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Renewing Your Mind
~ I pray that after today’s time, your mind is clear and focused on truth, and that your emotions and actions are marked by abundant life as a result.
Your mind is the battleground on which the war for your emotions, purpose, effectiveness, and fullness of life is won or lost. It’s your mind that is attacked daily by the enemy. It’s your mind that the world is trying to influence for its own benefit. And it’s your mind that the Lord desires to renew daily in order for you to live in abundant relationship with Him.
• If the mind truly is a battleground, how do you come out the winner?
• How do you come out victorious over Satan and his schemes?
Scripture says clearly that to achieve victory over your mind it must be continually renewed by the power of God’s Word.
Romans 12:2 states:
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
God puts conforming to the world and being transformed by the renewal of your mind in opposition. There is no grey area. Your mind is either being won for the kingdom of God or lost to the world. You are either thinking pleasing thoughts to God or not. You are either experiencing the abundant life Jesus made available to you or not.
For a long time, the idea of renewing my mind felt exhausting. Honestly, reading the Bible was incredibly boring for me. But I discovered that the Bible is only as life-giving to me as I am willing to be transformed by it. Until we actually sit down, open our hearts, and allow ourselves to be transformed by God’s Word, we will never experience the life that comes from victory in our minds. The thoughts that plague you — the thoughts that rob you of freedom, peace, and joy — will never leave you until you allow your mind to be renewed by God’s Word.
To ignore the war being waged around us is to lose the war. Our enemy longs for us to become complacent against his attacks. He longs for us to believe sinful thoughts, wrongful attitudes and lies are just a part of life on earth. He knows he has no power against the ability of God’s Word to transform us.
So, how do you renew your mind?
Philippians 4:8 says:
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Set your thoughts on the things of God. Begin every day by setting your mind on the wonderful character of the living God and your new identity in Christ. If you will allow God’s Word to be the foundation of your thought life by spending your first moments meditating on Scripture, the battle for your mind will be won for the Kingdom. The negative thoughts and insecurities you face daily will flee from you in the glorious light of God’s Truth. That’s God’s promise for you today and every day.
Take time today to meditate on Scripture and experience the transformative power of grace over your thoughts as you enter into prayer.
God’s Word is truer than how you feel, and if you will align your life with the truth of Scripture it will begin to powerfully affect your emotions. Emotions are the result of the way we think. We feel loved because we believe we are loved. We feel joy because we believe there is cause for joy. In the same way, when we believe a lie from the enemy our emotions are powerfully impacted. When we believe we’ll never get victory over a sin, that no one loves us, or that we’re not good enough, our lives begin to bear the fruit of those lies. But there is power when we root ourselves in the Word of God. Transcendent joy and peace come when we establish God’s Word as our basis for truth. May your day be marked by a new freedom as the result of renewing your mind.
_________________
~ based upon an article by: First 15
https://www.first15.org/devotionals/renewing-your-mind-2024/
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Losing by Intimidation
Just over 80 years ago, as Notre Dame was preparing to play USC in college football, Fighting Irish coach Knute Rockne was aware that his opponent had a far better team, so he devised a plan to intimidate the Trojan players. Rockne scoured the city of South Bend and hand-picked 100 of the largest men he could find - each at least six-foot-five and three hundred pounds. He put them in Fighting Irish uniforms and at game time marched them onto the field ahead of the real team. (Obviously, this was before the days of limited rosters and eligibility restrictions.)
As USC watched these giants line up on the sidelines, they forgot about their talent and their undefeated record, and they began mentally preparing themselves for a beating. Though none of the specially recruited men played during the game, their presence on the sidelines was enough to knock Southern Cal's game off balance. Knute Rockne's trick had worked; he had intimidated the Trojan players into giving up before the game even started, and Notre Dame won.
Our 'opponent' tries a similar trick. He tries to intimidate us by appearing larger than life - but we must remember that he, too, has been sidelined.
John said: "Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4)
Don't let your problems intimidate you. No matter how big the enemy may seem to be, remember that you have God's power on your side. And he is greater than any enemy you face.
_______________
~ published by: The Daily Encourager
~ To receive The Daily Encourager FREE each weekday, click on the following link: http://go.netatlantic.com/read/all_forums/subscribe?name=thedailyencourager
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Hope Fuels Perseverance
~ Look beyond today’s hardship and trust the Lord, who is working for your good.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40:28-31
Pain can serve as a warning that something in the body is wrong. After a physical injury or surgery, however, discomfort is often part of the journey toward recovery. At such times, many people might be tempted to let pain keep them from working through the rehabilitation process to regain strength and mobility. For that reason, physical therapists will frequently challenge their patients to push just past their comfort zone. They know that a good outcome depends on more than enduring pain once or twice and then quitting before recovery is complete.
Successful rehab is dependent on the patient’s hope in a better future — in other words, they must look beyond their uncomfortable or painful present circumstances.
Isaiah recognized that even strong young people have limitations (Isaiah 40:30). They run out of energy. They stumble. In contrast, the prophet noted that God never grows tired, nor are there limits to His insight (Isaiah 40:28). Understanding our weariness, He calls us to wait for Him (Isaiah 40:31). At the same time, our Father realizes waiting can be even more spiritually and emotionally uncomfortable than trying to push through exhaustion in our own strength. But hope and trust in Him can help us to persevere and, over time, grow in ways we never imagined.
_________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/hope-fuels-perseverance
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Choose Hope
~ God welcomes and promises to help those who bring their pain to Him.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 42:1-11; Psalm 43:1-5
A lament is an expression of sorrow or complaint. About one-third of the psalms fall into this category, which tells us that God welcomes these kinds of prayers from His children. In fact, they’re an essential component of communication with the Lord, just like praise, worship, confession, and intercession. Our cries may be full of ache, anger, and confusion, but the One who made us isn’t surprised or offended by our messy, unfiltered words and emotions.
Many scholars believe that Psalms 42 and 43 were at one time a single song. In these two chapters, we find lament interspersed with a refrain that occurs three times:
“Why are you in despair, my soul?" (Psalm 42:5)
"And why are you restless within me?" (Psalm 42:11)
"Wait for God, for I will again praise Him for the help of His presence, my God” (Psalm 43:5)
After a painful, real recounting of his circumstances, the psalmist includes a repeated chorus that preaches His truths to our heart and encourages us to hope in God. It’s a reminder that we can honestly tell the Lord about our circumstances — and that trusting Him is a choice we can make, even during our darkest days.
________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/choose-hope
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Start Your Day with The Best Thing
~ I pray that your life would be marked by a new grace to consistently and powerfully encounter the living God.
Key Scripture Verse:
“How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear [revere, worship] You. You lavish it on those who come to You for protection, blessing them before the watching world.” ~ Psalm 31:19
As Christians we know we are supposed to start our day off with God. If you have been a believer for any length of time, you have likely been encouraged by a pastor, teacher, mentor or friend to spend time every morning in God’s presence. However, many of us have never been told why God wants us to spend time with Him in the morning. We’ve never discovered all God longs to do in the first moments of our days. We just carry the weight of knowing we should spend time alone with God.
Why should you spend time with God every morning?
God longs for your day to begin with the absolute best thing, and the best thing is His presence. If encountering God’s presence is the best part of your day, then you already know the impact it has made on you. For most of us though, I am going to bet that we’ve yet to fully discover how great spending time with God is. Take a look at your life.
How often do you spend time with God?
This isn’t a report card where the people with the most consistent quiet times get a gold star. Be real with yourself. This is for your benefit. Take a moment and assess how often you actually spend time meeting with God.
You see, we will only ever consistently do that which we want to do, especially with our free time. We might have to go to work. We might feel obligated to people or practices. But with our personal time, our wants will always win out over our obligations. For many years I tried to spend time with God out of obligation. As a result, I hardly ever did it. It wasn’t until I encountered the incredible love and peace inherent in God’s presence that I began to actually desire to spend time with Him. Once I felt the satisfaction only His presence can bring, I began to crave time with Him out of a need to satisfy my longings for love, purpose, and relationship. I discovered that my time spent with God was the absolute best part of my day.
Psalm 16:11 says:
“You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
And Psalm 84:1-2 says:
“How lovely is Your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.”
I can attest that consistently receiving a revelation of God’s love has been the single most transformative part of my life. The days I don’t start with the best thing, being in His presence, are my worst days by far. His presence ignites me with passion, love, purpose, and a sense of belonging that nothing else can give.
• Wherever you are in relation to God today, do you want to know Him more?
