Daily Devotional

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Hey! I hope y’all are doing well! Continue praying for @Prayer_Warrior. He’s still doing well, and hopefully soon he’ll be back on here! I’m still just filling in for him until he gets back.

Today’s devotional comes from a man named David Jacobs, and I really enjoyed what he said! What he said reminded me of what Jesus said in John 3:17, “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” I hope it’s a blessing to you as well! God bless you in your fight!

John12:44-48
Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

God’s Word is the Judge

“A few years ago my father died. He was a larger-than-life figure to me and I have always felt inadequate in some way because I constantly compare myself to him. He was an excellent student; I was a decent student. He worked incredibly hard; I got by with charm. He was the best father anyone could hope for; I felt unable to take care of even myself at times. I spent so much of my life doing things to prove that I was worthy to him, not based on things that I wanted to do but by doing things that I thought he would want me to do.”

“Right before he passed away, he told me that he was proud of me. He told me that all he ever wanted was to give me a better life, to be fulfilled, and for me to be a good person. I had made mistakes, but he seemed to not even remember them. All of the guilt and insecurity that I had felt was my own. I was projecting my own beliefs on how he felt onto myself…and they were not even accurate!”

“Many Christians are wracked with similar feelings of guilt, anxiety, and insecurity regarding their faith, behaviors, and even thoughts. Read these verses and understand that Christ did not come to judge you! He came to save you, by sharing his word and showing you a path to peace. The world can seem to be filled with darkness, and our faith constantly challenged. Christ was the light for the world and for all believers. Let that light shine inside you, share it with the world, and stamp out the darkness that fills you with feelings of guilt, despair, and worthlessness. God shared his light; go share yours!”

Prayer
Generous God, help me to spread light to the world. Assist me in changing my feelings of guilt and insecurity to feelings of hope and love. You sent your son, Jesus Christ, to save us. I will do all that I can to follow your Word, so that his sacrifice will not be for naught. I pray all of this in your holy name, thanking you for showing me the way, Amen.

[user1234567890]

Hey! I hope y’all are doing well tonight! Tonight’s Devotional actually is something that I typed up. It’s not much, but I hope that it’s a help to you!

Keep Sharing the Bread
Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.
Ecclesiastes 11:1

Our lives today are made up of instant gratification. Wanna know the weather forecast? Just look it up! What’s in the headlines? Just ask Alexa to tell you. Wanna watch a movie? You can have it in a few clicks of a mouse, or a few presses of a button, or a few taps on a screen. Want something to eat? No doubt there’s a fast-food restaurant nearby you can get something at, or even have it delivered, or even buy a frozen dinner from the grocery store to take home and heat. And if the local Walmart doesn’t have what you want, then Amazon will ship it to you with Prime 2-Day shipping.

But the Christian life is not made up of this, but rather delayed gratification. Solomon writes here, “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” In other words, sooner or later, there will be an eventual result to what you do for the Lord! Jesus said in Matthew 6, “…thy Father which seest in secret Himself shall reward thee openly.”. Jesus told His disciples in Mark 10:29-30, “Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s**, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.**” He does reward us in this life many times, but the greatest reward is one that is not realized over here.

We easily get discouraged when we don’t see those immediate results in our lives. We’re often like Veruca Salt: I WANT IT NOW! Or like J.G. Wentworth: IT’S MY MONEY, AND I NEED IT NOW! We think, “No one’s paying attention, anyways.”. Or maybe we tell ourselves that we don’t mind not getting attention, but we feel like our efforts are futile. We’re just spinning our wheels in the mud. There’s no real result to what we’re doing. But how do we know?

I’ll give an example from my life. I know that there was one day that I was watching a video that someone had put up on YouTube. I wasn’t even looking for something that was related to the Bible. It was just something silly that they had posted on there. But at the end of the video, the content creator had put up a couple of verses of scripture that I’m sure I had read before but had never paid attention to before reading them on there. Since seeing that video, I’ve thought back on those scriptures time and time again, and they’ve been a special blessing to me!

