Category Archives: Devotion

JEALOUSY

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Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?”        1 Samuel 18:8 NIV

 

Jealousy is displeasure over someone else’s good fortune. Unchecked, it influences our attitudes, conversations, and actions. It eventually damages relationships and inflicts great pain on others. King Saul’s jealousy caused him to distrust David, the young warrior who had served him by defeating Goliath. David loved the king and risked his life to help the kingdom. But envy clouded Saul’s judgment. Bitterness and hostility combined with Saul’s already suspicious attitude and confused mind. Leading to irrational behaviour. As David played music for him, the king went into a rant and hurled a spear at the young man (1 Samuel 18:11). He later removed David from his presence, sending his loyal servant to the battlefield. David’s faithful service was “rewarded” with the king’s hatred, a severed relationship, and death threats. As a result, David was forced to flee. Our minds, like Saul’s, will tend to dwell on a person or situation we envy. Fueled by jealousy, our suspicion, confusion, bitterness, and hostility will grow stronger. Fear and resentment complete the picture of jealousy. We’re afraid we’ll fail to achieve the wealth, career status, or privileges of someone else. We may even resent that person’s accomplishments. In time, we may look for reasons to avoid being around that individual, eventually choosing to break off the relationship entirely. Let us open our hearts before the Lord. Are any of these feelings true in our lives?

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Holy Spirit, reveal any feelings of jealousy in our lives.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Holy Spirit, reveal any jealous feelings in our hearts, so that our thinking does not become clouded with anger and bitterness. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Jeremiah 20:7-18

 

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DEALING WITH GUILT

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“For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.”            Ephesians 1:4 NIV

 

The struggle with guilt is common to both believers and unbelievers. Its effect on us is the same, whether the source is real or false. Feeling ashamed can lead us to doubt God’s presence, provision, or promises. We might struggle to believe He loves us. If the emotions are strong enough, we may even question our salvation. Guilt can cause us to forget we are free from condemnation (Romans 8:1). It can also make us fearful that God is judging us harshly. Another response to guilt is to try and pay the Lord back for our real or imagined mistakes. To earn His approval, we get compulsively busy and stay that way. Guilt that develops from “oughts,” “shoulds,” and “musts” will rob us of pleasure in our relationships. Time with others is ruined by twinges of guilt over incomplete tasks. This can lead to discouragement and depression. Because of guilt’s destructive power, we need to resolve it quickly. When we’ve broken God’s commands, the solution is repentance and acceptance of God’s forgiveness. False guilt, on the other hand, is erased by embracing biblical truth. We need to remind ourselves of three things. First, we are special. God chose us to belong to Him and is transforming us into Christ’s image. Second, we are loved. God’s love for us is unconditional, unchangeable, and unending. Third, we are forgiven. Jesus paid the full price for our every sin. God has permanently forgiven us and adopted us into His family. God has provided an escape from our burden of guilt. Won’t you accept His offer?

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, we accept Your offer to remove the burden of guilt from our lives.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Thank You, Father that You have permanently forgiven us and adopted us into Your family. Thank You, too, that You have provided an escape from our burden of guilt. So we accept Your offer with thanksgiving. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

2 Kings 5:1-19a

 

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GUILT

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“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”           1 John 1:9 NIV

 

For some of us, guilt is a steady companion. We live under the weight of past mistakes and the fear of future ones. Even if we try to move forward, guilt tags along. Not all guilty emotions are based in fact. Those that result from breaking biblical or civil law are legitimate. When we sin, the Holy Spirit points out what is wrong and how to correct it. Then, in response to our confession, God offers us forgiveness and cleansing from guilt every single time. Where does false guilt originate? There are several answers. For one thing, Satan uses it to harass believers. Through lies and accusations, the Enemy seeks to replace inner peace and joy with turmoil and discouragement. Another source of guilt is legalism, judging conduct according to a precise standard. God’s Word establishes the way we are to live, but some Christians and churches impose additional rules. Failure to follow man-made regulations can produce shame. Childhood experiences can also bring out the negative emotion of guilt. Whether this stems from the aftermath of traumatic events or the feeling we didn’t meet parental expectations, a memory can prompt us to judge ourselves harshly as adults. Living under severe criticism can have this effect, too. Perfectionist tendencies can also bring on guilt. They tell us we can always “do more” and “do it better.” Legalism, painful childhood experiences, hurtful comments, and perfectionism are fertile soil for false guilt. If you struggle with self-blame, be sure to check the legitimacy of the source.