• Do you want a deeper revelation of His goodness and love?
Take time to open your heart to God and allow Him to satisfy your eternal need for communion with the Father. Allow Him to fill you with His presence that you might experience the reality of His love. And let a true, transformative encounter with the living God fill you with a greater hunger to consistently encounter God in the first moments of each day.
May your time spent today encountering God in prayer be filled with the “fullness of joy”.
Before you go to bed tonight take a minute to get in God’s presence. Let His goodness be the last thing you think of before you go to sleep and the first thing you wake up to in the morning. Throughout the day, if you feel down, passionless, or weary, take a minute to reflect on the goodness of God. He longs to spend time with you throughout your day, filling you with joy, passion, and purpose for bringing His kingdom to earth in all you do. May your day be filled with the fullness of God today.
_______________
~ based upon an article by: First 15
https://www.first15.org/devotionals/start-your-day-with-the-best-thing-2024/
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Restoration of Authority
~ May we be positioned to work with God in bringing His powerful love to earth all around us as the result of our time in His presence today.
One day as I spent time with the Lord, I felt Him speak to me, “Come follow Me and I’ll give you the keys to the kingdom.” I stood still in awe and wonder at a God who would break through the natural and speak straight to my heart. At this point I had yet to read a Scripture that I believe was meant to define the lives of all believers. Once I came across this verse, I felt the purpose for my life was changed forever.
In Matthew 16:19 Jesus tells Peter, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth is already bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth is already loosed in heaven.” And later in Matthew 18:18 He tells the rest of the disciples, “I assure you: Whatever you bind on earth is already bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth is already loosed in heaven.” You and I are called to live with the authority of our Savior. When we became Christians, we were brought into a restoration of authority only available to those transformed by His powerful sacrifice. We have been given dominion over the powers of darkness that we might spread the truth of God’s authority over the works of the enemy. God has chosen to use us as beacons of His holy light that the world would see us and know of the power and love of our heavenly Father.
In the story of the prodigal son, the father immediately restores the authority of his child upon his return. When the father gives his ring to his son, we see a symbol of authority being transferred back to the son. No matter how terrible the sin, no matter how long the rebellion, our Father will always give us authority to do His work when we return to Him.
No sin disqualifies us from living a life of eternal impact. No length of time outside of the church, the Bible, prayer, or worship keeps us from being ministers of God’s grace. In His grace, He’s chosen to use us. Each one of us has been appointed, not by our own merit, but by His love and divine wisdom to live a life of eternal significance only we can live.
Jesus is saying to you today, “Come follow Me and I’ll give you the keys to my kingdom.” He’s given you authority to bind and loose things on heaven and earth. You have the authority to lead others to freedom from the terrible schemes of the enemy on their lives. You have the ability to love and minister to others by the Spirit of God. You can shine the light of God’s love into the darkest places and claim what was the enemy’s for the one true God.
Take time to meditate on the authority given to you by Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Allow the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh and declare to you the purposes He has for you today. Commit yourself to being a minister of the Lord in every circumstance today and discover the incredible life available to you in the restoration of authority given to you by your heavenly Father.
How abundant is our God’s grace that He would choose to use us to advance His kingdom. How near is He to us that He longs to help us be reflections of His love in every circumstance. There is no greater life than one lived in pursuit of bringing God’s kingdom to earth in all we do. There is no greater purpose than being used by the Holy Spirit to accomplish works of eternal significance. May you live today in light of the authority restored to you by the powerful sacrifice of Jesus.
________________
~ published by: First 15
https://www.first15.org/devotionals/restoration-of-authority-2023/
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Yet Will I Hope in Him
~ Even when our situation is bleak, we can trust God.
Scripture Reading: Job 13:1-15
Satan came before the Lord and requested permission to unleash a series of tests on Job. The barrage of hardships was meant to crush the faithful believer’s soul and reveal he wasn’t the righteous person God claimed. After Job lost his possessions, family, and health, his friends came to comfort him. They didn’t know the real reason behind his suffering — but that didn’t stop the would-be comforters from assuming Job was receiving punishment he deserved. As the old saying goes, “With friends like that, who needs enemies?”
Have you ever received the kind of advice Job’s unhelpful friends offered? At times when we’re experiencing hardship, we too may find ourselves on the receiving end of judgmental “consolation.” Early in the discussion with his misguided comforters, faithful Job responded in a way that put their counsel in the proper perspective. Despite having no idea why he’d lost so much, Job declared, “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him” (Job 13:15).
Job’s bold pronouncement is both a realistic take on his current circumstances and an expression of confidence in God’s character. His hope was not some pie-in-the-sky spiritual cliché that diminished his suffering but a conscious decision to trust God in the midst of it.
_________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/yet-will-i-hope-in-him
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Signs of the Times
“You can expect to be persecuted, even killed; for you will be hated by all the nations because of your love for me. Then many will stop following me and fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another. And many lying prophets will arise, deceiving multitudes and leading them away from the path of truth. There will be such an increase of sin and lawlessness that those whose hearts once burned with passion for God and others will grow cold.” ~ Matthew 24:9-12
“Then Jesus said to them: “Don’t you understand this parable?”…”Other seed is sown among thorns; these are the ones who hear the word, but the worries of this age, the pleasure and deceitfulness of riches, and the desire for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” ~ Mark 4:13, 18-19
All of these passages are similar in the way that they speak about receivers and believers of the gospel in the “end times”. We are seeing examples of these today in an increasing occurrence.
Persecution of Christ followers is not new to the world, but it is new to America, and other countries of the world where it is beginning to rear its evil head. This persecution will serve the Lord’s purpose in separating the “wheat” from the “chaff”. Those that do not have a strong relationship and walk with the Lord may very-well be counted amongst the “chaff”.
Additionally, people are being deceived by ministers and teachers that have been deceived by the evil one into believing partial truths of the living Word of God. A classic example of the “blind leading the blind” straight into hell.
Likewise, due to the rampant sin and lawlessness, our love and desire to be true disciples of Christ to the world around us is being replaced with fear and apathy. This same apathy occurs when we are too busy with the cares of our daily lives to even take 30 minutes of time to spend with the Lord in the morning – let alone, to engage those outside of our inner-circle with the care and love that God requires of us to have for others.
Folks, time is short – Jesus said: “But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near!” (Luke 21:28)
There are millions of people that are lost, dying, and on their way to eternal damnation. God will hold each of us accountable for what we have done during our brief and fleeting moment in this earthly life. Please don’t waste it on non-eternal actions.
“But the one who endures to the end will be saved [delivered].” ~ Matthew 24:13
•
Signs of the Times
“You can expect to be persecuted, even killed; for you will be hated by all the nations because of your love for me. Then many will stop following me and fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another. And many lying prophets will arise, deceiving multitudes and leading them away from the path of truth. There will be such an increase of sin and lawlessness that those whose hearts once burned with passion for God and others will grow cold.” ~ Matthew 24:9-12
“Then Jesus said to them: “Don’t you understand this parable?”…”Other seed is sown among thorns; these are the ones who hear the word, but the worries of this age, the pleasure and deceitfulness of riches, and the desire for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” ~ Mark 4:13, 18-19
All of these passages are similar in the way that they speak about receivers and believers of the gospel in the “end times”. We are seeing examples of these today in an increasing occurrence.
Persecution of Christ followers is not new to the world, but it is new to America, and other countries of the world where it is beginning to rear its evil head. This persecution will serve the Lord’s purpose in separating the “wheat” from the “chaff”. Those that do not have a strong relationship and walk with the Lord may very-well be counted amongst the “chaff”.
Additionally, people are being deceived by ministers and teachers that have been deceived by the evil one into believing partial truths of the living Word of God. A classic example of the “blind leading the blind” straight into hell.
Likewise, due to the rampant sin and lawlessness, our love and desire to be true disciples of Christ to the world around us is being replaced with fear and apathy. This same apathy occurs when we are too busy with the cares of our daily lives to even take 30 minutes of time to spend with the Lord in the morning – let alone, to engage those outside of our inner-circle with the care and love that God requires of us to have for others.
Folks, time is short – Jesus said: “But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near!” (Luke 21:28)
There are millions of people that are lost, dying, and on their way to eternal damnation. God will hold each of us accountable for what we have done during our brief and fleeting moment in this earthly life. Please don’t waste it on non-eternal actions.
“But the one who endures to the end will be saved [delivered].” ~ Matthew 24:13
•
How to Serve God
~ When you confidently pursue God’s call, He will overcome every obstacle and empower you to succeed.