Now why do I tell that? That person was “casting their bread upon the waters”. Christ is referred to as “The Bread of Life”. When we share Him and His Word with others, we are casting that Bread upon the waters. We may see results to what we do soon after; but then again, we may never see some of the results over here. But there is that promise that we will reap what we sow. Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Keep casting the Bread out on the waters, “…(for He is faithful that promised;)” (Hebrews 10:23).

God Bless You In Your Fight!

[user1234567890]

Hey! I hope everyone is doing well! Tonight, we have another devotional by David Jacobs, and I think it’s particularly relevant to the forum. One of the reasons that we keep turning to PMO is because we use it as this “garden of peace” that he talks about. We use it as a numbing agent to escape from our reality of hardships. Funny enough, he even mentions sex as one of the things that we run to at the beginning of this devotional. But there are so many better things that God has blessed us with that we can turn to! We can turn to our Lord, and also to our brothers and sisters in Christ! I hope it’s a blessing to you! God Bless You In Your Fight!

Where Is Your Garden?
David Jacobs

As we grow up, many of us turn to certain things as “escapes.” Work, exercise, sex, and alcohol can all be used in different ways, some more positive than others.

There is one place where I go when I am feeling despondent: my diary. Writing in my journal is a place where I always feel safe. I can reflect on my day and almost always feel a sense of peace and accomplishment when I write in it. Although it may not traditionally be considered prayer, writing in my journal is a meditative, contemplative, and calming action that helps me focus on the things that are most important to me. My journal, in a way, is my garden of peace.

In these verses (John 18:1-2), Jesus goes to pray with his disciples by the brook Cedron in a garden. His soon-to-be betrayer, Judas, knew would find Jesus there. Even as Jesus knew of his impending end he remained calm, and surrounded himself with those important to him. What better place for Jesus to spend his final hours of peace! He spent his remaining hours doing what he enjoyed the most with the people that he enjoyed the most. Like my journal, it was a place he could turn to calm down, prepare for what was coming, and focus on what was important to him.

What is your “garden” of peace? Is there a place, person, action, or substance that you turn to habitually to try to relax? More importantly, whatever your garden may be, is it a positive one? Does it help or hurt you? Use Christ as an example: be in a setting that you love with people that you love.

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Hey! I hope everyone’s doing well! Tonight’s devotional comes from Oswald Chambers, and he talks about how we are indebted to Christ to spread the Gospel with those around us. It’s easy to get discouraged in the work of the Lord, and think that we’re wasting our time; but don’t forget what God said about His Word. “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.” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). God Bless You In Your Fight!

The Point Of Spiritual Honour

I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians…
Romans 1:14

Paul was overwhelmed with the sense of his indebtedness to Jesus Christ, and he spent himself to express it. The great inspiration in Paul’s life was his view of Jesus Christ as his spiritual creditor. Do I feel that sense of indebtedness to Christ in regard to every unsaved soul? The spiritual honour of my life as a saint is to fulfil my debt to Christ in relation to them. Every bit of my life that is of value I owe to the Redemption of Jesus Christ; am I doing anything to enable Him to bring His Redemption into actual manifestation in other lives? I can only do it as the Spirit of God works in me this sense of indebtedness. I am not to be a superior person amongst men, but a bondslave of the Lord Jesus. “Ye are not your own.” Paul sold himself to Jesus Christ. He says — “I am a debtor to everyone on the face of the earth because of the Gospel of Jesus; I am free to be an absolute slave only.” That is the characteristic of the life when once this point of spiritual honour is realised. Quit praying about yourself and be spent for others as the bondslave of Jesus. That is the meaning of being made broken bread and poured-out wine in reality.

[user1234567890]

Hey! I hope everyone is doing well! Tonight’s devotional comes from a local preacher named Billy Bryant. He passed away many years ago, but many of his writings were left behind, and this is one of them. It’s a good reminder that this battle that we face will not last forever, and that there is an end in sight! It’s an encouragement to us who are fighting to remember our final destination! I hope it’s a blessing to y’all! God Bless You In Your Fight!

They Seek A Country

Pr. Billy Bryant

“For they that say such things declare plainly
that they seek a country”
(Hebrews 11:14)

When any person comes to Jesus and is saved, he becomes a new person (see 2 Cor. 5:17). We are saved to better things. Those who are saved soon find out that this world is not their home any more. They turn their spiritual eyes toward heaven and set their affections on things above. Their life becomes simply a pilgrimage on earth. They look for, or seek, a better country.

