Displaying Christian Sermons by tag: daily devotional
Joel Osteen (March 19, 2024) Daily Devotional: The Answer Is on the Way.
Today's Scripture: And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5:15, ESV
Today's Word: when you pray, you can know that you have your requests. When you believe and receive your healing, or the promotion, or the freedom, things begin to happen in the unseen realm. But if the answer is always in your future, you haven’t received it in your spirit. What God is going to bring to pass is not what you ask for, but what you believe you receive when you pray. Are you receiving when you’re believing? Do you know that you have your request? It’s not just, “God, I’m asking You to help me break this addiction.” That’s good, but by itself it’s not enough. Follow it up with: “Lord, I receive my freedom. Thank You that I am free from this addiction now—not that I’m going to be free one day. No, I have my request now.” When you prayed, you not only believed it, but you received it. Now change your report from “I’m hoping to” to “It’s already done.” It’s just a matter of time before what happened in the unseen realm shows up in the natural realm.
Prayer for Today: “Father, thank You for the privilege of coming to You, the Creator of the universe, and being able to know that I have the requests I have asked of You. Thank You that I can believe and receive now. I believe and declare that the answer is on the way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
John Hagee (March-19-2024) Daily Devotional: Ephesians 3:20-21 - Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen!
Jesus is a Savior worth having. When it comes to determining the value of something, people often base their estimation on what it can do. Why choose many things when we can choose one thing with a multitude of functions? We want an impressive array of applications and capabilities. The more things something can do, the greater its value to us and the greater its impact on our lives.
Consider, for instance, our smart phones. Only a few decades ago, our phones were affixed to our kitchen walls. Today, we all carry one in our pockets or purses. No longer are they simply tools to communicate, they boast a variety of practical applications. They capture photos, allow us to pay bills online, order a birthday gift, or check into our home security systems. We find them invaluable, irreplaceable.
If it is a multitude of applications you seek, Jesus has the answer you need. As today’s verse indicates, He is able to do anything that we could ask or even think to ask. And then, He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above even those things. Even more than those things that have entered our limited brains, He comes to give those things we are unaware we will need, that we have not been able to articulate, all that we need for abundant life.
He has created each one of us with divine destiny, with a Godly purpose. When we accept Him as Savior (yet another gift!), we say yes to all those plans that He has for us. And when we run up against those God-sized tasks and realize that we do not have what it takes…look at today’s verse. The power that we need is already working inside of us. He does not leave us helpless. As we are going about His work, He will fill us up with joy and peace. And above all? We are completely, utterly, unquestionably loved. He knows our names, our thoughts…even the number of hairs on our heads (or not!).
All things become possible through Jesus. The very best that we can imagine is Jesus just getting started. Oh, what He can do for us. Oh, what He has already done for us. He removes the limits. Jesus is a Savior worth having.
Today's Blessing: Heavenly Father, Your generosity towards us is overwhelming. I’m so thankful for that power that is already at work in me to help me perform the God-sized tasks You have in mind. I surrender to Your plan. Stir up the power and Your gifts inside me. Here I am. Send me. In the name of Jesus…Amen.
Today's Bible Reading:
- Old Testament - Numbers 28:15-29:40
- New Testament - Luke 3:23-38
- Psalms & Proverbs - Psalm 62:1-12, Proverbs 11:18-19
Rick Warren (March 19, 2024) Daily Devotional: How To Trust God for Your Big Dream.
“Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more . . . When he told his father as well as his brothers, his father rebuked him and said, ‘What is this dream you had?’” - Genesis 37:5, 10 (NIV)
If you want to make it in a career, you have to respectfully show audacity. Sometimes following God’s dream for your life requires audacity too! Audacity is the courage to think big, to show initiative, and to take risks for a dream while facing the possibility of failure.
In Genesis 37, we read the story of Joseph, who had a dream so incredible—so audacious—that nobody in the world believed him. He dreamed that one day he would be a great leader and all his brothers would bow down to him.
Was it the truth? Yes. Was the dream from God? Yes. Was it fulfilled? Yes. Was Joseph a little crazy to tell his brothers? Yes.
