I Am Your God

Devotion

2-5-10

I Am Your God

Isaiah 41:10

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

And so the battle builds within our country. Daily we hear more news of an ever growing control by our government. Christians are slowly slipping into the trap of confusion as they struggle with knowing who is telling them the truth. Processing the words of our President, his staff and the liberal media, trying to keep one foot in the world and one foot in the church, so consumed with the needs of their families that they feel forced to embrace the lies of the world and before we know it the values and statues that once defined who we are as Christians have all but faded into the darkness of fear.

 

Why do we as a people, a people chosen by God to be His royal children, called to be victorious, live as though we are defeated and hopeless? Why do we embrace worry for our lives more than meditating upon God’s truths that we are over-comers of this world?

Perhaps because we have not believed His word to be our guideline for truth, for life, for every decision in this life we must make. Perhaps somewhere along the journey of our forefathers the value and importance of living our lives to the fullness of God’s laws and promises were set aside and not passed on through the generations. Perhaps we have basked in the sun of beauty and wealth that we have forgotten to bask in the Son of truth and love. Oh there are many of us that really love the Lord and want to be His servants and do His will and yet we realize we still do not understand the fullness of His almighty power within our lives.  I am in awe as I realize that He has promised, PROMISED, that we do not have to be afraid.  Why does He make a promise like this? You look at the world, the sin, the war, the natural disasters, the broken families, the ever growing abuse, hate, murder, terrorism, the loss of values, morals, and Godly principles, and you wonder, God knows all this and what we are facing, how could He think we would have nothing to fear? Why would He tell us this? Because He is God!!! He is the Creator, the Master, the Almighty ruler of heaven and earth. He alone knows the outcome of all that is happening in your life, my life and in the world. That is why He sent His Son to this earth so that all the sin and death of this world could be defeated and truth, love and life would be victorious. All we must do is BELIEVE Him.

 

Listen dear sister and brother, He made you out of love to be His for eternity. He has placed each one of us where we are, in the midst of the lives within our circle of influence for His particular purpose to fulfill His grand design and to be His army of truth and love in a world that embraces and lives in darkness.  Do not fear; He is with us. He is our strength, our hope, our love, and our Lord who is leading the way to victory. His righteous right hand is holding us so tightly that no one and nothing can ever take us away from Him. We can have the confidence that no matter what happens in this world or within our own personal lives that we will overcome.  All He wants for us to do is to go forth sharing His love and enlisting souls to join with us as His army of Truth. Together we will stand for Christ and enjoy a sweet victory given to us by the One who says, “Fear not I am your God.

I Will!

Devotion

2-4-10

I Will

Isaiah 41:10

“Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you; surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

 

“Why is He letting this happen to me?” Sandy cried out to her mom. “Why are so many things going wrong? All I wanted to do was finish up the work that needed to be done and get home to my children. But no, the air unit at the house was stolen, the fan stopped working, the phone wire broke outside, and the added cost to fix it all has just put me way over budget. I have fasted and prayed and it just seems to be getting worse.” Sandy’s mom listened carefully as her daughter poured out her heart to her. She could tell she was overwhelmed and feeling defeated but she also knew she had to get her attention to hear the truth of God’s promises for her. “What do you want God to do for you Sandy?” her mom asked. “I want Him to show up and help me. I want Him to make things go better. I just don’t see Him right now.”  “Perhaps you are not looking for Him. You know when it rains and the sun comes out if you look up you will see a rainbow but if you keep your head down, all you will see are the puddles. So what do you want to see?” Sandy didn’t say a word. Silence hung in the air for what seemed like minutes but was only a moment when her mom continued. “Sandy, you are living as if you are defeated. God has great things to show you and to do in and through you but you have your focus on the negative things going on around you and are closing your eyes to see His promises for you. You need to begin this very moment praising the Lord. Not dwelling upon your self-pity. You are fasting and getting no answers because you fast for yourself not for His will. He loves you and has made you promises and you are not claiming them. Even Jesus, when He was temped by Satan call out the Word of God as His weapon to fight the enemy. So you must do the same. Speak His word and watch Him work. Recall when He says ‘Do not fear for I am with you.’ Remember He says that He will help you. He will take what has been meant for evil and turn into good for those who love Him and are called for His purpose. You love Him and you know His word is truth. Now believe it in a way that proves it to Him. Begin to praise Him like Paul and Silas did when they were in prison. Praise Him and listen for His voice reminding You that He is with you.”

 

Sandy took a deep breath with a sigh of relief as she bowed her head to pray a prayer of praise. Then as if God whispered to her heart she heard, “Sandy, I WILL help you, I WILL strengthen you, I WILL hold you up in My righteous right hand. I don’t say I might, I am saying, I WILL!