1. CONSIDER THEIR CONFESSION

Those who are saved have confessed Jesus as their Savior and Lord. They have confessed that they are strangers in this world. They are misfits in the company of the people of this world. They have conflicting natures, and there is a communication problem. They confess that they are on a Journey to their heavenly home - - “a city whose builder and maker Is God” (Heb. 11:10).

2. CONSIDER THEIR CONTINUATION

The saved are continually beIng tempted to settle down here and make this world their home. We must never listen to those who would woo us away from the pathway that leads to our homeland - - that country that we seek. No one or anything should be able to stop us from keeping our eyes on the world to come.

3. CONSIDER THEIR COUNTRY

What kind of a country are we seeking? The Bible calls it “an heavenly” country (v. 16). It is a country where there is no sin, where there is no sadness, no sorrowful hearts, no sickness, and no death. All the saved have been given a nature that makes them long for that country. Not even the grandest place on earth will completely satisfy the saved. Heaven is our homeland. Our heavenly nature longs for that heavenly country. Our minds are filled with thoughts of heaven. We are continually being tempted to make this world our home, but our heavenly nature will not accept any or all of this world as our homeland. Our home is in heaven.

[user1234567890]

Hey! I hope everyone is doing well! Tonight’s devotional comes from David Jacobs. I hope it is a blessing to y’all! Keep on trusting Jesus in your daily life! God Bless You In Your Fight!

Find No Fault In Christ

David Jacobs

My brother is quite successful with his work. He works hard, is passionate, and has creative solutions for problems that few people can think of. He always felt a little insecure that he did not have a higher education degree because most of the people in his field have master or doctorate degrees. I remember he struggled when a new person was hired at the same level as he was: the new employee was significantly younger than him and had a PhD. It made my brother insecure and transitively dislike the new hire for no reason other than his own insecurity. After an initial adjustment period, he realized the error of his ways and learned to appreciate the set of skills that his new colleague possessed. They are able to do much more working together and appreciating one another than in opposition, worried about personal inadequacies.

The Roman Empire was one of the most powerful nations in human history. To oppose them in any way was suicide and were able to maintain power for so long because they treated any outside threat as potentially serious. This brings us to Jesus: he was viewed as a threat because he appealed to everyone, preaching to large masses that gathered just to see or hear him speak. The Roman Empire and Pontius Pilate specifically viewed this as a threat to their control, fearing the power that was greater than them. In these verses, the fearful Pilate suddenly thinks he is the more powerful of the two, ridiculing and mocking Jesus before his death. However, Jesus’ name has been praised for centuries, and Pilates’ name is only known because of its’ association with Christ.

As believers, it can be daunting to think that we will one day join God and Christ in Heaven. We are not worthy and we do not fully understand God’s divine plan. Do not make the same mistake as Pilate! Do not mock that which you understand. We must trust God’s plan, for God has plans to help us prosper and not harm us, plans for a better future (Jeremiah 29:11) and his word is a light on our path (Psalms 119:105). It can be scary to think that we are so insignificant in comparison to God, but He has shown us that He loves us. He sent his son to die for us. We must remain faithful to God’s word and learn from history. Do not make the same mistake as Pontius Pilate.

Prayer
All-knowing and powerful Lord, hear my prayer! Forgive us, Abba Father, for we know not what we have done. I, like Pilate, have sinned against you. I beg you, merciful God, to forgive him for what he has done as you have forgiven me. Strengthen my resolve and faith in you, my Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. I leave everything else, to you. Amen.

[Prayer_Warrior]

July 19, 2024 Friday

John 19:38-40 (KJV) And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.
And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.
Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.

All believers, great and small, play their part

I have traveled extensively and always like to visit cathedrals and churches. These palaces of worship humble me, making me realize how many people have come and gone, praising the Lord, in these magnificent structures. It can be intimidating. In weaker moments, I may compare myself to the Pope or other Christian leaders and think that I am not good enough. As these verses give proof of, all followers have a spiritual journey, no matter how big or small.

