. The most exciting thing about reading Acts is know the Who, What, When, and Where?

To know where it happened you would have to know the who was impacted and when which was after a time of Christ’s life.

In this case these situations were after His death and resurrection!

Preceding that Jesus said to the people, the vast groups who listened before He died, He said He would give people a special gift. It would be something that would help them, a helper (the holy spirit) and it would be with them. It was technically Jesus’ promise to be with His people forever.

The disciples sadly and also preceding the book of the bible I am talking about did not understand much of this then and were not knowing what He had promised them before (they basically assumed, “You said you would be walking with us for the rest of our lives. Why are you doing this???”).

Then Jesus gave His life for the sin of the world died for the world’s sin. Then He was resurrected and is living actively for His people, like today!

The exciting thing about Acts is that the holy spirit would be coming to be a “helper” to them?

Wait. The “holy spirit?” What on earth is that??

Well that very force of God’s glory is told right here in this very book of the bible! You would if you get into it read of how it impacted them, both the jews and the gentiles, for the very first time. You also will be surprised that though preceding this event the were facing such heavy persecution and were seen as going against what the scriptures were saying. But they were actually living out what the God of love wanted especially the ones closest to Jesus.

I hope you get to read it during your time of devotion and chance on what fun it is. It is encouraging, at that time it was “unprecedented” (I sort of hate that word though, haha!!) and it was a special time too. That is because they faced challenges that they did not know were things they had to face. And everyone was on a new journey, even the living disciples of Christ (after Judas’ death). They faced a “new” path that was torn by new problems and trials because it was no longer the Pharisees that were after them but now a group called the “Sadducees.”

What I want to get into is are you a religious nut? Or do you consider yourself more than religious? Maybe you see yourself as a person who knows the truth and everyone else is wrong!

Well maybe reading this book of the bible will help you on your own time and during this moment of your life.

The first verse to the fourth verse talks about the arrest of Peter and John. Major religious leaders got together and as a group swooped in and captured them, since they talked of things that they apparently thought were false. It was heresy in their eyes!

What they didn’t realize was that they were witnesses to one of the most amazing events in all of human history. One that no one else can do but Christ!

But the Sadducees and the others thought they were spreading lies. They claimed they saw Jesus after He died. How???

It was word of mouth that spread to many others. How dare they speak what others would claim of their own offense some sort of false doctrine?

Seems like the Sadducees in a nutshell (I guess lol!).

But they were taken in to custody during the evening and kept in some sort of jail overnight.

Then they made them speak to a group of judges as if they were on trial to many others. Their claims were now getting them either killed or I don’t know what but these groups took their word as the most serious stuff to ever come from their mouths.

They were called the Sanhedrin.

As this went on Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said:

“(He was filled with the holy spirit) Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

part of Acts 4:8-12 NKJV (parentheses replaced text, added)

Hmm.

What a witness. But there’s more.

I am not even getting to the biggee part. This is the climax of my little devotion text I want you to read. What was so amazing was that they were put on trial.

Ever been on trial yourself? I haven’t but I have seen it at least once and I do not want to be on the worst part of that situation.

Here they were taken that what they said was untrue to the leaders, the priests, the head captain, and the Sadducees because they were speaking things they thought were awful.

But the final verse was what hit me.

They realized that the people who were so gungho so seemingly passionate, so sure about what they “saw.” It must have been true!

Because God’s people here, Peter and John, were known to be not smart.

They were known as uneducated people yet they were so sure they saw Christ.

And they believed. That is how verse 13 ends.

Wow.

Sorry I want to ponder that some more. How amazing it is to be a witness for Jesus!

But how about you? What do you believe? Seriously?

Do you see yourself as a witness? How about just a Christian? I know sometimes being seen as one thing or another might seem like one needs extra bravery or maybe you think this kind of thing is intimidating, do not fear. Do not forget that no matter what God is with you. That “helper” the holy spirit is with you.

God loves you. Take care.

Devotions A Pure Heart- 7/28/21

Posted on by
Reply
Photo by Shihab Nymur on Pexels.com

I read Psalm 51 before work yesterday. Had very little time to do any deep study or meditating on it before the bus showed up. Guess what we are going over now…?

What does it mean to be “pure?” Does it mean completely untainted by the world? Or is it that one is on a path that they wouldn’t normally be on because they are apart from a direction that is their own sin?

