Spiritual Character

DAILY VERSE

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

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DEVOTION

Man, I’ve made plans and had ideas of how my life would go, but the Lord seems to have other plans. Don’t get me wrong, He has blessed me in many ways. He’s answered many prayers and helped me accomplish many of the things I’ve set out to do. But there have also been seasons where I’ve had the rug pulled out from under my feet. Those times are tough. You can feel punished. But in the end, I have found, that those have been times to grow in my faith. Your spiritual character comes from spending time in the choppy waters, reaching out for God’s hand, and landing safely back on the beach.

Believe…

DAILY VERSE

I will go before you, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of bronze, and cut asunder the bars of iron

Isaiah 45:2

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DEVOTION

When we place our trust in God to do amazing things in our lives, our hope becomes more tangible. Because, as followers of Jesus, we fully believe He can do all things. He will allow all things to work together for our good. Believe. Trust that He will make a way, that He will break down the obstacles that have been hindering progress.

Flowing Streams of Abundance.

DAILY VERSE

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

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DEVOTION

Has God put something on your heart? Have you felt that He has something great He’s placed in your path? Show no fear as you move forward toward the goal that the Almighty has set for you. Don’t be afraid of the hurdles, for He will provide a path around them. God’s motives are good, allow Him to lead you into the flowing streams of abundance. 

Stand Firm!

DAILY VERSE

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:1

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DEVOTION

Jesus Christ, through his sacrifice on the cross, shattered the chains of sin and death. But how many times do we go back and re-shackle ourselves? The hardest thing to fathom about our faith is that, though we may sin, sin does not define who we are. We are God’s loved children, our residence is in heaven. Next time you are tempted to feel the cold steel of sin’s shackles cuff your wrists, remember who you are and have the faith to stand firm!

You Are…

DAILY VERSE

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:1

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DEVOTION

You were never a saved sinner. You are a saint, who messes up. If you see yourself as a saved sinner, you will always believe you are a disappointment to the Father. Choose to truly accept the free gift Jesus has offered by making a difference. You are new. You are righteous. You are already forgiven. You are His beloved.

His Love is BIGGER!

DAILY VERSE

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

Romans 8:35

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DEVOTION

“God could never forgive my failures.” “God couldn’t continue to love me through my sinfulness.” “It’s no use pressing on…”

These are the lies the enemy wants you to believe.

God’s love is BIGGER than any fall or failure! His Son’s sacrifice covered you once and for all time. Your belief puts a mediator in your place, the One who paid your debt. Don’t believe the lies of the enemy, stand firm in the love that has saved you. 

Admit Your Faults

 

DAILY VERSE

Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?

Romans 7:24

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DEVOTION

Growing up, I had a different view of what following Jesus looked like. I thought our pastor basically walked on water. I thought how lucky he must be not to struggle with sin. I assume that, back in the day, it wasn’t manly to admit your faults and failures. But even Paul, who was responsible for so much of the New Testament writings, was subjected to sin. It’s refreshing that so many pastors today give us a much more realistic view of what following Jesus looks like. Admit your faults, confess your sin, and move on towards glory!

Are You a Good Leader?

DAILY VERSE

Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

John 13:5

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DEVOTION

There’s a saying that goes like this, “If you want to know if you’re a good leader, turn around and see how many are following you.” That’s a flawed view for those of us who follow Jesus. Yes, he had followers, but as he said on many occasions, He was here to “serve”. To be a good leader, you should be “following” the example, Jesus. Serve those around you!

We Have an Obligation

DAILY VERSE

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God…

Romans 8:16

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DEVOTION

Believing that each person receives the sustaining breath of the Almighty to carry them through from birth to death, it’s no wonder so many feel empty when their pursuits run counter to God’s will. It’s no wonder then that we see so much heartache in this world. We have an obligation to shine a light on the darkness, proclaiming the Good News to all, that they may be saved from destruction.

Take His Hand

DAILY VERSE

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

Matthew 14:27

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DEVOTION

When I was young one of our favorite summer activities was going to the high school pool to swim. It was opened to the public for a small fee. As kids, you’re always challenging each other. Here, the challenge was the 12-foot high dive. A flexible board that felt much like walking the plank. Even worse for your self esteem, turning around and chickening out.

In life we face these same tests of courage, but on a much greater scale. Will we take the challenge and come through triumphant, or will we slink back into the shallow end of the pool with our heads hung low. Jesus is there with His hand extended saying, “Take courage, I am with you.” Step out of the boat and take His hand!