Scripture Reading: Titus 3:5-8
When you encounter opportunities to serve the Lord, how do you respond?
God wants us to be servants willing to seek His specific plan for our life and to do whatever He calls us to do. He uniquely gifts His followers to serve according to His will. But if we’ve already decided what we can’t, won’t, or are ill-equipped to do, then we’re acting by our own will. We don’t want to miss the blessings that come with trusting God.
You may serve the Lord as a godly parent, as an employee who shares the gospel with coworkers, or as a friend who listens to people who are hurting. There is no restriction on what God can do with a willing heart. The strength of His Spirit overcomes human limitations.
• Don’t have enough courage? God can fix that.
• Don’t have the right skills? God can fix that too.
Laying down our excuses is the wisest thing we can do to serve the Lord. Trust that He will empower you to accomplish whatever He calls you to do — and will see to it that you are properly equipped and trained (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 13:20-21).
All He asks of you is that you say yes.
______________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/how-to-serve-god
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Seeing the Kingdom
~ Truly understanding that Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords changes everything.
Scripture Reading:
"I assure you: There are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom." ~ Matthew 16:28
"After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. He was transformed [transfigured] in front of them, and His face shone like the sun. Even His clothes became as white as the light." ~ Matthew 17:1-2
Jesus’ words in today’s passage sound too good to believe. He said the kingdom of heaven was at hand and promised that “some of those who are standing here” would see it. But the next day — and the five after that — were just normal days in the same dark world.
On the sixth day, however, Peter, James, and John were with Jesus for what we now call the Transfiguration. And what an amazing thing they witnessed! As their Master’s appearance changed, they saw His face shining “like the sun” and His clothes a luminous white.
The next day the three disciples awoke as usual in the world they had always known — but they were different. They had seen the promised kingdom. And they carried that hopeful memory for the rest of their days, living in the light of the kingdom Jesus had revealed.
In his epistles, Peter wrote about that hope in the King and His coming kingdom. He said that he, James, and John were “eyewitnesses of His majesty” (2 Peter 1:16). He believed what he saw and trusted that Jesus’ promises were “a lamp shining in a dark place” (2 Peter 1:19).
The Transfiguration offers us the same hope today. Since the King’s majesty has been revealed to us as well, we can endure our dark places by living in the light of the coming kingdom.
___________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/seeing-the-kingdom
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The Presence of God
~ My hope is that today the presence of God is demystified a bit, and becomes a regular part of every day we set aside to meet with Him.
One of the most important pieces of spending time with God is encountering His presence. His presence is meant to be at the core of all that we do. God so hated separation from us that Jesus was sent to pay the ultimate price. And at Jesus’s death the curtain separating the Holy of Holies from mankind was torn in two — signifying that God’s presence was no longer contained but made available to everyone.
Psalm 139:7-8 says:
“Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there.”
And Psalm 84:3-4 says:
“Even a sparrow finds a home, and a swallow, a nest for herself where she places her young — near Your altars, Lord of Hosts, my King and my God. How happy are those who reside in Your house, who praise You continually.”
God’s presence is everywhere. There is nowhere you could go that He won’t be there. There is no situation, conversation, job or place in which you can’t meet with God.
• So how do we encounter the presence of God?
• How do we experience His nearness?
Encountering God is similar to encountering another person. I don’t seek an experience with a friend; I simply seek to know them by spending time with them and gain an experience as a result. I don’t seek to hear the voice of a friend; I simply engage in conversation with them as an act of wanting to know them and hear their voice as a result.
The only thing about seeking God that makes it different is that He is spirit rather than flesh.
John 4:24 says:
“God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
But it’s for that very reason that we can truly know Him!
Scripture is clear that God is everywhere and that the Holy Spirit dwells within us. His presence is already with you. Encountering Him is as simple as taking some time to become aware of His nearness.
God longs for you to know Him. So great is His desire to meet with you Spirit to spirit, heart to heart, that Jesus gave His life. Take time to simply seek God. Meditate on His Word. Allow Scripture to fill your heart with faith. And make space to rest in God’s presence that your heart might come alive at the revelation of His nearness.
Once you begin consistently encountering God’s presence you will find it becomes easier and easier to set aside that time to meet with Him. So many Christians are calling the time they spend reading the Bible “time they spend with God,” without actually encountering Him. We preach as Christians that Jesus is alive; our faith hinges on that fact. Yet we go so long without encountering our God who is alive and present. If we’re not regularly encountering the God we serve, we are living and preaching a false gospel by our actions. God’s presence is meant to be encountered. He is present, near, active, and full of love for you. May your time spent with Him be marked by His satisfying presence as you experience the transforming power of encountering the living God every day.
_________________
~ based upon an article by: First 15
https://www.first15.org/devotionals/the-presence-of-god-2024/
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To Be Established in Love
~ Jesus made it possible for us to understand how precious we are to our heavenly Father.
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3:17-19
When it comes to stability, everything depends on the supporting substructure. Most trees extend their roots two or three times as wide as their foliage. And the tallest skyscraper in the world has a foundation that goes down over 160 feet.
The root — or foundation — of the Christian life is God’s love. His love is what makes our love possible, and it became knowable in Jesus Christ.
In today’s passage, this is what Paul has in mind as he brings his prayer to a close. He asks that the Ephesians — empowered by the Spirit and encouraged by Christ’s indwelling presence — would base themselves in love. He also prays that their understanding of God’s love would grow together “with all the saints” who have believed and entrusted themselves to Jesus (v. 18).
This love of Christ is a boundless ocean deep enough to drown all our sins (Micah 7:19). Though it is “too great to understand fully,” Paul wants the Christians at Ephesus — and us — to have the power to grasp “the width and length and height and depth” of this great foundation so we can rest secure. Then we can pray without ceasing that countless more believers be added to our number.
_________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/to-be-established-in-love
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Communion With God
~ May God guide us ever closer to Him as we create room for Him to fill us right now.
Scripture Reading:
“Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me. “Yes, I AM the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.” ~ John 15:4-5
The Christian life is meant to be marked by union with God. By the powerful sacrifice of Jesus, the Holy Spirit now dwells within us — longing to make His nearness known. He longs for His perfect love and peace to be the foundation of everything we do, think, and feel.
Brother Lawrence wrote about a life lived in continual communion with God in the book, “The Practice of the Presence of God”. He said:
“I cannot imagine how religious persons can live satisfied without the practice of the presence of GOD. For my part I keep myself retired with Him in the depth of center of my soul as much as I can; and while I am so with Him I fear nothing; but the least turning from Him is insupportable.”
The more we grow in our knowledge of the profound union that exists between our spirit and the Holy Spirit, the more we will discover our great need of His tangible, constant presence.
• Maybe you are at a place where you don’t feel like you really know God.
• Maybe you know about Him but don’t know Him like a friend.
In describing the process of coming to know God, Brother Lawrence wrote:
“In order to know God, we must often think of Him; and when we come to love Him, we shall then also think of Him often, for our heart will be with our treasure.”
An amazing transformation takes place in our hearts as our souls awake to our union with God. His love has the power to ignite us toward a lifestyle of seeking greater communion with Him.
In many ways our God is infinitely more knowable than any person. Because God is spirit and now dwells within the hearts of believers, He is perfectly able to reveal Himself in deeper, more knowable ways than you have access to with anyone else. He has the ability to reveal His thoughts, feelings, power, love, and will moment by moment and in ways that surpass the miscommunication that language often brings. He speaks straight from His Spirit to yours that you may truly know Him to greater depths than anyone else. The question is not can we know God, but are we willing to center our lives around the knowledge of Him.
Take time in prayer today to experience union with God. Ask Him to reveal His nearness that you might know Him in deeper, more tangible ways. May your day be marked by God’s presence and love moment by moment as you seek to walk with Him in all you do.
Your God is both patient and kind. He longs to be with you so you might know His peace. He longs for the foundation of your life to be His love for you. Seek His face throughout your day today that your life may be marked by His perfect nearness. Don’t settle for an ordinary day, but strive for the fullness of life God has for you. May your life be marked by a moment-to-moment knowledge of God’s nearness and love for you.
_________________
~ based upon an article by: First 15
https://www.first15.org/devotionals/communion-with-god-2024/
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Relying on the Spirit in Our Work
~ Obstacles will come; we can choose to focus on them or trust the Lord for direction.
Scripture Reading: Ezra 4:1-5
The Israelites had returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. But many opposed their efforts, and were, in fact, quite clever. First, they offered to help. What better way to cause things to go wrong than to get involved in the work? When their aid was rejected, the enemies set out to discourage and scare the Israelites. They were successful in stopping the work — temporarily.