The men mentioned in these passages, Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus, were both not the strictest adherents to Jesus while he was still alive. Other disciples and followers would seem like more likely candidates to ask for Christ’s body, but these two came to him after his death. In trying to ensure Jesus had a proper burial, they both made themselves unclean for Passover, but nevertheless became converts in Christ. Even from beyond the cross were these men so moved that they came to Jesus. Let this be a lesson: it is never too late to become a believer. We are all on the same spiritual journey to eternal life. Don’t be intimidated, don’t despair. Have faith that God will show you the way.

-David Jacobs

Prayer
Lord my guide, let us all who hear the name of Jesus be drawn towards your accepting light and embrace. I ask all this, so that I may see your Paradise swell, and hear all the clearer your name rejoiced. Jesus Christ and Lord Almighty up on high, I will praise your name now and forever. Amen.

[Prayer_Warrior]

July 20, 2024 Saturday

John 20:11-17 (KJV) But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Don’t Cry, Jesus is Risen

My best friend died when I was 21. He died of cancer even though he was given a high chance of survival. I was devastated, blaming myself and also blaming God. “How could God do this to him?” I wondered. In my pain and grief, other ideas began to emerge: “How lucky were we to have met each other? Would I have wanted it any other way?”

Losing a loved one can be a crushing blow. We all fear the unknown and are sad to think that the warm person we once knew is not a cold body, nothing more than flesh and bone. Similar to I thought with my friend, Jesus’ death was a tragedy, but would you have wanted his life to have been any different? His life was a blessing for all of us, one that we are all indebted to him for. Be comforted by the words of Jesus, as Mary Magdalene was. He has ascended to Heaven with his Father, the prophecy has been fulfilled, and we have been saved. Thanks be to God!

-David Jacobs

Prayer
Holy Lord, God of power and light, I am humbled by your sacrifices for me, a lowly servant. I ask that you utilize me in any way you see fit, for I long to be like your son, Jesus Christ, bringing light to the world. Comfort those that are mourning, my God, for their hearts may weigh heavy and need your support. Help me to recognize anyone that may be going through difficult times, so I may lend an ear, a shoulder, or a heart for them. In your name I pray, amen.

[Prayer_Warrior]

July 21, 2024 Sunday

John 20:19-23 (KJV) Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Receiving the Holy Ghost and being freed from sin!

-David Jacobs

Everyone deals with feelings of insecurity at times. Personally, I have always compared myself to the people that I most look up to, namely, my mother, father, and Jesus. Doing so has made me feel inadequate often: Christ is God in human form but I am just a man; Christ never sins and I sin often; Christ died and rose from the dead and I am fearful of death. These feelings hinder my growth as a person when I feel them strongly, and it is why verses like these are so important to me.

In these verses, Christ appears to the disciples, proves that he is truly reborn, and breathes the Holy Ghost into them. Their sins are forgiven. They, and all believers, are good enough for Jesus to say these words, to die and sacrifice himself so that our sins, the sins of inadequate mortals, would be remitted. When I remember these verses, I no longer feel inadequate; I, too, feel reborn. The Holy Ghost lives in me as he does in you. My sins are forgiven as are yours. With this in mind, how can I ever feel inadequate?

Prayer
Dear God, my Heavenly Father, who sent his only begotten Son to us, show us peace and mercy. I, like the disciples reunited again with Christ, feel joy in your presence, O Lord. I am weak, but with you I am strong, and thank you for reconnecting me with your miracles and wonders. For joy is what my heart wants, and joy is what it shall receive, accepting your blessings and your everlasting embrace. Amen.

[Prayer_Warrior]

July 22, 2024 Monday

Matthew 5:33-37 (KJV) Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:
Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Say What You Really Mean

-David Jacobs

When you think of politicians, what are the first things that you think about? For me, the first idea that comes to mind is that they will say anything to convince people to vote for them. One day they say this, the next day they say the exact opposite. It has become such a problem that younger generations have lost faith in the political system. If people will “flip-flop” so easily, there is no reason to even bother voting. The changing stances of politicians damages the entire political process for the sake of individuals wanting to get elected?

