“He gave up his place with God and made himself nothing.”
Philippians 2:7
Holiday travel. It isn’t easy. Then why do we do it? Why cram the trunks and endure the airports? You know the answer. We love to be with the ones we love.
The four-year-old running up the sidewalk into the arms of Grandpa.
The cup of coffee with Mom before the rest of the house awakes.
That moment when, for a moment, everyone is quiet as we hold hands around the table and thank God for family and friends and pumpkin pie.
We love to be with the ones we love.
May I remind you? So does God. He loves to be with the ones he loves. How else do you explain what he did? Between him and us there was a distance—a great span. And he couldn’t bear it. He couldn’t stand it. So he did something about it.
“He gave up his place with God and made himself nothing.”
From: Max Lucado
Monday, November 24, 2008
Who Is Jesus?
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Labels: Bible Devotionals, Daily Devotions, Early Light Devotional, Focus on God, Instant Daily Devotion, Reality of Faith, Spiritual Encouragement, Youth Devotionals
Labels: Bible Devotionals, Daily Devotions, Early Light Devotional, Focus on God, Instant Daily Devotion, Reality of Faith, Spiritual Encouragement, Youth Devotionals
READ | 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Most people are familiar with the name “Jesus,” but relatively few truly know who He is. This is tragic because a right understanding of the Savior’s identity and mission is directly related to every person’s eternal destiny.
How is it possible to know who Jesus Christ is and what He did? The Father has provided a completely trustworthy source: the Bible. The wise person will regularly spend time in the Word to gain knowledge of the Savior and develop a deep relationship with Him. Scripture tells us that Jesus is God:
1) Christ existed before His own birth—in fact, even before time began. The prophet Micah spoke of His ancient origin (5:2), and Paul named Him as the Creator (Col. 1:5-6).
2) Jesus claimed equality with the invisible God and was the perfect reflection of Him (John 10:30; 14:9).
3) The Savior performed miracles—such as restoring the dead to life—that were possible only by supernatural power (John 11:43-44).
4) The Lord received worship and forgave sin, two acts that are acceptable only for Deity (Matt. 9:2-8; John 9:38).
Think about Jesus coming to earth as a baby. Imagine the power resting in that little manger—the omnipotent God was lying in a trough made from trees He had created, under stars He Himself had strewn across the sky!
Scripture makes it clear that there is only one way to eternal life: by trusting in Jesus Christ as Savior (Acts 4:12). Weigh the evidence, and then make a wise decision to follow Him.
From: InTouch - Early Light Devotionals
Most people are familiar with the name “Jesus,” but relatively few truly know who He is. This is tragic because a right understanding of the Savior’s identity and mission is directly related to every person’s eternal destiny.
How is it possible to know who Jesus Christ is and what He did? The Father has provided a completely trustworthy source: the Bible. The wise person will regularly spend time in the Word to gain knowledge of the Savior and develop a deep relationship with Him. Scripture tells us that Jesus is God:
1) Christ existed before His own birth—in fact, even before time began. The prophet Micah spoke of His ancient origin (5:2), and Paul named Him as the Creator (Col. 1:5-6).
2) Jesus claimed equality with the invisible God and was the perfect reflection of Him (John 10:30; 14:9).
3) The Savior performed miracles—such as restoring the dead to life—that were possible only by supernatural power (John 11:43-44).
4) The Lord received worship and forgave sin, two acts that are acceptable only for Deity (Matt. 9:2-8; John 9:38).
Think about Jesus coming to earth as a baby. Imagine the power resting in that little manger—the omnipotent God was lying in a trough made from trees He had created, under stars He Himself had strewn across the sky!
Scripture makes it clear that there is only one way to eternal life: by trusting in Jesus Christ as Savior (Acts 4:12). Weigh the evidence, and then make a wise decision to follow Him.