Guard Your Heart and Mind

Devotion

2-3-10

Guard Your Heart and Mind

Philippians 4:6-7

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

 

A sudden quiet had come over the room as Janice and John sat staring at a blank TV. Something had upset John and he refused to talk about it. What was eating at his heart and mind? Why had their evening together suddenly taken a turn for the worse? Janice fought back the tears as John’s silence cut into her heart like a knife. How would she ask him what was wrong and if she did ask would he even reply?  Her thoughts twirled around in her mind but no words came from her lips. John just sat in his recliner, twitching his jaws and staring into space. “What happened? Did I say something?” Janice thought to herself. Then she began to replay the evening to see if she could figure out what had sparked her husband’s sudden silence.

 

“Let’s see”, she began, “when John came home from work he was in a great mood. He even came into the kitchen while I was cooking and gave me a gentle kiss on the neck. We ate, talked, he smiled, and everything seemed just fine. Hum? Lets see, after dinner we went for a walk and admired the beautiful sunset and we noticed a house for sale. We took one of the flyers and I was in awe of how beautiful it was and joked that the price was a bit too beautiful for us to even consider. Then as we walked through the door the phone was ringing and it was Sally telling me all about the amazing trip she and her husband would be taking next spring. I laughed and joked about how awesome it would be if John and I could go with them and have a grand adventure together. I didn’t talk long so he couldn’t be mad that I was on the phone all evening while he was home. Ok, next… really all that is left is we sat down to watch a movie together. It was one we both wanted to see, we even enjoyed the commercials. In fact it was after that last commercial that he suddenly reached for the remote, turned off the TV and just got quiet.”

 

Janice ran the evening over and over in her mind trying to figure it all out. After what seemed to be an hour of silence Janice looked over at her husband and saw a tear slowing forming in his eye. Her heart was breaking. She could stay silent no more. “John, sweetheart, what is wrong? Did I do something to upset you? Why did you suddenly become quiet?” She could see the lump in his throat as he began to open his mouth as if he was going to say something but couldn’t speak. As she waited she began to say a silent prayer for him. A few moments later these words came from the heart of her husband.  “Janice all evening you have seen beautiful things and I have watched your face light up.  I heard you talking to Sally about her big trip and how you wished we could go too. Then when the commercial came on showing how the man gave an unexpected gift to his girl, I felt like you wanted me to do that too. Janice it broke my heart because I can’t give you all those things.  It makes me feel like a pour provider, like I am not good enough for you. I wish I could. I love you so much.” The tears were now flowing down both of their cheeks. Janice hugged her husband and explained that just because she thought something was beautiful did not mean she wanted it. “I was just joking with Sally, I hate Los Vegas, and I have no desire to go there at all.”  Taking his hands and looking him in the eyes Janice promised never to express false desires to him again. She understood for the first time that her husband carried inside him a deep desire to give her the best. Janice reached up, wiped his tears and softly kissed his lips.

 

In her prayers that night Janice prayed, “Dear Father, I had no idea that my words could bring my husband so much pain. Please forgive me. Help me to guard my husband’s heart from an overwhelming need to give me stuff or to take me on fancy trips. I don’t need all that, I just need him. Please remind me Father, before I speak so that I will be mindful of his feelings and respectful of his needs. In Jesus name, Amen.”

 

As wives/ women it is important for us to be in prayer for our husbands / men. They carry inside them a huge burden to provide for their family and in so many ways they never feel as if they have done a good enough job. They become anxious and worried about how they can do more. Most men however, will never tell you this. A man’s pride will often keep this a hidden desire and yet he will live it out by becoming a workaholic or even to the greater extreme he may stop working all together. Then we misinterpret the “why” they do what they do and become frustrated or angry.

 

 So let’s pray for our men. Pray that their heart’s desire will be to give us NOT the stuff of the world but the stuff of the heart and the spirit. Wouldn’t we all like more romantic times with our men just walking hand in hand or swinging in the park? We all want them to be the spiritual head and to teach our children to love the Lord and respect us. We all want them to listen to us. But if our words are not honest or send a false message of our desires they will close us off. We must guard our hearts and theirs.

 

We can help our men  by understanding their needs and not asking for stuff or talking about what other women have or what their husband’s do for them. They take our words seriously ladies. Besides, when we focus of what others have it blinds our own hearts and we begin to build a wall of silence between those we love that may never be torn down. We must guard our minds.

 

Our men need our respect for their feelings. Honor your husband today with a word of thanksgiving for something he does for you. Let him know he is appreciated for all he does.