But “the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews,” and the work was finally able to proceed. The Lord took care of the mountain of opposition before them. What that means is, sometimes He will remove the problem; at other times He’ll walk with us through it. But either way, He wants us to depend on Him.
This means choosing to ...
• Patiently love friends and family.
• Wisely guide others toward godliness.
• Follow scriptural principles about finances.
• Have divine contentment in our current circumstances.
• Do God’s work His way.
Our work should be characterized by dependence on the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16). While that mindset is countercultural, it’s the only way to live as a child of God. Seek out others who regularly try to follow the Spirit’s leading, and spur each other on to live it out.
_________________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/relying-on-the-spirit-in-our-work
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From the Pastor’s Heart – January 2024
~ Start the new year with your eyes fixed on Jesus.
We wish you a Happy New Year!
Here at In Touch we look forward to the new beginning that every January brings, and we hope you’re filled with faith and confidence as well. Here are some challenging words — and practical advice — from Dr. Stanley to help you make this a year of great spiritual growth.
_________________
What’s your outlook on beginning a new year?
Some people think making New Year’s resolutions is foolish. And it’s true that many are quickly forgotten or abandoned, but that doesn’t mean the whole practice is a waste of time. It’s a way of setting your course in the right direction for the coming months. If you don’t make plans for improvement, the only alternative is to drift along doing the same things you’ve done before — whether or not they’re fruitful.
As the old year transitions into the new, take some time to evaluate your life.
Not just based on worldly accomplishments, but on a deeper spiritual level. In the last week of December, I always review my diaries to see how I’ve responded to the Lord’s guidance, promises, or warnings throughout the year. The goal is not to judge my performance, but to check the condition of my heart and remind myself of the lessons I’ve learned.
Try asking yourself the following questions:
• What did I achieve last year?
• Have I done anything that will outlive me and have eternal significance?
• Did I spend my time, energy, and resources accomplishing what I wanted or what God desired?
• Have I grown in my relationship with Christ?
These questions relate to the most important aspect of your life — and the key to anything you hope to experience in the future. Let’s consider Paul’s example in Philippians 3:7-16.
First, Paul had one desire that superseded all others:
“Whatever things were gain to me, these things I have counted as loss because of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (vv. 7-8).
That’s a challenging standard, isn’t it? Are career, family, financial, material, or social goals more important to you than gaining deeper knowledge of, and intimacy with your Savior? There’s nothing wrong with pursuing other things, but they need to take second place to your relationship with the Lord. That means you have to make time to spend with Him, in His Word and prayer.
Second, Paul had a primary goal in life:
“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death” (v. 10). This wasn’t just a superficial familiarity. Paul wanted to know Christ personally and experientially by (1) joyful, daily surrender to His resurrection power, (2) suffering for righteousness as He did, and (3) being continually conformed to Christ by putting sin to death in his life.
Is knowing God better honestly your primary goal? Most Christians would like to say yes, but the way they invest their time and effort indicates otherwise. The desire may be there, but the action is not; there’s no “follow-through.” No one ever drifts into fulfilling a goal. Without expending effort, you have a wish, not a goal, and no progress is made without a plan to fulfill it.
Third, Paul whole-heartedly pursued his goal:
“Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (vv. 13-14).
Paul uses the imagery of a race. To make forward progress, you can’t carry baggage from the past (Hebrews 12:1). Former accomplishments trip you up with pride, while failures and regret drag you down. Instead, run unencumbered, stretching forward with all your might to reach the finish line.
Did Paul succeed in achieving his goal?
Listen to his last recorded words, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
Wouldn’t you like to finish life like this, having set a goal of eternal value that you pursued with all your heart from year to year?
It’s possible. And it’s never too late to begin.
Ask God for a fresh start. Relinquish any old baggage. And let this New Year spur you on to know the Lord above all else.
_________________
Are you ready to start 2024 with your eyes fixed on Jesus?
That’s how Dr. Stanley lived his life, and he always encouraged us to do the same. There’s nothing better than maturing in Christ, no matter how long you’ve known Him. We pray you’ll grow by leaps and bounds this year. Till next time, God bless you.
For His Glory,
Your Friends at In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/from-pastors-heart/january-2024
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Starting the New Year in Freedom
“His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. 'We are your slaves,' they said. But Joseph said to them, 'Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.'" ~ Genesis 50:18-20
If you were to reflect on the past year, I am sure that some may be reminded of hurt feelings. Perhaps some of us are dragging these feelings into the new year. While it may be easier to ignore those feelings, if not dealt with, these feelings can produce bitterness and anger in us. It is hard to practice gratitude with these feelings in our hearts. Instead of trying to sweep these issues under the rug, we can choose to enter the new year with the freedom of forgiveness.
In order to truly forgive, we must surrender it all to God. This can be difficult because we typically associate the word surrender with defeat or losing the battle. But when our hurts are surrendered to God, this is when He lifts the weight off our shoulders and handle's the situation as He sees fit. Our healing begins when we come in total surrender to God. He covers us in His love, mercy, and fills us with His peace. Our human nature may want revenge on those who have hurt us, but when we surrender to God, we can trust that He will take care of it. Romans 12:19 says, "Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God… 'I will take revenge; I will pay them back', says the Lord."
The story of Joseph is a perfect example of this. When he saw his brothers before him that day, I am sure that all those feelings of hurt came back for all they had done to him. He had suffered greatly because of their jealousy. But he acknowledged God's control over everything and realized how God had used the hurt to accomplish His plans for Joseph. In the same way, God can take our pain and use it for good when we surrender it all to Him.
If we want to have peace, we need to surrender our hurt feelings over to God. We need to relinquish control. If there is someone you need to forgive, take it to God in prayer right now, leave it in His hands, choose to forgive, and trust Him with the results. Forgiveness is not about the other person, but about us and the freedom we can enjoy in Christ.
Suggested Prayer:
Lord, I surrender my feelings and those who have hurt me to You. Please heal my heart and help me forgive where necessary. I trust You and know that You have complete control over my life and all that happens in it. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus' name, amen.
__________________
~ by Dick Innes (https://www.actsweb.org)
~ To receive The Daily Encourager FREE each weekday, click on the following link: http://go.netatlantic.com/read/all_forums/subscribe?name=thedailyencourager
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A New Year Led by God
"For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." ~ Hebrews 4:12-13
The beginning of each new year brings with it a myriad of emotions that can lead us to want to improve ourselves, to renew our commitments and to set new resolutions and goals. However, God knows full well that these purposes we set are often based on the desires of our human nature, rather than being guided directly by the Holy Spirit.
When we seek or pursue something that God has not called us to do, we are very likely doing so in our own strength; this makes us weary, because it has more to do with the power of the will, than with the power of the Holy Spirit working in us. Christ gives us a purpose when He commissions us and proposes to us a specific task: to promote His kingdom and make His glory known.
This year, if we want to be people who act under the power of the Holy Spirit, let's start by saying a prayer. Let us ask the Lord to reveal His will and desires for our lives through His Word, and let us also ask Him to show us where He wants us to focus our attention.
Be intentional about looking for specific passages in the Bible that reveal God's love for your life. Remember and keep His promises and notice how each one shows you Jesus. Ask Him to reveal His purpose to you and place your priorities in His powerful hands. Be creative, personalize these verses, and write them in your heart, so that this year is rooted and grounded in God's infallible truth.
Place this year in God's hands, make a commitment to keep His Word and put it into practice so that, even when difficult times come, you will be steadfast in His promises.
Suggested Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for being faithful in my past, for being with me in my present, and for Your faithfulness in my future, You are always with me. Help me to be more aware of Your presence in my life so that I can communicate with You more regularly this coming year. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.
________________
~ by Rosina N. (https://www.actsweb.org)
~ To receive The Daily Encourager FREE each weekday, click on the following link: http://go.netatlantic.com/read/all_forums/subscribe?name=thedailyencourager
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What is a Devotional?
~ May our time together help you get even more out of this space for God’s presence.
The devotional section of First15 began with the belief that we need our affections for God to be constantly stirred. In the chaos of life, we need a reminder of God’s goodness and loving kindness towards us. With all the darkness that surrounds, we need help remembering that God has overcome the world and brought us to the light. This devotional exists to serve that need.
Many wonderful and anointed devotionals line our bookshelves. We can access a seemingly limitless amount of incredible teaching available today. I hope that First15 will faithfully draw you into a daily encounter with the heart of God and fill you with a desire to know Him more.