When Joseph shared his audacious dream with his family, “they hated him all the more . . . When he told his father as well as his brothers, his father rebuked him and said, ‘What is this dream you had?’” (Genesis 37:5, 10 NIV).
Like Joseph, you’re going to have to step out in faith—even when it doesn’t make sense, even when people ridicule you, even when you’re afraid, even when the odds are against you. If God puts a dream in your heart, he will honor you when you step out in faith to do it.
When I wrote The Purpose Driven Life, the publisher told me that it was all wrong and it wouldn’t sell. Nobody reads 40 chapters; it didn’t have enough stories in it; it had too much Scripture; it was too choppy. I told them I believed this was the way I had been directed by God to do it, and they didn’t have to publish it.
I held the line, and they said they still wanted to publish it. Don’t you think they’re glad they did? Sometimes you just need a little bit of audacity because you believe in what God has told you to do.
Joseph made one audacious decision after another in faith. As a result, he got the promotion of a lifetime—he eventually became a great leader and ruled over all of Egypt.
Where do you need to be audacious? Where do you need to trust God? Maybe you need to take the initiative to step out in faith, think big, or take a risk. When you’re following God’s dream, you can know he will honor the big steps you take in faith.
Talk It Over
- What would it look like to show audacity in your job?
- Do you think you have to be arrogant to be audacious? Why or why not?
- How do you want God to use you? What do you want to accomplish in your life? How will you have to be audacious to accomplish those things?
TD Jakes (March 19, 2024) Daily Devotional: The Hidden Season of Divine Preparation.
Bible Quote: "But the Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free." - Luke 4:18
Beloved, let me take you on a journey, a divine expedition, where the Spirit of the Lord moves like a mighty wind, guiding, anointing, and proclaiming the arrival of greatness. As Jesus Christ, the anointed Savior, emerged from the waters of the Jordan, so too does the Spirit of the Lord alight upon each of us, whispering our destinies into the fabric of eternity.
Understand this, the pathway to greatness is often concealed, wrapped in the solace of a hidden season. It is in these quiet moments of divine incubation that God prepares us, molds us, and whispers His divine purposes into our spirits. Like Jesus, who was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, we too may find ourselves in hidden seasons, where our callings are being forged in the silence of preparation.
Do not despair when you find yourself unseen, for in the eyes of the Lord, you are being prepared for a purpose greater than you can imagine. The wilderness, though lonely, is where your spirit is strengthened, your resolve tested, and your heart purified. It was in the wilderness that Jesus was prepared for His ministry, and it is in your wilderness that you will find your strength.
Remember, the validation at the Jordan was crucial for Jesus. It affirmed His identity and mission. Yet, before His message could impact the world, He needed to be hidden, to spend time in communion with the Father. Your hidden season is not a denial of your potential but a divine affirmation that you are being prepared for something monumental.
Greatness is birthed in the Spirit, in pneuma. Every life-changing, life-giving mission begins with a season of divine preparation. Just as Jesus emerged from His hidden season to transform the world, you too will emerge, anointed and ready to fulfill your heavenly calling.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, in the quiet places where Your Spirit speaks, prepare us. In our hidden seasons, mold us into vessels of Your will. May we embrace the solitude of preparation, knowing that You are with us, refining us for greatness. Anoint us, Lord, as You anointed Your Son, that we may emerge ready to proclaim Your goodness and love. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Daily Devotional (March 19, 2024) REST.
Scripture Reference: Hebrews 4:10-11 - For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief
To give some balance to what we learnt yesterday, rest is not laziness, neither is it a license for irresponsibility. Rest is not devoid of work, but full complete work that we have received to do more.
So, not being anxious for anything comes from an understanding that there is a more seamless, supernatural way to go about our work. We don't stop working, rather we adopt divine help by the spirit as we go about our business. We wok with an understanding that in Christ, fruitless toiling as was Adam's curse is not our portion.
