Morning Devotional
Acts 4:32 (KJV)
And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
No One Lacked For Anything
Frances Taylor
The early Christians were known by the example they showed in how they loved one another. In this short passage, we learn that they shared what they had so that no one went without. If we read further in chapter 4 we hear of how they sold their possessions and turned in their monies so that the apostles could distribute it according to oneβs needs. Does this sound like the Christians of today?
Actually, it does describe Christians living in the poorer countries of the world. Many missionaries have described the welcome they have received and the good will of the people in the poor countries where they have served. I experienced the same on a mission trip to Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the world. In the wealthier countries, keeping what they have seems more important than sharing with others. People are willing to donate what is not longer useful, clothing they have outgrown, furniture they need to replace, other items they no longer have room for, even cars that no longer work. But, are they willing to rent an apartment at a lower rate so that a poor family can live safely? They might rent to a low income family but usually with a government subsidy so they donβt lose any money. The rich can seem to feel that itβs their right to keep whatever theyβve earned β which is not actually wrong, but what of their responsibility to help the needy?
In the Gospel, Jesus points out clearly talks about our responsibility to the poor and the vulnerable, a preferential option for the poor. What about us?
Prayer
Lord, you have given us so much. Many of us take it all for granted. Without you we would not have the good things of the world. Help us to keep our eyes open to the needs of others and reach out to them as we are able. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Scripture
The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.
From: Proverbs 3:19 (KJV)
Inspiration
How can we begin to measure the mind of God? Even as scientists learn, piece by piece, how the universe and the earth work, we realize the complexity and order of creation. We realize how little we know, despite how much weβve learned. And none of it is an accident. Each process, each atom, each scientific principle, has been laid down by our Creator to display His glory and power.
Prayer
God, my words cannot describe how awesome You are. As I look into the heavens, I marvel at Your vast power. And as I meditate on the makeup of the earth, and all of the plants, animals, chemicals, and processes that form our complex ecosystem, I appreciate Your infinite wisdom even more. You are wise, powerful, and magnificent indeed! In Jesusβ name, amen.
Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Scripture
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
From: Romans 8:14 (KJV)
Inspiration
The entire book of Romans 8 about the assurance of salvation. Every Christian wants to be assured that he is actually saved. Many people wander around βin the fleshβ believing that theyβre saved, but if they read this chapter, it becomes the actual measure of salvation. It is a really good chapter to read if you want the assurance that you are indeed saved. This particular verse says that those who are walking in the spirit of God are the sons of God. If weβre led by the Spirit of God, what does that mean? What Paul is trying to tell us here is that if we are walking in the spirit of God, then we are actually going to kill the sin in our lives. Weβre going to want it dead in order to please God, to glorify Him. You see, people who are not in the spirit, who were still walking in the flesh donβt really want to kill their sin. People who lie donβt want to stop lying; people who gossip donβt want to stop gossiping. If they do put on some semblance of killing their sin, itβs just so theyβll look better-- not because they want to please God, Paul tells us here that if we truly want to be the sons of God, the children of God, then we are going to be led by the spirit. So one assurance of our salvation is this: we ask ourselves the question, βAm I trying to kill my own sin because I want to please God?β If the answer to that question is βyes,β then you are the child of God. That is evidence that the spirit lives in You because only the spirit in You would want to put an end to the sin in Your life. If you want assurance of salvation, look within to see what your motivations are for ending your own sin.
Prayer
Father, I thank You for giving me assurance of my salvation. I ask that You help me to examine my heart to see what my motivations are. I want to kill my own sin because I know that it pleases You. I want to stop any sin in my life because I want You to be glorified and I want to be Your child. Help me to be led by Your spirit so that You may call me Your child. Amen.
Morning Devotional
Luke 24:13-16 (KJV)
And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
He Meets Us Along The Way
Frances Taylor
Have you ever wondered where God was when you needed him? Iβm sure that the two disciples on the road to Emmaus were wondering the same thing. But Jesus was right there walking with them and they didnβt even know it. Jesus walks with us every day and we often donβt recognize him. The main reason is that weβre not even looking! Do you invite Jesus into your life each morning and thank him for being there each night? We all need to feel the presence of God in our lives. But we also need to notice him. When youβre in a hurry and all the lights are green, do you say thank you? When the alarm doesnβt work but you wake up in time anyway, do you say thank you? When your mind wanders as you walk or drive but come to just in time to avoid a disaster, or you need a hug and someone is right there offering one, does God come to mind? Jesus walks with us every day. He is there in the ordinary circumstances of our lives as well as in all the people we meet. Sometimes, we are the ones called to be Jesus for others. Are we open for that? Each time we pray, Jesus gives us the strength to become more like him as well as to make us more open to coming to recognize him in others.