You were created for real, tangible relationship with God. You were created with longings that cannot be satisfied until you experience the fullness of God available to you through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. I firmly believe that if you will simply make your heart available to be stirred up by the truth of God’s nearness and love, then you will experience whatever it is you’ve been looking for.
If you will engage with a daily time of devotion and open your heart that God might speak to you, the Holy Spirit will guide you into an encounter with your omnipotent, omnipresent Creator. God longs to be encountered. He longs for you to know His love. If you will begin each day simply seeking to meet with Him, your heart will soften and be stirred to live wholly centered around God’s goodness.
Encountering God leads to life transformation. Trivial things that seemed to matter before will no longer matter. That which robbed you of joy, purpose and abundant life will no longer have a hold on you. God’s love is powerful and real. His desire is for you. His presence is available to you. Take the next few minutes to open your heart and receive a transforming knowledge of God’s love.
“We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.” ~ 1 John 4:16
Evelyn Underhill writes, “This is adoration; not a difficult religious exercise, but an attitude of the soul.” May all our lives be marked by an attitude of adoration. May we seek to simply love God moment by moment rather than in infrequent bursts. And may experiencing glorious union with the Holy Spirit as afforded us by Jesus’ sacrifice be the foundation for all we do, think, and feel. I pray that your day today would be marked by humble, simple adoration of the King of kings and Lord of lords.
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~ based upon an article by: First 15
https://www.first15.org/devotionals/what-is-a-devotional-2024/
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What Is Worship?
~ Worship is perhaps the most foundational part of a quality time alone with God.
• What is worship through song?
• When we go to church or gather with other believers, why do we sing?
• Clearly not everyone finds singing or music to be their greatest passion, so why do we do it?
Worship is first and foremost about the longing of God for unfettered relationship with His people. In authentic worship we can touch the heart of our Creator — satisfying the desires of He who paid the highest price simply to have us. Scripture is clear that God loves when we sing to Him and about Him. Ephesians 5:18-19 tells us to “be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.” John 4:23 states, “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him.”
God loves worship. He longs for it. Think of that! You have an opportunity every day, through worship, to satisfy the heart of the one who paints sunsets, breathes life into dust and forms mountains, galaxies, animals, angels and humankind with just the power of His voice. You bring your Creator immense joy and satisfaction when you worship through singing.
You see, God is after your heart. He’s after direct connection from His Spirit to yours. Music has this profound ability to reach past our limited understanding and help our heart connect with He who is limitless and eternal. It serves as an avenue for this cyclical, reciprocal act of love and devotion between the Creator and the created. In worship we discover the reality of God on a level different than reading Scripture or spending time in prayer or community. In worship we can sing to God songs of adoration, thanksgiving, high praise, and unadulterated love in response to His character, nearness, and devotion. Simply put, in worship we give and receive that which is most important — love.
Whether you normally engage in personal worship right now or not, know that you were created to worship. You were made to connect directly with the heart of God. As you engage in the act of worship you will discover the nearness of a God so filled with steadfast love and devotion for you that everything changes. As you consistently touch the heart of the Father your life will be transformed by His limitless grace and passionate pursuit. Engaging in worship will result in an overflowing, unquenchable joy, as there is no greater experience than that of a perfect God meeting with an imperfect person.
Take time in prayer to reflect on the importance of worship and connect directly with the heart of your heavenly Father. May your time be marked by a greater revelation of His nearness and love.
If you feel the weight of the world resting on your shoulders at any point today, take a few minutes to engage in worship. A small time of worship has the power to reprioritize our lives and make the stresses and burdens of life diminish in light of God’s eternal love. May your day today be marked by the peace and joy of one who knows the love and nearness of the Father.
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~ published by: First 15
https://www.first15.org/devotionals/what-is-worship-2024/
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To See the Glory of God’s Purposes
~ The light of Christ provides hope, love, and power to overcome any darkness.
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:18-19
If you’ve ever stumbled through your house in the dark, then you know that even perfect vision is useless without light. But flip a switch, and everything suddenly becomes much clearer.
That’s what Paul’s getting at when he prays “that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened” (Ephesians 1:18). It’s not a prayer for some kind of spiritual X-ray vision; rather, he’s asking that God enable the Ephesians to view everything they experience in the best light of all — His light.
What did they need to see? The scope and richness of salvation in Christ. First, it’s grounded in hope, something the Ephesians didn’t have before their encounter with Jesus. They’d been outside God’s kingdom, but as a result of His calling, they became His people. That reality transformed not only their future but also their present.
Now, as God’s treasured people, they were no longer to rely on their own strength. With the King and kingdom resources at hand, believers had “boundless” divine power working for, in, and through them (v. 19). It’s also a good reminder for us. Despite the world’s apparent darkness, we can live in the light, hope, and power of God’s good news. So let us confidently join Paul in praying for a perspective illuminated by the gospel.
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/to-see-the-glory-of-god-s-purposes
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Amazing Grace
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people for His own possession, eager to do good works."
~ Titus 2:11-14
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To Truly Know Him
~ Let’s begin the new year praying God’s best for those around us.
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23
A new year stretching out before us promises endless opportunities to improve, to be better people. Many of our New Year’s resolutions — to read more, stick to a budget, or be more physically active, for example — express an inward focus. But what if we resolved to begin the year by turning our attention outward?
In today’s passage, the apostle Paul prays that the Ephesians would know God. That seems strange since they were already following Christ, but Paul knew the importance of truly, intimately knowing the Lord. It is, as Jesus told His disciples, the substance of eternal life (John 17:3). So Paul prayed their hearts would be enlightened as they gained spiritual wisdom and insight about the “mystery” of the gospel (Ephesians 1:9).
Paul understood that “His [Christ's] body” (v. 23) meant Jews and Gentiles alike, and he wanted to make sure the Ephesians — who were Gentiles — understood that, too. So he prayed for them to see and understand God’s work in their lives and community — both in “this age” and “the one to come” (v. 21).
This year, let’s allow Paul’s words to guide us as we pray for our own communities — that a spirit of wisdom and revelation would deepen their knowledge of God and their experience of eternal life in Christ.
______________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/to-truly-know-him
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What Does It Mean to Have Time Alone with God?
We all have a hunger to know why we’re here. We all possess an insatiable desire for love, passion, and purpose. Maybe you’ve had a relationship with God for years. Maybe you’re still trying to figure out if God even exists or if He is knowable. Wherever you are in your journey with God, know this — God longs to satisfy your hunger. He knows everything about you. He’s counted every hair on your head and thinks about you more than the grains of sand (Psalm 139:18). And He loves you more than you could ever comprehend. So great is His steadfast love for you that He has a perfect plan for every one of your days. He longs to transform your thoughts, emotions. and actions with His loving kindness that your life may be filled with passion, purpose, satisfaction, and the wonderful peace of His presence.
We all require transformation. We all need the freedom and healing that comes from relationship with our Creator. And we serve a God of miraculous transformation.
Scripture says:
“Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.” ~ Genesis 2:7
Psalm 139:13 states that God knit you together in your mother’s womb. You are fearfully and wonderfully made for relationship with your heavenly Father (Psalm 139:14). Your heavenly Father longs to bring about miraculous transformation every day of your life so that you would be increasingly marked by the powerful work of His presence.
• So how does God desire to bring about transformation?
• What are His perfect plans for filling your days with passion, purpose, and love?
God’s main avenue for transformation is through spending time alone with Him every day. No matter where you are in your relationship with God, time spent in the presence of your Creator receiving a tangible revelation of His steadfast love will be the catalyst to living a life transformed. Just as a candle must be ignited with a flame to burn, so you must continuously encounter the fire of God’s love to live a transformed, joy-filled life. He is the only constant source that you have. You will only find lasting satisfaction through His nearness. Nothing else will supply all you need to live the life you truly desire.
That’s what First15 is all about. First15 was created to give you a practical resource to meet God every day. No matter how busy you are, you can set aside fifteen minutes to connect with your Creator and Sustainer. God longs to meet with you. He waits patiently to spend time with you.
Think of that! The Creator of the universe, of all things wonderful and good, is patiently waiting right now to spend time with you!
The choice of how you will spend this year is entirely up to you. I pray that you would be filled with the longing and strength to spend time with your heavenly Father. I pray that this resource is helpful in connecting you to the Father that your longings would be fully satisfied in meeting with Him. God is a limitless ocean of grace and help. And all that’s necessary to receive from Him is some time, open hands and an open heart. God calls you His beloved and longs for you to know to greater depths “the breadth and length and height and depth” of His great love for you (Ephesians 3:18).
