Morning Devotional
Galatians 1:6-7 (KJV)
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
The True Gospel
Frances Taylor
We have come to the last Sunday before Lent and we are presented with an unusual reading from the letter of Paul to the Galatians.
One of the biggest distortions I have heard is that only some can be saved. Jesus is clear that he came to save all. Whether all will have eternal life with him is another question for another day, but since salvation is a gift, not something to be earned, to say that some cannot be saved doesnβt ring true. Paul answered this question in many of his letters as does John in his. Lukeβs gospel in his prologue gives us the guide we need to judge if what we are being told is true to the gospel. Sometimes it seems daunting to read a gospel straight through, but itβs the best way to get a feel for what the evangelist is trying to say.
This is important because another way the gospel message can be perverted is to quote it out of context. Almost anything can be proved if you take things out of context! When my first child was born, I wanted to know everything I could about how to raise a child. I consulted several different βbaby booksβ to see what I should be doing. What did I find? Let the baby cry, donβt let the baby cry. Feed the baby when heβs hungry, feed the baby on a schedule. Donβt use physical punishment, no problem with physical punishment. You get the picture. Scripture out of context is the same. If you really want to know the true gospel, read it, study it, reflect upon it. Donβt be led astray.
Prayer
Lord, I love your Word. Keep me true to your gospel and not be led astray by those who would pervert it. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Prayer
Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
From: Romans 13:10 (KJV)
Inspiration
There is no malice in genuine love. Love always seeks what is good and right for others. And as every parent knows, sometimes it takes the wisdom of standing firm to keep loved ones from harming themselves. Love both provides and protects. Especially when others are blind to their own needs and danger, love compels us to be prepared to respond, for the sake of doing what is good and right.
Prayer
Father, it is not always easy to love those close to me. Sometimes they frustrate me, and other times they cause me to worry. Give me wisdom to see past my own feelings and to understand what is right and helpful in every situation. Give me compassion to seek good for others and discernment to know what truly is good. In Jesusβ name, amen.
Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Prayer
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
From: Romans 6:11 (KJV)
Inspiration
Before Jesus Christβs death and resurrection, sin equaled death. We were trapped and enslaved to sin. Sin separated us from eternity with God. However, Jesus Christ came to earth to live a sin-free life, die on the cross for our sins and then experience true resurrection. Like how Jesus rose from the dead and is alive, we have been given freedom from the bondage of sin through his death so that we might live. We no longer have to fear death from sin because we have been forgiven and given eternal life.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for sending your son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for my sins. Because of his death and resurrection, I know sin no longer has any power over me. Whenever I am tempted, help me to flee. Whenever I sin, forgive me, O Lord. Thank you for your mercy and grace. I know I do not deserve it, yet you give it freely. Help me to live life abundantly and to live in the truth that sin no longer has any power over me. I proclaim victory in Jesus. In Jesusβ name, amen.
Morning Devotional
Romans 8:1-2 (KJV)
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Freedom from the Law of Sin
Frances Taylor
What is this law of the Spirit of life in Christ? Jesus gave us the answer in his last discourse to the apostles during the Last Supper. His law is the law of love. When we obey this law, we donβt need to worry about whether or not we are following the commandments. After all, is lying, cheating, stealing, loving? Are we showing love when we act out of anger, refuse to forgive β or ask for forgiveness? Is being prideful, acting out of prejudice, envy or greed, loving? Is neglecting God, having no respect for others or ourselves, loving? You get the picture. When we live lives guided by Jesusβ law of love, we donβt have to worry about anything else. We are free. God knew the weakness of humanity and gave us Jesus as the model of how human beings should live. When we act according to the βfleshβ or pleasure, we can easily be led from temptation to sin. Living in the βspiritβ means that we are making choices according to Jesusβ law of love. Itβs not easy. There are times when we face choices where it seems impossible to know what the right thing to do is. The question we can ask ourselves is, βWhich choice is the most loving?β Which is the choice Jesus would make? It is then that we need the guidance of the Spirit. We can pray, make our most loving choice, and know that God will not condemn us if we choose wrongly. Remember, Jesus was accused of breaking the law when he healed people on the Sabbath. Would God really have wanted someone to suffer unnecessarily because of the day of the week?
