The verse from John 6:19 is used to reflect on the new year and the challenges and uncertainties it brings. The disciples’ fear of Jesus approaching their boat in the storm is compared to our own fear of Jesus’ presence in our lives. The message encourages welcoming Jesus into our “boats” and trusting in His guidance through the storms of life.
The world hates Jesus because He testifies that its works are evil. As Christians, we should testify to the world that Jesus is the remedy for its brokenness, not just by acknowledging its flaws but by actively working to fix them.
The blind man healed by Jesus faced a choice between the world of his parents, who feared excommunication for acknowledging Jesus, and the world where Jesus was worth believing in. He chose to believe in Jesus, prioritizing Him over social status and acceptance. The message encourages knowing the real Jesus and choosing to worship Him above all else.
The Feast of Dedication, or Hanukkah, commemorates the liberation of the temple and is celebrated with lights. The text suggests that Jesus, aware of His impending death, spent His last days spreading His message and preparing for His sacrifice. It encourages readers to reflect on the purpose of their own lives and align them with the cause of Christ.
The article encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones and follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance, using the power given to them to make a difference.
The passage from 2 Chronicles 16:1 describes a conflict between Judah and Israel. The author reflects on the historical divisions within God’s people, leading to wars and a tarnished reputation.
Jesus loved his disciples fully, not taking shortcuts or saving time, even as He faced the cross. We should follow His example, recognizing the importance of the journey and not cutting corners in our love for Him or others.
We need to be living a purposeful life and maintaining meaningful relationships. The author encourages readers to consider their own life stories and how they align with their faith, urging them to actively participate in God’s story.
The story of Della and Jim from O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi” illustrates the true meaning of giving. Their sacrifices for each other, though leaving marks, demonstrate that the giver’s devotion is more important than the gift itself.
A family outing to the mall, typically hectic and stressful, can become a peaceful and enjoyable experience, finding peace in the simple pleasures of spending time, free from the pressures of holiday shopping.
The Christmas season, often filled with chaos and busyness, should remind us of the true meaning of the holiday: the birth of Jesus. Just as the blind man in John 9 focused on his newfound sight, we should focus on the bigger picture of Jesus’ message, rather than getting caught up in details and distractions.
Christmas is a time for family gatherings, but strained relationships can create tension. The message encourages embracing the spirit of Christmas by letting go of grudges and seeking reconciliation, as Jesus’ birth symbolizes peace and unity.
Stephen’s testimony to the council highlights their failure to understand God’s message, culminating in the murder of Jesus, the Righteous One. This serves as a reminder of humanity’s need for Jesus’ saving grace.
The verse from Luke 1:16 is discussed, questioning the need for Zacharias to turn the children of Israel back to God. We need to reflect on their own faith journey and encourage others to align their actions with their calling from God.
The verse from Luke 2:4 is shared, prompting reflection on Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem before Jesus’ birth. The focus is on preparing for Christmas, encouraging a focus on Jesus’ arrival rather than external preparations. The message urges prioritizing Jesus in the coming days and experiencing the joy of the season.
Galatians 2:20 is discussed, highlighting the transformation that occurs when one is crucified with Christ. The extent of His life within us is determined by our faith in Him. The author encourages readers to examine what in their lives needs to be crucified to allow Christ to live more fully through them.
The story of Daniel and his friends, who chose vegetables and water over the king’s delicacies, is used to illustrate that God honors those who make difficult choices for Him.
Peter and the disciples, frustrated after a night of unsuccessful fishing, are advised by Jesus to cast their nets on the other side of the boat. This results in an abundant catch, illustrating how Jesus’ grace and abundance can overcome impatience, stubbornness, and failure.
Shepherds, initially afraid of an angelic encounter, remind us to embrace unexpected interactions, especially during Christmas, a time of divine gifts.
The verse from Mark 14:29 highlights Peter’s promise to Jesus, which he couldn’t keep. The story of the 1970 Marshall University football team tragedy illustrates the difficulty of keeping promises. God’s covenant is sealed with His blood, not dependent on human promises, and we should trust Him completely.