Let's see Philippians 2:12. It says "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.." First the text says work out, not work for. We have received Christ's finished works and this is rest because we are saved not based on our own works and labour. We did nothing to be saved except believing in and accepting what was already done. Now, we do not stay dormant with what we've received. We must do something with it. We are saved to do the good works that couldn't save us. Hold that thought.
Jesus Himself commissioned us for work in John 14:12-13. See what He says, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." So He says, there is work to do, but first we must believe on Him (rest), and then with what we receive, we're then empowered to do greater. Let's go back to Philippians. Let's see the post text to verse 12, which is verse 13. It says "for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." This is balance. Verse 12 acknowledges that there is the working out (making proof and outward showing) of our salvation to be done, but verse 13 emphasizes that we rest in God's own work in us of willing in us to do for His good pleasure. God freed us from the burdensome toiling of work, but He didn't remove work altogether. Yes, Jesus did it all, but He did it all so that with what He did, we can do even greater.
There is a supply of food for the birds in the sky, but guess what? They have to leave their nests to get what has been made available. So, if they happen to go hungry, it is not because God did not provide, it is because they did not do the work of flying out to get their supply. In rest, we get the direction to what has been made available for us, and this is our advantage. We are not clueless or confused, but by the leading of the Spirit, we know what to do and where to go. True rest is not worked for, it is received from God to work with and to be worked from.
DECLARE THIS: I am at rest in God's commitment towards me. I work from rest. I am empowered to do more. I partner with God by receiving what He has done, and producing greater with it. I am a diligent workman. Glory!
David Jeremiah (March 19, 2024) Daily Devotional: Spiritual and Material.
I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. - Philippians 4:18
Recommended Reading: Romans 15:25-27 - But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.
When ending a conversation with a friend who is in the midst of a difficult situation, we often say, “I’ll be praying for you.” And that’s good; we should pray for those who are experiencing a season of difficulty. But often a time of trouble disrupts life’s normal routines, like grocery shopping, preparing meals, mowing the lawn, and taking children to school, not to mention possible financial pressures from missed work. So there is more we can do in addition to praying. Instead of asking, “How can I help?” we can take care of obvious needs that need to be met.
When the apostle Paul was under house arrest in Rome, the Philippian church sent material provisions to him. And they had done so before, multiple times, when he was in need in Thessalonica (Philippians 4:15-16). We don’t know exactly what they sent—food, clothing, or funds—but whatever it was, it reminded Paul that God is always able to meet our needs, often through fellow believers (Philippians 4:19).
When possible, tend to the material and physical needs, as well as the spiritual needs, of those going through a difficult time.
Love is service rather than sentiment. - John R. W. Stott
Charles Stanley (March 19, 2024) Daily Devotional: The Price of Prayerlessness.
God invites you to bring your burdens to Him every day.
Isaiah 40:28-31 - Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.
God wants us to talk with Him, and Matthew 7:7-8 is an invitation to speak with Him about anything. Jesus said if we have a need, we’re to ask; if we seek answers, we’ll find them; if we want opportunities to open up, He will respond when we knock. Even so, many of us don’t spend as much time in prayer as we should.
Forsaking prayer can be costly. If we don’t spend time with the Lord, we might find ourselves on a slippery slope, sliding through weariness, discouragement, and doubt. Today let’s look at the first of these. Tomorrow we can examine the other two.
Certain situations take an emotional, physical, and/or spiritual toll—we call these burdens. They can wear us out if we attempt to endure them alone. But God doesn’t intend for that weight to fall on our shoulders. In fact, the Bible tells us to cast those loads on the Lord, who sustains us and “daily bears our burden” (Psalm 55:22 - Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.; Psalm 68:19 - Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation. Selah).
Hauling all our worries and cares around is exhausting because we are not built for such loads. In God’s design, His strength fills the believer to capacity. Picture Jesus’ shoulders just above your own—with Him bearing your problems. The burden may not disappear, but it feels blessedly lighter when you hand it over to the Lord.
Jentezen Franklin (March 19, 2024) Daily Devotional: Miracles In Your Home.