Prayer
Lord, I love you and try to live your law of love each day. Guide me through the difficult decisions that life brings me. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Prayer
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
From: 1 Peter 2:5 (KJV)
Inspiration
In todayβs verse, Peter describes believers as living stones, built together into a spiritual house. This imagery might seem unusual, but it tells us two important truths. First, as building stones, we are each set in alignment with the cornerstone, Jesus. And second, we are Godβs temple, His dwelling place and the embodiment of worship in the world.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for making me a part of Your church. Thank You for making Jesus my cornerstone. Please work in me so that my heart and my life may be continually aligned to him. And set me in the place that You choose so that I may support my brothers and sisters in Christ and carry out Your purpose in my life. In Jesusβ name, amen.
Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Prayer
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
From: 1 John 3:8 (KJV)
Inspiration
The comic depiction of a red devil with horns and a tail has caused many to not take the devil seriously. Yet, the Bible reminds us that the devil is real. From the very beginning, the devil has sinned and has tried to get others to sin. He is the opposite of good β he is evil. When people sin continuously without putting faith in Jesus, they are committing works of the devil. Thankfully, Jesus Christ was sent to destroy the devil and the powers of darkness. We can trust this promise.
Prayer
Dear God, help me to recognize the powers of darkness and to understand the allure of sin is from the devil. When I am tempted to sin, help me to turn my back and run directly into your arms. When Jesus was tempted by Satan, he did not give in to temptation. Instead, he recalled your Word. In the moments when sin is calling my name, remind me of your Scriptures. You have come to set the captives free and break the bondage of sin. Thank you for the victory we have in Jesus! In Jesusβ name, amen.
Morning Devotional
Mark 12:13-14 (KJV)
And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.
And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
Render to Caesar
Frances Taylor
To whom are we to show our loyalty?
This question is no easier to answer today than it was in the time of Jesus. What do we do when the demands of the gospel and the demands of the government conflict? Although there are many people in the world who donβt have the option to choose their leadership, many countries support an elected government. The government in question could be local, state or national. We pay taxes and by doing so, often support behavior that we do not agree with and that does not agree with gospel values. However, if we do not pay what is due, then we are subject to fines and possibly imprisonment. How did Jesus answer the question of his day?
Render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what is Godβs. We may not be able to easily choose what our money supports, but we can help determine what our government supports. We have a responsibility to know what those running for office β on every level β stand for and support. We have a responsibility to let our elected leaders know what bills we want them to help pass, and those we want to see defeated. This also means that we have a duty to register to vote and then to vote on Election Day. Apathy enables special interest groups to have the last say, not the general public.
How is this rendering to God the things that are Godβs? How is this showing our support of the poor and the vulnerable? Are we willing to take the time to check out which of the candidates are committed to our values? Are we willing to make sure that our vote will count on Election Day? If we are truly committed to social justice, then we will take the time to make sure that when we render to Caesar, we are also rendering to God. And we can continue to advocate for those who do not have the rights that so many of us take for granted.
Prayer
Lord, may I never take freedom for participate in government, donβt let granted. When I am able to apathy be my response. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Prayer
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
From: Colossians 3:1 (KJV)
Inspiration
When we are made new in Christ, he invites us to a new way of thinking. No longer should our focus be on the pursuits of this world, but on the pursuit of Godβs kingdom. For when we see the risen Jesus, we see beyond the world that ends in death as our eyes are opened to eternity. And so, with eyes wide open, we meditate on heavenly things, as Jesus works His perfection through us.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for making me a part of Your church. Thank You for making Jesus my cornerstone. Please work in me so that my heart and my life may be continually aligned to him. And set me in the place that You choose so that I may support my brothers and sisters in Christ and carry out Your purpose in my life. In Jesusβ name, amen.
