tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20777472773773543352011-09-10T07:35:01.054-07:00Weekly DevotionalsActs 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comBlogger741100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-31810152748577858512010-12-19T08:29:00.000-08:002010-12-19T08:29:00.126-08:00

“…Faith without works is dead…” (James 2:20) Faith is one of the many muscles in our walk with the Lord. In order to gain spiritual mass, it must be tested, stretched, torn, and repaired again and again in order to grow continually in our faith with Him. These times of silence, the times when we barely sense the Lord in our lives, the seasons we question His judgment, this is when we are

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-82962868240695315032010-12-05T08:01:00.000-08:002010-12-05T08:01:00.387-08:00

Nowadays, we are so over saturated with commercials and TV programs promoting the lifestyle of the rich and famous. They stir up false needs to splurge lavishly on self-indulgences “because we deserve it” and all the while, close relatives and friends are in need or enduring a personal crisis. It is our Christian duty to perform an act of benevolence and to refresh others when it is within our

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-86245108688961631372010-11-28T08:38:00.000-08:002010-11-29T13:44:41.643-08:00

"'…Can I not do with you as this potter?' says the LORD. 'Look, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand…'" (Jeremiah 1:6) Clay never speaks, it doesn’t complain, it doesn’t move it just waits, trusting in the Potter to do what is perfect in His eyes, allowing the Potter to have His way in its life, giving Him absolute reign of it’s existence. We must not move, nor complain,

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-70282644588421041272010-11-07T08:00:00.000-08:002010-11-29T13:38:16.230-08:00

The example left to us by King Saul is a testimony to a wasted life. Even though, in his life, there was no shortage of being made aware of his disobedience, foolish impetuosity, and rebellion (1 Samuel 13:13; 14:45; 15:19); the one thing he never did was to repent of his sin. Although it’s rare, there’s even several passages where he acknowledged that he had done something wrong (1 Sam. 26:21);

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-36908110373152607652010-10-31T08:34:00.000-07:002010-11-29T13:44:21.196-08:00

Technology is supposed to improve productivity and efficiency, thereby letting us have free time for a better quality of life. However, we’re busier than ever with our insatiable appetite for more; as a result, we become impatient and always in a hurry. Haste makes waste! No time for friends, family, God, prayer or church. We settle for less than God’s best since we don’t have time, wisdom, or

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-39294673698019859772010-10-24T08:32:00.000-07:002010-11-29T13:44:06.183-08:00

It’s easy for us to say we want more of God, but it’s difficult to accept that this requires self-sacrifice. We tend to approach the things of God apprehensively, as if He would burden us with something that is not good. Once we realize God has the best for us, why would we choose anything else? It’s not God who is holding back, it’s our “more of me” attitude, which shows a lack of trust in Him

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-10315533580724432452010-10-03T08:48:00.000-07:002010-10-03T08:48:00.141-07:00

The virtues that the Lord honors and exalts are humility and brokenness before Him. God is in the habit of taking those who have humbled themselves before Him and exalting Himself through their lives. We live in a culture that values strength, but 1 Samuel 2:9 says that “by strength no man shall prevail.” In God’s economy, triumph comes not to the strong, but through surrender to the Lord and

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-63912038600247757202010-09-26T07:00:00.000-07:002010-09-26T07:00:03.731-07:00

Nowadays, dishonesty, lies, fraud, and deceptions are becoming rampant, whereas honesty, integrity, and truth are the exceptions. We know God’s Word is Truth (John 17:17), it is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18), and the devil is the father of lies (John 8:44). Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Jesus (John 14:6). You shall know the truth,

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-11364612245985163262010-09-12T07:43:00.000-07:002010-09-12T07:43:00.867-07:00

“…Be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will NEVER stumble…” (2 Peter 1:10). As believers, we often think that it’s totally impossible to live a perfect life and to some extent that’s true, but the trouble is that we use this as justification to give in to our flesh. The Lord has given countless ways through scripture how to live a perfect and

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-34103758349561496502010-08-29T07:31:00.000-07:002010-08-29T07:31:00.353-07:00

There seem to be inconsequential moments in history. From one day to the next, millions of things will happen that never really appear to alter the course of things. However, as you look down into the microcosm of our lives, surprisingly, little things can herald immeasurable consequences. It’s so important for us to exercise discernment and wisdom. We can’t afford to cater to compromise and

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-91815217329168433042010-08-22T07:29:00.000-07:002010-08-22T07:29:00.656-07:00

Our tendency is to give importance to earthly things rather than to God. We are created to praise, worship, and bring pleasure to Jesus. Instead, we worship and give priority to the created things over the Creator. Since God so loved us that He gave His only Son for us, we are to love our Lord with all our heart, mind, and strength. All that we are and have comes from God and belongs to God.

