“Honor widows who are really widows.”(1 Timothy 5:3)
Throughout the Bible we are called upon to honor those around us. In Exodus we are called to honor our mother and father. In the book of Leviticus, God calls us to honor the elderly. Into the New Testament we are commanded to honor our spiritual leaders as well as widows. To honor someone is to place them in a high place, to see them as important. In short, to honor someone is to place more significance on them than on ourselves.
“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;” (Romans 12:10)
What if we all lived lives dedicated to honoring one another? The battles over minor differences would disappear as we seek out the best interest of the other person. The fight to be noticed or to gain power would be erased from even the church as we rejoice with those around us rather than see them as enemies or competition. This is exactly what Jesus did. In Philippians chapter 2 we see an image of Jesus stepping out of heaven for us. While we are not worthy of anything, He left His throne so that we could be forgiven. If we live as our Savior did, a servant to others, we will honor each other and the world will never be the same.
“To honor someone is to place a value upon them that supercedes the focus on ‘self’.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Today I thank You for the love and grace that You have shown me. Help me to show the same love and grace towards those around me. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can honor them. Whether it’s through kind words, generous gifts or diligent work; give me the strength to live like Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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“For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)
In the beginning God spoke into the darkness and created the light. This light was the beginning of a new world. Like our world, we all begin in darkness because of our sinful nature. As the holidays are approaching we need to remember to have an attitude greatfulness and thanksgiving and truly be excited because the Light of God himself has come into our darkness. Two thousand years ago in a stable in Bethlehem, Jesus Christ came in the form of man. He, who had created light in the beginning of time, was now on our earth as a light to men.
What great news! The Lord of all creation has come to bring light and life to men. As we give our lives to Jesus, He speaks into our lives and light bursts forth in brilliant beams. This light transforms us from the inside and we are made new. As you celebrate with family and friends this upcoming season, look at all the lights around you and remember ‘The Light’ of the world. As you do that, remember that He has come to make us lights to this world as well. What an honor, to be given the Light of God to share with others who are in darkness. Surely, this is what the holiday season is all about.
“Shine as bright lights that illuminate the darkness.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the light given to men through Your Son, Jesus. Father, forgive me of my sins and fill me with Your light so that I may share You with this dark world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)
“Were you born in a barn?” Usally told to us as children because we didnt shut the door. That question was usually asked to question not only someone’s family, but their upbringing, their heritage. It’s a question of guilt, a painful question. But the question really leads us to, literally to Greatest Story ever told–a story of the world’s one and only perfect leader who entered the world amidst power hungry political leaders, a corrupt government system and a religious group of people. Not just a king, but the King of kings, who left His throne with singing angels, who left Heaven, light, love and glory to be born in a manger, a barn.
“Our Savior, our King of Kings, Our Jesus, was born in a barn.”
If Jesus came to earth with nothing so that we could have everything, wouldn’t it make sense to follow Him? If Jesus is truly God in the flesh, shouldn’t we be willing to give our everything for Him? Jesus was not born in a manger so that we would have a reason to go to church a couple times a year. Jesus was born in a manger to show us that God is with us. This same Jesus would later die on the cross so that we could have eternal life. This same Jesus also calls us to deny ourselves and follow Him. He is not simply interested in changing our holiday routine; He desires to radically change our life. Are you ready?
“Jesus came not to change your schedule or to change one day a year. He came to change your life.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ. He came in poverty so that I could relate to Him. He lived a perfect life because I am not able to, and He died on the cross so that I could be forgiven. Help me to remember all these things this Christmas. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can share the good news of Your coming with everyone I meet! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:10-11)
Gold, frankincense, and myrrh…these were the first Christmas gifts ever. These three things were precious and valuable. But more precious to God were the three people who fell in worship of Him.
Growning up for me was very lonely, I didnt have any family other then my parents, I didnt have siblings to play with either. My father didn’t enjoy being around people so even having friends over was very scarce.
It wasn’t until I had my own family and children before I started trying to enjoy Christmas. I do have fond memories raising my children with trees, carols, wreaths, lights, feasting and the joy of family and friends gathered together. However I didnt really understand what Christmas was all about. I only understood the secular view…Santa Clause and television shows and commercials teaching children greed and selfish gain.
My parent’s never discussed Jesus when I was a child, mostly because neither of them knew Him themselves. It was not until I endured a life changing tragedy, and only at that time did I come to know Jesus personally.
I do understand Christmas now, its not what the world teaches. Its not all about gifts and trees with lights. Its not even about my desires or wants. Its a celebration of Jesus birth.
God wants us to enjoy this season and He wants to bless us with good things, including His GRACE – God’s – Riches At Christ’s Expense.
Do you know what God desires? His desire is for your heart. Christmas is an opportunity. Not an opportunity for selfish gain, but an opportunity to give God the gift He desires. Maybe you gave your heart to Jesus years ago and have wandered away. Maybe you’ve never given your heart to God at all.