From: InTouch - Early Light Devotionals
LET THIS MIND BE IN YOU
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Labels: Bible Devotionals, Christian Lifestyles, Daily Devotions, Focus on God, Instant Daily Devotion, Literature International Ministries, Spiritual Encouragement, Youth Devotionals
Labels: Bible Devotionals, Christian Lifestyles, Daily Devotions, Focus on God, Instant Daily Devotion, Literature International Ministries, Spiritual Encouragement, Youth Devotionals
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus...but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant....He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him."
Philippians 2:5-9
Have you ever asked yourself why you get so upset or offended when someone crosses you or rubs you the wrong way? Have you ever thought how little of the love of Christ we manifest to others, or how indifferent we are to the devastating need of others when they are hurting? How about our hasty criticism and judgment of others when they don't measure up to our standard of conduct? When you stop long enough to think through these selfish actions, you will find they are but the response of the hateful pride that has controlled us. We have yielded to the "pride of life" that has dominated our thoughts and actions. How sad!
How different is the heart that reacts in compassion and kindness, tenderness and meekness, longsuffering and gentleness. These virtues are the fruit of His indwelling that finds expression through our life, because the love of God has its rightful place "enthroned" in our heart. They are the fruit of being humble before God. Peter said, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time" (1 Peter 5:6). Our pursuit toward a life of holiness will be in the same proportion as we are clothed in humility.
How awesome was the vision of Isaiah when he "saw the Lord sitting upon the throne, high and lifted up and his train filled the temple." When he heard the seraphim crying one to another..."Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory" He recognized, as never before, the majesty of God, and his immediate response was complete humility. "Woe is me! For I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!" (Isaiah 6:1-5).
One of our greatest spiritual problems is that we are so occupied with self that we cannot see the King! When we, in a measure, see the King in all His majesty, have a glimpse as to who God is, we will, as Isaiah, recognize the wretchedness of our own selves, bow in humility at the foot of the cross and confess the hateful pride that encompasses our hearts. Only then can the Holy Spirit move fully and freely in our lives to make us what God wants us to be.
Job went through this same encounter and he finally cries out to God, "I have heard thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes" (Job 42:5-6). Abraham, Moses, Paul, and all those whom God mightily used had seen the King and their response was all the same. They saw the awfulness of their own sinful pride and self-righteousness and bowed in full surrender to the sovereignty of God.
As long as pride reigns within our hearts, faith is impossible. Faith recognizes our "nothingness" and places unwavering confidence in the all-sufficiency of our Almighty God. O, that we might find our place at the foot of the cross with contrite hearts, laying before Him the sin and wretchedness of our life and receiving from Him the fullness of His grace to embrace the whole of our life. May the desire of our hearts be that the Holy Spirit fill the whole of our personality with the adequacy of Christ!
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus...."
From: Literature International Ministry - Ed Powell
Philippians 2:5-9
Have you ever asked yourself why you get so upset or offended when someone crosses you or rubs you the wrong way? Have you ever thought how little of the love of Christ we manifest to others, or how indifferent we are to the devastating need of others when they are hurting? How about our hasty criticism and judgment of others when they don't measure up to our standard of conduct? When you stop long enough to think through these selfish actions, you will find they are but the response of the hateful pride that has controlled us. We have yielded to the "pride of life" that has dominated our thoughts and actions. How sad!
How different is the heart that reacts in compassion and kindness, tenderness and meekness, longsuffering and gentleness. These virtues are the fruit of His indwelling that finds expression through our life, because the love of God has its rightful place "enthroned" in our heart. They are the fruit of being humble before God. Peter said, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time" (1 Peter 5:6). Our pursuit toward a life of holiness will be in the same proportion as we are clothed in humility.
How awesome was the vision of Isaiah when he "saw the Lord sitting upon the throne, high and lifted up and his train filled the temple." When he heard the seraphim crying one to another..."Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory" He recognized, as never before, the majesty of God, and his immediate response was complete humility. "Woe is me! For I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!" (Isaiah 6:1-5).
