Freedom from our sins

​S-‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭13‬:‭38‬-‭39‬ ‭NLT‬‬

““Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is made right in God’s sight—something the law of Moses could never do.”

O - These are Paul's words to the people of Antioch on his missionary trip.  He went to the Synagogues and preached the word of God , explaining that it was Jesus who was sacrificed on a cross and raised from the dead by His Father in heaven.  It was through this sacrifice and God's mercy that we have forgiveness of our sin when we believe in Jesus is the Christ.  

A - The application for me is to believe that Jesus is my Lord and savior.  My sins have been washed away and I stand before God holy and righteous.   I am to live thankfully for Jesus' finished work on the cross and to rejoice and be glad for the life He has given me.

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray that you would know my gratefullness for the sacrifice you made for me and that you would accept my humble confession.  I pray all this in Jesus Christ name, Amen.

Being an active witness

​S-‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭5‬:‭29‬-‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross. Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven.”

O - These words were said as Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin and told not to testify in Jesus name anymore.  They replied by asking who they should obey God or man.  They testified to Jesus being raised from the dead by God and is now seated at the right hand of the Father.  This was all done so that the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven their sins, washed clean by the blood of Christ. 

A - The application for me is to believe that Jesus paid it all , for the sins of all mankind but specifically for my sins.  As a follower of Christ I am to look at the example of the Apostles and be bold in sharing the Gospel of Christ, witnessing to what God has done through his only son Jesus. 

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord you give me the faith and boldness of the Apostles, opening up and sharing the good news to those you put in my life.  I pray all this in Jesus Christ name, amen.

The good news in my life

​S-‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭2‬:‭37‬-‭39‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.””

O - These are Peters words that he spoke to a gathering of people including all those that believed in Jesus.  For those the words pierced their hearts they were affected by these words from God and Peter was asked by them what they should do.   Peter replied simply repent of your sins,  be baptized in Jesus name and your sins will be forgiven.  Not only that but the Holy Spirit would come and rest in you.   These promises were for those who heard Peters message and to their children and even those far away who were being called to God.

A - These words that Peter spoke were to the few that were there with him but also a testimony for years to come to the many that lived throughout the world.  This Gospel is a gift even to me and my family today.  The application for me is to walk in the truth that my sins are forgiven and I have been baptized in Jesus name, and have received the Holy Spirit.  I am to walk in this truth and share God's testimony of his work in my life.  

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord that you help me to walk in your Spirit and Truth.   I pray that my life would a witness to my family and those around me of the goodness you are in my life.   I pray all this in Jesus Christ name, Amen. 

​S-

““My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory.”

‭‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Rejoice in His victory

​S-‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world.”

O - These are Jesus' words to his disciples just before he would be given up to be crucified.  He knew this would challenge and cause great pain and sorrow in His disciples, but he wanted to leave them with the hope that we have in Him rising from the dead and having paid for our sin and defeated death he would go before us to His Father and send the Holy Spirit to his disciples.  Their sorrow would be turned to joy as the redemption of His life for our sins would once and forever restore God's relationship with His children.

A - The application for me is to on this Easter weekend rejoice in the redemptive work that Jesus did on the cross.   I am to rejoice for Jesus has died for my sins and restored me to the Father.  I have been gifted the Holy Spirit to revive in me a hunger and passion for my lord and savior.  I am to walk in the victory that Jesus has won over sin and death. 

P -  Dear heavenly Father, thank you for todays devotion may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord that you help me to walk in your spirit and truth and believe all that you have done for me.  I pray this in Jesus name,  Amen.

Connected to the vine

​S-John‬ ‭15‬:‭5‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

““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. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!”

O - Jesus here is speaking again to His disciples to let them know that He is the way and the truth.  He is the vine and we are the branches that are connected to him.  If we are connected and remain in Him we may ask for anything in His name and it will be granted to us.  It is also a warning that we are to produce fruit from our branches or risk being pruned if unfruitful.