We can only be pure by the blood of Christ. It is His life where He gave it by dying on the cross for our sin that we can be set apart for the will of God.

He died for us, was buried, and rose again so that we can have a relationship with God that couldn’t happen before that time.

After Jesus’ physical life on earth we can know Him but also be restored during our walk with Him. Sometimes we get “dirty” from old habits and the world sticking on us like some gross grit. We feel we might not be worthy to be servants of God. But He loves us so much and wants us to want to stay with Him in relationship He will if we ask bring us back and be refreshed in the spirit.

I feel like daily I need His restoration. I know I’m not alone in that as even if we might not do habitual sin we unintentionally sin too. We need God even if we think we might be “good.” We are not as we need the strength of Christ from the heavenly father every day!

Prayer to be right with God is needed as also is being in tune to knowing God’s will. We must have pure intentions to live a godly life. It is important as we then know what we can do for Him also.

If you learned about King David from the bible you might think he had it all together. But he was a representative for a king who followed God and he fell into bad things, to put it lightly. He did some bad actions! I have already touched on those in a previous entry but will reiterate it here.

While he was supposed to be a man of God leading Israel he went out of his way to peer out on the roof of his house. There he spotted a beautiful woman and desired her. He coveted her so much he sent her husband out to the frontlines in war to ensure he would die so he could then marry her!

God punished him for being so wrong in those actions.

His family then faced a lot of consequences and David for years as if in grief watched as ones he loved saw terrible things because of what he did.

It seems Psalm 51 touches a little on his sin about sending a man out to die (“Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,…” Psalm 51:14). It is in part of that verse.

I don’t think God released Him from that but He was able to keep David in focusing fully on Him. Psalm 51 almost seems like a lamentation, a crying out to be healed.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

It was inspired into being a very catchy hymn that many might know but at its core it is a reflection of God changing the heart of the sinner.

The song goes “Create in me a clean heart, O God/ And renew a right spirit within me.”

Even in our own perils we need God to rescue us and help us. We can be our own enemies. Not just that but actions do have consequences.

We need Christ daily to rescue us from the pits that we put ourselves in. And if we do well enough in keeping our old habits at bay it is as if we are dead to sin and alive in Christ as it says in the book of Romans 6:11.

What could keep that from being so is to hate that sin because it no longer rules us as it did when lived completely in sin. We must live in His way and see that living for God is a blessing and better than when we lived for ourselves.

With the attitude that Paul would beseech with the Ephesians, we must not have hearts that are stuck in what can dishonor God. He said in NIV (New International Version) that that those believers must not even “let” even a “hint of immorality” be a part of their lives. That was because they were deep in the fleshly desires that made them seem more like the world and less like believers who shine the light for Christ.

Do you have a “pure heart?” Do you want one? To live for Him means we must first know that we cannot live any way to get to heaven.

There is no way for man (man or woman) to get to heaven by their own means. That means that we all fall short because of sin. And that also means to fall short of sin means one will go to hell if they die.

But you must know there is a hope. That hope to live to one day to go to heaven is Jesus! Jesus Christ died in our place, He was the perfect “lamb of God” who died for our sin, was sacrificed for the world so that we could one day know Him and live in Heaven forever.

Do you want to know that life? I encourage you then to pray this prayer:

God, I heard that I can have a pure heart if I can know You. But I can’t have that relationship because of my sin. I can’t do that because there is no way of my own effort I can go to heaven. But I know Your Son gave His life, dying for my sin so that I can have that relationship with You. My sin died on that cross because Jesus paid the ultimate price for it. I want to live for You Jesus but to know You God every day so that I can seek Your will in what You want for me. Thank You for the privilege of getting to know You. Thank You for Your son Jesus Christ.

I pray You will be restored to find a church that can be true and You follow Christ and know what God wants for You.

And thank You Lord for knowing what is on my heart and for Jesus who makes hearts pure!

Devotion Strength of Heart and Portion- 7/23/21

Posted on by
Reply

God has us in His Will totally and fully. We might not feel He is here at times or struggle in life to the point we feel we don’t know if we are “worthy” as believers but He is there. Always.

It is through His Son that He saved us and we trust in Him for our day to day lives.

