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.