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