Jesus went into the Temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the stools of those who sold pigeons.
Matthew 21:12
DEVOTION
I think many people forget that Jesus was probably not in the the least bit, politically correct. He continually called out the Pharisees on their hypocrisy, mocking them in a way that forced them to look in the mirror.
As Christians, we’re not called to be meek and mild when it comes to our faith, we’re called to stand firm in it. We’re called to “have an answer”. We’re called to stand for justice and what is right.
Jesus was anything but a “pushover”. We should follow His lead.
Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”
Luke 10:16
DEVOTION
I read a story yesterday that troubled me. It was about a popular Christian singer renouncing his faith. His reason; with all of the evil things going on in this world, he couldn’t reconcile how God could allow these things to happen.
It’s IMPORTANT for pastors to teach the Old Testament as well as the New. It’s important that they teach about Hell being real and that Satan exists, that he has dominion in the world.
Belief in Jesus Christ gives us salvation! It does not, however, form a heavenly force-field around us. As nice as that would be, we have to learn how to face adversity on our knees and cultivate our faith along the way.
God is good! Anything negative, bad, or condemning comes from Satan. Our free will is what curses us to battle against our flesh every day. God will help and guide us, but there will be times where we will go through challenging seasons. It may be God strengthening our faith for a divine appointment, or it may be Satan attempting to test us. Either way, God will NEVER leave or forsake us.
People often wonder why God had Israel slaughter whole village as they traveled to enter the Promised Land. Remember Noah and the Ark? After God wiped out all but one family, He promised not to do it again. That being said, there were still people worshiping idols and practicing horrific rituals. These are the people God had Israel remove so His people wouldn’t be tempted into sinning.
God is good. Never forget that! He will always work for your good. He will always be your source of mercy and grace.
“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done”
Luke 22:42
DEVOTION
Going through trials is never easy. What’s harder yet, is relinquishing control and praying that God’s will is worked out, even when it’s completely opposite to how you envisioned your trials ending.
We never know, going in, how God will work things out. Fully letting go of the outcome shows we have faith that however things work out, you trust that God’s way will always produce the most good.
Whatever you’re going through, release it to God and pray His will is done!
Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
John 17:3
DEVOTION
Our prayer life is important. It fulfills the desire of God to cultivate a relationship with us and gives the opportunity to discover who He is. Through our prayers, we access the true spiritual power of God.
The enemy attacks the prayer life of individual believers because he doesn’t want us to have access to God’s supernatural power and grace.
Pray without ceasing and access that power and grace God wants to lavish you with!
But when you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you.
Matthew 6:6
DEVOTION
I’ve heard many people refer to their “prayer closet”, I place where they go to pray in the morning where they feel close to God.
God is always present and always accessible, but there’s something more intimate about having a “specific place” to pray. It’s a place where God will meet you and hear you. It’s what He desires.
Find a place in your home where you can meet with God daily.
So remember your Creator while you are still young, before those dismal days and years come when you will say, “I don’t enjoy life.”
Ecclesiastes 12:1
DEVOTION
Life flies by. We marvel at the birth of our children and before we know it, they’ve graduated college and have a family of their own.
God created us to serve Him and serve others. To be “in” the world, but not “of” it. It’s a daily struggle to keep the fire of faith lit. But if we’re to add a single soul to God’s kingdom, we have to press forward.
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?
Psalms 13:1-2
DEVOTION
There’s a natural tendency to think that God has left you out in the cold when you’re going through trying circumstances. That’s far from true! He’s right there next to you as your anguish grows.
One of the hardest things for me during the prolonged trials my family has been going through, is isolation. Not wanting to be a black cloud, I haven’t been as social as I used to be. Then there are those friends who’ve have fallen away for whatever reason. It’s brutal.
But God has been there through it all. Small milestones; work for my wife, friends we haven’t spoken to in a long time calling, going back to school and getting a degree, things that let you know that Jesus has been going through this with us the whole time.
Don’t give in and don’t think that God has left the building! He loves you too much to abandon you! He will never leave or forsake you!
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.”
Matthew 5:13
DEVOTION
There are times where each of us have truly been on fire for Jesus. Scripture reading is a priority, we’re eager to share our faith, we want to be involved in kingdom building activities. Then there are times when we feel defeated due to circumstances that have impacted our lives or we have simply lost the stamina required to move forward in our faith.
No matter what, we have to call out to God, get back into His Word, and get back into the game! Each of us has a role to play in the church. We are all important and have been uniquely equipped to serve.
Know that God loves you to a degree you can never experience here on Earth. You are precious in His sight, and He’s eager to see you succeed!
For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up…
Psalm 75:6
DEVOTION
If God has you waiting for something, He has good reason. Not knowing the future, we can easily get frustrated. But know this, if God has you in a holding-pattern, there’s good reason for it!
If God’s desire for you is the best outcome possible, don’t forfeit the opportunity by refusing to wait on His timing.
Be sure that the book of the Law is always read in your worship. Study it day and night, and make sure that you obey everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Joshua 1:8
DEVOTION
God should be in the center of all that you do; your marriage, your friendships, your finances, and your business. To prosper in all of these areas, you must involve God in all of your decisions.
Even when it may not make sense, follow God’s lead. When God gave Joshua instructions to march his army around the walls of Jericho, crazy as it seemed, God came through as the walls fell down.
Let God be your guide. Follow His lead and you will certainly be fruitful in your efforts.
Daily Dose 