We must not think only of the worries of our lives but remember that He is there with us and will help us through everything we are going through. He gives us strength and joy and peace.

He is also praiseworthy. Check out this verse:

My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalms 73:26 NKJV

We might become so weak in our sin but He is there. We must depend on Him always but to follow Him is much more that that!

I looked up what the bible meant by the writer saying God is his “portion.” It is mentioned not just here but a few other times as well.

Here is what it said:

the writer means that God is the source of his happiness and blessing content with all that the Lord is and provides. partial source: http://www.gotquestions.org Answer to question: “What does it mean to say that God is my portion?”

So the writer’s portion means that God is all that the writer needs and is his joy and happiness. We must reflect that!

Though our hearts get distracted and our flesh leads us to sin we must depend on Him for all of our happiness.

His goodness, His holiness is the way to live. Sure we can have hobbies and even do things that involve passing the time (just to follow God doesn’t mean we must stay in all Christian things at all times) we can do all for the glory of God.

I pray dear reader you continue to or will follow the Lord with all your heart. To be in His love means to have a special one on one time, a spiritual intimacy with God in the relationship.

I’m learning more and more to be like Christ because my heart fails me if I’m not. My flesh does not lead to anything good or to be worth doing.

To be content on what God has given me should be enough. My flesh provides nothing. God amazes me and I am humbled Jesus has guided me all this time. Amen!

God is my portion and He leads me toward His way which is only to be glorified endlessly in this life.

Thank you reader I hope that you are blessed by this.

Devotions Anchor- 7/21/21

Posted on by
Reply
Photo by Manuel Keusch on Pexels.com

Ugh. I need extra hobbies haha…

Is it tough to stand your ground?

In a short answer yes.

It feels like we kind of compromise all the time about what to do in life, whether it be our rebelliousness to not do His Will or if someone is stubborn about their wants and will make sure you give in because they will not have things a different way.

Parents go through this. They have a tough job of not only keeping a child or more from danger but to in a lesser but important effort keep them to know what they can and can’t do.

Yet the child may not want to listen.

That is when you have to be like an anchor! Unmovable on your stance on the matter.

If you give in they will see your weakness. They might even try and try again to get you to that stage because they know what to do now to push your buttons.

But to be standing our ground is also on the world as well.

Every day we stray further from truth in God and also in our lives if we don’t stay anchored to His word.

Matthew 7: 24-25 talks about having a “house” built on a rock, a firm foundation compared to say sandy hills or a place where storms come and and it will not stay up.

After horrid storms came other types of houses would fall from this yet with this one “it did not fall because it had been founded on the rock” (last part of 25).

Also we must think just what keeps us strong. Is it self-confidence? No.

We have great strength that doesn’t come from us or this world:

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil. Hebrews 6:19

I was a little unsure about the many aspects of this verse though to be honest.

I started breaking it down by looking up the word steadfast.

“Steadfast” means: firmly fixed in place : immovable. also : not subject to change the steadfast doctrine of original sin (Source: merriam-webster.com)

To be immovable. That sounds like the “anchor” mentioned above. It is the hope that is not from us that makes us firmly fixed in place.

Also I have some commentary on the other apsects.

Interestingly there was some info on anchors from a bible standpoint in this source too:

It is about having a sense of confidence in Christ. “the inner place behind the curtain” represents the way in which Christ precedes us

Put together these images create a powerful message of reassurance. Christ has “anchored” our hope of “refuge” in the very presence of God: the “inner place.”

The anchor was usually not in the exact place as the ship itself (was usually carried far away from the ship) our hope is not in this world. (www.bibleref.com, paraphrased)

So in all we must remember the confidence we have in Christ. Also we need to not be moved about aspects of the Christian life. Our life is built on hope and true strength. If it was built on our strength it would not last a single “storm.”

It is all through the love of God by sending His son Jesus to die for us and we in turn are revived and must reflect the living for God that He showed.

Devotion Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks- 7/12/21

Posted on by
Reply

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

We are to rejoice, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks. What a way to live for God! It is more than encouraging to see this as an attitude that Christians should have.

It is too easy to look at our burdens and focus on them “always,” groan about our problems without ceasing, and in everything wonder “Why is life making things so tough?”

That is the wrong type of attitude.

