Category Archives: Devotion

THE PROMISE Part 2

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“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.”             Genesis 12:2 NIV

 

The Lord offers Abraham and us the choicest of all: “I will make you a blessing.” This is the privilege of being used to bless others, the joy of a fruitful life. There is nothing more wonderful than that. It has been my privilege on a few occasions to have our Lord use my life in a way that has opened and blessed the hearts of others, and I tell you there is no other joy like it on earth. It is the most thrilling experience to feel that our Lord has used us. The words we have spoken, the things we have said and done. This is what our Lord offers to us who believe in Him. But there is yet a third part: “I will bless those who bless you and him who curses you I will curse, for by you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” This is about identification with the Lord. It is what every parent thinks of their children: “I will bless those who bless him, and those who curse him I will curse.” Our children are the apple of our eye, and whatever touches them touches us. John writes, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 NIV). We will be identified with Jesus Christ in the eyes of the world. Everywhere we go, we will be either a blessing or a curse, but no one will ignore us. When our lives are vitally in touch with Jesus, we will have the effect He has when He touches a human life.

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord Jesus, touch the lives of others through our life with You.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord Jesus, as we are vitally connected with Your life through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, touch and bless the lives of others, as You have with our own lives. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Luke 6:27-31

 

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THE PROMISE Part 1

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“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you.”         Genesis 12:2 NIV

 

The first promise, that God would make of Abram a great nation, was literally fulfilled in Israel. But what does it symbolize spiritually, to us? What is a nation? In our modern times, a nation may be made up of a thousand strains from many different family groups, all living together in a heterogeneous society. In the Bible, every nation begins with a man; then there is the family, and as the family grows and expands, there is finally the nation. This promise comes to us in the abundant, eternal life offered by the Lord Jesus. The promise of the gospel. “The wages of sin is death,” that is the old country of Ur, “but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord,” (Romans 6:23 RSV). What happens when we obey the command to leave? “I will give you the fullness of life, eternal life,” says the Lord. “I will make of you a great nation. I will make your life one of constant expansion and enlargement. Your life will take on universal proportions.” The second promise, “I will bless you and make your name great so that you will be a blessing,” meant several specific things to Abram. It meant he would have riches, he would find honour, and he would be a blessing to others. He would be influential and effective. This is exactly what our Lord is offering us today. He never commits Himself to make us wealthy, but He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:4) so we will be a blessing to others.

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, as You blessed Abraham, You have blessed us in Christ Jesus.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, as You have blessed Abraham, You blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus, our Lord, so we can be a blessing to others. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

2 Samuel 9:1-7

 

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THE COMMAND Part 2

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The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.”           Genesis 12:1 NIV

 

Abram heard the call of the Lord, which came as a command. When we hear the call of the Lord, it also comes as a command to leave our way of living. We may have grown tired of the land of Ur, for it is a land of darkness, of weariness of soul, of spiritual hunger and death. Yet when the call of the Lord comes to us, there is much that seems desirable in the old life. We hesitate to leave, feeling the pull of the old life is upon us. Undoubtedly, Abram felt this hesitancy. The land to which he was called was unknown. It could not be known until it was experienced. But he could not deny the reality of the call of the Lord, and he could not evade the clear command: “Go from your country and your family and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” Have you heard this command of the Lord in your own life? Have you heard the Living Lord, the Lord of glory, say to you, “You must no longer depend upon what you have been depending on – the opinions, the attitudes, the philosophy in which you have been reared. You are called to learn to accept the truth reflected in the Word of God, though it cuts right across the philosophy of this world. Leave your father’s house, that is, dependence upon yourself.” It is a simple but vital decision. We cannot stay in Ur and go to the land at the same time.

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, help us to let go of our old way of life and move to the new life You offer.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, as we hear Your call to leave our old way of living, help us to leave and move forward to the new life You offer us. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

2 Corinthians 9:1-7

 

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THE COMMAND Part 1

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The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.”            Genesis 12:1 NIV

 

Abram was commanded to do three things; leave his country, his family, and his father’s house. This is exactly the command that comes to every person who hears the call of the gospel today. We are called to leave our country, the place where we have been living, our residence since birth. That is not, of course, our physical residence, but rather the old life with all its ambitions, its loyalties, its worship of money and fame and power, its imagined independence which is really slavery! All that we have been by nature since birth. Abram was also told to leave his relatives. In the spiritual sense these are the moral forces that shape our lives. The opinions of others, pressures from family and friends, the attitudes of our employers and others around us. When the Lord confronts us with His call, these are not to count any longer. We are not to consider what others think but rather be concerned about what the Lord thinks. The third thing Abram was to leave was his father’s house. Our father, in this sense, is Adam, the father of us all. What theologians call our “Adamic nature” is the father’s house in which we all live. We are called to leave this, no longer put any dependence upon our looks, talents, or any of our normal resources, but to begin to walk in dependence upon the Lord, who can do through us that which we cannot do ourselves.