1 Like
Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Prayer
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
From: James 1:12 (KJV)
Inspiration
Temptations abound. As a Christ follower, we must understand that we will face temptation regularly. Even Christ was tempted. However, Christ did not give in to temptation. He withstood it. Using his example, we can also withstand temptation. The Lord knows we will be challenged, but He promises that we will be rewarded for staying strong and not giving in to temptation. When we do not allow temptation to separate us from the love of God, then we will be blessed with eternal life.
Prayer
Dear God, When I struggle with temptation, help me to cling to you. Do not allow me to fall under the weight of temptation and give in. I know sin separates me from you β help me to withstand temptation and hold strong to your truths so that I will never be apart from you. Help me to follow the example your son, Jesus Christ, gave us when he resisted the devil. Give me the strength to endure temptation so that I may spend eternity with you. In Jesusβ name, amen.
1 Like
Morning Devotional
Joel 2:12-13 (KJV)
Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
Ash Wednesday
Frances Taylor
As the season of Lent begins, what are your thoughts? Some people respond to Lent by giving up something. For some, itβs chocolate, or dessert, or alcohol; for others, itβs smoking or some other habit. There are also people who see this as an opportunity to give up time and spend their time doing good works. They may volunteer at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter. They may collect food or clothing for the poor. Others take fasting to heart and take the money they might have spent on snacks and give it to the poor. What does God want of us? He wants a pure heart, a heart that is full of love and compassion, of forgiveness and kindness. Lent is a time to take stock of our lives. What do we need to change in order to βrend our hearts?β In Joelβs day, people showed that they were repentant by wearing rags β rent garments β and sitting in ashes β not bathing.
Many of us go to church services on Ash Wednesday to get ashes placed on our foreheads. What does it really mean if that is one of the only days of the year that we go to church and then do nothing more to show our love of God? Are we actually showing a change of heart, a repentant spirit? Or are we hypocrites? Joel tells us what God expects, as we begin this holy season, may we truly prepare to celebrate Easter.
Prayer
Lord, you give us this season of Lent each year to remind us of the sacrifice that your Son Jesus made on our behalf. May we use this time to become more worthy of his sacrifice. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Prayer
For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
From: Acts 17:28 (KJV)
Inspiration
Sometimes, even as Christians we struggle to grasp how much we depend on God. After all, we donβt see Him and hear Him, so it is easy to perceive Him as distant. But we are reminded by Paulβs words that God not only created us, but He continuously sustains us. God didnβt just create us and then step aside. Rather, He actively maintains the universe, continuing to make a place for us to live and glorify Him.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for creating me, in Your image and as Your offspring. Thank You for faithfully watching over Your creation and holding all things together. Thank You for making a place for me in Your creation, and as Your child. Please remain with me and sustain me, so that my life may bring You honor and glory. In Jesusβ name, amen.
Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Prayer
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
From: Colossians 1:13-14 (KJV)
Inspiration
Paul gives thanks to God the Father (verse 12) for delivering us from the power of darkness and moving us into the realm of light, which is the Kingdom of Christ and of God. The kingdom will come to the earth in an outward form in the thousand-year reign of Christ and then in his everlasting reign in the New Heaven and New Earth. But even now it is here in a βhiddenβ sense in the form of the subjects of King Jesus (his Church) being present. Satanβs kingdom also is here in this world, and it is a kingdom of darkness and sin. Only Godβs power could overcome the βpower of darknessβ and make us children of light.
Prayer
We give thanks to you, O Father, along with Paul for transferring us from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. You have made us to be a light to the world, insofar as your light is in us and shines out from us. Help us to walk as children of light and to overcome the surrounding darkness of this present age. Amen.