A -  The application for me is to remain in Christ , connected and fed from his vine.  I can do that by staying in His word and praying in His spirit.   I am to seek to be nurished by Christ and produce good fruit that is my relationships with those he has put in my life.

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's devotion , may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord that you help me stay connected to you and produce Godly fruit.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen‭‭

Pray in Jesus name

​S-‭‭Jo‬‬hn‬ ‭14‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT

““I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!”

O- Jesus spoke these words on his last night with the disciples.  He knew His time had come and He would soon put a finished stamp on his sacrifice for us once and for all.  Here he is telling His disciples they will soon be able to do the same works as he did, healing the sick and casting out demons.  They need only ask in his name and it will be done.  

A - The application for me is to remember Jesus' promise to his disciples is the same promise to us.  If I pray in His name it will be answered.  I simply need to have the holy spirit in me know what to pray for and what is in God's will so that my prayers will be truely in His name.

P- Dear heavenly Father, thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart. I pray that you would help me be one with you and the Father Jesus, so I might be humble and pray in your will for things to be done.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen

The truth sets us free

​S-John‬ ‭8‬:‭31‬-‭36‬ ‭NLT

“Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” “But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”

‭‭‬‬O - Jesus is the way and the truth and the life.  By knowing Jesus we know the truth  and if we walk in his ways we are set free from the slavery of sin.  Though we still may sin , if we turn from these sins and toward Jesus he is able to set us free from the wages of sin (spiritual death).   Once we have committed our lives to Christ' lordship we are part of His family forever.

A - The application for me is to accept the gift of grace from the Lord, for my sins had separated me from God but his atonement has reconcilled me once a for all.  His freedom from the wages of sin have made me once more in communion with God the Father and free from the penalty of sin.  I am to walk in this truth with humbleness and gratefullness.

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart.  Lord help me to walk in your truth and freedom you have provided.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

Believe in the Son

​S-‭‭John‬ ‭5‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

““I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.”

O - Jesus is proclaiming the power of God that is within Him and that those who listen to His truth and believe in His message will have eternal life.   God will not condemn them but forgive them of their sins and lead them to eternal life.  

A - The application for me is to hold on to the truth that Jesus is the son of God sent to take away the sins of the world.  Anyone who believes in him will have eternal life.  I believe in Christ as my savior and now only need to stay close to Him to walk the path of eternal life.

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's lesson may it be sealed to my heart. I pray that you would help me stay close to you in my walk and that you show me your way to eternal life.  I pray all these things in Jesus name, Amen.

The light of the world

​S-‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬-‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

““There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.””

O- Jesus is speaking these words to the pharisee Nicodemus.  He is speaking that he is the light brought into the world by God.  For those that believe in Him he offers salvation and those that don't there is judgement.  The light of the world shines the light on our sins and those that acknowledge this light and their own sins, are forgiven when they accept the son as their Lord and saviour. 

A - The application for me is to recognize Jesus is the light of th world,  I need to believe in Him and allow his light to shine on and expose my sins.   I repent and turn away from these sins and seek to walk in the light and direction that Jesus is showing me.

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank your for today's lesson, may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord you would help me to expose all my sin and repent and turn away from my sinful ways.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

​S-

“Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.””

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Son of man in heaven

​S-Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Jesus replied, “You have said it. And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Blasphemy! Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy.”

‭‭‬‬O - Jesus here is proclaiming the truth of his place in Heaven at the right hand of the Father.  He says this so all would know who he truly is, but the high priest chose to view this as blasphemy vice the voice of God come to earth through Jesus.  

A- The application for me is to remember Jesus is the voice of truth who came to sacrifice himself for the sins of mankind.  It is through him that I experience God's grace and mercy and now have an advocate in heaven for me.   I need to ensure I daily put my faith in him and not in me.

P- Dear heavenly Father , thank you for today's lesson may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray that you help me to live my life one with you and your ways.  I pray all this in Jesus Christ name, amen.