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-39309507412282424382010-08-15T07:23:00.000-07:002010-08-18T07:25:37.155-07:00

Where there are people, there are problems, but where there are problems, there are solutions. Now, we are all people, but the question is whether we are part of the problem or the solution. A life without Jesus is a problem- a pride problem. Proverbs says that pride comes before destruction. As stated above, where there are problems, there are solutions and Jesus is the answer to this problem:

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-36707621478996941432010-08-08T07:18:00.000-07:002010-08-18T07:42:44.440-07:00

In our world, the list of “who’s who” points to people that are very famous, important, and successful. A lot of times, the person who has the most fame, influence, and reputation, is most sought after and considered most important. God’s love is real and so different, that it seeks out the weak, the foolish, and the base. This helps us to see that God will love anyone and everyone who comes in

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-19591069665343907862010-07-25T07:09:00.000-07:002010-08-18T07:17:59.839-07:00

When Paul saw Christ on the road to Damascus, everything changed for him. He had been excelling in the path of legalism and had earned, through lots of hard work, a name and reputation for himself among his people. I can’t help but to imagine that he spent those three years in Arabia after his revelation (Gal. 1:17) calculating the cost of his conversion to Christ. We read the result of his

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-59816049439055546282010-07-18T07:07:00.000-07:002010-08-18T07:09:33.898-07:00

Why must we remain on earth and continue living after converting from a fleshly life to a Spirit-filled life? The reason is for God’s lifelong sanctification process of perfecting the imperfections and purifying the impurities in our lives. Thereby, we can be Jesus’ representatives as sweet smelling fragrances unto others who do not know our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, we’re sowers of

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-20766156138131627882010-07-11T07:03:00.000-07:002010-08-18T07:07:02.978-07:00

Psalm1:1-2 tells us, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners,” but did you know the Bible also tells us where should stand? We’re to stand in grace (Romans 5:2). We’re to stand in the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1). We’re to stand in courage and strength (1 Corinthians 16:13). We’re to stand in faith (2 Corinthians 1:24). We’re to stand in

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-22716387705838739432010-07-04T06:56:00.000-07:002010-08-18T07:03:09.059-07:00

“But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.” (John 6:6) Throughout life, we ask the Lord what are the reasons are for various events in our lives. The problem with this is that we are losing our focus; our primary focus should always be on Him not on the reason or the trial. Just as Peter began to sink when he began to look at the waves and the storm, we also will sink

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-56439096018756249762010-06-20T06:53:00.000-07:002010-08-18T06:56:22.330-07:00

We’re created for a deep, meaningful relationship with our Creator; but our selfishness interferes. God often finds us in the same place He found Cain – sulking over petty disappointments and frustrations. I say ‘petty,’ not to trivialize our struggles but because they’re so easily fixed. God’s response to us is the same, “if you do well, will you not be accepted?” Yet instead of surrendering to

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-17871214175377493942010-06-13T06:48:00.000-07:002010-08-18T06:53:54.126-07:00

"If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." (Mark 9:35) My needs, wants, and desires come first, according to me. However, according to Jesus, it’s no longer about me. Instead, others come first and I am last. We must be selfless and compassionate in order to see and meet the needs of others above our own needs. In God's economy, up is down and down is up: When we

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-76811995781666638912010-06-06T06:46:00.000-07:002010-08-18T06:48:22.197-07:00

Are we seeking the acceptance of others over God’s? Do we compromise relationships just to fit in? Often, we compromise just to receive a compliment. We constantly protect our image and wonder how others perceive us. We fret about what others are saying and judge photos based on whether we looked good in it or not. We need to reverse this attitude and seek first the kingdom of God; try caring

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-47240291841610392612010-05-29T06:40:00.000-07:002010-08-18T06:44:24.462-07:00

“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself…” (Acts 20:24). This life we live is indeed a bumpy one, but it isn’t our own to begin with. It’s a gift from God and Christ promises us tribulation throughout it. Why then do we let the menial things affect us to such a grave degree? We must take comfort in that when we fix ourselves upon Him, nothing can move us and