Morning Devotional
Luke 9:23-25 (KJV)
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
Pick Up Your Cross
Frances Taylor
Jesus never said it would be easy to follow him. We all have crosses to bear. No one escapes. We may think that riches will buy happiness, but even the wealthiest get sick, lose people they love and eventually die. What about power? There are people who spend their whole life climbing over other people to get to the top whether in business, politics, or wealth, only to discover that they are not happy and have no one left except those who want to pull them down. Fame can bring more problems than it solves. What is Jesus trying to tell us, then?
I believe that he reminds us of what is important, that our priorities need to be to love the people we love, to be kind to strangers, to put God first in our lives. Neither money nor power nor fame will soothe the pain of illness, or the death of a loved one. Jesus tells us that he will help us carry our cross; all we need to do is ask for help. Thereβs a tendency to think that whatever cross we bear must be easier than the crosses of others. A story is told about a man who complained to God about the difficulty of carrying his cross. God invites him to a hall where the crosses of other men and women are lined up and he is told that he can exchange his cross for one of the other crosses lined up against the walls. The man takes his time as he circles the room and experiences the difficulties involved in these other crosses. When he completes the circle, he chooses to pick up his own cross. Let us carry our crosses and not desire to be any other than we are; knowing that Jesus is with us all the time.
Prayer
Dear Lord, the cross you bore carried the pain of all people of all time. When I complain to you, remind me of your sacrifice so that I might live with you for all eternity. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Prayer
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
From: James 3:5 (KJV)
Inspiration
When we think of strength, we think of bulky biceps and chiseled torsos. The tongue, by comparison, is just a tiny muscle that doesnβt seem strong at all. Yet, the tongue wields the power of words that speak from our hearts. And once words get out, they cannot be contained. Like a small spark that spreads across an entire forest, so too can our words bring about sweeping destruction.
Prayer
Lord, please help me to guard my tongue. Before I speak, give me the wisdom to examine my own heart so that any malice, hate, or ridicule may not escape my mouth. I have seen and felt the destruction of an untamed tongue, and I do not wish to cause such harm to others. Watch over my thoughts so that my words may honor You. In Jesusβ name, amen.
Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Prayer
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
From: Genesis 1:26 (KJV)
Inspiration
God created a near-endless variety of creatures to inhabit the land, sea, and air and gave them remarkable abilities. But only man was created in the image and likeness of God. Adam and Eve were the climax of the 6-day creation week and were put over all the other creatures as a kind of βvice regentβ under God. This image of God in man included basic faculties of the soul, as intellect, emotion, and will; but its chief glory was holiness, which was lost when man fell into sin.
Prayer
O Creator God, you created us in your image, capable of having fellowship with you. You made our first parents upright, but they rebelled against you and brought death on us all. We were born in the likeness of fallen Adam, but you have called us be made again into the likeness of your Son. Give us a vision of Christ to which we can aspire, and change us by your grace from glory to glory. Amen.
Morning Devotional
Isaiah 58:6-8 (KJV)
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.
Fasting for the Lord
Frances Taylor
Do these phrases look familiar? When Jesus talks about the last judgment, and he separates the sheep from the goats, as described in Matthewβs gospel, he lists these examples of how we will be judged. Have we fed the hungry, clothed the naked, sheltered the homeless?
For God, offering sacrifice was meaningless unless our lives were in sync with our prayers. Fasting is one of the practices of Lent. But what kind of fasting are we willing to do? Are we willing to really put ourselves out there and look at what the Lord calls βfasting?β Isaiah gives us some good examples and he goes on to say we need to eliminate malicious speech as well.