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, as Abraham obeyed Your command, help us to do the same.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord as Abraham obeyed Your command to leave, through the indwelling power and ministry of Your Holy Spirit, help us to do the same. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Colossians 1:3-12

 

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THE BEGINNING OF FAITH

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“Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, the wife of his son Abram, and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. But when they came to Harran, they settled there.”         Genesis 11:31 NIV

 

We begin a journey of looking into Abraham’s life, where we will find a reflection of our own lives. Discovering the very secrets by which the Holy Spirit intends to transform us from faltering pilgrims to men and women of strong faith. Abraham is first introduced to us in the closing verse of Genesis 11, and the opening verses of Genesis 12. His name was originally Abram, and it was not until years later that it was changed to Abraham. We know from Stephen’s great speech, recorded in Acts 7:1-53, that this call came to Abraham when he lived in Ur of the Chaldees. It was once thought that Ur was a very primitive city. But archaeologists have since discovered that Ur, was a city of great wealth and considerable culture, containing a library and a university. A city devoted to the worship of the Moon Goddess. Stephen declared that the Lord of glory appeared to Abram in Ur. We have no knowledge of the form this appearance took, but the initiative came from the Lord. This is true throughout all human history. He is always seeking us. The Lord suddenly breaks into the life of Abram, as he lived in Ur, worshiping the moon and idols. Here he came face to face with a command and a promise; he was commanded to go, and he was promised a land.

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, as You sought out Abraham, thank You for seeking us out.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, as You sought out Abraham, You are continually seeking us, that we will hear Your call upon our lives, as with Abraham. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

 

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WHAT A NAME!

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“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”            Hebrews 1:3 NIV

 

The name Jesus conveys different things to different people. Depending on the individual, it can mean an historical figure, a good teacher, a prophet, or a curse word. Yet to many throughout the world, that name is synonymous with “Lord and Saviour.” What is it about that name? Why do some respond in praise and worship while others react in profanity and anger? The answer is that Jesus isn’t simply a person; He’s an issue. Our response to who He is determines not only our way of life, but also our eternal destiny. The name of Jesus Christ represents all He is and all He does. Scripture identifies Him as the Son of God, equal to the Father in character and attributes: He is eternal, all-powerful, sovereign, and ever-present. The Bible also says He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things (Colossians 1:16). Jesus came to earth as the God-man for the purpose of saving humanity. Because He lived a perfect life, Christ is the only person in history who is qualified to pay the penalty for someone else’s sin. He secured our forgiveness and offers us the gift of salvation based on faith. One day Christ will sit as humanity’s ultimate, final judge. Those who have accepted His payment for their sins will live with Him forever. Have you chosen to receive Christ’s offer of salvation? If you’ve never made the wise decision to accept His free gift, why not do so now?

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord Jesus Christ, I acknowledge my sin and accept Your salvation.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord Jesus Christ, I acknowledge that I have sinned and receive Your offer of salvation. Accepting Your free gift today of the forgiveness of my sin. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

2 Corinthians 3:7-18

 

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GODLY THINKING

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“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”              Philippians 4:8 NIV

 

At salvation, we were set free from the power of sin and given the ability to think and live as Jesus did. To make that potential a reality requires diligent effort on our part and surrender to the Holy Spirit. After acknowledging a need for changed thinking, our first step is a commitment to pursue godliness. Then we must measure our opinions and choices against God’s Word, regularly asking ourselves, Is my thinking, attitude, or behaviour in line with the character of God and the truths of Scripture? We should take note of what is absorbing our attention. It is not healthy to fill our minds with media reports, Web sites, or television programs that do not reflect God’s values. The apostle Paul gave us a measuring stick to use in deciding what is worthy of our attention: he said to dwell on those things that are true, honourable, and worthy of praise. Finally, we must discipline our mind to reject ungodly thought patterns. Those who battle addictions can testify about the mind’s power to overcome good intentions. Unhealthy, repetitious desires cause us to feel guilty, keep us from connecting with God, and make us a poor witness to others. Through the Holy Spirit’s power, we must learn to reject such thought patterns and embrace what God says. Developing a lifestyle of righteous living begins with what we believe. How closely does your thinking match the Lord’s?