We must remember, however, that Jesus didnβt just walk with the disciples, he taught them. He opened up the Scriptures to them so that they would know him better. We are also called to get to know him better and one way of doing that is to open the Scriptures at home each day so that we will know him better and so be able to bring others to know him better as well.
Prayer
O Lord, sometimes the busyness of the world keeps me from spending time with you. I say that I love you but donβt make more opportunities to get to know you better through your Word. Slow me down, Lord, so that I have more time for you. Amen.
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Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Scripture
Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brotherβs eye.
From: Matthew 7:5 (KJV)
Inspiration
When we are quick to judge others, we often find that a moment of self-examination is in order. Itβs not that we should remain silent when a loved one is caught in sin. But we must be sure that our own shortcomings do not prevent us from offering sincere and beneficial help. When we are blinded by our own sin, we risk inflicting more harm on those we wish to help.
Prayer
Dear Father, thank You for Your deep well of forgiveness. Please search my heart and reveal any sins to confess even as I prepare to intervene in my loved oneβs situation. Cleanse me by Your righteousness and fill me with Your grace so that I may see with wisdom and truth, and act with love and mercy toward others. In Jesusβ name, amen.
Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Scripture
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
From: Ephesians 1:4-5 (KJV)
Inspiration
Godβs plan was always for us to be a part of Him from the very beginning. When He created man that was what He had in mind. When the fall of man occurred, that did not deter God from His plan. He came up with another plan to ensure that we become a part of Him. That is how deep His love was and still is for us.
Prayer
Dear God, our Heavenly Father, I just want to thank you for your endless love for me. You have been there for me far before I knew of you or even thought of coming to you. I will forever thank you for that precious act of love, where you gave up your Son so that I could be a part of you again. Thank you for this beautiful life I now have in you, O Lord. In Jesusβ name, I pray. Amen.
Morning Devotional
John 3:3-5 (KJV)
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his motherβs womb, and be born?
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
To Be Born Again
Frances Taylor
Baptism is an interesting sacrament among Christians, the only one that all Christian denominations accept as necessary if one is to be called a Christian. But there are questions about how and at what age, by whom, and under what circumstances should Baptism be administered. There are denominations that practice infant Baptism and those that require a person make a commitment of acceptance of Christ before it can be administered. For some, pouring water over the head is sufficient, for others, sprinkling water over the person, and still others claim that only baptism by immersion is valid. Iβm not getting into a debate about this. What I consider more important is the question of how baptism makes a difference in a personβs life. If we line up a group of adults containing those who have been baptized and those who have not, and watch them for a week or so, would the baptized stand out from the rest because of the quality of their lives? Would they be kinder, more forgiving, more compassionate, more concerned about the welfare of others? Would the joy of their faith be evident in their families? If there is no difference, then perhaps they have been baptized in water, but have never accepted the Holy Spirit into their lives.
Prayer
Lord, you have given us the presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts through this sacrament of Baptism. Let us be open to the working of the Spirit so that others may recognize you in us. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Scripture
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
From: Acts 17:11 (KJV)
Inspiration
As we listen to sermons and lessons, and as we read devotionals and articles, we are wise to test any teaching that purports to come from God. When we just take a speaker at their word, we risk being led astray. So God Has given us His word so that we may search it and hold on to what is true while rejecting what is false.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your word, and thank You for the teachers and leaders that You have placed in my life. Please work through them so that they may be grounded in Your truth and speak only the things that are of You. Grow my knowledge of Your word and give me the wisdom to discern any unsound teaching, so that not be led astray. In Jesusβ name, amen.
Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Scripture
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
From: Hebrews 13:6 (KJV)
Inspiration
Yes, we can take comfort in knowing that God will forever be with us, His children. Godβs promises to be with us through everything we face, will never run out; His promises will never expire. God has always proven His faithfulness and because of this we can be fully confident in and encouraged by Him. If you are going through any trials or tribulations, take heart, for God is with you.
Prayer
Dear God, I take courage in knowing that you are always with me and you are for me. Lord, in times where people may try to oppose me, may you help me to stay focused on you and nothing else. For as long as you are with me, I know that I can never be shaken. In Jesusβ name, I pray. Amen.