Be a humble servant

​S-Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

‭‭O - Jesus is teaching his disciples how not to act like the Pharisees and religious leaders who exalt themselves above the people they are meant to serve.  His disciples are to be servants and humble themselves before the people and not exalt themselves.   They are to follow Jesus' example and seek the lost and sick and restore and heal them.  

A - The application for me is to seek to humble myself before the Lord and people.  I am to be a servant to all those God puts before me , especially my family.  I am to serve them through my words and actions so that I can't be accused of being double minded.

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord you help me be humble in all my actions and deeds.   I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

​S-

“But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.””

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭20‬:‭26‬-‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Possible with God

​S-‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.””

O - The disciples were astounded at Jesus explanation to them how it was easier for a camel to go through the eye  of a needle than for a rich man to make it to the kingdom of heaven.  But we see here that what is impossible to be done by man, can be done by God.  It is through Jesus and only Jesus that we are able to come before God and enter His kingdom.

A - The application for me is not to focus on the things of this world that are valuable but to focus on the relationship with God through Jesus.  I am to count heavenly things as valuable and store up my treasures in heaven and not on earth.

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's less may it be sealed to my heart. I pray Lord you help me to focus on the heavenly things in my life and maintain my relationship with Jesus.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen

​S-

“Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16‬:‭15‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Out of a pure heart

​S-‭‭Matthew‬ ‭15‬:‭17‬-‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

““Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer. But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands will never defile you.””

O- Jesus spoke these words to the Pharisee's who were accussing his disciples of not washing their hands before eating which was their tradition.  He rebuked their tradition and said it is not what goes into your body that defiles you but the words that come out of your mouth that defiles the person.  It is what comes from your heart that is evil.  

A - The application for me is to be aware of the words that I speak and to make sure I maintain a pure heart.  I can do this by keeping Jesus in my heart and his spirit within me.  I must speak from the out pouring of Christ love that is in me. 

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord for a clean heart out of which my words and actions would come.   I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

Blessed are those that see and hear

​S-‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT

““But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it.”

O  -  Jesus was speaking to those who would listen to him proclaiming the Kingdom of Heaven is here.  He knew he was a fullfilment of many prophesies and promises that God had made through nation of Israel. What should have been an amazing revelation and experience these people were seeing for some it was a stumbling block.  This is not how some had envisioned the messiah would come and therefore had a hard time believing the things Jesus would say or even do.

A - The application for me is to by faith believe in these accounts of Jesus during his time on earth.  All of them happened that I might believe and receive Him as my Lord and savior.   I can trust in these accounts and the many miraclous healings and words of truth as witness to me to the power of the Messiah and the plan he had for all of us to be redeemed through Him.

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord that you would continue to reveal to me your truth in scripture and grow my faith in you and all you have done.  I pray the Holy Spirit would continue to guide me in my steps each day.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

Jesus yoke

​S-Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬-‭30‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.””

O- Jesus is preaching to those who would listen that they have been carrying a heavy burden.  The burden of their sins and shortcomings.  They may try to make up for their sins with good works and strict religious behavior but the burden is just to much for anyone to carry.  God knows this and because he loves us and doesn't want us to be stuck in our sin sent his Son to take away our burdens and give us a much lighter yoke to bear.  Rest is needed by us all who toil in our sin, but thanks be to God he has washed us clean of our sins and now only wants our hearts to stay focused on him and to carry on the load he has set aside for us.

A - The application for me is to not pick up burdens that Jesus has already taken away.  I am to seek the Lord's yoke and not the yoke of the world.  I am to focus on the relationships and responsibilities that God has ordained for my life and pour out His love in these relationships, specifically with my wife and two girls.

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord that you would help me to lay down at your feat all of the burdens I am carrying that are not from you.  Help me to have the wisdom and discernment to wear your yoke and lift the burdens you have for me.   I pray this all in Jesus Christ name, Amen

Baring good fruit

​S-‭‭Matthew‬ ‭3‬:‭10 NLT

“Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”

O- These are the words of John the Baptist who was speaking to the Pharisee's who had come to hear John speak.  He called them a brood of vipers and spoke these words about the root of the tree of Israel.   He told them if they don't bare good fruit they will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.  This was to lead the people to the tree that bares good fruit from which Jesus came to plant and grow.  