As we celebrate Jesus giving Himself to us, won’t you take the opportunity to give yourself to Jesus?
“You are precious to God.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me so much. Thank You that You would leave heaven to come, suffer and die for me. You are such a precious gift. I have neglected the gift that You gave and I am sorry. Lord, I have been blessed by You. Thank You for Your incredible plan for my salvation. I give all of my life to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)
The Lord wants to reveal Himself to people, His goodness to people that don’t know Him. Unless God reveals Himself to someone, they won’t get it. The fact that we get it is not because we are so wise but because God has shown us. He opens our hearts to His Word, and it’s His gift by grace through faith and not by our own works.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
The world tries to separate man from God. When modern man tries to explain God from worldly perspectives, it ends up in a foolish mess. The cross is foolishness to those who don’t understand. People cannot “get it” until God reveals it to them. Does this mean we should quit sharing and just let people figure it out themselves? Of course not! Our calling is to share and leave the rest up to God.
If your motivation in sharing the Gospel is to have people accept Jesus, then you will become discouraged. If your motivation is obedience to God, then when someone accepts Jesus, you get to revel in the joy of obedience. It’s an obedience issue and not a quota to be met. When God shows up, things happen! Share with expectation and know that whether someone accepts Jesus or not, you are a faithful steward of the love of Christ.
“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” (Romans 10:14)
“God wants us to reveal His goodness to people that don’t know.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You that in Your vastness as Creator of the Heavens and earth, You desire to know me. You call me to share with others. Lord, give me the mind of Christ so that I may see You and myself more clearly than I ever have. In Your grace and mercy, I am comforted to know that You have offered me forgiveness. Empower me the with a passion to tell others about You so I can reveal Your glory. In Jesus name, Amen.
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The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; so he shall open, and no one shall shut; and he shall shut, and no one shall open.” (Isaiah 22.22)
Our Lord Jesus, is the One who can open doors for us and also close doors for us. What a comfort to know this. Many times I come to a place of prayer, and I don’t know what to do, what decision to make? I pray this prayer.
“Heavenly Father, You said that You would open doors for me and also close doors for me. I have this decision to make, and I’m not sure what to do, but my trust is in You. I am believing that you will open this door if it’s Your will, and also shut this door if it’s not Your will. I thank you for this in Jesus Name”.
In a prayer like this, we put our complete trust in the will of God, which is always the best. Now, in saying that, we have to accept what God knows is best for us, and that might not always be what we want. We might want what we just prayed about, but God knows the future and He only wants what He knows will be a blessing for you. It’s not always easy, that’s for sure, but if we could see into the future and see what our loving Father sees, then we would want His will.
The Bible says in (Psalm 37:23) “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way”. God has my back. In fact, I want Him to have all of me. So today, trust Him, as Lord and King of your life, and place yourself into His care and trust. Then, watch your steps line up with His good will for your life.”
“When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which God has opened for us.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank You that my steps are ordered by You, and that You Lord will open the good doors for me and shut the bad ones. I trust You and am so greatful for all that You do in my life. I Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
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“Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town.There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich.He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. (Luke 19:1-2)
According to the world’s standards for evaluating worth, Zacchaeus was a failure. He was extremely short; he was disliked by everyone because he was a tax collector; and he even hated himself.
He was not proud of what he had achieved in life because he knew he had cheated people to get where he was. He was powerful and had a lot of money, but he absolutely had no friends and was incredibly lonely.
But one day Zacchaeus’ life was completely changed because Jesus walked by and wanted to spend time with him, he realized how much he mattered to God.
When Zacchaeus learned that Jesus was coming to town, he wanted to see him, but he was too short to get a glimpse above the crowd.
“So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way. When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”” (Luke 19:3-5)
That very moment when Jesus looked up and noticed Zacchaeus. Can you imagine how Zacchaeus’ felt? Did his heart start pounding, did he experiance butterflies deep in his stomach? Jesus was looking right at him, a small, despised, insignificant man.
Why did Jesus stop at that tree and look at him? Because He knew that’s exactly where Zacchaeus was.
God knows exactly where you are too. He knew where you were a week ago and he knows where you now and even where you will be tomorrow. You may feel like you’re stuck in a tree right now in your life. God knows where you are. You may feel like you’re out on a limb, Jesus knows. You may feel all alone, but Jesus stops and notices. You are not forgotten, you are not alone.
No tear has ever been hidden from Him. No hurtful word said to you has ever passed that he missed. No abuse has ever occurred that he didn’t see and grieve with you. He sees it all.
“What is the price of five sparrows, two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them.And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” (Luke 12:6-7)
The greatest gift of love anyone can ever receive is attention. When you give people your time, you give them your life. When you pay attention to someone and look them in the eye, you are saying, “You matter to me. You are valuable.”
