Saturday, March 31, 2012 Devotional

Saturday, March 31, 2012 Devotional 


Psalm 3:5
I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.

Perpetually Protected

In biblical times, sleeping was a much different experience than it is today, especially for David, who wrote Psalm Chapter 3. Back then, there weren't house alarms to alert them to intruders or people seeking to harm them. And in David's case, he frequently found himself as a fugitive on the run, which forced him to sleep without the benefit of locks, gates, or even walls. So when we see sleep mentioned in this Psalm, it carries a real sense of vulnerability. And that's what makes David's declaration here all the more meaningful. He says that the Lord sustained him as he slept. In other words, David is acknowledging the fact that God was the one who was presiding and watching over him as he entered into the most vulnerable phase of daily life. When he had no ability to protect himself from the advancing attack of an enemy (and there were many), God was there to protect him. For us, sleeping usually doesn't entail the same risks as it did for David, but the truth of this passage still profoundly applies to us. All of us are vulnerable at some time or another. There's bound to be moments when we are simply incapable of protecting ourselves. 

When we find ourselves in that situation, it's then that God Himself is our Great Protector. As a matter of fact, He's our Great Protector at all times. Even when we think we've got ourselves covered, God guards us and watches over us. But His protective presence in our lives is most evident as He guards us throughout those vulnerable "night watches" of life.

Lord, help us recognize your perpetual protection over us. May it sustain us so we are able to rest securely.

What does this passage reveal to me about God?

What does this passage reveal to me about myself?

Based on this, what changes do I need to make?

What is my prayer for today? 

Friday ~ March 30, 2012 Devotional

Friday ~ March 30, 2012 Devotional


Psalms 105:1
O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.


Colossians 3:17
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Pray to open doors of opportunity, open the hearts of those seeking, and open your mouth to share. Telling someone about Jesus must always begin with prayer. Pray that God will increase your awareness of opportunities. Pray that God will prepare the hearts of those you will be sharing with. Pray for His words, strength, and courage for you to share when He reveals those opportunities every day. Take a moment every day to pray this prayer, "Lord, bless my eyes that I might see Your opportunities. Soften the hearts of those I will meet. And give me the courage to share You with them."


Psalm 129:8
Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the Lord be upon you: we bless you in the name of the Lord.


Tell someone to have a "blessed day". Similar to giving thanks to God, try telling someone to have a "blessed" instead of just a "good" day. 
Consider telling someone that "I hope God blesses your meeting" instead of just "good luck."


God, help us to be those who not only know all that really matters, but those who truly live in light of it.

What does this passage reveal to me about God?

What does this passage reveal to me about myself?

Based on this, what changes do I need to make?

What is my prayer for today?

Thursday ~ March 29, 2012

Thursday ~ March 29, 2012


Psalm 2:2

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying,

All That Really Matters

Psalm 2 presents us with an interesting contrast. It depicts the nations of the earth in a huge huddle. They pool their powers and passions, their agendas and ambitions, their ingenuity and intellects...all for the purpose of overcoming and overriding the Lord's purposes. This unholy horde raises their fists and voices, proclaiming themselves as the keepers of all that's true. They preach it from the most hallowed halls of academia, in the most influential newspapers, magazines, and publications. And pity the person who doesn't blindly bow down to them. But on the other side of their assault sits God, who responds by laughing!

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision  (Psalm 2:4)

God is in control. No matter how intently man plots against Him, or how determined he is to reverse His holy agenda, God will not and cannot lose the least measure of control over everything. He will do His good pleasure, and at the end of the day, that's all that matters-not the will of man, but the pleasure of God. So it only stands to reason that if we hope to be people of substance and significance and leave a legacy that stands the test of time, then we need to get in line with what pleases God. He's always in control and will always do as He pleases. We can either align

God, help us to be those who not only know all that really matters, but those who truly live in light of it.

What does this passage reveal to me about God?

What does this passage reveal to me about myself?

Based on this, what changes do I need to make?

What is my prayer for today?

Wednesday ~ March 28, 2012 Devotional

Wednesday ~ March 28, 2012 Devotional


Psalm 1:3
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Where We Belong

The Book of Psalms begins with the word blessed, which is an apropos opening note in this scriptural symphony. One cannot walk away from the book without being blessed by the Lord in some form or fashion.