A - The application for me is to be sure I am not like the tree of the Pharisee holding on to the law as my doctrine, but rather following the person of Jesus who came and preached the good news of the Gospel and led me to the understanding and relationship with the Father that is true and righteous. 

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord that you would be mine vine in which I am rooted and you would help me to bare good fruit.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen

God our source of Hope

​S-‭‭Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

O-  Trusting in the Lord is our source of hope and all it takes to receive this hope is to place our trust in Him.  With hope comes being filled with joy and peace and then we will overflow with confident hope through the Holy Spirits' presence in us.  

A - The application for me is to pray to God my source of hope that he would fill me with His Holy Spirit.  I desire the joy and peace that comes from knowing God and receiving His Spirit in me.

P- Dear heavenly Father, thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart .   I pray Lord for your confident hope to be filled up in me and that the Holy Spirit would guide me in your everlasting way.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

Kindness to our enemies

​S-‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.””

O- Paul here is trying to teach the Romans to love like Christ loved us.   We are to return kindness in the face of opposition from our enemy.   By showing love and kindness we will cause them to be confused at our acts of service and love.  Jesus modeled this on the cross that while there were many who condemned Him ,  he gave His life up so they could be reconciled.  Paul was one of these , whom persecuted the members of the early church,  yet still was able to be reconciled with God through his experience on the road to Damascus.  Jesus chose Paul and showed kindness and mercy to him and those burning coals heaped on him turned Paul toward Jesus and his great sacrifice.

A - The application for me is to remember to be undeservedly kind to those who are against me and follow the example of Christ.  I am to to look to heap burning coals on the head of those who oppose me and oppose God.  Those burning coals though are not literal but metephorical acts of love and kindness.

P- Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord you help me to love my enemies in a way that the love I show them coverts their way of thinking and seeing things, and hopefully see in my love Christ's love for them. I pray al this in Jesus name, Amen

Confessing Jesus is Lord

 S - Romans 10:9-10 NIV

9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved

O - Paul is explaining the way we are to be made right by God.  In particular he is focused on the Israelites who tried to make right by following strictly the law of Moses.  But now that Christ has came there is a new and plentiful way of being reconciled with God and living a saved life.  First you must declare Jesus is Lord with your mouth and in your heart believe God raised him from the dead and you will be saved.  The true sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross is once and forever for those who believe in Him.   If in your heart you believe and with your tongue you confess then God's mercy is over you.

A - The application for me is to remember I have confessed with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and believe in my heart he was raised from the dead, and now I walk in God's mercy.   My sins have been atoned for by Christ and I now stand reconciled and loved by a Holy Father.  

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord that you would help me to walk by faith the promises of your redemption of my soul.  I pray you help me walk by faith and not by sight.   I pray all this in Jesus Christ name,  Amen. 

Never separated from God's love

​S-‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭38‬-‭39‬ ‭NLT

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

O- Nothing can ever separate us from the Love of God.  This truth is comforting and confidene building.  Confidence in who God is and His love for us, not confidence in ourselves or the world around us.  Death,  demons and our own fears and worries have no power over God's love.  Nothing can separate us from the love of God for us.  Once we have given our lives to Christ we have an enduring and lasting love from God.

A -  The application for me is to remember that no matter my actions or my environment,  God's love for me is there.  There are times when I may feel less than worthy of this unconditional love, but God's love is with me despite my worries about today or tommorow.  

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's devotion and for your unending love.  I pray Lord that I would live in this truth that you love will never be separated from me.  I pray you help me to walk in that confidence that comes from knowing I am loved.   I pray all this in Jesus Christ name, Amen.

Following the Holy Spirit

​S-‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT

“Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.”

