Displaying items by tag: daily devotional

Daily Devotional (June-30-2022) Our Great Advocate.

Scripture Reference: Luke 22:31-32 (NIV) - “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

It is true. We do have a spiritual enemy. He does desire to destroy us. And yes, we do sin. We do fall short of how God desires us to behave. But praise God, that is not where today’s passage ends. In one of the most sincere verses in the Bible, Jesus turns to Simon Peter and says, “but I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.” What an epic moment. God, manifested in the very flesh of Jesus, calls Simon by name, looks him in the eye and tells him that He is praying for him so that his faith may not fail. And the great truth is that He does the same for us! The Apostle John tells us that when we sin, when we are under spiritual attack, that Jesus is our Advocate, that is He speaks to God the Father in our defense. Now, we have a choice to make. We can ignore what Jesus says, or we can believe Him. Think about it. If we really believe that Jesus is praying for us, that He is interceding for us, it would change the way we live. Ours would be a life full of gratitude for what God has done. Peace, because of His presence. Courage, because of our confidence we have in Him. And what does He ask for in return? Listen to what He said to Peter. “Strengthen your brothers.” Today, live conscious of God’s love and protection. Hear Jesus praying for you by name, and don’t let your faith fail. Instead, walk in victory! And with renewed strength and faith, go strengthen others.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, I am so glad that You are greater than the enemy of my soul. You are all powerful, all loving and all wise. Thank You for interceding for me with Your prayers of grace, mercy and forgiveness. Help me today, go strengthen others, with the same love You have for me. AMEN

Joel Osteen (June-30-2022) Daily Devotional: Are You Sure?

Today's Scripture: So David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” - 2 Samuel 5:19, NKJV

Today's Word:  when the Philistines heard that David had just been made king over all Israel, notice his humility in today’s Scripture. David was a great warrior who had won many battles, yet he didn’t proudly declare, “This is a no brainer. I’ve got this.” He got quiet and said, “God, what should I do?” He was saying, “God, I don’t want to go if You’re not going with me.” He showed his dependence on God. He recognized where his strength, his favor, and his ability came from.

Sometimes when we face a challenge, we assume God is on our side and there’s no question about whether we go to battle. But a wiser approach is, “God, what do You want me to do with this opposition. Shall I attack, or shall I be still and let You fight for me. If I go in, will You give me the victory?” We’ve all fought battles where we didn’t come out like we thought. Maybe it was because we didn’t inquire of the Lord.

Prayer for Today: “Father, thank You that You haven’t left me to work out my destiny on my own. Thank You that when I face an obstacle or challenge that I can come to You for wisdom and guidance in my decisions. Help me to stay humble and not assume that You are going with me into a battle. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Rick Warren (June-30-2022) Daily Devotional: Learn to Love by Being Generous

“I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me . . . They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God.” - Philippians 4:18 (NLT)

Life is not about things. It’s about learning how to love.

One of the best ways to learn to love is through generosity—giving your time, money, effort, and energy. When you’re generous, you’re affirming that God and people matter most to you. In other words, what matters most is love.

Every time you give—whether that’s giving your time, your money, your effort, or your energy—you reveal what matters to you. Tell me how you spend your money and your time, and I’ll tell you what matters most to you.

Does your schedule reveal that your career matters most to you? Does your bank statement show that your hobby is most important? Or does how you spend your money and time show that loving God and people matters most to you?

If at the end of your life you’ve acquired a giant pile of things but you’re estranged from your family and friends, you’ve missed the point! You’ve missed the opportunity to love through your generosity.

But when you spend your life building generously into people and relationships, you’re living in the light of heaven. You’re living in love.

Think about the people you’re most grateful for from your own life. Most of those are probably people who have invested time, money, effort, or energy in you.

Paul gives an example of this: “You have done well to share with me in my present difficulty. As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News . . . No other church did this . . . At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me . . . They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:14-15, 18 NLT).

The people Paul was writing to had learned this truth: You earn a living by what you make, but you earn the respect and gratitude of others by what you give out of a loving heart.

Take some time today to reflect on the people who’ve been generous to you. Then use them as a model for how you can be generous to others.

Talk It Over

• If someone looked at your schedule and your spending, what would they say is most important to you? Are your priorities what you want them to be?
• How are you investing in the lives of others? What is one way you can be more generous with your time, money, effort, or energy this week?
• Who has been generous with you? Take a few minutes now to make a phone call or send a text or letter to thank them for investing in your life.

David Jeremiah (June-30-2022) Daily Devotional: Go With the Flow

I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. - Revelation 21:6

 Recommended Reading: Revelation 22:1-5 - THE RIVER OF LIFE - 22 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. 4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. 5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.

The Congo River in Africa is the deepest river in the world—so deep we don’t know how deep it is. For 2,500 miles, it meanders back and forth through Central Africa, then it suddenly drops away, sending 1.45 million cubic feet of water into the Atlantic Ocean every second. There’s no delta—only a deep channel that’s fathomless enough to submerge a skyscraper. The force of the water is dramatic and deadly.