Spend some time in prayer receiving the love of God. Answer the call to seek His face as David did in Psalm 27 saying, “Your face Lord do I seek.”
The best way to consistently encounter the transformative love of God is to set aside time early each morning that you’ll never miss. Creating a habit can often be difficult. But there is no greater pursuit than a deeper relationship with God. The time you spend with God is of eternal value. Pick a time you can consistently meet with Him. Before you go to sleep ask God to give you grace and desire to wake up and encounter Him. The more you do it the easier it will become. And as you grow in the knowledge of God and His goodness, time spent with Him will become your favorite time of the day. May your day be marked by His transcendent peace and tangible nearness.
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~ published by: First 15
https://www.first15.org/devotionals/what-does-it-mean-to-have-time-alone-with-god-2024/
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Mustard Seed Faith Moves Mountains
~ Every step taken with trust in God has tremendous potential for impact in His kingdom.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 17:14-21
In Matthew 17:20, Jesus tells the disciples, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”
All of us should be encouraged by these words. Do you hear the power in them? Remember, a tiny seed of faith can unleash extraordinary possibilities. What matters is not the size of our faith but the object of it — namely, the One who created heaven and earth and holds all things in His hands. In the presence of our omnipotent God, no obstacle is insurmountable and no challenge too great.
When towering adversity confronts us, there might be a temptation to doubt and fret. But at such times we can choose to trust in God’s sovereignty. It helps to find scriptures like Jeremiah 32:17 and to lean into those truths. We can also ask the Lord to give us grace and make faith arise within us.
Keep in mind that God is always on our side, and that means we have no reason to fear:
"The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?" ~ Psalm 118:6
So, in times of uncertainty, let your mustard-seed faith blossom into bold prayers and courageous action!
______________
~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/mustard-seed-faith-moves-mountains
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Dream
~ May your heart be filled with the fruit of His incredible plans today.
God longs for His children to dream. He longs for us to set aside time with Him to wish and wonder about what life could be. I fear that many Christians have lost the art of dreaming with God out of a misunderstanding of His heart. While God most definitely has a will for our lives, He also longs for us to dream with Him so that His desires become our own. While He most definitely has perfect plans for us, He longs for us to want His plans that we might co-labor with Him rather than being dragged by Him like an ill-tempered child into what’s best. May we make time today to dream with God that our hearts may be filled with His longings and desires.
The chief way in which God wants to lead you is by planting dreams in your heart and then satisfying those dreams.
Psalm 37:4 says:
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Our Father longs for us to be so delighted in Him that we would want what He wants. He longs to fill us with right desires and then satisfy those desires in His perfect timing and in His perfect way. He longs for us to trust Him as our Good Shepherd to such a depth that we joyfully follow Him wherever He leads.
You see, Psalm 37:4 is more about delighting ourselves in God than getting what we currently think we want most. It’s more about the pursuit of Him as our chief joy than anything we could receive from Him. God alone knows what’s best for us. He alone has the perspective and wisdom to shepherd us to a truly abundant life. And we will never follow someone we don’t trust has our best will at heart.
To make God our chief joy is to surrender our lives to the overwhelming goodness and grace of an omnipotent, omnipresent, and fully loving Father. God is both willing and able to lead us into the fullness of abundant life. He is both willing and able to fill us with right longings and desires if we will simply open our hearts and trust Him.
Until we center our hearts, and therefore our lives, totally and completely around the goodness and will of our heavenly Father, we will never experience all this life has to offer. The gateway to living filled and satisfied is simply enjoying God and allowing our hearts to become like His.
Know today that your heavenly Father longs to dream with you. He longs to hear what it is you most desire. He longs to have conversation with you about what’s best. And He longs to be your chief joy, that the greatest cry of your heart is to delight yourself in Him and receive whatever comes with fully restored, unbridled relationship with Him. May your day be marked by a filling of new desires from your loving Father.
Psalm 37:23-24 says:
“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in His way; though he falls, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.”
There is no greater pursuit than simply delighting in the Lord. When we delight ourselves in Him, life becomes incredibly simple. It’s in the mixing of God and the world that our hearts feel burdened and confused. Assess the status of your heart today.
• To what level are you delighting in God?
• Will the chief pursuit of your life be God or the world?
Get lost in the love of your heavenly Father today and allow your life to become swept up in His overwhelming goodness.
________________
~ published by: First 15
https://www.first15.org/devotionals/dream-2023/
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What are You Hoping for this New Year?
Maybe you want a fresh start from the pain in your past, or maybe you are coming into the new year with hope and expectancy.
As we anticipate the future, we can draw near to God — right now — through prayer.
Imagine what could happen this year if millions of us all over the world joined together to boldly pray for each other, our world, and for God’s will to be done.
As part of our global YouVersion Community, we want to invite you to pray with us:
God,
We thank You for all that You’ve done, and we look to the future with hope.
Our world is full of brokenness that only You can mend, so we pray for opportunities to boldly proclaim the hope we have in You.
We pray for believers all over the world — that they would be unified in You, loving and supporting each other.
In all things, help us to fix our hope on You this year.
Give us strength to persevere, courage to share Your good news, and peace in knowing that You are always with us.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
________________
~ published by: YouVersion (Bible App)
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Trust in God
~ Faith lets us lose our fear and trust God for the impossible.
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11:1-7
Faith isn’t a passive belief. It’s an active confidence that stirs within our soul — an unwavering trust in God’s promises and a firm conviction about His trustworthiness. When we’re surrounded by uncertainty, our faith guides us and illuminates the path.
Verse 1 of today’s passage says, “Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen.” Those words can be viewed as an encouraging invitation to dwell in trust, which steadies the heart and anchors the soul. They’re also a reminder that our hope rests in a loving and sovereign God.
In times of trials and challenges, faith becomes our refuge, whispering, “Don’t be afraid, for God is with you.” It motivates us to step out in obedience, even if doing so seems impossible. And it empowers us to face adversity with courage, knowing that God is working all things together for our good.
The Lord calls us to walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7) and surrender our doubts and fears to Him. He wants us to believe His promises, even when circumstances seem bleak; trusting in Him lets us see beyond the visible to the eternal. Then we will find strength, peace, and the presence of our loving God guiding us every step of the way.
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/trust-in-god
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Hope in God's Nearness
~ As we make space for His presence today, I pray that He fills us with a new measure of hope and life in His nearness.
As sons and daughters of the living God, faith founded on God’s nearness should be at the core of our hope.
Psalm 139:7-12 says:
“Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?
If I go up to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol [the grave], You are there. If I live at the eastern horizon or settle at the western limits, even there Your hand will lead me; Your right hand will hold on to me. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light around me will be night” — even the darkness is not dark to You. The night shines like the day; darkness and light are alike to You.”
There is no greater source of hope than God’s resounding declaration of His nearness. Jesus paid the ultimate price that you and I might be no longer separated from God. His presence now dwells within us through the Holy Spirit. And that fact brings a pervasive hope that has the ability to profoundly impact every aspect of our lives.
As you look forward, know that the God who dwells within you knows every little thing that will happen next. He dwells within all of eternity. Time for Him is not as it is for us. And He promises to be with you in the midst of any trial, pain, victory, or defeat. He longs for you to know His presence moment by moment in everything you will do.
Your heavenly Father says:
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” ~ Isaiah 41:10
You can have the fullness of hope because the God who fashioned time is “your God.” He will help you and be there for you. He will never “leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
While the rest of the world sits in fear and worry over what the future holds, your God is leading you in the path of peace that comes from trusting in His presence. But the choice is yours. Will you place your hope in yourself, others, the world, or in God? If you try and build your hope on the foundations of this world, you will find yourself tossed about by the ever-changing waves of man’s opinion. But if you choose to found your hope on the rock of God’s nearness, your life will be filled with all the goodness and mercy of God’s steadfast love.
Take time right now to place your hope in the loving nearness of your heavenly Father as you enter into prayer.
• Why do we live as if God isn’t near to us?
• Why do we fumble through life on our own when Jesus paid the ultimate price that we might have restored relationship with our loving Creator?
God has made available a better way of living and has called us to walk in it. He wants us to know His will, love, and power moment by moment. He wants our thoughts, emotions, and actions to be fully founded in His unshakable nearness.
Paul’s prayer in Romans 15:13 is my prayer for you today:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
May your day be filled with the peace that comes from trusting in God’s nearness.