O-  The battle between my sinful nature and the Holy Spirit in me is real.  The key to success is not to let the sinful nature dominate but to be instead controlled by the Holy Spirt.  We must focus of letting the Spirit control our minds.

A -  The application for me is to die to my old nature that was dominated by sinful nature, and live in perfect peace by living controlled by the Holy Spirit.  I must begin my day connecting to the Holy Spirit in me for direction and guidance and discipline myself to following the guidance of the spirit.

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for this lesson today may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord your Holy Spirit would dwell in me and guide me in your everlasting ways.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen

​S-

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.8.1-2.NLT

Free from the law - free from sin

​S-Romans 7:6NLT

“But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit.”

‭ “So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.” But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

‭‭Romans‬ ‭7‬:‭17‬-‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

O - Paul here describes the internal struggle we all feel.   We desire to do what is right and good but we don't.  We know the law and desire to follow it but our sinful nature lives in us against the law.  But verse 6 tells us that we have been released from the law because we died to it and are no longer captive its power.  Now we can serve God in a new way , not by following law but by following the Holy Spirit who God has gifted us following our confession of Christ as our Lord and savior.  So we are no longer a slave to sin but a slave to Christ.  

A - The application for me is to thankful for Christ's gift  of salvation as it free's me from the penalty of death that trying to follow God's law  had lead me to.   I now can rejoice in a new freedom from sin and a new life in Christ.  But like Paul I will have this sin nature in me that makes me want to do what is wrong, the answer lies in being obedient to the Holy Spirit in me.

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord that you Holy Spirit would speak to me and guide my ways.  I pray that you help me discern when the sinful nature in me wants to act out and cause me to dwell in my sin. 

Rejoice in trials

​S- Romans 5:3-5 NLT

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”

O- Yes, we can rejoice because when we face trials it helps us grow stronger and to have more endurance.  Endurance develops the strength of our character and grows us confident in the hope of our salvation that is in Christ.  This hope reminds of how much God loves us because he has given us His Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.

A -  The application for me is to rejoice also in my trials because they are growing my endurance and character and give me a hope for the future.  This hope is in the love God pours out into me through his Holy Spirit in my heart.  I am to no longer run and avoid trials but rather embrace them when they come as they are a chance to grow my faith and character. 

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord you help me to remember to rejoice in the problems and trials that I face.  I need to remember that your grace and mercy are with me and your Holy Spirit will guide me.  I pray this in Jesus Christ name, Amen.

Faith in Christ

​S-‭‭Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.””

O- The Gospel is the good news for us on how Jesus reconciled us with the Father through his sacrifice on the cross.   By our accepting this sacrifice and believing in Him we are made right with God.  It is our faith in Christ that our salvation is complete.  

A - The application for me is to remember that my faith in Christ is what makes me right with God.   I am to walk in the truth of who Christ is,  a living and breathing sacrifice for the sake of my sins so I could be reconciled with God once and for all. 

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord for the reminder and refreshment of my faith in Christ so that I can walk in your truth.  I pray all this in Jesus Christ name, Amen

The Gospel for everyone

​S- Acts 10:34-36 NIV

Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. 36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 

O- Here is where Peter is called to go and speak to the Centurion in Caesarea soon after he received the vision of all the animals that the Lord was telling him was clean.   The message was intended to open Peters heart and mind to speaking God's truth to any who are willing to receive.   God accepts anyone who fears him and does what is right. 

A - The application for me is to recognize that God is the one who has made the message of his salvation even to a sinner like me.  I only need to have a repentant heart and a willing ear and I may receive his salvation.  I am also now that I have received be encouraged to share the Gospel to all those who God has made ready for his truth.

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart .  I pray Lord you help me know who I am to share the Gospel with.  Help me to know who you have called to hear your Gospel that I might deliver the message of salvation.  I pray all this in Jesus Christ name, Amen

​S-Acts 8:6-8 NIV

When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7 For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.