“The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” Psalms 145:18
How much of Jesus do you have in your home? You may think that spirituality and miracles are supposed to happen only in the church, but many examples in the Bible show how much God wants to move in your own home. In the book of Acts, the church is mentioned 18 times, but the home is mentioned 39 times. The New Testament is filled with stories of miracles and salvations in people’s houses. God can do and has done some of His greatest miracles in homes.
In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit was poured out, and the New Testament church was born. This great move of God did not happen in a sanctuary but in the upper room of a man’s home. God can pour out His Spirit on you and your family as you sit in your living room.
In Acts 9, God told Ananias to go to Straight Street to a man’s house to find Saul of Tarsus, who was staying there. God told him to lay his hands on Saul and heal him because he was a chosen vessel. The greatest apostle in the world and the man who wrote half of the New Testament was not healed in a church. He was healed and ministered to in a house. God knew exactly where he was staying. God also knows your address and wants to meet you there.
In Acts 10, Simon Peter is led by an angel to the home of a Gentile named Cornelius. Cornelius was waiting for him and had brought his family and friends into his house to hear what Peter had to say. Acts 10:44 says, “And when Peter spoke these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all of them who heard the word.” Most of the world is comprised of Gentiles, and it is amazing to realize that none of us would be in the kingdom of God had it not been for an outpouring of God’s mercy on a house of people. Previous to his visit, God had revealed to Peter His will to include the Gentiles in His plan of salvation. This huge plan to reach the majority of the world started in a man’s home.
God’s power can reach you in your home right now. He can heal your body and break the bondage of sin. He can restore marriages and broken family relationships. He can reach your sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. God still wants to bring miracles into your home. He is looking for people who will become evangelists to their own families. Start talking about Jesus to everyone who enters your home.
Remember that you are either building your house on the sinking sand or building it on a rock.
Pray this prayer today: “Lord, I would love for you to pour out your spirit on my house. I want my family and children saved. I want to worship you in this house. I give you my family, marriage, and children and invite your Holy presence into this home.”
Joyce Meyer (March-19-2024) Daily Devotional: Keep Showing Up
Our obedience to God must not be based on our circumstances, because the circumstances of our lives are not always enjoyable. I have determined that when I go through a difficult time, I will simply keep showing up. This means I continue doing what I would do if I had no trouble. I keep my commitments, spend time with God as usual, and make a practice of continuing to be good and kind to the people around me.
Is it easy? No, it isn’t easy. Doing what is right is always easier if we feel like doing it, but we are to give thanks and bless the Lord at all times (see Psalm 34:1). In addition, we are to continue to obey Him at all times.
Doing what is right when it is hard always helps us grow in Christian character. Jesus did this regularly, and we are called to be transformed into His image and let Him be our example in all things. If you are going through something difficult right now, just keep showing up and doing the right thing. In time, your trouble will pass, and you will have gained a victory over the enemy.
Prayer Starter: Father, help me to be strong in You and keep showing up and doing what is right, no matter how I feel or what my circumstances are like. Thank You.
David Jeremiah (March 19, 2024) Daily Devotional: Any Time, Any Reason
Nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:39
Recommended Reading: Galatians 4:1-7 - Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, 2 but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. 4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
The Resolute desk has been used by many American Presidents in the Oval Office of the White House. It was a gift in 1880 from the United Kingdom and was made from the timbers of the HMS Resolute. The desk is massive, weighing thirteen hundred pounds, and was originally a partners’ desk with open kneeholes on both sides. One of the most iconic pictures of John Kennedy’s presidency shows the President’s small son, John Jr., peaking out of the kneehole while his father, the President, worked at the desk.
The leader of the free world allowed his son to play at his feet, beneath his desk, while he conducted matters of state. As amazing as that is, believers in Christ have an even greater privilege. We are invited into the throne room of God, at any time and with boldness, to present our prayers to our Heavenly Father.
The door to your Heavenly Father’s “office” is open. He welcomes your presence and your prayers—any time, for any reason.
Behold, what wondrous grace the Father hath bestowed on sinners of a mortal race, to call them sons of God! - Isaac Watts