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~ excerpt of an article published by: First 15
https://www.first15.org/devotionals/hope-in-god's-nearness-2023/
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Grace and New Beginnings
~ Because of the immeasurable grace of God, it’s never too late for a new life.
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:16-18
After a long winter, cherry blossoms emerge in splendor, signaling the arrival of spring and new life. Visitors travel great distances to experience the glorious spectacle in cities like Tokyo and Washington, D.C.
God’s grace, like the cherry blossom, brings beautiful new beginnings through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8). The gift of salvation is a gentle reminder that our past doesn’t define our future. The Lord, in His infinite wisdom and love, invites us to release yesterday’s burdens and embrace the promise of tomorrow.
In this season of newness, God’s grace urges us to look ahead for what is to come — though He never changes, He’s always doing a new thing. The prophet Isaiah reminds us that just as the cherry blossom signals renewal, God is continually working to bring new vitality and purpose into our life. “Do not call to mind the former things, or consider things of the past,” he writes. “Behold, I am going to do something new, now it will spring up ... I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:18-19).
Is your heart open to the transformative work of God?
He can bring renewal and hope to your life, creating paths in desolate places where you may have felt lost or abandoned.
God is a trustworthy guide. Follow Him.
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/grace-and-new-beginnings
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You Can Do All Things
~ My hope is that we’re filled with courage and hope today for what God can and will do in us as we make space to live and work in Him in this new year.
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Do you know that your God longs to strengthen you?
“I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” ~ Philippians 4:13
This verse illustrates a powerful spiritual principle that our heavenly Father longs for you to know today. You were never meant to go through this life alone, living in your own strength. The God who formed the mountains, filled the seas, breathed life into dust, and sustains every living creature longs to strengthen you for whatever lies ahead.
Ephesians 3:20-21 says:
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.”
God can do “far more abundantly” than you could ever dream in your life, “according to the power at work within you.” The Holy Spirit, the power of God for all the earth, dwells within you. Just as He empowered the Apostles for the advance of the gospel through trial and tribulation, He will empower you. Just as He spoke to the Apostles, telling them where they should go and what they should do, He longs to lead you.
You can do all that God has called you to. Whether it be victory over sin, engaging in difficult confession, working biblically rather than according to the world, seeking unity and fellowship with those that bother you, or simply seeking God with all your heart, the Holy Spirit will strengthen you today if you are willing to receive.
To be strengthened by God begins by declaring our inability. God says:
“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9
When we try and live in our own strength, we become unable to receive the grace of God. God’s grace is never forced on us, but rather it is readily available to all those who acknowledge their need of it. God cannot empower you to experience unity with a fellow believer if you try and engage in relationship apart from the inner work of the Holy Spirit. He cannot empower you to experience victory from sin if you don’t take time to receive His love and follow His leadership moment by moment.
To be strengthened by the mighty hand of God is to stop living in your own strength and instead wholly rely on His. God longs to “do far more abundantly than all you ask or think” if you will lean into Him for His love, power, and guidance. He has plans far above anything you could ever dream of, and the path to those plans begins with following Him moment by moment today. He will faithfully guide you into all the abundant life He has for you, but you must be willing to follow Him and live by His strength.
Take time in prayer to meditate on the strength of God available to you, acknowledge your need of His help, and receive His grace.
In the context of our verse for today, Paul describes an important spiritual principle in Philippians 4:11-13:
“…for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Trust God in whatever season He’s leading you through. Whether you find yourself with plenty or little, difficulties or ease, you can find your contentment in the gift of abundant relationship with your heavenly Father. All that is good comes from His hands alone. May you be strengthened to find joy, peace, and contentment in the presence of your loving Father.
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~ published by: First 15
https://www.first15.org/devotionals/you-can-do-all-things-2023/
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Nurturing Our Faith
~ Almighty God — who protects, provides, refreshes, and renews us — is worthy of our trust.
Today’s verse from Proverbs 13:12 gives language to a truth that resonates deep within us all: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.”
Trees grow from tiny seeds, extending their branches toward the sky. In a way, believers are like trees. Our faith in the Lord is like a seed planted in fertile soil. It takes root and begins to sprout, stretching toward the heavens. Then, as we draw strength and nutrients from the Creator, our hope in Him matures, bearing good fruit that nourishes and satisfies our heart.
As we abide in the Lord, He protects us during life’s trials and becomes our refuge. He alone sustains us with the fruit of joy, peace, and fulfillment, refreshing our spirit while renewing our strength.
In order for our hope in God to grow strong, it needs to be watered with prayer, worship, and trust. Then we will become like rooted and established trees, radiating God’s glory and bearing the fruit of His Spirit. As Isaiah 61:3 says, “So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/nurturing-our-faith
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New Beginnings
~ May you get a real sense of redemption and grace today as we seek the heart of God together.
A new year marks a new beginning: a time for the children of God to reground themselves in the love of the Father. God loves to use new seasons to remind us of His desire to continually make us new. From winter to spring we see that which appeared dead burst forth into beautiful arrays of God’s glorious work. And God longs for the same fresh start in our lives as He does for His creation. He longs to make things new as the new year begins.
Lamentations 3:22-24 says:
“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him!”
We have hope in the steadfast love of God. His powerful love can make new all that needs restoration. God’s heart is to free you from that which weighs you down and robs you of the abundant life Jesus came to bring you.
With this year coming to a close and a new year fast approaching, it’s time for us to gain perspective on that which needs rebirth. Whatever sin has entangled you this year does not have to gain victory over you in the next. Whatever lie you’ve believed that’s wrecked your emotions, thoughts, and actions does not have to win the battle over your mind next year. Whatever wound or disappointment that has hurt you can be healed and reborn to empower you for that which is to come.
God’s heart is to meet you where you are today. He longs to meet you at your greatest point of weakness and pain and wrap you up in His love. He longs for you to know He is with you, for you, and will walk with you into newness of life. “His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23). God has limitless, powerful grace for you today. Run to Him with your sin. Run to Him with your failures and struggles. Run to Him with the pain of others’ words that He might speak His healing truth over you.
Your heavenly Father loves you and is for you. He has new beginnings in store for you. But just as a tree needs fresh sunlight, warmth, and rain to bear fruit again, you need the refreshing rain of God’s grace and the warmth of His steadfast love to be made new. You can’t do it on your own. You weren’t made to do it on your own. All you need for a new beginning is wholly available in the arms of your loving Father. Open up your heart to Him today and receive the newness of life He paid the highest price to give.
Oftentimes the road to a new beginning is wrought with a host of mistakes and defeats. But know that to continue on the path side by side with the Holy Spirit is a victory in itself. Don’t give up on new life. Seek the fullness of God’s goodness with all your might. Allow Him to help you, forgive you, and strengthen you along the way. He will be faithful to shepherd you into all His wonderful plans. Follow His leadership [obedience to His Word] and enjoy His nearness. May you find comfort and hope in the powerful presence of your loving Father today.
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~ excerpt from an article published by: First 15
https://www.first15.org/devotionals/new-beginnings-2023/
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Hope in Every Season
~ We can be sure of the Lord’s never-ending love and compassion for us.
Scripture Reading: Lamentations 3:21-23
As we close out 2023, it’s natural to consider this period as an ending. But each ending is also a beginning; it’s a matter of perspective. And while it’s healthy to reflect on the year we’ve completed, it’s important to embrace each day God gives us and approach it with openness, gratitude, and hope. With His help, we can be like the snowdrop flower — the first to emerge from the winter ground and bloom.
The snowdrop is a symbol of resilience — and today’s passage touches on that very theme. The author, Jeremiah, mourns Jerusalem’s destruction and his people’s desolation. But he also expresses a profound realization: “I recall this to my mind, therefore I wait. The Lord’s acts of mercy indeed do not end, for His compassions do not fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
We, like Jeremiah, lament when we face desolation, uncertainty, and brokenness. Life’s challenges can overwhelm us. Yet, in the midst of the mess, we are reminded that hope is not lost. It is firmly rooted in the character of our unchanging God.
The snowdrop’s emergence is nature’s proclamation of a new season and an invitation to dwell on the Lord’s faithfulness. His lovingkindness never fails, and His compassions flow continually.
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/hope-in-every-season
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Seasons with God
~ May your time with God this week be filled with the loving presence of your heavenly Father.