Thanksgiving, often overshadowed by the commercialization of the holiday season, should be a time of gratitude and reflection. The author encourages readers to resist the trend of prioritizing shopping over giving thanks and to focus on appreciating blessings and expressing gratitude to others.
The verse from Psalm 118:22 is used to illustrate how the religious leaders of Jesus’ time, despite their expertise, failed to recognize Him as their Savior. The message emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God’s love and grace over worldly advice and opinions, even in the face of human opinions and cultural influences.
The Israelites, wandering in the desert, complained to Moses and Aaron about their hunger, despite God’s mercy and provision of manna. God tested their trust and obedience by instructing them to gather only enough manna for each day, challenging them to rely on His provision throughout their journey.
The struggle to believe in the promises of God may stem from submitting requests without truly asking, seeking, and knocking, or from lacking a deep relationship with Him.
The ruler of the synagogue was indignant that Jesus healed a woman on the Sabbath, believing no work should be done on that day. This highlights the struggle to fully accept God’s grace and forgiveness, as some may feel certain people, including themselves, are undeserving. The message is to resist twisting Jesus’ teachings to fit personal beliefs and instead, receive His message of grace and forgiveness wholeheartedly.
The law was given because of transgressions, pointing to the need for grace and highlighting the significance of the cross and the empty tomb. It serves to reveal our need for grace, emphasizing that God’s grace is sufficient and that our efforts to impress Him are futile. As we seek Him, we should focus on what He has done for us and discard anything that hinders our relationship with Him.
God chose us before the world was created, not based on our talents or achievements, but because of the work of His Son on the cross. This divine draft involved a trade of our sin for His righteousness, aiming for us to be holy and blameless.
The verse from Luke emphasizes the importance of hearing and keeping God’s word. While it’s easy to get distracted, returning to Scriptures can help prioritize tasks and help us stay focused on what truly matters.
The devotion reflects on the story of Naomi and Ruth, highlighting how God’s plan can bring deliverance through sorrow and tragedy. It encourages seeking God in times of emptiness and trusting in His control, even when His presence seems absent.
Satan challenges Job’s faith, claiming he only worships God for material blessings. Despite losing everything, Job remains faithful, demonstrating true worship based on God’s nature, not personal gain. We are encouraged to examine our motivations for worship, seeking to glorify God purely for who He is.
Despite nine failed attempts to persuade Pharaoh to release the Israelites, God remained confident in His plan. This should encourage us to trust in God’s perfect timing and plan, even when faced with repeated setbacks.
The excitement of any sporting event should not overshadow our devotion to God. Let games refocus our attention on Him, spending time with Jesus in comparison to time spent watching sports.
God reduced Gideon’s army to 300 men to demonstrate His power and prevent Israel from claiming glory. We are the few who volunteer and serve, trusting that God will raise up those He wants to use.
God created the world in six days, and upon completion, He saw that everything was very good. Unlike humans, God had perfect foresight and makes no mistakes.
Consider whether your life is being offered to God as a silly sacrifice, half- hearted and self-motivated. Ask Him to consume that old self with His fire that leads to a passion for Him.
Scripture
Our verse for today comes from Mark 6:17, "For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; for he had married her."
Background
There is (perhaps was) a show on television called "The Jerry Springer Show,"...
Thank God for casting His justice in the direction of His Son, while burying us in His grace and forgiveness. See if that gives you a different attitude for the course of your day.
Take God seriously in what He asks of you. Remember that we can only do right and please Him when we are acting in faith. Trust Him to take care of you.
Scripture
Our verse for today comes from Philemon 22, "But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you."
Background
I never knew that six weeks could go so fast. Forty short days ago, the children from Belarus arrived at...
Honestly express your frustrations and doubts if you seem adrift or lost. Ask God to take your eyes off of the past and off of your version of the future and go forward expecting Him to provide.