O-

Rejoice in suffering

​S- 1 Peter 4:12-13 NLT

“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.”

O- We are to face fiery trials in this life and how we respond is our choice.  If we act surprised and hurt by these trials we may miss the opportunity to have wonderful joy that comes in sharing in Christ suffering.  If we rejoice instead in the trials we face God's glory will be revealed to us and to all the world.  

A - The application for me is to rejoice in my trials.  I am to rejoice knowing that my suffering makes me a believer in Christ and I am able to share in the ultimate suffering He endured for me.  Christ died for my sins so that I would no longer be bound up in my sin.  I can rejoice and be glad for the suffering in that it makes me like Christ.

P- Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord you help me to rejoice in my suffering , help me to share in the pain that Christ endured even if in just a small way so I might rejoice in seeing his glory.  I pray all this in Jesus name, amen.

The cornerstone of faith

​S - Acts 4:10-12 NIV

0 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead,that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is

“‘the stone you builders rejected,
    which has become the cornerstone.’[a]

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

O- John and Peter were standing before the Sanheedrin because of their testimony regarding the healing of a man at the temple.  They were not intimidated by the leaders who were questioning them but boldly proclaimed it was by the name of Jesus Christ that they healed this man.  They proclaimed the good news of salvation is found in Christ who was crucified as atonement for our sins and raised from the dead and now is seated in heaven at the right hand of the Father.  There is no other name by which we are saved from our sins than Jesus.

A -  The application for me is to walk in this testimony that my salvation comes from Christ who died for my sins on the cross, reconciling me once and for always with God the Father.  This is the cornerstone of my faith upon which I am to build my life.  

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord that you help me to build my faith up on the rock of your salvation that is Christ.  I pray all this in Jesus Christ name ,  Amen.

Faith in Jesus

​s- Acts 3:16 NIV

By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

O- Peter here heals the lame man at the entrance of the temple.  He is walking in the promises of Jesus told them and even trained them when he sent his disciples 2 by 2 to do the ministry through Israel.  Peter here operated under the authority of Christ to heal this man who many recognized as lame and always at the gate of the temple begging for money.  But Peter said I have no money to give but what I do have I give to you.

A - The application for me is to have faith in Jesus that Peter had.  There are many things to pray for but staying connected to the father through the holy spirit I can pray his will be done in many circumstances I will face.   I must by faith in Jesus pray all things to his glory and not mine.

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray that you would help me to have the faith of Peter, and pray in your name for the things that are in my life.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

The resurrected Christ

​S-Luke 24:45-49 NIV

45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will sufferand rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

O- The resurrected Jesus speaks he to two of his disciples who didn't quite understand that his ressurrection was part of the prophesy of the Messiah.  It is through His death and resurrection that forgiveness of sin and reconciliation with God is achieved. This is the good news that will spread to all nations beginning in Jersusalem.   The ascensiion of Jesus into heaven and his sending of the Holy Spirit is the last of His promises and neccesary for the disciples to know how and where to do the ministry of Christ on earth.

A - The application for me is to believe in the resurrection of Christ and the payment for my sins through his death.  His ressurrection means I have an advocate in heaven that knows me and know my heart.  I am to be repentant for my past sins and look to be guided by the holy spirit in my future action.

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's devotion, may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord you help remind me of the power of your resurrection and help me to be guided by your holy spirit.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

Gods grace

​S-Luke 23:20-22 NIV

20 Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. 21 But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”

22 For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.”

O- Three times Pilate appealed to the people that he found no guilt in Jesus.  He even sent him to Herod to see if Herod found any guilt in him,  and he did not.   Pilate wanting to release Jesus appealed to the people but they insisted on crucifying him despite there being no real evidence of him deserving death.   What grace and mercy and total sacrifice Jesus was willing to show in that he was being accussed and sentenced to death on a cross despite there being no evidence of his wrong doing.  He was the perfect innocent sacrificial lamb who would die for the sins of his people.  It is because of his willingness to do so that God's grace would triump over our sins.