The seasons of the year created by the powerful hands of our heavenly Father speak of the need to slow down, stop, and reflect. Times of reflection create space for God’s Spirit to speak, helping us remember what he has done, making us aware of what he is doing, and stirring our hearts for what he wants to do next. God loves to use a change in season to remind us to center our lives around his pervasive works. Whether it be a change in jobs, weather, moving, or the approaching of a new year, it’s crucial that we make space for God to speak to us and prepare us for the wonderful things he has planned.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-5 illustrates this principle in saying:
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”
“A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.”
“A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up.”
“A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.”
“A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.”
“A time to embrace and a time to turn away.”
The best place to begin reflection is in remembering. I don’t know whether this year was one filled with heartache or laughter for you. I don’t know whether you experienced loss or new beginnings. I don’t know whether you cried tears of joy or sadness. But your heavenly Father does. And it’s in quiet remembrance that He wants to comfort you, rejoice with you, and wrap you in His arms. It’s in remembrance that He wants to bring about healing, grace, love, and perspective. Take time today to remember.
Next, take time to ask the Holy Spirit for revelation on the present. Just as seasons help us to remember the past, they beg of us to live in the present. God is doing a mighty work in and around you right now. This is a time for faith and deep encounters with the transforming love of God. This is a time to savor the beauty of the current and to rest in the goodness of the immediate. God is present to meet with you, love you, and fill you. He has strength, grace, comfort, and joy for you if you will make space to receive the fullness of what He wants to give.
Take time today to savor.
Lastly, God longs to fill you with hope and expectancy for His future plans. The new year, filled with its possibilities and new beginnings, is quickly approaching. Your heavenly Father, who dwells in all of eternity, longs to prepare you for what is to come. He longs to lay a foundation for your year with a fresh revelation of His love, faithfulness, and presence. He longs to fill you with hope and desires that He will see through to fruition. Take time today to allow Him to prepare you for all next year holds.
May your time in prayer be marked by clarity and revelation in the Holy Spirit as you engage in these practices.
May Galatians 6:7-10 stir within you a commitment to fully engage in the season in which God has you:
“Don’t be misled [deceived] — you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So, let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone — especially to those in the family of faith.”
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~ published by: First 15
https://www.first15.org/devotionals/seasons-with-god-2023/
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A Bitter Poison
~ Has the pain of your past become a prison in your present?
Scripture Reading:
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." ~ Ephesians 4:31-32
Picture a man hunched over a chemistry set, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that to the unpleasant green fluid before him. He is thinking of someone who harmed him, replaying all the perceived slights and hurts, and is concocting a poison to repay the offender.
His work finished, he breathes a sigh of relief and takes the beaker in his hands, marveling at what’s been created. “This will show him,” the man says, and then drinks the bitter brew himself.
That’s a surprising twist, to be sure. Yet there is a good chance you’ve essentially done this very thing at one time or another.
Bitterness is a poison that we prepare for someone else but then drink ourselves. It is something we often carefully nurture and grow over the years. If someone hurts us — whether intentionally or unintentionally — and we begin to fantasize of a thousand and one ways to get payback, all we are doing is destroying our own heart and mind. Thankfully, our faith presents a better way to live. Rather than nurture hate, we can “turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14).
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/a-bitter-poison
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Developing Godly Habits
~ God blesses those who persevere, working hard to carry out His will.
Picture this: In a field nestled among rolling hills, a hardworking farmer toils day after day, sowing seeds and nurturing tender plants. From dawn till dusk, he tends to the crops, knowing that lazy hands yield no harvest. With unwavering faith and persistence, the farmer trusts that the output of labor will be rewarded.
Proverbs 10:4 tells us, “Poor is one who works with a lazy hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” This proverb is about more than material wealth; it speaks to the richness of a diligent life. As a bountiful harvest results from industrious labor, so our life is shaped by our habits — the choices we make day after day.
Through prayer and obedience, we align ourselves with God’s plans instead of our own. This is how we cultivate habits grounded in His Word. This kind of diligence goes hand in hand with stewardship of our time, talents, relationships, and resources. Wisely using such things for God’s glory will bring a good return for His kingdom.
As we approach 2024, let’s prayerfully evaluate our habits:
• Are we using our time purposefully?
• Are we nurturing relationships that honor God?
• Are we faithfully stewarding our resources?
Seek God’s guidance and make intentional choices that align with His will.
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/developing-godly-habits
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Created to Do His Will
"LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand." ~ Isaiah 64:8
We are the clay being molded by the loving hands of the Potter. Our Father is shaping us into the likeness of His Son; but what is our purpose during this shaping process?
Our transformation begins the moment we trust in Jesus, and we soon learn that our Salvation is never earned by "doing" anything; "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith" (Ephesians 2:8). But we also learn that eternal life is for those who do God's will; following Him is not an optional part of the Christian walk. We cannot truly accept Jesus as Savior without also beginning a journey of trust while walking in His steps. Faith means trusting Him enough to follow!
"And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever." ~ 1 John 2:17
We generally like the idea of "new birth" when we think of being born into God's Kingdom as His child. But we become uncomfortable when we hear, "You are not your own; you were bought at a price" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We get uneasy when we read, "You have been set free from sin and have become bondservants to God." (Romans 6:22). There is no Salvation without a willful transfer of ownership; and we need to face the difficult truth that this means a transfer of control.
Giving up control is never easy. It can be extra scary to face the unknown from the passenger seat; and it can be an offense to our pride to allow someone else (even God!) to take the lead. The roots of "self" go very deep! But as we learn to completely trust, God brings us to that wonderful place of peace where we can say, "Who do I have in heaven but You? And I desire nothing on earth but You." (Psalm 73:25). Though sometimes difficult, there is great joy in a complete surrender to the will of our Heavenly Father.
As we give Him control over every area of our life, He will show us how to use ALL for His glory; "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works" (Ephesians 2:10). He will give us the tools to accomplish His will, and in the process meet every need and fulfill our deepest desires.
He is the Potter and we are the clay. He is the Creator and we are definitely "the created." But we have been created with an awesome purpose. We have been given gifts, talents, and abilities, which when given back to God are used to bring Him glory and honor. This IS our purpose! We have been created to glorify His Name as we love Him and trust Him with all our heart. Let's bring Him glory and honor as we walk in the understanding that we have been created to do His will.
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~ published by: The Daily Encourager
~ To receive The Daily Encourager FREE each weekday, click on the following link: http://go.netatlantic.com/read/all_forums/subscribe?name=thedailyencourager
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Jesus: Lord of Salvation
~ Jesus lives in every believer through His powerful Spirit.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18-25
Throughout human history, God has initiated a relationship with the people He created. Though He often seemed far away, He consistently revealed Himself in personal encounters and even came to be in the Israelites’ midst (in a pillar of cloud and fire, the tabernacle, and the temple). But eventually, God’s presence — in the form of His own Son — came as a man to live among humankind.
Before Jesus was born, He was given two names:
Immanuel means “God with us,” which speaks of Jesus’ identity. He lived on earth, walked among men, and suffered the weaknesses of humanity. Yet He also displayed the power of almighty God as He healed the sick, calmed the sea, and raised the dead.
Jesus means “The Lord is salvation,” which describes His purpose — to save us from sin by means of His death on our behalf. Jesus took on a human body to offer Himself as a substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of mankind.
Although Jesus is no longer physically on earth, He is still “God with us.” He lives in you through the Holy Spirit, and He has the power to deliver you from any bondage. No sinful habit, painful past, doubt, guilt, or struggle is too difficult for our Savior to overcome.
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/jesus-lord-of-salvation
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A Name Full of Promise
~ God, who has always been and always will be, promises to be with us — always.
Scripture Reading: Exodus 3:13-15
When God identified Himself to Moses, He said, “I AM WHO I AM.” This may seem like a strange name to us, but in essence, it’s saying He is completely self-existent from eternity past through the present and into eternity future. In other words, God’s presence is a sure thing.
However, His presence took different forms throughout Jewish history. For example, when God led the children of Israel through the wilderness, He went before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). After they built the tabernacle, He met with Moses there, speaking to him from above the mercy seat on the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:22). While these were visible, physical manifestations, they were also symbolic of His everlasting presence.
Then, when Joshua finally led the Israelites into the Promised Land, God said, “I will be with you; I will not desert you nor abandon you” and “The Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:5; Joshua 1:9). These promises are for us as well — offering reassurance that God will never leave His children.
So remember that our Father goes ahead of you and me to prepare the way, and He walks with us through every situation. Let us pray for awareness of His presence today.
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~ published by: In Touch Ministries
https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/a-name-full-of-promise
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