But you’ve got something better inside of you. The greatest river in the universe is the water of the Holy Spirit flowing from Christ through believers. Jesus told the woman in John 4:14: “But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” And in John 7:38-39, He said, “‘He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke concerning the Spirit.”

Try to picture it. From deep within you, the Lord Jesus is unleashing a river of grace that will refresh others. That’s the river of living waters!

Perfect, yet it floweth fuller every day. Perfect, yet it groweth deeper all the way. Frances Ridley Havergal

John MacArthur (June-30-2022) Daily Devotional: Sacrificial Faith on Display

"In the same way was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works, when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? Just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead" (James 2:25-26).

True faith willingly makes whatever sacrifices God requires.

It's understandable that James would use Abraham as an illustration of living faith—especially to his predominately Jewish readers. Rahab, however, is a different story. She was a Gentile, a prostitute, a liar, and lived in the pagan city of Jericho. How could such a person illustrate true faith?

Rahab knew very little about the true God but what she knew, she believed, and what she believed, she acted on. She believed that God had led His people out of Egypt and defeated the Amorite kings (Josh. 2:9-10). She openly confessed that the Lord "is God in heaven above and on earth beneath" (v. 11). Her faith was vindicated when she aided the Hebrew spies who entered Jericho just prior to Joshua's invasion.

Both Abraham and Rahab valued their faith in God above all else. Both were willing to sacrifice what mattered most to them: for Abraham it was Isaac; for Rahab it was her own life. Their obedience in the face of such great sacrifice proved the genuineness of their faith.

James calls each of us to examine ourselves to be sure we have a living faith. The acid test is whether your faith produces obedience. No matter what you claim, if righteousness doesn't characterize your life, your faith is dead, not living. James likened that kind of faith to hypocrites who offer pious words to the needy but refuse to meet their needs; to demons, who believe the truth about God but are eternally lost; and to a lifeless, useless corpse. Those are strong analogies, but God does not want you to be deceived about the quality of your own faith.

I pray that you are rejoicing in the confidence that your faith is genuine. God bless you as you live each day in His wonderful grace.

Suggestions for Prayer

• Ask God for the grace and courage to face any sacrifice necessary as you live out your faith.

For Further Study

Read Joshua 2:1-24; 6:1-27; and Matthew 1:1-5.

• How did Rahab protect the spies?
• How did God bless Rahab?

John Hagee (June-30-2022) Daily Devotional: Matthew 25:21 - "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord."

Many of us hesitate and wait for circumstances to be perfect before we will commit to serve. To delay is to disobey.

When we undertake what God asks us to do, He makes it count. No matter how difficult it might be to accomplish the task He has assigned, no matter how few stand beside us, no matter where He sends, no matter how long it might take – be faithful to respond to His prompting.

Do not despise the small beginnings or neglect the details others never see. Even when we labor in obscurity, our Heavenly Father notices and honors our obedience. When we offer our best – even if only a few fish and loaves – He magnifies and makes it much.

If He calls you to the nursery, nurture the upcoming generation of Jesus lovers! If He sends you to the boardroom, lead with integrity. If He calls you to mop floors, clean with care. When you answer the higher call, your obedience blesses others.

We are responsible to respond and invest the talents that He gives us. When we do little things well – faithful over the few – He will reward us by promoting us to the greater things. It all counts in His kingdom.

Blessing: May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you and give you His peace. Sink your heart and hands into the work of the Master until He one day welcomes you into the joy of the Lord. He is worthy!

Today's Bible Reading: 

• Old Testament - 2 Kings 17:1-18:12
• New Testament - Acts 20:1-38
• Psalms & Proverbs - Psalm 148:1-14, Proverbs 18:6-7

Jentezen Franklin (June-30-2022) Daily Devotional: You can’t change people

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” Pr 13:12 NKJV

You say, “Surely a man or woman can change when they meet the right partner?” No. Only God can change people—and you are not God! Plus, when you “need to be needed,” it can cause you to make disastrous relationship choices in life. Perhaps you have heard stories of people who have experienced massive change through their marriage. But the truth is, the power to change must come from within the person themselves, not from you. When you try to change your spouse, it doesn’t work, and eventually your “hope” for change makes you “sick.” In The Message, Eugene Peterson paraphrases Solomon’s words: “Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick.” When you keep longing for and envisioning something that never materializes, you get heartsick. Then you start making excuses for what’s not working in the relationship, even as it becomes obvious to those around you. Sound relationship decisions are not based on hope.

And add to this the fact that people of faith often try to spiritualize every issue. In the name of “faith,” they dumb down their instincts and ignore their senses. That’s not having faith in God! Faith in God should be just that—faith in God. We must not place our faith in fallible men and women, because they will fail us. God gives each of us a will, but He doesn’t force us to change. Change must come from within each of us as we accept the grace that God extends to us each day. “The Lord opened [Lydia’s] heart to heed the things spoken by Paul” (Ac 16:14 NKJV). Here is a better option: Pray for them, and let God change them!