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-42671157440634679382010-05-16T06:39:00.000-07:002010-08-18T06:43:59.699-07:00

Former playwright become president of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Havel, said that the method he discovered to be most effective when it came to resisting the Communist Regime was not to focus on vague ideological arguments, but to seize upon specific attainable things you want changed and determine to not give up until it’s changed. This general strategy revolutionized the government of his

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-34561998914164142102010-05-09T06:34:00.000-07:002010-08-18T06:43:32.260-07:00

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith...” (1 Peter 5:8-9). Be careful, it’s a jungle out there! Satan desires to have you for lunch using crafty lies and by luring you into a false sense of security through his friendship. If you let your guard down, you are sucked into his world

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-29669857563990908152010-05-02T10:53:00.000-07:002010-05-05T10:59:09.130-07:00

God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. The Bible instructs us to submit ourselves under the mighty hand of God and He will exalt us in due time (1 Peter 4:6). Obeying God only when it is convenient and not allowing God full reign in all areas of our lives is passive resistance toward Him. In resistance, we become more and more rigid until we break. In submission, we become more and

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-27539086294058045932010-04-25T10:50:00.000-07:002010-05-05T10:53:51.938-07:00

“So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." (1 Kings 6:16) Elisha and his servant were completely surrounded by their enemy, an enemy seeking to kill them, yet Elisha is able to know everything will be fine. He knows all will work out for the good, not because he’s focusing on the physical problems, but on the super natural Father. The odds are

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-87134198464001312252010-04-11T10:48:00.000-07:002010-05-05T10:50:46.006-07:00

The apostle Paul that wrote a most of the New Testament books shows up as two very different people in the Bible. He was introduced as an embittered madman, tearing wildly at the fabric of the church. Skip a few books ahead and he’s centered, consistent, and determined to give all of himself for the glory of Christ and the building up of His church. 1 Corinthians 15:8-10 bridges the gap for us in

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Our non-Christian friends regard us as strange; they slander us and are surprised since we no longer indulge with them in their foolish ways of immorality, reckless spending, insensitive jokes, cursing, gossiping, wild parties, and the like which don’t bring pleasure to God. We don’t participate because we are new creations in Christ. Our old life is now crucified with Christ. It is no longer we

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-72959096225626151742010-03-28T10:43:00.000-07:002010-05-05T10:44:59.878-07:00

On an overnight hike with about 30 youth, an unexpected weather change put us in a bad situation. The two local leaders who were with us went to get help but got lost, so the main guide left me in charge. Before departing, his instructions to me were to keep walking and to stay on the current path. At that point, I would have been a fool to try finding another way on my own. Sure enough, the

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-40939078175055634212010-03-21T10:41:00.000-07:002010-05-05T10:45:43.920-07:00

“Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.” When Jesus becomes our ultimate Master, then hopefully we will be ready and willing to do anything for Him motivated by our love for Him. May we

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-25450976064209900002010-03-07T11:34:00.000-08:002010-03-08T11:36:56.252-08:00

During the Civil War, people close to battles reported not hearing any sound from the battle, while people further away were clearly hearing the booming of artillery. This phenomenon is called an acoustic shadow, defined as pockets of silence created by rare atmospheric conditions. It occurs to me that it’s easier to deny a battle if you can’t hear it and we, as Christians, are too easily fooled

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-2267566696507698252010-02-28T11:30:00.000-08:002010-03-08T11:34:21.389-08:00

Do people think you’re a Christian because you regularly attend church, own a Bible, pray before a meal, and greet with “God bless you”? These are commendable things you do but they need to be accompanied and evidenced with spiritual fruit. “By their fruits you will know them.” (Matthew 7:20) It’s essential that a true Christian have a spiritual diet of meditating in God’s Word & spending

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-70800653872328789202010-02-21T06:00:00.000-08:002010-02-21T06:00:00.654-08:00

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) “For the kingdom of God is...righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17) Why do we strive so much as Christians? Whenever we strive to attain something, then we have to strive to maintain it. The lasting righteousness we desire as Christians comes from a

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-4809747662153462242010-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:002010-02-14T06:00:02.466-08:00

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him…” (Job 13:15). Sadly many of us who call Jesus our Lord live in a manner that says otherwise. We go against what He tells us and we don’t follow the instructions He has given us in His word. We second guess Him even though there’s absolutely no reason to. He is the creator of everything and He is our perfect Father. It requires that faith like a child and