Prayer
As a Christian, it is important that our words and deeds are consistent. If you promise one thing and then the next day do another, why would anyone trust in your promises? As Christ explains: “let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay.” If you say yes, it means yes! If you say no, it means no. It is as simple as that, and to do otherwise, as is the case with many of the world’s politicians, evil will follow.

Don’t agree to promises that you cannot keep. If you say something, mean it. Jesus felt strongly enough about this to teach it, so do not take this advice lightly. I mean it! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

[Prayer_Warrior]

July 23, 2024 Tuesday

Psalms 119:18 (KJV) Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

The Dreams of the Blind

-David Jacobs

I enjoy studying psychology, and one day I pondered this question: can a blind person visualize things as they dream? I did quite a lot of research on the subject and found that it depends on when they became blind: the younger they lost their ability to see, the less likely the chance they would see images as they dreamed. Although it seems like such a shame, a person without the ability to use their eyes to see also has heightened senses and a totally different interpretation of the world than a person that can see. To say that one is objectively good or bad would be incorrect.

The Bible is full of references to ‘eyes’, of the Lord making the world ‘visible’ to his followers. On the other hand of course, many who do not follow are often ‘blind’ or ‘blinded’, often by sin or emotions. This passage is not to be taken literally, with an opening of the eyes a metaphor perhaps, for lifting the veil of ignorance. Physically blind people cannot help the fact that they cannot see; ignorant people that choose to live in sin can help it. The laws of the Lord are there to allow all of us to open our eyes to the ways of God. God’s laws will open our eyes, his word is a lamp for our feet (Psalms 119:105). Choosing to be willfully ignorant is a choice to live in sin. Upon making such a choice, you will be truly blind, regardless of whether or not you have images in your dreams.

Prayer
Heavenly Lord, I pray for you to open my eyes to your divine Law. Show me the path towards light and truth, and allow me not to obscure this with my own will. Grant me wisdom to see further than my own feet, looking into the distance, towards your Heavenly Kingdom. Grant me the courage to follow you even when others do not, so that I may help lead the blind that thirst to see your face. | ask this in the name of Christ Almighty, Amen.

[Prayer_Warrior]

July 24, 2024 Wednesday

Psalms 1:1-6 (KJV) 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.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
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.
The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

A Tree that never Dies

-David Jacobs

I have been a negative influence on those around me at various points in my life. When I was younger, I thought that I knew everything. I rarely respected any authority, felt the rules did not apply to me, and essentially wanted to rebel against anything. As a result, the company that I kept were people that thought similarly and if they initially didn’t, if we kept spending time together, we would start to change one another. Luckily, I met a woman, my wife, that snapped me back to reality, saving my life.

We are all products of our environment. If we surround ourselves with negative influences, sinners, and deceit, we will be affected by it. It happened to me, and this Psalms makes it clear the differences that positive and negative influences can have on a person, especially on their relationship to God. However, surrounded by encouragement, love and understanding, the same individual may flourish and nurture not only themselves but also those around them. Take the disciples as an example: Christ was like a fruitful and healthy tree, and his disciples flourished being near him, and they too, became trees for those around them. This psalms reminds us to be virtuous, like a healthy tree, in order to avoid transgressions.

Prayer
Dear Lord, how blessed you have made me! Thank you, generous God, for the family and friends and the care and compassion they have shown me. Help me treasure and love each and every one of them, and continue by your kindness to safeguard them from all evil and temptation. We have had a chance to live and thrive because of you, and I pray that you help me help others to enjoy the warm waters of your loving embrace. Amen.

[Prayer_Warrior]

July 25, 2024 Thursday

Psalms 95:1-11 (KJV)
O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.
The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.
O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,
Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.
Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways:
Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.

Make a joyful noise to the King above all gods

-David Jacobs

As a musician, it always brings me great pleasure to be able share my musical gift with others. The one place I get to do that more than any other, besides singing in the shower, is at church. In the comfortable confines of the church is one of the few places I get to sing, play the piano, and play the violin for an audience of interested listeners. How joyful is the sound of heavenly music, and how joyful it is to be able to share this music with fellow Christians in a house of worship!