He is enough, even if he is lost; he is your gift from God.

 

Pray for him and pray for yourself, that you will both guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

 

Note: For the men reading this devotion, remember that the Lord tells you to love your wives as yourselves, this devotion can apply for you as well.  Now if both, husband and wife, are loving one another the way God designed them to, than can you imagine what kind of loving marriage and incredible bond you would have?  Wow, you are your greatest gifts to each other from God.

 

Celebrate your love! Pray for each other daily! Guard your hearts and minds.

John Chapter 3

My dear beloved sisters and bothers

 

I just wanted to let you know you have not been forgotten today.  Yesterday after coming home from work I sat down on the couch in my den, in front of a nice warm fire, and fell asleep.  I couldn't wake up.  Don't know why I was so tired but I slept till morning and now it is time for me to head to work. I will send your devotion later this evening.

 

In the mean time please read all of John chapter 3 today.  Focus on verses 9-16 with special attention to verse 10.

 

God bless you and have a wonderfully awesome godly day.

 

With His heartbeat

your sister in Christ

Searching For Truth

Devotion

2-2-10

Please bow your head before you begin today and prepare your heart, mind and spirit to receive the truth the Lord wants to share with you today.  When you have finished praying read the story below.

 

Searching for Truth

  In the darkness of the cold hearted hands of rejection, sin was nurtured and grew into the hidden acts of abuse. A broken spirit that cried for help, only found the raw and unfriendly streets of loneliness and hunger. The days and nights lost their definition and slipped into a murky haze of bewilderment for a wondering soul, lost and forgotten by the very people that should have protected and loved him.  Yet, he kept on searching.

 

Fear and hopelessness tossed him around like a ragging river on a cold winter’s night deep in the valley of death. Survival seemed worse than death itself and yet death seemed dark and scary. What would happen to this torn and tattered heart that beat with the blood of bitterness and pain?  What was he searching for?

 

  Many say he just drifted away to nothing and curled up under a cardboard box in a dark alley and fell into a final sleep.  Some say he got into a relationship, had children and then did to them what was done to him.  Others say he ended up in jail for killing a child while drinking and driving and is spending his final days on five different medications and countless therapy sessions to remind him how messed up he is.  But I say he is in heaven walking the streets of gold with the Savior’s arms around him. Why? Because I believe he found what he was searching for.  “…God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us.” Ephesians 2:4

 

  Who is this man?  What really happen to him?  Where is he now?  Did anyone ever love him? Did he ever find hope for his future and peace from his past?  Does he sound like someone you know? Does his life reflect your own life? Are you searching?

 

Nicodemus was searching, even though he came from a life style far different than the man in the story; his searching was just as desperate.  It was desperate because any life that does not have Jesus in it is just like the man in the story.  Their souls are filled with fear and hopelessness and their futures end in destruction. However, Nicodemus’ search leads him to the truth, a truth that could set him free from destruction. The same truth that the man in the story above found and it is this truth you can be sure of as well. 

 

 

Let’s look at John 3:1-8 again today. Read it out loud.

It is true that Nicodemus came to Jesus by night in the cover of darkness, but a fact we must remember is that he DID come to Jesus.  He came searching out the answers to the question that he couldn’t get out of his mind. 

 

 

Take a look at verse 2. What does Nicodemus say to Jesus? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What is Jesus’ reply? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How did Nicodemus respond to Jesus’ statement about being born again? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What do you think Jesus meant by saying you must be born of water and Spirit?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

That’s right, to be born of water is talking about the flesh and to be born of the Spirit is when we receive Jesus as our Savior and His Spirit comes to live within us. 

 

It doesn’t matter what background we come from, what has been done to us or what we have done that may not have been very nice or something we are not proud of, the Lord is still waiting in the quietness of the night to meet with us and to tell us the truth and provide us hope.

 

You may know someone that seems hopeless, wandering in a world of darkness, anger, bitterness and pain.  You may know that if something doesn’t change in their life they will either become the very thing they hate or they will die lost separated from God. 

Just like the man in the story or a man of high authority like Nicodemus, God takes us right where we are in life and shows us His love and hope through the offer of being born again.  Wiping away our sins and giving us a new life as His child.

 

If you have never really understood what it means to be born again, if you have never accepted Jesus as your Savior, don’t let this moment pass without hearing Jesus speak to you.  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.  That whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

 

Jesus changes lives for all those who will seek Him.  He changed Nicodemus and He changed the man in the story.  I know, because the man was my father. He did grow up with bitterness and hate for those who hurt him as a boy.  He did pass his pain on to me through physical, emotional and sexual abuse.  However, two years before he died he met Jesus in the garden, searching for truth and found Him.  Now one day we will meet in the heavenly garden and worship our Lord together.  My dad was born again, his old life was dead and buried, and he received a new life in Christ because he finally went searching for Truth and found Him.