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-27336885235194722122010-01-31T06:00:00.000-08:002010-01-31T06:00:00.550-08:00

It’s important for us to remember the basics. 1 Peter 2:2 says, “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby.” Just like babies can’t grow without food, neither can followers of Christ grow without pure spiritual nourishment of the Word of God. 1 Timothy 4:7 reminds us to “exercise [ourselves] toward godliness.” Another element crucial to growth is our need for

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In emergency situations, we dial 911 for assistance and help. Who do we call when we are in a hopeless crisis where 911 and all our earthly resources are helpless? “Where does our help come from? Our help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth,” (Psalm 112:1-2). When Jesus was troubled and deeply distressed, He called out “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-80771786364104991422010-01-10T11:06:00.000-08:002010-01-11T11:10:39.411-08:00

“You are not your own. For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.” Many times, we get frustrated about the things going on in our lives. We may get angry when things don’t go our way or when things come against us, when all along we forget that this life isn’t our own; Jesus paid for it. It belongs to Him alone, and yet He loves us so

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In Acts 23:11, after what might easily have felt like a completely failed attempt to preach, Paul finds himself stirring an uproar in the Jewish courts and being imprisoned by the Roman government. Then the Lord steps in with this encouragement, “Just like you testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must witness in Rome.” God knew exactly where Paul was at emotionally and a close inspection reveals

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Abstain from all appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Many times as Christians we see how close we can get to sin without it truly being sin. Like trying to wet your feet but not drown. The only problem is that sin is a tsunami, not a pond. We are called to look like and do the total opposite of sin, to go completely out of our way so that people can not even think that we are in sin. What

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-67148583021234850042009-12-20T05:00:00.000-08:002009-12-20T05:00:00.490-08:00

In Matthew 2, we read that when Jesus was born God announced it for everyone to see with a star. Most people didn’t notice it; but there were a few “wise men” in the east, who were watching and recognized the significance of what was occurring. They saw the star, and made the long journey to Israel to worship the King whose birth this star announced. Sadly, we frequently don’t notice the messages

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-18366329559894252982009-11-22T05:00:00.000-08:002009-11-22T05:00:03.362-08:00

But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified (1 Corinthians 9:26-27). It is human nature to believe that your life is your own and that your decisions only affect you, but we tend to forget that our lives are not our own. Jesus Christ gave His life completely for us, so are we not willing to do the same? Do we

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-42025428970288412302009-11-15T05:00:00.001-08:002009-11-15T05:00:03.046-08:00

To be grateful is to have an appreciation and thankfulness in your life. The interesting thing about thankfulness in the Bible is that it’s always referred to as a choice. You choose to appreciate and value something. It has nothing to do with your circumstances or possessions. It’s an attitude you choose to adopt for yourself as you approach God. As we separate a day for appreciation, let’s make

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-66363066702889731422009-11-08T05:00:00.000-08:002009-11-08T05:00:02.751-08:00

Mention the name of Jesus in a public setting and the responses are “intolerant, politically incorrect, prejudice, and hypocrite”. It sets non-believers on edge. The name of Jesus gets no praise, honor or glory in today’s society. Jesus is Lord of lords, God of gods and King of kings. Read Psalm 136, Revelation 19:16. God has exalted Jesus and given Him the name which is above every name, that at

Acts 2:42http://www.blogger.com/profile/11404725978279406526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2077747277377354335.post-80130906576542299742009-10-18T05:00:00.000-07:002009-10-18T05:00:03.975-07:00

“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the LORD of hosts (Zechariah 4:6). When situations come our way, we usually rely on our own strength to deal with them, even though we in our own flesh fail a majority of the time. The sad thing is that we have the Creator of everything in existence on our side yet we tell Him to sit on the side lines while we mess things up. We have a perfect

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In John 19, as Pontius Pilate privately interviewed Jesus before the crucifixion, the impression is that Pilate’s general attitude was one of diffidence and apathy. He didn’t want to make a decision about Jesus and he thought that he didn’t have to. Pilate tried to ignore the fact that Jesus really was the king He said He was. It was actually Pilate’s life and eternity that were on trial. One day

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A résumé describes your qualifications, strengths, and accomplishments. It’s an important part of the job-hiring process for the employer to choose you as a candidate. God doesn’t require a résumé. No background check needed. God chooses you to be on His team despite your shortcomings to shame the wise and mighty. 1 Corinthians 1:26-28. You are valuable to God. You are on His “most wanted” list.