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, show us the source of our guilt so we can be free.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord Jesus, You came to set us free from sin, guilt and shame. As we come in confession to You, show the source of all three, so we can be free. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Exodus 4:1-17

 

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BE CAREFUL

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“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”             1 Corinthians 10:12 NIV

 

Many people act like there’s no defence against temptation. With the first hint of desire, they immediately throw their hands up and give in. We fail to realize temptation is a process. Processes can be short-circuited at any stage. Temptation usually begins in the mind, the source of an active fantasy life. The human mind has the capacity to create entire exchanges and experiences out of nothing. Through fantasy, we can enjoy something without ever bringing it into “the real world.” So, we think if it isn’t “real,” then it’s perfectly harmless. But that’s not true. Fantasy leads to a downward spiral of enslavement. Over time, it becomes boring, and the need for more gratifying fulfilment builds. Ultimately, our thoughts are so wrapped around temptation that it seems impossible to think of anything else. At that point, the desire holds our minds captive. When our lives become focused on anything other than our Lord, we’re trapped. Because the process of temptation starts in the mind, it can be difficult to escape. No matter where we go or what we do, we’ll never be able to outrun our minds! But we can disrupt the process by filling our minds with God’s Word. As we continually feed our minds with a hearty diet of Scripture, God’s Word will go to work against our fantasies. The Bible is powerful. We can trust it to set us free from the burden of temptation. Praise the Lord!

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, as we feed our minds with Your Word it sets us free.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, as we continually feed our minds with a hearty diet of Your Word, we can trust it to set us free from the burden of temptation. Thank You. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Matthew 13:31-35, 44-52

 

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TEMPTED!

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When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.          James 1:13,14 NIV

 

If there’s one thing all of us has experienced, it’s temptation. We’ve all seen something new, attractive, and unusual; something a friend has that we don’t. And we just want it. The object of temptation can be almost anything. It might be something material, like a nice house or new car. Or it could be physical, like the effect of alcohol or the rush of a new relationship. And, of course, it could be emotional, like recognition for a job well done. Whatever the object, temptation demands that we must have it now! Temptation knows no loyalty. It’s a raging beast that, if left uncontrolled, can bring absolute destruction into our lives. Simply put, temptation is an invitation to follow God-given desires beyond His established boundaries. For example, the Lord gave humanity a precious gift in human sexuality. However, this God-given desire is all too often taken far beyond the boundaries the Creator originally established. Does this mean sexual desire is inherently wrong? Not at all. But, when left unchecked, it can be the starting point for all types of trouble. Are we allowing a single desire to control our lives? Are we continually going beyond the limits of God’s approval? Let us break the hold of temptation. Thank the Holy Spirit that He will lead us with Godly desires that will bring glory and honour to our Lord.

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Holy Spirit, lead us we pray with Godly desires.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Thank You, Holy Spirit, that You enable us to break the hold of temptation and lead us with Godly desires that will bring glory and honour to our Lord. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

 

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EXERCISE!

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“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”            Romans 13:14 NIV

 

Exercise is a requirement if we want to build muscle. Left alone, muscles become soft and weak. In the same way, our spirits suffer when they never face difficulty or struggle. Apart from the strengthening effects of pain and conflict, our faith would be weak and nearly useless. This is why God doesn’t remove the tendencies of our old human nature when we become Christians. He doesn’t want to change us immediately into perfectly obedient people. The tug of our old human nature against our spirits gives faith a constant workout. The apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 5:16 that believers should “walk by the Spirit, and they will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” The Holy Spirit is our spiritual trainer committed to getting our spirit into good shape so we can resist temptations. Our goal should be to get on His exercise plan for healthy faith. We must be fully persuaded that we can’t live the Christian life apart from the Holy Spirit. Until we grasp this truth, we’ll keep trying to live in our own strength and repeatedly fall back into sin. We’ll find ourselves confessing the same old failures time after time. But, if we surrender to God, the Spirit will show us how to have victory. We must ask the Holy Spirit to live through us, guiding us to make wise decisions and teaching us to love. Surrender is a constant decision. Every new choice brings a fresh opportunity to submit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, rather than the temptation of our old human nature. Each time we choose to walk with Him, our faith is strengthened.

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, through Your indwelling Holy Spirit we have victory over sin.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Thank You, Holy Spirit, every new choice brings a fresh opportunity to submit to Your guidance, rather than the temptation of our old human nature. As we choose to walk with You, our faith is strengthened. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Matthew 13:1-23

 

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WRESTLING WITH OUR HUMAN NATURE

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“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.”             Galatians 5:16,17 NIV

 

Our present-day society encourages doing whatever comes naturally, without any regard for the consequences. Paul said those who live with the Holy Spirit, believers, are at war with “the flesh”, our old human nature. Although we’ve been given a new spirit and heart, we still live in flawed and imperfect human bodies. This means we can still be tempted by desires outside of the Lord’s will. Unfortunately, some Christians believe victory over our human nature is a one-time experience. We need to grasp that conquering sin is a moment-by-moment journey, as we walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, moment-by-moment. Sadly, some people’s faith never grows past waiting for that “magic” event, when all temptation ceases, and sin disappears. In the meantime, they’re frustrated by their failures as a disciple of Jesus. Even after three years in the constant company of Jesus, the disciples couldn’t live the Christian life on their own. Knowing they were too weak in the flesh to faithfully teach the Gospel or set a godly example, Jesus commanded them to wait for the Holy Spirit. This third person of the Trinity provided them with strength, guidance, and wisdom. Nothing has changed. Apart from God’s Spirit, we cannot overcome our old human nature and live in God’s will. But, with the Spirit, we’re assured of fulfilment and peace as we serve the Lord.

