We all experience that point in our lives when we realize that we are habitually doing things even with regards to our service for God. I guess that is the greatest struggle we do experience in our spiritual lives.
Many say that it's because we don't give enough time to know God everyday. True! But aside from that, there is a force affects our daily walk with God. Believe it or not, our environment and the people surrounding us greatly affects one another. Have you ever experience being grateful one morning then came a churchmate which has a very depressing mood? What did you felt? Its either you uplift that person or you feeling the same depressing mood.
According to 1 Thessalonians 5:11, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing". It may seem to be hard, but I guess God also commanded us to truly bless every person we meet. Not just by our words but also through our lifestyle.
Meditation:
Did my life blessed someone today? IF you are not sure, don't worry about it because it doesn't matter anymore, what's important is that you have the chance to start doing it tomorrow!
By: Edwin Joseph
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Name of Jesus
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Labels: Bible Devotionals, Christian Lifestyles, Daily Devotions, Early Light Devotional, Instant Daily Devotion, Reality of Faith, Spiritual Reminder, Youth Devotionals
Labels: Bible Devotionals, Christian Lifestyles, Daily Devotions, Early Light Devotional, Instant Daily Devotion, Reality of Faith, Spiritual Reminder, Youth Devotionals
READ | Matthew 16:13-16
If someone were to ask, “Who is this Jesus?” would you start by describing the manger scene? Or something He said or did?
It’s important to know how to answer because this is the most important question one can ask. You see, people talk quite freely about “God” in a general way. They may even talk about cute little cherubs, mighty guardian angels, or supernatural miracles.
However, something different happens if you say “Jesus.” The mere mention of His name enflames tempers and causes strife. How can His name cause so much frustration, confusion, and anger when the Lord is filled with such love for all people?
The issue is that the name of Jesus demands a decision. When you move from a generalized idea of “God” to Christ’s specific redemptive act of atonement, simple notions of “my god” and “your god” are expelled. Christ’s death on our behalf requires a response of “accept” or “reject” from every person. At His name, one has to face the true God in heaven and the Son whom He sent. And that’s where people get uncomfortable.
When Jesus asked Peter to describe Him, the apostle immediately replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 6:16). There was no ambiguity or hesitation. Peter knew who Jesus was, and he was not ashamed of his answer.
Are you so bold in answering this key question? Spend time today meditating on what Jesus did for you, and ask God for the courage and confidence to proclaim His name to the world.
From: InTouch - Early Light Devotionals
If someone were to ask, “Who is this Jesus?” would you start by describing the manger scene? Or something He said or did?
It’s important to know how to answer because this is the most important question one can ask. You see, people talk quite freely about “God” in a general way. They may even talk about cute little cherubs, mighty guardian angels, or supernatural miracles.
However, something different happens if you say “Jesus.” The mere mention of His name enflames tempers and causes strife. How can His name cause so much frustration, confusion, and anger when the Lord is filled with such love for all people?
The issue is that the name of Jesus demands a decision. When you move from a generalized idea of “God” to Christ’s specific redemptive act of atonement, simple notions of “my god” and “your god” are expelled. Christ’s death on our behalf requires a response of “accept” or “reject” from every person. At His name, one has to face the true God in heaven and the Son whom He sent. And that’s where people get uncomfortable.
When Jesus asked Peter to describe Him, the apostle immediately replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 6:16). There was no ambiguity or hesitation. Peter knew who Jesus was, and he was not ashamed of his answer.
Are you so bold in answering this key question? Spend time today meditating on what Jesus did for you, and ask God for the courage and confidence to proclaim His name to the world.
From: InTouch - Early Light Devotionals
How Will I Know?
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Labels: Bible Devotionals, Christian Lifestyles, Daily Devotions, Daily Spiritual Encouragement, Instant Daily Devotion, RBC, Reality of Faith, Spiritual Reminder, Utmost For His Highest, Youth Devotionals
Labels: Bible Devotionals, Christian Lifestyles, Daily Devotions, Daily Spiritual Encouragement, Instant Daily Devotion, RBC, Reality of Faith, Spiritual Reminder, Utmost For His Highest, Youth Devotionals
Jesus answered and said, ’I thank You, Father . . . that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes’ —Matthew 11:25
We do not grow into a spiritual relationship step by step— we either have a relationship or we do not. God does not continue to cleanse us more and more from sin— "But if we walk in the light," we are cleansed "from all sin" ( 1 John 1:7 ). It is a matter of obedience, and once we obey, the relationship is instantly perfected. But if we turn away from obedience for even one second, darkness and death are immediately at work again.