A =  The application for me is to truly and freely accept the sacrifice that Jesus made for my salvation.   He did so despite his innocence,  which is what makes his sacrifice sufficient, he was the innocent unblemished lamb of God sent to take away the sins of the world. 

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's lesson , may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray that you would forgive me my sins and allow your grace to cover my shortcomings.  I pray allt his in Jesus name, Amen.

Be humble

​S-Luke 20:46-47 NIV

46 “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

O- Jesus tells this to the crowd that was following him.  He knew the Pharisees and teachers of the law were amongst the crowd and would hear this as well.  He came to speak to the people who were hungry for his words and not those who looked to find fault in his teachings that were from heaven above.  He came to preach a new Gospel which was different from the one these teachers had been teaching,  it is the Gospel of grace and mercy from God in heaven.

A - The application for me is to make sure I am not following teachers who exhault themselves but rather humble themselves as they spread the message of the good news of Christ.  We are all called to spread the good news so this warning also applies to me that I not think more of myself and seek places of honor and glory.

P - Dear heavenly father thank you for today's lesson, may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray that you would help me to be humble and full of grace in my daily life.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

Humble myself

​S-Luke 18:14 NIV

14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

O- This was the parable of the tax collector and the pharisee who both went to the temple to pray.  The pharisee prayed that he was thankful that he is not like robbers and thieves and even tax collectors.  The tax collector on the other hand simply prayed "Lord have mercy on me, sinner".  The difference is one exalts himself above others (the Pharisee) and the other humbly admits he is a sinner in need of salvation. 

A - The application for me is to remember to always approach God humbly.  I know because of my sins I am in need of salvation that comes through Christ alone. I am to beware of my not so humble self that thinks my good works have gained me priveledge of some sort in the eyes of the Lord.  Jesus loves me because he created me and wants to see me in relationship with God the father; he doesn't love me for my good works or anything I have done.

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's lesson, may it be sealed to my heart.  Lord I pray you help me maintain the right perspective with regards to my worthiness and ultimate salvation.  Help keep me humble.  I pray all this in Jesus Christ name, Amen.

Trust in God for my provision

​S-Luke 16:13 NIV

13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

O-Jesus here challenges us to love God above all else.   We will be challenged in this life to serve money over God because money is measurable we never seem to have enough of it to live a life we dream of.  But in order to live a truly fullfilled life we must love God above all else because he is our strength and portion.  

A- The application for me is to choose to serve God over serving money.  This sounds easier than it is.  I must overcome my fear of not having enough money and trusting in God for my every provision.  That is the key to trust in God who is worthy of my trust in all aspects of my life. 

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's devotion, may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord you give me the strength and direction to put my trust fully in you for my life,  I confess I have worries about my provision, but want to put my trust fully in you.  I pray all this in Jesus Christ name, Amen.

​s-Luke 13:34-35 NIV

34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings,and you were not willing. 35 Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’[b]”

O-

Trust in the Father

​S-Luke 11:9-13 NIV

9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you;seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for[f] a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

O- Jesus is giving us how we should engage God in our life everyday.   We are to ask and seek the Lord for what our needs are.  We are to knock on closed doors that they may be opened.   For our Father in heaven is a good good father, who will give us what we need and not what is bad.   We need to have faith that our heavenly Father is good and wants what is best for us, so we should be confident when we seek and knock that God will answer in a way that is good for us.

A - The application for me is to not be afraid to go to God in all my needs and circumstances.  He is good and faithful to answer in a way that my needs are met and he is trustworthy to depend on in all of my circumstances.  

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for today's lesson, may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord you give me the confidence and patient endurance to present to you my requests and needs, trusting in your goodness and faithfulness.  I pray all this in Jesus name,  Amen.

