|
|
7-31-19
Today’s devotion is based on Romans 13:9-13, “Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. It is written: "'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.'" So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.” Today, I want to focus on God’s words to us, "'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.'" Those words have interpreted to mean by many people that on Judgment Day, everyone, believer or not, will be saved. This belief is a dangerous understanding for it leads those who believe that way that there are many roads to heaven, for as they point out, all people will acknowledge God. In other words, all people, believers and not, will be with God for eternity. The passage while stating “every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God” is a comfort for those who believe, while at the same time it is a warning for those who don’t believe in God. Both will bow and confess that they are standing before God. That is good news for them. On the other hand, those who died in unbelief even while also acknowledging that God is truly God will remain eternally separated from God. There is no second chance or do-over as they say today. That is the hell they are in forever. Please pray with me the prayer for today. Heavenly Father, creator, and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen, help me to remember these verses when I start to judge others, especially those of other Christian denominations. Remind me that you are God and in the end will decide who will or will not spend eternity with you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen
0 Comments
7-30-19
Today’s devotion is based on Romans 13:1-5, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those, who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.” Many Christians struggle with this passage. They believe that it does not apply to us today. Since God’s Word is timeless, it does apply, especially when we are not satisfied with whatever government is over us. Some governments are good, doing what God intended them to do while other governments are bad going against God’s original will for the government. But both governments still exist under God’s authority, for throughout history, God has used governments to bless people and to punish people. Please pray with me the prayer for today. Heavenly Father, creator, and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen, you have given us government so that we can live peaceful and prosperous lives. You have told us in your holy Word to pray for those in leadership so that they may govern wisely. Help us to remember that even when we might disagree with those governing us. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. 7-29-19
Today’s devotion is based on Romans 12:19-21. “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” As Christians, we know that God’s Word prohibits us from taking revenge on someone. That is why the part of the verses above, “In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” is so welcome to our ears. For, after all, God is telling us that by our doing good on those who have harmed them, we are getting our revenge toward them. Of course, even though it makes sense to us, it is not what God means here. The saying, “In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” is an old saying in Paul’s time that means our doing good toward them changes them in such a way that their mind and actions toward us are changed to good toward us. We, thus, have no reason to get revenge on them . , Please pray with me the prayer for today. Heavenly Father, creator, and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen, you know how I instinctively will desire revenge on those who have hurt me in some way. Help me through your Word to realize that is not your desire for me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen 7-26-19
Today’s devotion is based on Romans 12:1 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-- this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will.” What is true and proper worship? It is living one’s life in a God-pleasing manner. Thus loving and caring about your neighbor, that is all who are in need, is worshiping God. That is God’s will. I bring this up this morning for I am afraid too many Christians today believe worshiping God takes place only on Sunday morning. Please pray with me the prayer for today. Heavenly Father, creator, and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen, help me through your encouraging words live my life in such a way that all I do gives you glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. 7-25-19
Today’s devotion is based on Romans 11:33-12:1 “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?" For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” I like this verses for they remind me that when I begin to believe that I am the master of life because I know what is best for me that unlike God, I am limited in my understanding, both by intellect and sin that God knows the future while I don’t know the next second. Please pray with me the prayer for today. Heavenly Father, creator, and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen, thank you for giving me Your holy Word so that I can not only know of your love but your perfect knowledge of all things, past, present, and future. Help me to continue in my faith since your way is the right way in this life and the next. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. 7-24-19
Today’s devotion is based on Romans 10:9,10: “If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” I love these verses for they simply say believing in Jesus is Lord is all that is needed to be saved. This belief is shown in your words of confession. There is nothing more to do to be saved. Please pray with me the prayer for today. Heavenly Father, creator, and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen, Jesus is Lord. I believe this wholeheartedly. I struggle with showing that faith in my words and deeds and ask you to help me live more like Christ. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. 7-23-19
Today’s devotion is based on Romans 9:21, “Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?” During those times of life, when I have become dissatisfied with my position in my life I think of this verse, for it keeps me grounded in God. For what I think should be my purpose as good as it might appear to be by myself or others is tainted by sin; thus, it is flawed. God’s purpose for me, on the other hand, is perfect. Please pray with me the prayer for today. Heavenly Father, creator, and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen, you are the potter. I am the clay. Mold me into the person you want me to be so that all I do will give you glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. 7-20-19
Today’s devotion is based on Romans 8:,38,39, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” These are some of the most comforting words in the Bible. Saint Paul through all his trials, some of which brought him near to death, knowing that no matter what was done to him, he would be with Christ either on earth or heaven. These same words have been a great comfort to me through all my health problems and verbal attacks by others. I hope they are a comfort for you too, as you go through the ups and downs of life. God’s love for you never wavers even when you think that no one cares about you. Please pray with me the prayer for today. Heavenly Father, creator, and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen, thank you for loving me. I give you all praise and glory that I know that your love will never waver or leave me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. 7-18-19
Today’s devotion is based on Romans 8:9-10, “You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.” Paul’s words are a great comfort to those who struggle with sin. He is telling us all that we, as Christians no longer live under the control of the flesh even though we struggle with the sinful flesh. We are, even while living in the flesh and all its sinful desires have Christ living in us. Thus we have the guarantee of eternal life even though we will die an earthly death. This guarantee comes through our faith in Christ and his righteousness. Please pray with me the prayer for today. Heavenly Father, creator, and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen, thank you for the wonderful gift of Jesus who made us righteous before assuring us that we will live eternally with you. All praise and glory to you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. 7-17-19
Today’s devotion is based on Romans8:9-11, “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” While Paul’s words, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, are speaking to Christians, reassuring them that their physical death is not the end of life. There is another truth being spoken of here. That is if a person does not trust in Jesus as their Savior; they will not only die an earthly death but eternal death. Eternal death does not mean that they will be physically dead for all eternity. It means that they will be physically brought back to life where they will live eternally separated from the presence of God with no hope of ever being in God's presence. This life, after being raised from the dead is the eternal death that the Bible speaks of so pointedly. Please pray with me the prayer for today. Heavenly Father, creator, and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen, thank you for the wonderful gift of Jesus who made us righteous before assuring us that we will live eternally with you. All praise and glory to you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. |
D RhoadsArchives
June 2023
Daily Devotions |
RSS Feed