We should be always praising God (also being honest if you are hurting about stuff too though) and I wonder. What does the bible say in giving thanks?

I looked that up wondering myself. Is there an aspect about it we might not know?

Here’s something I found while searching:

Here’s the definition: “Acknowledging what is right about God in praise and thanksgiving” (1 Chr. 16:34). It can also mean a right acknowledgment of self before God in confessing sin (Lev. 26:40). … “To show oneself grateful, to be thankful, to give thanks.” It is used in a religious sense with or without reference to God.

Note: Excerpts from article “The Word Walk: Thanksgiving in the Bible.” Source: handfordsentinel.com

We must always acknowledge the righteousness in God in our praising. Hmm I should check out the Leviticus reference to delve deeper in that as well. But also we should be in the right way, grateful be genuinely thankful and to give thanks.

These parts to his verse seem like a key to an example of one living for Him. Praise God!

Devotion Numbers 7/7/21

Posted on by
Reply

I got a big dose of encouragement at work today! A song came on by NeedtoBreathe that they never played before. One I’ve been listening to almost constantly about being humbled about God’s love. Thank You, Lord…

Are we really the reflection of Jesus? Can we live for God even though we might stumble?

I sometimes will struggle constantly against my sin! In the worst of these “storms,” I get upset and wonder if I was ever a true believer.

But God sees us in ways we may not or will never understand.

To reflect godliness first takes the acceptance of the gift through Jesus Christ. If one doesn’t do that as an initial decision where they have come to the full realization to want to know the glory of God, nothing can happen.

The holy spirit needs to have the pull on a person’s heart before they can become a true believer.

Then the person goes through life. There will be struggles, there will be hardships, but all adds up to something that is worth living for, which is so tough but yet a possibly necessary life lesson!

We may have goals in life or things that we want to do in said lives but if you live for God, are those goals a reflection of the One who first loved you?

To have any job is okay. Living flipping burgers, having an office to work in, serving the public in some capacity is great. Other jobs are great. But if you are living in Christ and may have side hobbies or things you want to do, are your goals set along the lines of the straight and narrow?

To be in the truth means you must reflect the true heart of love for Him to be in your life. I pray that You find out the love in Christ may not be everything you might currently ask for.

Here’s a scripture from the Bible NKJV:

The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

I am looking into what the book of Numbers is about (I’m new in examining the bible like this, bear with me, haha!) and a source says this:

“The book of Numbers was written to demonstrate that God’s covenant plan stays on track even when His people don’t. The instances of sinful complaining and rebellion and the resulting judgment are so pronounced and widespread that it seems like they will never make it (Num. 14:2-4, 26).” Source patsieler.com

People during that time had to follow rules only because as a result God would be reflected on and glorified.

People knew about God and yet sin was still rampant. To really show the heart and love of Jesus, we must not be like this “rampant” sin. We must also if we do or have given in know to ask for forgiveness and be genuine in that to continue on in the life of Jesus.

It is okay to “struggle against” your old sin, just don’t make it a habit where you end up no longer reflecting a true believer in Christ. Be strong but only in Whom you know is strong. You are weak but you need Him more and more so that you can reflect HIS goodness.

May the Lord bless you and keep you! And may He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.

Devotion- 7/3/21

Posted on by
Reply

Doing well. Physically I still need to get stuff worked out but…

To believe in the One who has changed you brings amazing changes. Just like to know a friend and you might have certain qualities. Over time, those qualities are like mutual changes: you become like them, they become like you.

But this is a completely different kind of relationship: You change for the better and God stays the same. But you have every moment to be newer to be “better” than you were before.

And this “Friend” just wants the best for you.

The opening verse is from Romans, possibly my favorite writer in the bible:

Do not be conformed to this world… but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

From ‘whichever version I use.’ No one could guess it, haha. Just kidding it’s from the NKJV, the New King James Version.

Note that I separated it a little. That was not a separation in the text but it is important.

We must not be like the people in this world. There are people so stuck in sin they might need someone to talk to at the very least, while this world it is hard sometimes to even fake interest!

There are many though in the opposite spectrum who do care, but is there anyone who can tell them just what changed their lives? More importantly is there a Godly Person who has completely turned them around, or might they equate their experience in life as “I just changed my attitude…” and that’s the end of their personal story?