All of God’s revealed truths are sealed until they are opened to us through obedience. You will never open them through philosophy or thinking. But once you obey, a flash of light comes immediately. Let God’s truth work into you by immersing yourself in it, not by worrying into it. The only way you can get to know the truth of God is to stop trying to find out and by being born again. If you obey God in the first thing He shows you, then He instantly opens up the next truth to you. You could read volumes on the work of the Holy Spirit, when five minutes of total, uncompromising obedience would make things as clear as sunlight. Don’t say, "I suppose I will understand these things someday!" You can understand them now. And it is not study that brings understanding to you, but obedience. Even the smallest bit of obedience opens heaven, and the deepest truths of God immediately become yours. Yet God will never reveal more truth about Himself to you, until you have obeyed what you know already. Beware of becoming one of the "wise and prudent." "If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know . . ." (John 7:17 ).
From: RBC - Utmost For His Highest
We do not grow into a spiritual relationship step by step— we either have a relationship or we do not. God does not continue to cleanse us more and more from sin— "But if we walk in the light," we are cleansed "from all sin" ( 1 John 1:7 ). It is a matter of obedience, and once we obey, the relationship is instantly perfected. But if we turn away from obedience for even one second, darkness and death are immediately at work again.
All of God’s revealed truths are sealed until they are opened to us through obedience. You will never open them through philosophy or thinking. But once you obey, a flash of light comes immediately. Let God’s truth work into you by immersing yourself in it, not by worrying into it. The only way you can get to know the truth of God is to stop trying to find out and by being born again. If you obey God in the first thing He shows you, then He instantly opens up the next truth to you. You could read volumes on the work of the Holy Spirit, when five minutes of total, uncompromising obedience would make things as clear as sunlight. Don’t say, "I suppose I will understand these things someday!" You can understand them now. And it is not study that brings understanding to you, but obedience. Even the smallest bit of obedience opens heaven, and the deepest truths of God immediately become yours. Yet God will never reveal more truth about Himself to you, until you have obeyed what you know already. Beware of becoming one of the "wise and prudent." "If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know . . ." (John 7:17 ).
From: RBC - Utmost For His Highest
Letting Go
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Labels: Bible Devotionals, Christian Lifestyles, Daily Devotions, Instant Daily Devotion, Learn To Forgive, Spiritual Reminder, UpperRoom Devotionals, Youth Devotionals
Labels: Bible Devotionals, Christian Lifestyles, Daily Devotions, Instant Daily Devotion, Learn To Forgive, Spiritual Reminder, UpperRoom Devotionals, Youth Devotionals
The Lord Almighty says, [My sinful people's] tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceit through the mouth. They all speak friendly words to their neighbors, but inwardly are planning to lay an ambush.
-Jeremiah 9:8 (NRSV)
AS I walked by the nurses' station at work, I caught the ending words of a conversation among my co-workers. It was about me! What they were saying was not very favorable. What's more, it wasn't true. That really hurt. Upon seeing me, all the talkers became very quiet. During the rest of the shift, all of them either avoided me or were overly friendly. I carried a heavy heart the rest of that day.
The next day I prayed about how I should react to their behavior. How do I handle my hurt? Soon I came to realize that I am not responsible for deceit in others. I am not responsible for people who say one thing but act otherwise. I have no control over others; nor do I have the right to judge them. I am, however, responsible to God for my actions toward others, even those who hurt me. I took great comfort in this truth. So I resolved not to retaliate or hold a grudge.
Letting go of hurts is not easy, but it is possible. Jesus said, "For God all things are possible" (Mark 10:27). He didn't say all things are easy. The Bible tells me not to judge others. We cannot monitor their hearts or change their behavior. That's God's job.