There is never a moment, never a second in your life that God is not paying attention to you. He notices you 24 hours a day because he loves you; you are valuable to him.
Don’t forget to call your loved ones this Thanksgiving holiday and spend some time and let them know they matter to you. Make amends to the ones you may need to, and brighten the day of someone that wouldn’t expect you to call. Let them know that they matter and you still care.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the always noticing me no matter how insignificant I may feel in the world, how lonely I may be because family doesnt call or how screwed up I may get. Today I come to You with nothing but empty hands and a heart that desires more of You. Please Lord, take my life and do with it as you please. I trust You and desire to glorify Your name in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Invitation:
If you are reading these devotions and are not a follower of Jesus Christ, please be aware that these seeds of scripture are being sown in your heart right now… I am praying that they start to take root in your heart and you come to know personally the greatest truth you will ever hear.. Jesus Christ died on a cross for you. He loves you and He cares for you. When you call His name and ask for His help, He will set you free.. Click Here if you would like to learn more about Gods salvation, or ask Him into your heart.
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“Their arrogance testifies against them, yet they don’t return to the LORD their God or even try to find him.” (Hosea 7:30)
In the book of Hosea, the people of Israel find themselves in a frightening spot. God has given them over to their enemies, yet they continue to sin. They are weary, heartbroken and homesick, yet they refuse to look to God. Like a loving father who watches his child continue to hurt themselves, God desires to step into the scene and heal them. He desires to bring them hope, freedom, prosperity and peace.
While the situation may be different for each of us, the reality is the same. We all have moments in life where we feel beat up and knocked down. Our marriage is struggling, our job is on the line, we’re concerned about our health; all these things come at us and we have a choice to make. Will we look to God or will we look to ourselves or the world for answers. Of course, the even greater picture is in regards to our salvation. Each of us stands before God guilty because of the bad things we have done, we now have a choice. Do we admit guilt and ask for mercy, or do we deny guilt and run from the very One who desires to forgive us? All of us have a choice… choose wisely.
“God desires to forgive us, but we must come to Him first.”
Prayer;
Heavenly Father, I know that I am a sinner and in need of Your grace. I also know that without You my life would simply fall to pieces. Help me to trust in You during the hard times and celebrate that I have been saved by Your grace through Jesus. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can share this Good News with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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“Then Peter said, Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them walking, leaping, and praising God. (Acts 3:6-8)
Many times we try to give what we think others might need, but as we see in this story, Peter didn’t have any money on him, he had something better. He had the power of the Name of Jesus, and with that Name he was able to see a miracle happen.
So don’t always look for what you don’t have, look for what you do have. What’s that in your hand? You might say, well I don’t have a hundred dollars to give to the work of my church, but God will always say “what do you have?” If you’ve got five and you’re willing to give that with a cheerful heart, God sees it just like it was a hundred.
You might say, well I don’t have the time to help in the children or teen ministry. Yet maybe you can help on special events or once and a while. “Give What You Have” and give it from your heart. God our Father doesn’t look at the outside, He looks at the heart.
Do you remember the poor widow who gave the two pennies? She had so little but Jesus said she gave so much. Many try to say, so all I have to do is give a little like that poor widow did? Well, no! The scripture said she gave all that she had. So what do you have today? Give that and watch God give you such an increase that it will just amaze you.
“The only things we can keep are the things we freely give to God.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Today, I give what I have and I give it from my heart. You were never looking for us to give what we don’t have, just to give what we do have. I have learned that as I give (not out of obligation, but wanting to give) more of my time, my talents, and my treasure, You God, always reward me with blessings much greater than what I freely gave to further Your Kingdom. You always amaze me Lord. Thank You for teaching me to give in this way.. In Jesus’ precious and glorious name, Amen.
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“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” (Isaiah 1:19-20)
Ancient Hebrew poetry often comes with parallel statements, “If and Then” and these two are pretty straightforward. Breaking down the verses in Isaiah 1:19-20, If you are willing and obedient toward God, then you will get the best. But if you resist Him and rebel, then you will be devoured by the sword. Being willing isn’t enough. Being obedient isn’t enough. We have to be both willing and obedient. Have you ever been obedient, but you haven’t been very willing? Or you may have been outwardly obedient, but inwardly your heels were dug in and you were grinding your teeth. The opposite of willingness and obedience is resistance and rebellion, and that is not a good place to be. We can be passive and rebellious or even compliant and rebellious, but being “devoured by the sword” is surely an outcome to be avoided.
“We have authority over our will, so let’s choose to be willing and obedient.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I am sorry for the times I have been disinterested in Your plans and purposes for me. I ask forgiveness for the times I have turned my back on You and chosen my own way. I acknowledge today that You are Lord of all that I am and all that I have, the Sovereign God who will lead me on a path of Kingdom service and blessing if I will allow You. Give me a willing and obedient heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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