This first Psalm goes on to describe God's blessing as belonging to the man who doesn't mingle with the wicked but who frequently finds himself in "the Law of the Lord." Next, the Psalm paints one of the most powerful and poignant pictures in the entire Bible. It compares the man who reads the Scriptures with a tree that's planted on the banks of a free-flowing river:

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalm 1:3)

Just as a tree requires water in order to flourish and thrive, men and women need the Scriptures in order to enjoy fruitful and abundant lives. Trees were made to know water, and we were made to know God's Word. When either is deprived of their natural need, they fall way short of what they were intended to be and do. They whither and wilt, their branches become bare, they provide no shade for the weary, and have no fruit to offer others. But as they begin to drink their intended life-source, their roots become sturdy and secure. Their boughs and branches grow long and strong until...fruit!

The natural tree is truly a picture of the spiritual man. Our fruitfulness depends upon our being rooted in the Word.

Lord, help us in every possible way to be people who are permanently planted in your Scriptures, which is where we belong.

What does this passage reveal to me about God?

What does this passage reveal to me about myself?

Based on this, what changes do I need to make?

What is my prayer for today?

March 27, 2012 Devotional

Today's Challenge: 

Leave a tract, evangelism pamphlet, or note on a car windshield. Rather than leaving it on a counter in a public place, leaving it on a windshield is a bit more personal. It's sure to be seen and read. Pray for your courage and for Him to prepare the heart of the one that will read it. Be respectful of private property. 

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 

Today's Prayer: 

Oh Lord, most heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, who has safely brought me to the beginning of this day; I give you thanks for my creation, preservation, and all the blessings of my life. Grant that this day I fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that all my doings, being governed by your will, may be righteous in your sight. 

Lord God, I pray that you will fill my heart with the blessing of your Holy Spirit. Grant me this day the strength to be temperate in all things, diligent in my duties, and patient under my afflictions. Direct me in all my ways. Give me grace to be just and upright in all my dealings; quiet and peaceable; full of compassion; and ready to do good to all people, according to my abilities and opportunities. For the sake of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Heavenly Lord, I know I am not alone saying these prayers or reading your Word this morning, but many people unknown to me, from all stations of life, have joined together in this brief moment of devotion. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be among the community of all who pray in the name of Christ this morning, and remain among us always.
Amen.

March 26, 2012 Devotional

Today's Challenge: 

Find and pray with an accountability partner. As God reveals more opportunities for you to share the Gospel, temptation will increase to distract you. Pray for continued courage, strength, and sensitivity. It's also important to find a friend to pray for you, stir you up, and encourage you. 

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 

Hebrews 10:24

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 

Today's Prayer:  

God, my help and assistance, who is just and merciful, and who hears the supplications of your people; look down upon me, a miserable sinner. Have mercy upon me; deliver me from all the troubles and tribulations of life. Deal not with me after my sins, I pray, but according to your measureless mercy, for I am the work of your hands, and you know my weakness.

Grant me, I beseech you, your divine helping grace. Endow me with patience and strength to endure my tribulations with complete submission to your will. You know my misery and suffering. I flee to you, my only hope and refuge, for relief and comfort, trusting to your infinite love and compassion; that in due time, you will deliver me from all the trials of this life and turn my distress into comfort. I rejoice in your mercy. I exalt and praise your holy name, oh Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: now and forever.

Now, oh Lord, I pray that you may lift up the light of your countenance upon me, and give me peace; in my going out and in my coming in; in my sitting down and my rising up; in my work and in my play; in my joy and in my sorrow, in my laughter and in my tears; until that day comes which is without dawn and without dark.

Amen.

March 25, 2012 Devotional

Today's Challenge:

Leave a tract, evangelism pamphlet, or note in a public place. It may sound simple enough but it's hard to do at first. You will be nervous looking around to see if anyone is watching. Why is doing something so simple so difficult? Pray for courage and creativity. Be respectful of public property.

Isaiah 55:11

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 




Today's Prayer: 


Holy Father, who watches over your children by night and by day; blessed Jesus, my food and my strength; sweet Holy Spirit, the light and guide of my soul; I thank you for this new day and pray that you will watch over me. May my thoughts, my words and actions reflect the Spirit that dwells within me. And may every minute of my life celebrate the gift of grace, earned by the blood of Christ, in whose name I pray.