Ask the Father to expose any desires you have to see others stumble. Take that issue to Him by name, and let your mind be transformed by the Trinity that is of one mind.
Reconsider the areas of your life that you think are harmless. Examine their effects to see if they are a little more questionable than you first thought.
Don't let the famine of the mundane and routine dull you to the life God wants you to live. Ask God to send you, and if you don't want to go, ask Him to send you anyway.
Get off of that slippery slope before you end up at the bottom of the hill. Let God have it all and receive all of His peace. Leave the sin and the problems for someone else.
Dig deeper into why you might not be as satisfied as you should. See if there is anything you are waiting on that is keeping you from complete peace and faith.
Consider how unique today is, and do everything you can to keep it that way. Take the sun to the limit, and then rest up and get ready for another go tomorrow.
Today, make today a continuation of yesterday and a prelude to tomorrow. Don't let yourself focus on today's grade, but instead continually give everything you do over to the divine plan of God.
Go your way knowing that God has you there for a purpose, and that is to bring glory to His name. So look at each encounter as fulfilling your appointment and doing what God has prearranged.
Let His forgiveness be enough. Accept it and be changed by it. Make it your goal to get closer to Jesus, and stop trying to make something to bring to Him.
Turn away from relying on your own strength, or your own skill, or your own methods. Ask God for a simple faith that will trust in Him to provide exactly what is needed.
Ask God to give you His calm in the midst of your blustery storm. And if your trust is misplaced, give that to Him as well, and draw on the power of the Most High God.
Take the opportunities you have to tell the people around you how important they are to you. Express your appreciation for all that they do, and for what they mean to you.
Ask another for help if that is what you need. And ask another if you can help them, for that is what they surely need. Remember whose hands and feet you are.
Look closely into your responses and reactions. Ask God to cleanse you from being calloused or insensitive, and be the one to carry someone from weeping to rejoicing.
Ask God to enlarge your expectations of Him. Confess to Him if you have thought less of your Lord than you should. Ask Him to make you the odd man out, the one who expects the unexpected.
Thank Him for the times in the back bedroom and the tabernacle. And thank Him as you pray that He leads you not into temptation, but delivers you from evil.
Examine whether you hold your relationship with Jesus preciously in your arms. Look to see what might be getting your applause that doesn't really deserve it.
Ask God to make you His representative everywhere you go. Confess to Him the times that you check Him at the door and put on a different you for a different crowd.
Seek Jesus in a way that makes His glory your supreme desire. If you lack for a place to serve Him, ask Him to take you where He wants you, whether next door or the next continent.
Let your own hurts or weaknesses remind you that everyone around you is in a similar boat. Let God's grace flow through you and bless the life of someone else.
Consider whether you are still taking steps with Jesus. If His voice is faint, you may have slowed down or stopped while He continued on. Turn your heart back to Him and take another step.
Ask God to bless you with a discomfort that requires you to find your comfort in Him. And thank Him for His faithfulness, even during the times when we don't thirst.
Allow God to be God, bigger than you can fathom, and able to do exactly what He has promised precisely as He said. Ask Him to help you believe, and then watch what He'll give you.
Ask God to transform your mind so that you will live your life as a living sacrifice, alive to His will and purposes, but dead to the tinsel and trappings of the world.
Ask God to help you ask the right questions. And take the initiative in the areas where your humility might be the best, first step. Have a splendid day.
Ask God to fill you with what you will need for today. Enjoy each moment for what it brings, and for how the Lord uses it to bring you where He wants you.
Let the good from God that comes your way be enjoyed just as He intended. Thank Him for each turn of the day, and give back to Him what He desires of you.
Focus on what you boast in and what seems to motivate you. Set your sights on knowing and understanding the God of steadfast love, justice, and righteousness.
Ask God to steer you to the other half. Take to them what Jesus has to offer, whatever state they might be in, and let His grace work to bring more home.