Prayer
Loving God, teach us to show kindness to one another and to forgive when others disappoint us. Amen.
From: UpperRoom Devotionals - Sandra K. Ramirez
-Jeremiah 9:8 (NRSV)
AS I walked by the nurses' station at work, I caught the ending words of a conversation among my co-workers. It was about me! What they were saying was not very favorable. What's more, it wasn't true. That really hurt. Upon seeing me, all the talkers became very quiet. During the rest of the shift, all of them either avoided me or were overly friendly. I carried a heavy heart the rest of that day.
The next day I prayed about how I should react to their behavior. How do I handle my hurt? Soon I came to realize that I am not responsible for deceit in others. I am not responsible for people who say one thing but act otherwise. I have no control over others; nor do I have the right to judge them. I am, however, responsible to God for my actions toward others, even those who hurt me. I took great comfort in this truth. So I resolved not to retaliate or hold a grudge.
Letting go of hurts is not easy, but it is possible. Jesus said, "For God all things are possible" (Mark 10:27). He didn't say all things are easy. The Bible tells me not to judge others. We cannot monitor their hearts or change their behavior. That's God's job.
Prayer
Loving God, teach us to show kindness to one another and to forgive when others disappoint us. Amen.
From: UpperRoom Devotionals - Sandra K. Ramirez
LOVE...INIQUITY...TRUTH
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Labels: Bible Devotionals, Christian Lifestyles, Daily Devotions, Instant Daily Devotion, Literature International Ministries, Spiritual Encouragement, What Is Love, Youth Devotionals
Labels: Bible Devotionals, Christian Lifestyles, Daily Devotions, Instant Daily Devotion, Literature International Ministries, Spiritual Encouragement, What Is Love, Youth Devotionals
"Love rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth." 1 Corinthians 13:6
As a Christian, it is of uttermost importance to deal with iniquity according to the principles and truth we find in God's Word. Iniquity is refusing the influence of the Holy Spirit to bring us back to the spiritual condition that was man's creative relationship with God in the beginning, before man sinned. Iniquity is [great] injustice or [extreme] immorality, or a [grossly] immoral act.
In God's eyes these gross sins are no more sinful than an unforgiving spirit, resentment, bitterness, greed, pride, jealousy, and any number of other sins we contend with as believers. The "consequences," or the "outgoing ripples" of these sins, have a devastating effect, not only on ourselves, but on others. God's love does not rejoice in iniquity...it deplores and condemns such ungodly behavior by a believer.
We find this malignant disposition in many, who take pleasure in the fall or disgrace of another. This is the very essence of malice. Do we take satisfaction in the fall or degradation of another, even a brother in the Lord? Suppose you get involved in circulating a rumor of someone who degrades himself. After much talk and disgusting reports in which you are a part, discussing part of the "news"...then you find that all of this corrupt talk is untrue. Do you feel the same pleasure in having your own judgment rectified as you did in participating in the disgusting reports?
It seems we are ready enough to propagate the story of the fall and sin, but when the truth is known, we seem to let truth find its way as best it can. There is not the same gratification to our corrupt nature in believing and circulating the bad one, as when crediting and spreading the good. Iniquity is in the same "garbage can" as jealousy, envy, pride, hate, anger, false accusations, etc. These should have no place in the life of a believer. Paul says, "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). True godly love does not rejoice in iniquity.
Feel the heartbeat of David when iniquity abounded on every side. He said, "Search me O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24).
"Love rejoices in truth." The one crystal characteristic of truth is, it is transparent, it has nothing to hide, it is not hypocritical, it stands upon its own integrity. When God's love is embraced, it opens up our lives to the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He has full course to reveal, instruct, lead, and fill our lives with truth, so it can flow freely through us unto others. Love rejoices in truth because it enables us to have a clear conscious, no guilt feelings, no hidden vices or vanity and enables us to stand without fear or rejection.
God's love rejoices in truth because it enables us to have access to the throne of God and sincere communication with God, and opens the gates for God to answer our prayers. Love rejoices in truth because it enables us to walk in abiding companionship with the Lord. Love rejoices in truth because "You shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free" (John 8:32). May His Love have free access and control of the "whole of our life"!