Almighty God, I thank you for the life and teachings of your only Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is amazing to me that he lived and walked among us, one of us, a mortal man who bled and felt pain, who felt anger and love, who would become tired and hungry. Your love in showing us that you would share the burdens of mortality is great.

Although the terrible beating and torture, and long painful death, that he suffered at the hands of the powerful was a terrible thing, his ultimate victory in overcoming that death was the greatest victory in the history of mankind. I praise you for Christ's resurrection and victory, and for his promise to all people, that he will intercede for us at our death, and bring us to eternal life. Today I remember and celebrate His resurrection, giving all glory to Father, Son and Holy Spirit for this miracle and the redemption of our own lives.

      Lord, support me all the day long of this troublous life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over and my work is done. Then of Thy mercy, grant me a safe lodging, and a holy rest and a peace at last through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

March 24, 2012 Devotion

Today's Challenge:

Write your story. We often confuse our "testimony" with our "biography." What is the evidence of God at work in your life today? That answer will probably change day by day but God will often bring people along your path that are struggling with issues that He has made clear in your own journey.

1 Peter 3:15


But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 





Today's Prayer: 

May all I do today begin with you, O Lord. Plant dreams and hopes within my soul and revive my tired spirit: be with me today. Be at my side and walk with me; be my support, that your hand may be seen in every action I take, that your goodness may be in every word I speak, and that your spirit may inhabit my every thought. Make my thoughts, my work, and my very life blessings for your kingdom. In Christ's name I pray,

God, the creator and preserver of all humanity, I humbly pray to you for all sorts and conditions of people; that it might please you to make your Word known to them and bring your saving health to all nations. In particular I pray for the entirety of your church, in all of its many forms; that it may be guided and governed by your Holy Spirit, and that all who profess your name and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth. May all of us live in the unity of spirit our faith in Christ provides to us, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life.

I commend to your fatherly goodness all those who are ill or in distress, in their mind, body, or circumstances. May it please you to comfort and relieve them in accordance with their needs, giving them patience during their suffering, and a fortunate outcome to all of their problems. And this I ask in the name of Jesus Christ, who was always pleased to relieve the suffering of those he encountered.

Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray that you direct my way unto you, and make me and all of us to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you; to the end that we may establish our hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. 

Amen.

March 23, 2012 Devotion

Today's Challenge:

Pray for names God has put on your heart. Has God put a burden on your heart for someone? Is there a friend, co-worker, family member, or maybe even a stranger that you can't get off of your mind? It's interesting that we don't have a burden for everyone in our lives, do we? But there are certain people with whom we cross paths that for some reason Godoverwhelms us with thoughts of their salvation. Pray God will reveal Himself to them. Pray they will hear Him. Pray they will seek Him. Write their names down and pray.

John 5:24
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. 



Deuteronomy 4:29
But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. 





Today's Prayer: 

Oh Lord, most heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, who has safely brought me to the beginning of this day; I give you thanks for my creation, preservation, and all the blessings of my life. Grant that this day I fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that all my doings, being governed by your will, may be righteous in your sight. Through Christ our Lord, I pray.

Amen.

March 22, 2012 Devotional

Today's Challenge:


Pray to open doors of opportunity, open the hearts of those seeking, and open your mouth to share. Telling someone about Jesus must always begin with prayer. Pray that God will increase your awareness of opportunities. Pray that God will prepare the hearts of those you will be sharing with. Pray for His words, strength, and courage for you to share when He reveals those opportunities every day. Take a moment every day to pray this prayer, "Lord, bless my eyes that I might see Your opportunities. Soften the hearts of those I will meet. And give me the courage to share You with them."

Colossians 4:3
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 


Ezekiel 36:26
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 

Acts 1:8
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 

Today's Prayer:

     Heavenly Father, I thank you this morning for all that I have. Even if I have problems with my health, I am alive today. If I have money problems, I will eat today. I have clothes to wear, a roof to protect me, and air to breathe.

Let me never take for granted these gifts of life, oh Lord, but always remember that they come from you; without you, no man could make the sun shine or the tree bear its fruit. I pray to live this day in joy and thankfulness for what I have, remembering always who made me and who keeps me. In the name of Christ I pray,

                                                                                            Amen.