I hate being stuck in my own sin. It’s no fun. I shared that before, how I was feeling like I was being dragged through my old life and it would not let me go..!

I don’t want anyone to not know there is a love in something that will be like the shackles of sin have been removed and a love moves the heart and will change their life in a way that they couldn’t have imagined!

Because by the grace of Jesus I was shown there was a life that was worth living for my own self.

We must also know that His yoke is easy His burden is light:

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ‘For my yoke is easy and My burden is light.'” Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus had amazing words to share to the people He loved dearly who He wanted them just to have a close relationship with His Father.

He guided them and knew that what the Father wanted was what He grew up learning about and He knew they needed for their persnal lives too.

We need to remember that His way is perfect (Psalms 18:30). We must shine like stars in the sky (Philippians 2:15) if we want to really live for goodness. Sure if you “fall” there is mercy to speak to Christ and be picked back up, there is such wondrous grace in Jesus that it is worth telling in this awful disease-spotlighted world.

How worth it is to tell of this wonderful transforming grace? It’s worth everything!

Devotions Joshua- 6/29/21

Posted on by
Reply

Have you ever been afraid to say something even though you knew it would be right to say so? That had been most of my life!

I was a thinker but many times I thought my way out of witnessing too.

A person has many reasons to not witness I think that one of them is out of fear.

What will they think of me if I talk about Jesus?

What can we do but try to be a witness?

We should more than try. We need to remember the confidence we have had since our youth (Psalms 71:5).

Joshua had a lot on his plate it seemed in the book of Joshua Chapter 1.

Moses had a helper, a friend named Nun. When Moses passed away, the Lord spoke to Joshua- Nun’s child- to gather the ones of Israel to go over the Jordan River.

He was promised that the Lord would give over the land to the Israelites. This land was from the Euphrates River, the land of the Hittites, and all the land to the coast to the Mediterranean Sea.

He had to meditate on the law (which was important to believers at that time) day and night. (Source: Totally History – Joshua Chapter 1 Summary, Audio & Text (KJV) (totallyhistory.com) -)

Now how could this happen if men (and women) don’t normally hear from the Lord?

Joshua had a lot to accomplish! The hardest part was He had to trust in something that was not only greater than him, but avoid all of his human expectations and leave things in the Lord’s hands!

The verse to focus on will be Joshua a few verses in:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NKJV

Why did he have to mediate on the law? I believe it was for Joshua a way to focus entirely on the Lord.

If we should not keep our focus on our current or dangerous circumstances then what should (or who should) we keep our focus on to be “brave”?

Bravery. Courage.

It’s what every person needs today.

Have you ever been brave? We should stand for what we believe in. There’s a huge chance it will be against what the people within the world claim but it will still be the truth.

Bravery is going against what everything the world is saying. Is that true courage?

It is best to speak up about it.

Hope that has encouraged you to be a kind and gentle one in this chaotic world. Be the light in the darkness. Be “real” brave today.

Devotions A Quick One- 6/18/21

Posted on by
Reply

It’s easy to lean on the old self, by going back to ways one is used to and also feeling like there is no other “way” Psalm 73:26. But that would not be right in the Lord! Though the flesh is weak Paul has said in the New Testament that we should not be like our old selves just because we can be forgiven; we should always seek His wisdom before thinking the ways that were once “normal” to us. Since that way was paid by Christ’s blood, we have no reason to keep following that way.

Sinning by, for example, “looking” at things that aren’t right is not right in the eyes of the Lord. Which is why we must trust fully and totally in something that has been living in us all this time but also follow and trust He will guide us through all things as well. To follow the Lord and see him as the defense and strength to our lives brings so many great things to our lives including the joy to be strong but in His power and also to be able to carry on (Psalm 28:7).

We also must remember just what He has done in our lives, stop thinking of ourselves, and pray for others and help them. To actually care wholeheartedly is easy to claim we do but it might not be something one actually does. It is easy to say that one cares but then only pursue one’s own personal goals. But if you’ve seen miracles in your personal life or have heard the amazing things other people have gone through we should have the hope to be like nurses or people who deeply and genuinely care. Be like Christ but think of what He does where He “heals” and helps tend to “wounds” for others which He is. He is compassionate (Psalm 147:3). So of all these things, what can we do for Him….?