"Love rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in truth."
From: Literature International Ministry - Ed Powell
As a Christian, it is of uttermost importance to deal with iniquity according to the principles and truth we find in God's Word. Iniquity is refusing the influence of the Holy Spirit to bring us back to the spiritual condition that was man's creative relationship with God in the beginning, before man sinned. Iniquity is [great] injustice or [extreme] immorality, or a [grossly] immoral act.
In God's eyes these gross sins are no more sinful than an unforgiving spirit, resentment, bitterness, greed, pride, jealousy, and any number of other sins we contend with as believers. The "consequences," or the "outgoing ripples" of these sins, have a devastating effect, not only on ourselves, but on others. God's love does not rejoice in iniquity...it deplores and condemns such ungodly behavior by a believer.
We find this malignant disposition in many, who take pleasure in the fall or disgrace of another. This is the very essence of malice. Do we take satisfaction in the fall or degradation of another, even a brother in the Lord? Suppose you get involved in circulating a rumor of someone who degrades himself. After much talk and disgusting reports in which you are a part, discussing part of the "news"...then you find that all of this corrupt talk is untrue. Do you feel the same pleasure in having your own judgment rectified as you did in participating in the disgusting reports?
It seems we are ready enough to propagate the story of the fall and sin, but when the truth is known, we seem to let truth find its way as best it can. There is not the same gratification to our corrupt nature in believing and circulating the bad one, as when crediting and spreading the good. Iniquity is in the same "garbage can" as jealousy, envy, pride, hate, anger, false accusations, etc. These should have no place in the life of a believer. Paul says, "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). True godly love does not rejoice in iniquity.
Feel the heartbeat of David when iniquity abounded on every side. He said, "Search me O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24).
"Love rejoices in truth." The one crystal characteristic of truth is, it is transparent, it has nothing to hide, it is not hypocritical, it stands upon its own integrity. When God's love is embraced, it opens up our lives to the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He has full course to reveal, instruct, lead, and fill our lives with truth, so it can flow freely through us unto others. Love rejoices in truth because it enables us to have a clear conscious, no guilt feelings, no hidden vices or vanity and enables us to stand without fear or rejection.
God's love rejoices in truth because it enables us to have access to the throne of God and sincere communication with God, and opens the gates for God to answer our prayers. Love rejoices in truth because it enables us to walk in abiding companionship with the Lord. Love rejoices in truth because "You shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free" (John 8:32). May His Love have free access and control of the "whole of our life"!
"Love rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in truth."
From: Literature International Ministry - Ed Powell
Help from the Holy Spirit
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Labels: Bible Devotionals, Daily Devotions, Daily Spiritual Encouragement, God's Sufficient Grace, Instant Daily Devotion, Max Lucado, Reality of Faith, Spiritual Reminder, Youth Devotionals
Labels: Bible Devotionals, Daily Devotions, Daily Spiritual Encouragement, God's Sufficient Grace, Instant Daily Devotion, Max Lucado, Reality of Faith, Spiritual Reminder, Youth Devotionals
“The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness.”
Romans 8:26 NEB
The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness. What a sentence worthy of a highlighter. Who does not need this reminder? Weak bodies. Weak wills. Weakened resolves. We’ve known them all. The word weakness can refer to physical infirmities, as with the invalid who had been unable to walk for thirty-eight years (John 5:5), or spiritual impotence, as with the spiritually “helpless” of Romans 5:6.
Whether we are feeble of soul or body or both, how good to know it’s not up to us. The Spirit himself is pleading for us.
From: Max Lucado
Romans 8:26 NEB
The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness. What a sentence worthy of a highlighter. Who does not need this reminder? Weak bodies. Weak wills. Weakened resolves. We’ve known them all. The word weakness can refer to physical infirmities, as with the invalid who had been unable to walk for thirty-eight years (John 5:5), or spiritual impotence, as with the spiritually “helpless” of Romans 5:6.
Whether we are feeble of soul or body or both, how good to know it’s not up to us. The Spirit himself is pleading for us.
From: Max Lucado
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