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A résumé describes your qualifications, strengths, and accomplishments. It’s an important part of the job-hiring process for the employer to choose you as a candidate. God doesn’t require a résumé. No background check needed. God chooses you to be on His team despite your shortcomings to shame the wise and mighty. 1 Corinthians 1:26-28. You are valuable to God. You are on His “most wanted”

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In Ephesians 1:3, Paul’s prayer for the believers is overflowing with God’s love and blessing. His prayer is completely selfless and not materialistic; as mine so often are. Paul’s focus is on knowing our Lord Jesus more. Prayer is not just mumbling vain repetitions nor should it be seen as a task. I have so much to learn about prayer. This starts by getting to know Jesus better, as seen through

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The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy (John 10:10a). Jesus Christ gives to us what the devil’s precise game plan is in our lives. He is only out to steal the gifts God has given or wants to give to us. He wants to kill any trace of the Holy Spirit that resides inside of us, and he wants to utterly destroy us. There’s no such thing as a small sin, any and every form

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The story of the thief on the cross and the transition he went through in that short period of time is fascinating. He went from ridiculing to worshipping. He was understandably skeptical. Why would a king, much less the Son of God, allow Himself to be subjected to such brutality? But, something changed the thief’s mind. Was it Christ’s gracious words of forgiveness or His demeanor? Somehow he

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The Christian walk is like a marathon race with challenges, temptations, and trials along the way to the finish line. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God by putting on belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes with the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:13-19). Run to win the prize of an

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Have you ever been in a situation you had no power over and you did not know what to do? In these situations we find ourselves asking questions; Why is this happening to me? What am I going to do? 2 Chronicles 20:12 points out what we need to do in these situations. It says, “We have no power against this nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” Change your gaze from inward to

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There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit (Romans 8:1). We do not have to walk with a huge burden of not being good enough. God through Jesus, His Son, satisfied the righteous requirements of the law. He has wiped our slate clean with His blood. If we walk in the Spirit, we have nothing to feel

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In Ezekiel 25–28, Ezekiel’s focus shifts to the sins of the nations surrounding Israel. It almost seems like an interruption in the book’s theme until you read 28:24–26, and you realize that these nations were bitter enemies of Israel. God’s word to Israel is that while they are out in captivity, God will be clearing out the land of anyone who would oppose them. They would be coming back to their

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Reading throughout the book of Isaiah, we are fortunate to examine the consequences and deadly symptoms of pride. Some indicators of pride are: Neglecting God (17:7-10); Being unreasonable towards God (1:16-20); A desire to rearrange God’s order (5:20-21); and, Devoid of sensitivity to God’s heart (66:1-2, 22:8-13). Isn’t pride the trickiest of sins because it’s always in denial of its state? As

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Exclusive, elite, and VIP are used to distinguish and classify the rich and famous. They receive special privileges everywhere they go. As a result, the average person feels excluded and less important. Let your heart not be troubled because we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Psalm 139:13-14. We are special in God’s sight. According to God’s economy, the first shall be last and the

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You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? (Matthew 5:13a). Jesus calls us to preserve/season the world around us with His gospel. You don’t have to be a church minister or missionary to be the salt. Wherever you are, you have the power to reflect God’s character positively and powerfully influencing the people in your industry. And whatever you do

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At life’s worse moments a person really needs God’s comfort. In God’s comfort people can relax and find reassurance and relief. The word comfort means console, calm, cheer up. It is noteworthy to know that Noah is sent by God on a mission that will comfort people at a terrible time (Genesis 5:29). In Jacob’s life, God was at work providing what would be life and comfort for him, his family, and

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“So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’” (Luke 17:10). We often look for gratification in anything and everything we do, we have become a culture that looks for “thank you” or “good job” after any menial task, yet we forget that we’re just doing our job most of time. We must remember

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Will we trust the Lord or will we try to take matters into our hands? In Isaiah 44, the Lord gives promises and reassurances to His people, echoing three times the command to not be afraid. Nevertheless, some still make for themselves idols in an attempt to control or manipulate the god they worship, foolishly not realizing that the idols they make are powerless to help them. What are we looking