Be a Mary

​S-Luke 10:41-42 NIV

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

O- This occurred when Jesus visited the home of Mary and Martha.  Mary sat at the feet of Jesus for the entire time he was there and Martha was worried about the work needed to host Jesus and the disciples at her home.   Jesus heard Martha's complaint and let her know that here sister Mary had a choice between helping to host or to sit at the feet of Jesus listening to all that he had to say.  He let her know Mary had chose the better of the two, because the Messiah had come and had much to say to those who would listen. 

A - The application for me is to be like Mary and sit at the feet of Jesus and listen over spending my time worrying about the things of the world.  I get to come to Jesus at anytime and present my requests and listen to his voice.  

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's lesson may it be sealed to my heart , I pray that you would help me to pay attention to you and your lessons you have taught me. I pray this all in Jesus Christ name, Amen.

Acts of selflessness

​S-Luke 9:23-25 NIV

23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?

O-  Being selfless and humble is a trait of the disciples of Christ.  It means one is to deny ones self and take up their cross and follow Christ example. It is Christ act of selfless love on the cross that makes him unique in the kingdom of God.  He did so for our salvation and not for his Glory.  We are to seek this selflessness in our own lives as an example of what God has done in our own life.

A - The application for me is to seek to turn my selfish ways into acts of selflessness in my life. I must seek to serve others rather than myself.  I must let my motivations be selfless and seek to bring glory to God through my acts of service.

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's lesson, may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord you remove from me all thoughts of self and replace them with act of selflessness.  I pray all this in Jesus Christ name, Amen. 

Be not hypocritical

​S-Luke 6:37-38 NIV

37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

O-Jesus is showing his disciples how not to be hypocrites in their ministry.  The keepers of the law like the phariseed and the saducces had become a judgemental and hypocritical bunch.   Jesus wanted his disciples to be different and not to judge or condemn people but to simply deliver the message of the gospel wherever they went.  They were to forgive  and give not judge and condemn.

A - The application for me is to be sure I am not being hypocritical to in my own life.  I have fallen short and shown grace and mercy by God and others, so I should do the same.  I am to freely forgive  and give freely.  I am not to compare myself with others or compare them with a standard I cannot live up to.  I should leave all judgement and comparison to God who is just and merciful.

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray lord you help me to forgive and give willingly and to not judge and condemn people.  I pray all this in Jesus Christ name, Amen. 

Seeking healing

​s-Luke 5: 12-13 NIV

12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy.[b]When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.

O- It is amazing how those afflicted came to Jesus to be healed.   They came with a faith in Jesus as a healer who if he was willing could heal them.  The lepar here did not demand Jesus heal him, but rather humbly submitted himself to the Lord and ask if he was willing he could heal him.  Jesus seeing the faith and humble submission was willing to heal the man, so he reached out and touched him and he was healed immediately. 

A - The application for me is to have the faith of the leper, knowing Jesus can heal, and simply humbly submitting myself to God and his healing touch.   I am to take my addiction and submit it to the Lord and ask for his healing and restoration of my soul.

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord for healing and restoration from my sexual addiction,  I pray for a renewed mind and spirit in me one that seeks after and follows you.  I pray all this in Jesus Christ name, Amen.

The Solitary Place with God

​S-Luke 4:42-44 NIV

42 At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. 43 But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” 44 And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

O-  Jesus would often escape to a solitary place during his ministry on earth.  He sought the quietness to meditate and commune with God in preparation for upcoming ministry.  Even after he had taught at the various synagogues the people would gather and demand he teach more.  If Jesus hadn't communed with the Father he wouldn't have know when it was time to move on or stay and teach more.  He was committed to his mission to spread the Gospel throughout, including all of Judea. 

A - The application for me is to take Jesus' example and seek God in my solitary time with him so I will know when to stay and when to go.  Right now I am in a season of staying where I am at and sitting at the feet of God and receiving his direction.  It is only when I take the time to sit and wait on the Lord that I am truly sure of what I am doing.

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord for your spirit and guidance as to what I am to do today.  Help me to descern my feelings and process them with you so that I may know the truth of what you are moving me to become.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.