Joyce Meyer (June-30-2022) Daily Devotional: The Shield of Faith

The devil attacks us in a variety of ways, but we can always have the victory if we will lift up the shield of faith against him at the onset of his attack. Recently, early in the morning, he attacked my mind with critical thoughts about several people I know, and this morning it was fear and worry. Both times, the Holy Spirit made me aware of what was happening, and I released my faith in God by remembering the faithfulness of God and trusting Him to take care of everything that was attempting to annoy me. I also replaced the wrong thoughts with good ones, because that is one way that we overcome evil with good (see Romans 12:21).

When the devil is attacking, we dare not be passive and do nothing. We must come against him. We submit ourselves to God and His Word, and we resist the devil, and he flees (see James 4:7). No matter what lie the devil is whispering to your mind, don’t believe him, but instead wield (use) the sword of the Spirit that is the Word of God. Replace thoughts of criticism with thoughts of humility and love. Replace fear and worry with trust and confidence. Faith is a shield, and it will protect us in every battle if we will “lift” it up by simply declaring our trust in God.

Prayer Starter: Father, always reveal to me when the devil is attacking me and remind me of relevant Scriptures to replace the evil thoughts he is suggesting. Help me lift up my shield of faith at all times. Thank You!

Daily Devotional (June-29-2022) MAKE A PERSONAL CHOICE

Scripture Reference: Exodus 3:4-6 - “And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God”

There's a lesson concerning Moses’ first encounter with the Lord. Moses was in the wilderness, having ran away from Egypt after murdering an Egyptian. He had a kind of love for his people. Later, God introduced Himself to Moses. How will God introduced Himself to a person that killed someone? Definitely, God was aware of his past but the most important thing to God is His purpose.

God introduced Himself to Moses as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. We see this description in different places in the scriptures. It must be very important.

God mentioning Abraham, Isaac and Jacob individually meant He (God) had separate, distinct relationships with each person. There are accounts of the their individual encounters.

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had to each make a personal choice to make Him (God) their God. It was not forced on any of them. God approached each person, and offered a covenant.

God had introduced Himself first to Abraham (then Abram). After Abraham, Isaac had to choose whether the God of his father Abraham would be his God. He chose this same God.

After Isaac, Jacob also needed to make his own decision about this God who was the God of his father. Jacob had his own encounter with God, and intentionally chose to serve God.

God does not impose Himself on anyone. He offers not just eternal life, but a covenant relationship here before you die. Your parents’ relationship with God is not your relationship. Make your own personal, intentional choice to serve God. He would be “the God of … (you)”.

PRAYER - Thank you Lord for your Glorious call to be a partner with you to win the lost and to bring many into your kingdom. I always say yes to you as I reach out to many in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen.

Rick Warren (June-29-2022) Daily Devotional: Stress Management Starts in the Mind.

“Think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected.” - Philippians 4:8 (NCV)

The battle with stress in your life begins between your ears. It’s in your thought life. What you fill your mind with determines your level of stress. If you want peace of mind, you have to control what you allow into your mind.

For most people, the mind is like a freeway. They let anything drive through it. They watch shows that are full of junk and nonsense, scroll through social media sites that are polarizing, and listen to gossip that makes them envious. Then they’re surprised when their mind’s freeway becomes polluted with all of these things. And they wonder why their stress is so high.

The Bible offers another way. Philippians 4:8 says, “Think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected” (NCV).

To lower your stress, change what you think about. In this verse, the Bible gives you eight tests for deciding if you should allow something in your mind. Ask yourself:

Is it good?
Is it worthy of praise?
Is it true?
Is it honorable?
Is it right?
Is it pure?
Is it beautiful?
Is it respected?
Think about the course of your week—the conversations you have, the books you read, the songs you listen to, the websites you scroll, the TV and movies you watch, and the things you do with your free time. How do all of these things hold up to that eight-question test? Are the things you’re putting into your mind all week good, worthy of praise, true, honorable, right, pure, beautiful, and respected?

If not, it’s time to start filling your mind with different things.

Each one of those eight attributes actually describes God. So when you think about things that are good, worthy of praise, true, honorable, right, pure, beautiful, and respected, you’re really picturing God.

Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (NLT).

Corrie ten Boom—a Dutch Christian during World War II—knew the truth of that verse. She and her family hid Jews from the Nazis and were eventually sent to death camps, where her sister and father died. But through that horrible time, she discovered the secret of living with a mind at peace. She said it like this: “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed.  But if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest.”   

Whatever is going on around you, and the things you choose to think about, determine how much stress you feel. If you fix your thoughts on God, he will keep you in perfect peace.

Talk It Over

1. How are you doing in the battle against stress in your life? When do you find it easy to direct your thoughts toward God? When is it difficult?
2. Think about your favorite entertainment choices. Do they pass or fail the eight-question test?
3. How can you direct your thoughts toward God more often throughout the day?