In the Stillness of the Night

Devotion

2-1-10

In the Stillness of the Night

John 3:1-3

 

Jake sat quietly listening to his sister talk about a homeless man who was living in their village.  He was like no other man and seemed to know just the right words to say with each question that was asked of him.  She was full of excitement as she told the story of how she had seen him run into a burning building to save a little girl and how he had taken no praise for it.  She was in awe of his humble and kind demeanor, she was sure he was there to make a difference and she wanted to meet him.  However, this man was also disfigured and bent over.  In fact some people were really afraid of him and wondered why he was always trying to be so nice.  “No one is nice all the time” the people would say, “He must want something, maybe he is hiding out from the law or has an evil story behind the scars on his face.  Stay away from him, he could be dangerous.”  Yet, Sally, Jake’s sister, was not afraid of him or of the curl people in her village.  She was going to meet him and nothing anyone could say would stop her.

 

Later that afternoon Sally set out to find the disfigured man.  She had even baked some cookies to give to him.  She was sure he was kind from all the good things he had done and she wanted to show him some kindness in return. Sure enough she found him sitting under a huge oak tree by the valley stream.  He was eating figs and nuts and just enjoying the beauty of the nature that surrounded him.  Sally gently walked up to him and said, “Sir, would it be ok if I come to sit with you?  I have brought you some cookies.” The man smiled and welcomed her.  They talked for hours as he shared the story of his life with her.  He explained the scares and the reason he wanders from town to town helping others, even if they do not welcome him as a friend.  Sally was in awe as she listened to his gentle calm voice and she knew that this man was someone she could trust with her life. That day he changed her outlook, her value for mankind, and a touch of his kindness and mercy for others seemed to fill her up with hope. 

 

After hearing Sally explain her visit, Jake wondered why the people in the village were so afraid of him.  What didn’t they like about him, his disfigurement or his homelessness? Well whatever it was he was going to find out.  He would go and talk to him himself.  Later that evening, in the stillness of the night, Jake headed out to find the man.  He didn’t want anyone seeing him with the man because he was afraid of what the people would say.  So quietly he slipped out into the cover of darkness. There he was, sitting by a warm campfire looking up into the heavens.  As Jake approached he announced himself. “Sir, it is I, Jake, Sally’s brother and I want to talk to you.” The man welcomed him and they sat for about an hour side by side with the light of fire illuminating their faces. His voice warmed Jake’s heart and the disfigurement of the man’s face had all but disappeared in his eyes.  As he listen to the words the man spoke Jake realized the talk in the village was all wrong, this man was not someone to be feared but someone to embrace.  He returned over and over again to listen to the words of the man, yet always by the cover of darkness in the stillness of the night. Jake liked the man, he wanted to be his friend, but only if no one was watching.  Would Jake ever stop living in fear or would he come to understand that if the man was truly his friend he would be bold enough to welcome him in the light?

Before you begin the Bible study part of this devotion, please take a moment to talk to the Father and lay before Him anything that may be hindering your relationship with Him.  Ask Him for understanding of His word as you study. When you have finished open your Bible to John chapter 3.

 

Read out loud John Chapter 3:1-15

 

 

Does the story of Nicodemus remind you of Jake in our devotion story you just read?

 

 

Now let’s take a closer look at verses 1-3.  Read them again.

 

Who was Nicodemus? ____________________________________________________________

 

When did he come to Jesus? _______________________________________________________

 

Why do you think he came at night? Do you think he was afraid? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

What or who do you think he was afraid of and why? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

What did Nicodemus call Jesus? ___________________________________________________

 

Why did he call him that? _________________________________________________________

 

So really he knew Jesus was from God, he just didn’t really know how yet.  Nevertheless he did hide his meetings with Jesus out of fear.  What about you?  Do you only meet Jesus in the stillness of the night when no one is looking?

 

Do you live your life like you are afraid to speak the name of Jesus in front of others?

 

Are you afraid of losing your job if you talk about Jesus?

 

Are you concerned about what others might think or say if you live sold out to Jesus?

 

Are you afraid you won’t be liked if you tell someone about needing Jesus as their Savior?

 

Are you willing to set the fear aside and meet with Jesus in the light?

 

I hope you have answered these questions honestly, because the Lord knows your truthful answers that lay inside your heart.  Pray and ask God to reveal the truth and then ask Him for the strength and courage to be bold with the name of Jesus.  Come to Jesus in the light and not in the stillness of the night.