The Old Testament is filled with stories that may make God seem serious, vengeful, and even scary. Never forget how much God loves you! So much so that he sent His only son to die so that we may experience life eternal. Between the lines of thousands of verses within the Bible, one may find the joy and exultation of celebrating the name of the Lord. God is not spiteful and full of vengeance! He is as a Father unto us, endowing us with the gift of light, love, and even laughter. Perhaps no figure in the Bible is a better example of the joyful praise that can and should be shared with others and our Lord than King David. The Psalms particularly details the joyous relationship we have with God, recommending we make a joyful noise to the Lord. My joyful noise might be different from yours, but the Lord does not judge us on our musical abilities! Anyone can lift up their voice and sing – even my tone deaf mother – but singing is not the only way to make a joyful noise celebrating our love for God. Find yours, and lift it up in praise!

Prayer
When have you felt at your most ‘joyous’? What does your joyful noise sound like? Amen.

[Prayer_Warrior]

July 26, 2024 Friday

1 Corinthians 1:3-10 (KJV)
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

A House United

David Jacobs

When my son was a teenager he was constantly getting into trouble. He was acting out in school, getting in trouble with the police, and generally ignoring all of the things that he had been taught by his mother and I. We were befuddled: where was the good, sensitive, and generous boy that we had known all our lives? We knew that he was there, but he was unwilling to show himself all the time. No matter what we tried to do, he had to figure it out on his own.

In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he realizes that he is talking to early Christians or non-believers, and offers to thank the Lord on their behalf. He does it in a way that does not mock or condemn the Corinthians, which my wife and I probably had done too much of with our son. Paul, in his wisdom and generosity, is not blind to their good qualities, in their potential for redemption, and the early church’s need for new believers. He patiently extends his hand, asking all who will take it to follow him to spiritual enrichment through Christ. Does God not love atheists, Buddhists, Muslims, and Jews? He does! God is the one that will judge who is worthy or not to join Him in the Heavenly Kingdom. My impatience with my own son drove him to misbehave; if only I had been like Paul! It is not up to us to condemn non-believers; it is up to us to offer our prayers, our thanks, and our hand to them, as Paul did, so that each and everyone has an opportunity to be saved.

Prayer
Patient and loving Lord, give me the strength to stretch out my hand for those that do not know you. Grant them the courage to take my hand, with your word a lamp at our feet as we walk the path towards salvation. Help me to not condemn them for what they do, and instead spread tolerance and kindness. Give me all of this, Lord, and the voices of your believers will grow as we shout our praises to Heaven. Amen.

[Prayer_Warrior]

July 27, 2024 Saturday

Colossians 3:11-17 (KJV)
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
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.

Christ is all, and in all

David Jacobs

So much of the world seems so divided in modern times: South Korea and North Korea, the Middle East, even the United States of America seems to have two opposing sides. We divide ourselves more and more based on arbitrary boundaries, skin color, religion, language, and economic status. We seem to have quickly forgotten the mistakes of the past, even the mistakes written about in the Old Testament. Did Christ die for nothing?

Peace seems like a near impossibility these days. In the Old Testament, it would be almost unfathomable to read these verses, accepting Greeks, Jews, free or slave. The tone of the Christian religion has changed after Christ’s death. However, it is also easy to forget that the Old Testament God ruled alone, before his sensitive and begotten son lived amongst us, and before the Holy Spirit lived in and around us. The Lord our Father sits atop the Holy Trinity, but it is one body. It includes all people, all believers and non-believers alike, regardless of religion, race, color or creed. Like our own bodies, if the Heavenly body is to function, it requires harmony between all parts, peace between us on earth, harmony in Heaven.

Prayer
Peaceful and loving Father, I adore you. I am humbled to call myself your servant, the greatest honor I can conceptualize. Lord, I pray for your forgiveness. I have sinned and live amongst sinners, but I hope that you can help grant peace upon my fellow men, and show mercy towards your followers. May your body of peace reign once again Lord, our strength and our redeemer. Amen.