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, through Your indwelling Holy Spirit we have victory over sin.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, we acknowledge that apart from Your Holy Spirit, we cannot overcome our old human nature and live in Your will. But, with Your Holy Spirit, we’re assured of fulfilment and peace as we serve our Lord Jesus. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Matthew 12:38-50

 

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INDULGING IN OUR WEAKNESSES

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“The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. He grew and the Lord blessed him, and the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him while he was in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.”            Judges 13:24,25 NIV

 

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord, we become new creations, set apart for God’s purposes. The Lord has a specific plan for each one of us. 2 Peter 1:3 says our Lord provides every believer the resources to accomplish His purposes. Consider Samson. At the time of his birth, Israel was under Philistine rule. Judges 21:25 says people in that wicked culture “did what was right in his own eyes.” God ordained Samson be set apart for His service. As Judges 13:5 says, Samson was the one who would “begin to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines.” To prepare Samson for this mission, the Lord gave him godly parents. God blessed him with an upbringing uncontaminated by the culture. The Lord also gifted him with incredible human strength. Samson was greatly blessed as he matured. He became Judge over Israel, with the authority to carry out God’s will. God equipped Samson with everything he needed to fulfil the Lord’s purpose. But Samson had a weakness. Lust. He chose to indulge his desire, and it eventually led to his downfall. As a result, he ended up a prisoner, no longer in a position to fulfil his God-given purpose. The Lord has equipped us with the ability to resist giving in to our weaknesses. Samson had enormous potential to demonstrate righteousness on behalf of God. So do we. But he chose sin and suffered the consequences. What choice will you make today?

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, through Your indwelling Holy Spirit we can make the right choices.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, You have given us everything we need to live a godly life and fulfil Your purposes. Through You, Holy Spirit, help us to make the right choices. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Matthew 12:22-37

 

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TIMES OF TEMPTATION

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“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”              1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

 

The Scriptures teach that every one of us will occasionally be tempted to do the opposite of what God commands. The circumstances we face aren’t unique. Others have faced similar situations. We can prevent ourselves from becoming too hungry, angry, lonely or tired by eating regularly, experiencing God’s peace, fellowshipping with others, and getting enough rest. But where does the urge to sin come from? The source of temptation is the culture, the Devil, or something within us. The world wants us to join its sensual, selfish pursuits. Satan wants to turn us away from God. Our sin nature wants us to be in control, not the Lord. Does God ever tempt us? No. James 1:13 says our Father doesn’t want us to do evil. He will test us to reveal our motives and attitudes. He also uses times of testing to mature us and transform us into Christlikeness. His work is always for our good. Is it sinful to experience temptation? No. Feeling tempted isn’t the same as committing a sin. The Devil tempted Jesus at a time of great weariness and physical need when He spent 40 days in the desert without food. Let us not judge ourselves harshly when we feel tempted toward ungodliness. Only when we act upon it do we cross the line into sin. The Lord knows exactly how to rescue us in times of temptation. How good are you at responding to His direction?

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, thank you that You know how to rescue us when we are tempted.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, You know exactly how to rescue us in times of temptation. Thank You for always making a way out for us as we look to You in those moments of weakness. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Matthew 12:1-21

 

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A MOMENT OF WEAKNESS

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“One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful.”           2 Samuel 11:2 NIV

 

Scripture is filled with descriptions of men and women who sinned in moments of weakness. The first of these true stories is Adam and Eve. 1 Corinthians 10:11 says these stories are given for our instruction. God wants us to learn from the mistakes of others. King David’s idleness caused his mind to contemplate adultery with Bathsheba. Weariness led Elijah to view death as preferable to life. Genesis 3:6 indicates pride may have played a part in Eve listening to the serpent. Lust may have prompted Solomon to desire many wives, including unbelieving ones. Add to these a sense of spiritual or emotional neediness and emptiness, and we have at least six situations that are fertile ground for temptation. In some biblical examples, temptation was resisted. But in others, the individuals gave in. We can all identify. The many different types of temptation follow a similar pattern. The eye looks, the mind desires, and the will acts. King David looked at Uriah’s wife and inquired about her. Then, he acted. Joshua 7:20-21 tells the story of Achan. He helped in the Jericho conquest and noticed all the material wealth. Then, he coveted it in his mind and took what he wanted. Regardless of the reason for vulnerability, we are all responsible for our actions. In times of weakness, let us not become too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. Most importantly, let us fix our attention on the Lord. Draw strength from Him and experience victory over temptation.

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, as we draw strength from You, we have victory over temptation.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Thank You, Lord, as we look to You for strength, we will have victory over the temptations we face. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Matthew 11:20-30

 

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