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Holy Spirit, show us when our thinking does not match that of Jesus.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Thank You, Holy Spirit, through Your indwelling presence and power, we can learn to reject all thought patterns that do not reflect Jesus and embrace what God’s Word says. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

2 Corinthians 5:17-21

 

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OUR THOUGHTS

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The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.                 1 Corinthians 2:15,16 NIV

 

God calls us to live holy lives (1 Peter 1:15-16). This requires both the Holy Spirit’s help and our cooperation. We should begin with our thought life because our actions are based upon what we believe. The first step is to acknowledge that our thoughts need changing. Selfishness, jealousy, and other unrighteous behaviour come from ungodly thinking. Examining ourselves will reveal impure thoughts. Our Father wants these replaced with thinking bent toward forgiveness and kindness. This will happen as we cooperate with the Holy Spirit in renewing our minds (Romans 12:2). Next, we make a commitment to the Lord that we will pursue godliness. This promise is much more than a New Year’s resolution. It encompasses our entire being and is expressed as a desire to love God with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). It means dedicating ourselves to become like our Saviour. Daily time in His Word will keep our resolve strong. Through Scripture, the Holy Spirit will transform our minds and strengthen our inner being to bring about any needed changes. If we neglect Bible study, we leave ourselves open to the influence of the world and our “flesh,” neither of which cares about godliness. Becoming holy is a lifelong process that requires understanding of God’s ways, plans, and priorities, and adopting them as our own. It means letting the Holy Spirit develop within us the mind of Christ.

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Holy Spirit, develop the mind of Jesus within us.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, becoming holy is a lifelong process that requires understanding of Your ways, plans, and priorities, and adopting them as our own. Holy Spirit develop within us the mind of Christ. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Ephesians 2:4-10

 

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HIS WAYS

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“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.          Isaiah 55:8 NIV

 

Looking at difficulties from a human perspective can make us panic. It may be ill health, a financial crisis, or a broken relationship that causes our hearts to tremble. But God calls us to view life with eyes of faith. To live in this way means believing that through Jesus Christ, God will meet all of our needs, including love, security, and acceptance (Philippians 4:19). Divine love for us was demonstrated at the cross; there, Jesus died for our sins so we might be forgiven and reconciled to the Father. His affection for us is so deep that we can never reach the end of it (Jeremiah 31:3; Ephesians 3:18). Then, because of our position in God’s family, we are eternally secure. We are adopted as children of the heavenly Father, with full rights and privileges of heirs (Romans 8:17). Our adoption is permanent, since it is based on Jesus’ atoning sacrifice (Hebrews 7:27). What’s more, the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit is evidence that the Father has accepted us. His Spirit acts as a seal and guarantee of our position in Christ (Ephesians 1:13). Even though earthly relationships may crumble, our union with the Lord is forever. He keeps every one of His promises, and He will never let us down. When we are convinced that God will provide for us, our approach to life changes. Then, we live not by sight, which tells us to worry, but rather by faith in the One who saved us. Are we walking His ways today?

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, as we walk in Your ways, we are blessed with peace and strength.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, thank You for keeping every one of Your promises, and never letting us down. As we live convinced that You will provide for us, our approach to life changes. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Mark 5:25-34

 

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GIVING NEW LIFE

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“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”        Romans 6:11 NIV

 

“Lord, I have really messed up my life. I wish I could just start over.” Have you ever felt this way? Maybe you are even wondering if life is worth living. Well, I have some bad news and some good news. First, you cannot change your past, it is firmly set in history. However, you can start over, no matter where you are right now. The Holy Spirit specializes in giving new life. All who have believed in Christ and trusted in Him for salvation have His Spirit dwelling within them. New life begins immediately for all who choose to accept His offer of the forgiveness of their sins. There is no more condemnation, and they are set free to begin living for Christ. How easy life would be if that were the only fresh start we’d ever need. But our old sinful tendencies, which the Bible calls “the flesh”, are not removed at salvation. Throughout life, there will be times when we will need to go back and make things right. The Holy Spirit is ever present, empowering us to say no to the flesh and yes to Christ. Stop and consider the strength of the One who lives within you. He has all the power of almighty God, who raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11). Is your situation more difficult than a resurrection? By setting our minds on the things of the Spirit and living under His authority, we can put to death the sinful actions and habits that have made a mess of our lives. The Lord wants to set us free from addicting pleasures and drives that lead only to pain and heartache.

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Holy Spirit, lead us from the mess of our lives to life in Jesus Christ.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

By setting our minds on the things that please You, Holy Spirit, and living under Your authority, we can put to death the sinful actions and habits that have made a mess of our lives. So living the new life You bring into us. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Ephesians 1:3-10

 

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