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Psalm 133:1 KJV
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"

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Psalm 23: 1-4

1. The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

3. he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

[Prayer_Warrior]

July 28, 2024 Sunday

Colossians 2:1-7 (KJV)
For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.
For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Taking Baby Steps

David Jacobs

I have two children: a son and a daughter. My son was quite cautious as a child, thinking before he moved, pondering any potential dangers that he might encounter. My daughter, on the other hand, was afraid of nothing. She bounded into rooms with the fervor of a small monster, taking her bumps and bruises along the way. It was fascinating to me that two siblings, only a few years apart, raised by the same people in the same house, could have such unique behaviors at a young age. The same is true for Christians.

Learning to walk with Christ is easier said than done. If you are reading this, that is a good step. More than anything, you must maintain a strong faith in Christ. As Paul says in these verses, he may not be with the Colossians physically, but he is there in spirit, for their faith in Christ, unites them. We may receive Christ early in our journey, bounding through the room like my daughter, but our faith cannot stop there. The Christian path never ceases, and whether you exhibit the calculating and methodical approach to walking like my son, or the youthful passion and energy of my daughter, there are a number of paths that lead to the Heavenly Kingdom. One must remember that the path never ends. It is a lifetime journey, and we must walk continuously, constantly striving to be better in the eyes of the Lord.

Prayer
What was your first step on your journey with Christ? Perhaps more importantly, what was your biggest step and when did you walk most closely with God?

[Prayer_Warrior]

July 29, 2024 Monday

Hebrews 12:23-29 (KJV)
To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:
Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
For our God is a consuming fire.

Which is your Element?

David Jacobs

If you had to describe your general emotional state with one of the five elements, which one would you be? Would you be cool and calm, like water? Vibrant, and growing like wood? Strong and cold like earth? Fast and powerful like wind? Or passionate and fierce like fire? In my case, I think I would be like wood; sensitive, wanting to be close to others, but susceptible to outside influences. Now ask yourself this: with which element would you describe God?

In these verses, Paul shows God’s dominion over nature by stating that His voice shakes the earth and heaven, and describing Him as a consuming fire. All earthly creations will be consumed by the power of God. We have seen nations come and go, but they are man-made creations, at the mercy of God’s power. As Christians, we have been given a chance at eternal life; the Apostles themselves explained that Christ has taught that believers have a chance to join him in the Heavenly Kingdom, a kingdom that cannot be moved (Hebrews 12:28). All the elements are under God’s command. All nations and kingdoms will eventually crumble until only one remains: the all-encompassing heavenly fire that is God.

Prayer
I came to set fire to the earth. And I am watchful that the fire grow.

May the fire of love grow in our hearts.

May the fire of transformation glow in our movements.

May the fire of purification burn away our sins.

May the fire of justice guide our steps.

May the fire of wisdom illuminate our paths.

May the fire that spreads over the Earth never be extinguished.

Paulo Coehlo, The Alchemist

[Prayer_Warrior]

July 30, 2024 Tuesday

2 Peter 2:9-14 (KJV)
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

If You Take Everything Away

David Jacobs

In the consumer world that we currently live, we are taught that we should always want more, more, more. We can never possess enough, as evidenced by the wealthiest among us. When is it too much? At what point does all of what a person has achieved, gained, and even created actually take away from their status in God’s eyes? If I lost everything, how would I behave? If you took away everything I had done and owned, what would be left?

This passage in Peter discusses the questions that I just posited. Christ mentions it several times: the measure of a person may not be in what they have, but what they are able to live without. As Jesus explains, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me” (Matthew 19:21).

In these verses, we are asked to consider what would happen when all things are dissolved, when all but our body and soul remains. In that moment, how comfortable would we be? Who would be willing to thank the Lord for all that He has given to us when everything has just been taken away? This verse is not condemning a person for owning things, but it is an intellectual challenge to Christians; look inside, with everything stripped away. How would we view ourselves and how would the Lord view us?

Prayer
My Father, who art in heaven, I am honored and humbled to even stand in front of you, your humble servant, stripped of all in this worldly life, ready to do what you ask. I know that I have sinned Lord, but I shall work until my soul is pure and worthy of your paradise. Aid me, Abba Father, to trust in your word as the only everlasting truth into the beyond. I ask this in your holy name, Amen.