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Do we know and believe that our Lord is good all the times when we experience personal hardships? Do we see His goodness, faithfulness, and presence in the midst of our trials? The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble (Nahum 1:7). The LORD is good to those who seek and wait for Him (Lamentations 3:25). The LORD is good to all, His tender mercies are over all His creation (Psalm 149:5)

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Friend, Christian, if we have accepted Christ Jesus our Lord, we must then be actively walking in Him. We must not be walking in feelings, emotions, fear, selfishness, hurt, bitterness or anything else that is not in Jesus. The root system of a believer led by these things is very shallow. Any small storm can uproot them. The encouragement is too be deep rooted and built up on the foundation of

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Are you thirsty? Are you going through a dry spell in your life? Jesus Christ tells us in John 7:37-38, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” All we need to do is go to Jesus to have our thirst quenched. Ask the Lord to fill you with His Holy Spirit. If we ask Him, He will come though

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It’s always interesting (and rather needed) to look at ourselves and ask, “What am I trusting in?” We find many characters in the Word who have meditated on that same question. David, throughout his life shaking experiences learned a valuable lesson; “Let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend” (Psalm 5:11a). Also in the Psalms we find, “It

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“A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of one's birth” (Ecclesiastes 7:1). Freedom is one of the most amazing things that we receive once we devote our lives to Christ, not only freedom from sin and countless things that entrap us but also freedom from death itself. This freedom is what makes our last day on earth so much sweeter than the day we were

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An old English word was used for the work of salvation that God has done in our hearts in Colossians 3:1 – it says that God has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. That word deserves our attention. Job yearned all his life for the day that ‘his change would come.’ David longs in Psalm 17:15 for the day that he would ‘awake’ in the likeness of God. Like a word that is translated,

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Geologists, petrologists, and all the other kinds of earth surface scientists tell us of the many sorts of interesting rocks found in abundance within our diverse home. Believers in Christ have a special privilege in knowing THE ROCK; unbreakable, unbeatable, ever faithful, ever secure, forever ours. (2 Samuel 22:2-3, 47; Psalm 31:3, Psalm 62:1-2, 1 Corinthians 10:4).Marvin Luna, Ministry

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Stagnant water promotes bacteria, algae, mold and mosquitoes. Thus, it becomes a health hazard. Much like grudges, bitterness and unforgiveness are unhealthy and stops spiritual progress in one’s life. We must forgive and move onward and upward with Jesus. Do not remember the former things (Isaiah 43:18). Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation … behold, all things have become

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Philippians Chapter One gives us a prescription for joy. The prescription is to obey. Verse two says to fulfill my joy by being like-minded to Christ. It goes on to describe three ways in which we need to be obedient as Christ was (to the point of death). First, we need to obey even when it is inconvenient to us (verses 3-4). Second, we need to obey when no one is watching (verse 12). This last

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In Luke’s gospel Jesus likens a person, who hears God’s Word and does it, to a well-built house with a good foundation that can withstand a vehement storm. Jesus also likens the one, who hears His Word and doesn’t do it, to a poorly built house that collapses in the storm. What’s the moral of the story? For us to withstand the storms of life, we must not only hear the Word but act on it. But be

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“As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.” Even though most of humanity has their portion in the present age, David set himself aside for the Lord. He would truly only be fulfilled when he would wake up in the arms of our Lord. His thirst would only be quenched when he would finally be in the image that He was originally created in. We

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As Job was facing his trials, he cried out to know his end (Job 6:11) and mistakenly saw nothing good left to live for (Job 7:7). David, too, longed to know his end (Psalm 39:4). It’s natural in painful circumstances to look further down the path and wonder what our end might be. But if we can’t see anything worth fighting for, we aren’t looking far enough away. Hebrews 12:2 says we should look

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Believers have much to be encouraged by! How come? Well, we have an immense God who loves us and can supply us with Himself. When down and deceived by pride; He has the solution (1 Peter 5:6-7). When anxious and void of priorities, He knows just what to say (Matthew 6:25). When we are weighed down, He has something for us (Psalm 55:22). Now what then shall we say to these things? (Romans 8:31).

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When our needs are comfortably met with an abundance of stuff, we tend to not look to God because the stuff keeps us busy and distracted. However during difficult times, we tend to look to God. Look to Me, and be saved…For I am God, and there is no other (Isaiah 45:22). And I…will draw all men to Myself (John 12:32).Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. No one goes to the Father except

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