Can you imagine going for 40 days without hearing gossip, cursing, foul language, put-downs, racial or ethnic slurs? No violence of any sort coming out of anyoneβs mouth? What a peaceful 40 days that would be! And if thereβs no violence of speech, perhaps there would be less violence in every area of life. How many fights begin because someone felt insulted? How many fights escalate because the friends of the one who felt insulted gang up on the friends of the one who did the insulting? If we concentrate on looking for people we can help and refrain from hurtful language, we will be fasting as the Lord desires, our prayers will be heard and lives will change for the better.
Prayer
Gracious God, you have given us the way to you. Why do we insist on doing things our way instead of your way? Help us to listen to you, so that when we pray, you will listen to us. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Prayer
The words of a wise manβs mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
From: Ecclesiastes 10:12 (KJV)
Inspiration
Our speech reveals what is in our hearts and minds. Are we full of wisdom and grace, or are we on a course toward destruction? When we speak with love and truth, setting aside malice and deception, Godβs grace is revealed in us. But when our words are careless, we not only harm others, but we reveal ourselves to be untrustworthy, bringing down judgment upon our own heads.
Prayer
Father God, You alone are the source of all wisdom. My mind is limited and my ways are faulty. Help me to seek You before I speak, so that I may discern truth from folly and speak only what is gracious and right. Guard my mouth against impetuous and unrestrained speech, so that I may not harm myself or others with my words. In Jesusβ name, amen.
Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Prayer
And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
From: Joel 2:13 (KJV)
Inspiration
It is not enough to simply tear oneβs garments or perform some other outward act meant to indicate repentance. Repentance must be from the heart. God is merciful and will turn from the judgment he would have sent if a people truly turn from their iniquities. Whether that people be in Israel, Nineveh, or your own home country, the same principle applies.
Prayer
O God, you are the seer of hearts and the weigher of motives. You do not overlook anyone who turns from their old ways in true contrition; nor are you ever fooled by even the most elaborate outward show. We come to you in holy fear and in loving trust of your goodness. Amen.
Morning Devotional
Luke 3:2-4 (KJV)
Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Repent and Believe the Good News
Frances Taylor
We have heard these words many times as they were said to us while ashes were placed on our foreheads on Ash Wednesdays over the years as a sign of repentance. What is the βGood News?β
For Noah, it meant that God had made a promise to never allow floods to destroy the earth. For Abraham, it was a promise that he would become the father of a great nation and that he would be a blessing for his people. For Moses, the Ten Commandments were the sign of a new covenant with the people as they formed a nation. Throughout the Old Testament, God made covenants with the people and with Jesus, those covenants came to fulfillment.
For us, the Good News is that Jesus has come to save us through his life, death and resurrection. When we come to a true, conscious belief in this truth, our lives must change. We see the need to repent, to examine our lives, take stock and see what we can do to be better witnesses of Christ. Lent is the time the church year gives us for this process. Jesusβ words at the Last Supper tell us that his blood is the blood of this New Covenant. In the understanding of those who lived in the time of Jesus, covenants were more than just a contract or promise, as anyone who broke a covenant was subject to death. And yet God never demanded our death β or Abrahamβs or Noahβs, or Mosesβ β if we or they broke the covenant. However, we are called to do our part. As we continue our Lenten journey, may we all reexamine our commitment to Christ, truly believe the Good News and let our actions follow.
Prayer
Father, forgive me for me sins. Let this season of Lent help me to truly repent, to work to correct my faults and become more the person God created me to be. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Prayer
I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.
From: Psalm 3:5 (KJV)
Inspiration
When we wake up in the morning, what is the first thing to come to mind? For many of us, we start thinking about our morning routine or looking ahead to a busy workday and all that we have to do. How often do we take a moment to appreciate the gift of sleep and the gift of a new day? God graciously sustains us in our activity and in our rest, using each to make the other more fulfilling.
Prayer
Lord, sometimes I neglect to thank You for the simple gifts. Today I pause to thank You for each day that You give me, and for the opportunities to be active and serve You. And thank You for capping each day off with rest so that I may have relief from the day past and strength for the day ahead. In Jesusβ name, amen.