Praise Him for having something to praise Him for. Praise Him, and then praise Him again. Let those thoughts fill your mind, leaving no room for complaining or disappointment.
Surrender whatever has a hold of you. Give him the emotions, the possessions, and whatever else it might be, and receive the freedom He gave us through the cross.
Make today the Lord's day. In a way that's unusual for a weekday, worship and fellowship and give thanks like it's the only chance you'll have to do it all year.
Ask God for guidance in using what you have at your disposal. Let the furtherance of His name be the only cause that brings your sword out of its sheath.
Let's consider whether we are really treating people like we want to be treated. Are our thoughts and prayers and intentions towards them as we would desire from them?
Let's put aside our concerns over putting forth the perfect image of ourselves. Let's concentrate on showing the world what God looks and acts and sounds like.
Let Him remind you that it is for His purposes and glory that everything happens as it does. Look at your day as His chance to plead through you on His behalf.
Make sure that however many minutes you spend with Jesus are spent being immersed in Him and His grace. Don't just be in the same room as Him so you can say you've done your part for the day.
Pray to God beforehand for the faith and perseverance to lean on Him immediately. And then pray to Him immediately when the faith and perseverance is needed.
Ask God to show you what has been around too long and taken an improper place in your life. Ask Him for the strength to remove whatever it is that needs to go, no matter how common or special it is.
Ask God to change your initial reactions to something that is completely different from you and your taste. Ask Him for wisdom to care most about what truly matters.
Thank God for His blessings by acknowledging you had nothing to do with it. Let go of the need to take credit, and bask where there is no spotlight or applause.
Ask the Father to show you unfinished steps of obedience. Pray that Christ will forgive and cleanse your heart and help you finish strong your mission.
Pray for the Lord to raise up a faithful group of passionate prayer mobilizers in churches across North America. Pray toward personal faithfulness in prayer.
Ask the Father to show you things you need to die to so that His Kingdom may come through your life. Pray for the Father to be glorified as you surrender to His will in your daily life
Pray for one lost person to experience God's gracious intervention through faith in Christ. Ask the Lord to have mercy on His church because of our apathy toward lostness in America.
Pray for the Lord to break your heart because of the moral and spiritual decline in the American church. Ask Jesus to give you a heart to pray big toward revival and awakening in North America.
As you pray, concentrate on the character of Jesus Christ, and ask the Father to make you more like Him. Pray that the church in America will become like Jesus.
Pray that your priorities in life will reflect Christ's priorities. Ask the Father to allow you to be a vessel through which His Kingdom can come in people's lives.
Ask the Lord to give you tears in prayer over your sin and the condition of the church in your community. Pray for the Lord to raise up fervent, righteous prayer leaders in North America.
Ask the Father to show you the sins that so easily entangle you and then lay them aside today. Pray for a vibrant walk with Christ and wisdom to recognize and resist Satan's temptations.
Pray for Jesus to search your heart revealing any spiritual pride and conceit. Ask the Lord to forgive your sin and take away any lingering guilt you have not surrendered.
Ask forgiveness for any apathy toward prayer and the sharing of Jesus with others. Ask the Lord to give you a heart for prayer like Epaphras and Brainerd.
Ask God to lead you in examining the manna in your life. Ask Him for the courage and faith to choose the bounty that He has prepared you for, and it for you.
Examine your heart's price list of what you are and aren't willing to pay for your Savior. Ask God for a heart completely sacrificed to Him and for Him.
Let the blessings and the struggles be your road map to direct you to Jesus. Take all your hope in yourself and anything else, and place it all on the glorious Savior.
Waste no more time judging others and rating yourself according to your ledger. Let God draw you toward Himself and away from those irrelevant distractions.
Scripture
Our verse for today comes from Galatians 6:9, "And let us not grow weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
Background
It's time to plant my summer garden. For a few years, I have tried to grow several different vegetables, with varying degrees...
Ask God to live out through you more powerfully than any manner that man has devised. Follow Jesus with all your heart, and everything else you can follow with.