One of our greatest spiritual problems is that we are so occupied with self that we cannot see the King! When we, in a measure, see the King in all His majesty, have a glimpse as to who God is, we will, as Isaiah, recognize the wretchedness of our own selves, bow in humility at the foot of the cross and confess the hateful pride that encompasses our hearts. Only then can the Holy Spirit move fully and freely in our lives to make us what God wants us to be.
Job went through this same encounter and he finally cries out to God, "I have heard thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes" (Job 42:5-6). Abraham, Moses, Paul, and all those whom God mightily used had seen the King and their response was all the same. They saw the awfulness of their own sinful pride and self-righteousness and bowed in full surrender to the sovereignty of God.
As long as pride reigns within our hearts, faith is impossible. Faith recognizes our "nothingness" and places unwavering confidence in the all-sufficiency of our Almighty God. O, that we might find our place at the foot of the cross with contrite hearts, laying before Him the sin and wretchedness of our life and receiving from Him the fullness of His grace to embrace the whole of our life. May the desire of our hearts be that the Holy Spirit fill the whole of our personality with the adequacy of Christ!
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus...."
From: Literature International Ministry - Ed Powell
True Feelings
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Labels: Bible Devotionals, Christian Lifestyles, Crosswalk Devotionals, Daily Devotions, Facing Problems, Instant Daily Devotion, Spiritual Encouragement, Youth Devotionals
Labels: Bible Devotionals, Christian Lifestyles, Crosswalk Devotionals, Daily Devotions, Facing Problems, Instant Daily Devotion, Spiritual Encouragement, Youth Devotionals
"Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains." Proverbs 14:13 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Most of us have some degree of trouble admitting our true feelings and being able to express them, especially if we are struggling with life-controlling problems. But throughout the Bible, God encourages us to know our feelings and not keep them hidden inside. Jesus set an example for us: He had emotions and he expressed them. He cried. He got angry. He was sad.
We often hide the way we feel behind a defense to keep our real self from showing through. Inside we may feel fearful or angry or sad, but we hide those feelings by joking … or acting superior … or being silent … or using some other defense. We may try to cover our sadness with laughter, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.
Hiding our feelings can give them control over our lives. Unexpressed anger or fear or guilt can have a destructive influence on everything we do. Hidden shame and sadness are roadblocks to hope and healing.
Consider this…
If you have been hiding your true feelings, has your "cover-up" helped? Or have you learned firsthand that when the laughter ends, the grief remains? Admitting your feelings can be a turning point. Be honest with yourself. And with God. And then with a friend. Being real will open the door for healing.
Prayer
Lord, I have been hiding my feelings for a long time, but I know now it is time to be honest. Help me to be real. Help me to share my real feelings with my loved one. Set me free. In Jesus' name …
From: CrossWalk Devotionals
Thoughts for Today
Most of us have some degree of trouble admitting our true feelings and being able to express them, especially if we are struggling with life-controlling problems. But throughout the Bible, God encourages us to know our feelings and not keep them hidden inside. Jesus set an example for us: He had emotions and he expressed them. He cried. He got angry. He was sad.
We often hide the way we feel behind a defense to keep our real self from showing through. Inside we may feel fearful or angry or sad, but we hide those feelings by joking … or acting superior … or being silent … or using some other defense. We may try to cover our sadness with laughter, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.
Hiding our feelings can give them control over our lives. Unexpressed anger or fear or guilt can have a destructive influence on everything we do. Hidden shame and sadness are roadblocks to hope and healing.
Consider this…
If you have been hiding your true feelings, has your "cover-up" helped? Or have you learned firsthand that when the laughter ends, the grief remains? Admitting your feelings can be a turning point. Be honest with yourself. And with God. And then with a friend. Being real will open the door for healing.
Prayer
Lord, I have been hiding my feelings for a long time, but I know now it is time to be honest. Help me to be real. Help me to share my real feelings with my loved one. Set me free. In Jesus' name …
From: CrossWalk Devotionals
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