Morning Devotional
Romans 12:9-13 (KJV)
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Some Rules to Live By
Frances Taylor
How does Christianity call us to live? Paul had some very specific ideas about this and outlines them in this letter to the community in Rome. I like especially the first: let love be without hypocrisy. Love of neighbor is the second of the great commandments given us in the Old Testament. This is confirmed by Jesus in the New Testament and he goes even further by telling us that our love must be like his. Thatβs a tough job to live up to, but Paul gives us some concrete ways to proceed. Abhor what is evil. First we need to look around and see what is evil. Sometimes evil looks good. It can be tempting to cut corners at work, either by using sub-standard materials or not putting in the time you claim for your pay. Cheating has been a problem in school at every level because a person wants a higher grade, but doesnβt want to put in the time to study. Be diligent, not slothful β would that the workforce in every situation would adhere to this! We should be steadfast in prayer and patient. Patience can be one of my faults in many situations! We also are told to be hospitable and this is not limited to those we like. Iβm sure there are many examples you can give that are even stronger than mine. Knowing what to do is easy, doing it is hard.
Prayer
Loving God, you have called us to be your witnesses to the world and given us the best example of how to accomplish this - reflect the love of your Son, Jesus. Give us the graces we need to hold firm to what we know to be right and to act upon it. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Scripture
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
From: Galatians 6:8 (KJV)
Inspiration
You reap what you sow. Nobody plants tomato seeds and expects them to produce watermelons. Likewise, we should not expect to produce the fruit of the Spirit if we plant seeds of selfishness, pride, and indulgence. Doing the things that encourage envy will not grow a spirit of kindness within us. Nor can we cultivate self-control by feeding our lusts. To produce the fruit of righteousness, we must walk in righteousness.
Prayer
Lord, help me to train my thoughts toward the things of heaven. Fill me with Your Spirit so that my actions may honor You and advance Your kingdom. Lead me to opportunities to sow acts of kindness and love so that peace and joy may bloom and prosper. Guard my heart against impure motives that lead to destruction. In Jesusβ name, amen.
Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Scripture
The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
From: Zephaniah 3:17 (KJV)
Inspiration
This verse is an example of Godβs promises that have never expired. God has always promised to be with us β even before we became faithful to Him. Godβs love runs deep for his children β the lost and the found. He has chosen to remain with us until the last day and He does not intend on changing that. If you ever find yourself questioning whether God is with you or not, take heart and know this truth: God will always be with you. Always.
Prayer
Dear God, I just want to thank you for your faithfulness. Lord, in a world where one struggles to find a faithful person, I am so grateful that I can put my trust in you without worry. Thank you, Father, for allowing me to be a recipient of your love. My life would be nothing without you, Lord. In Jesusβ name, I pray. Amen.
Morning Devotional
John 3:16-17 (KJV)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
God So Loved The World
Frances Taylor
This passage from Johnβs Gospel is probably the best known by chapter and verse. It is posted on billboards, on signs in ball parks, but Iβm not sure Jesus meant it to be a free ticket to paradise. People forget the part about believing and what that means. Itβs not just lip service. As this Easter season has progressed, we keep hearing about the way to follow Jesus that witnesses to what we believe. As Baptism isnβt a one day affair, and neither is just saying that we are believers enough. βActions speak louder than wordsβ is a phrase that reaches into many areas of life. Jesus expects more of his disciples than mere words. We are called to live our faith. Thatβs not always easy but itβs what Jesus wants. And just as Jesus wasnβt sent to judge, neither are we to judge. Our job is to spread the message of Godβs saving love. If he came to save the world, then that means salvation is for all. In Isaiah, we hear, βhow beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news.β It is still true that we need messengers of peace and salvation and we have so much more to proclaim than those in Isaiahβs time. We have the good news that salvation has come. God has sent his Son so that all may be saved. He needs you and me to bring the good news to those who may not have heard it.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for sending your Son Jesus to bring salvation to the world. Give me the courage I need to be a worthy messenger of the good news. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Scripture
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
From: James 1:13 (KJV)
Inspiration
Temptation and testing. We often confuse the two. God may test us by inviting us to endure trials and hardship, but He never tempts us. God will not entice us to sin. So when temptation comes, let us recognize it with alert minds and open eyes. In all cases, we must turn away from temptation and toward God, and He will provide a way out for us.
Prayer
Gracious God, grant me wisdom and discernment to recognize temptation in all its forms. I know that You would never lead me to sin, so when temptation comes, help me to turn away from it. Teach me to put away any rationalizations and excuses that I cling to when I give in and instead return to You in repentance. In Jesusβ name, amen.
Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Scripture
Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
From: Philippians 1:27-28 (KJV)
Inspiration
Just because we have been justified beyond our works, it does not mean that we have a right to live our lives carelessly. No. In this verse, we are urged to live our lives in a manner that is worth of the gospel of Christ. Our actions should be in response to the righteous nature we have adopted, as children of God. We need to make sure the things we do and the words we speak are a correct representation of who God is.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that in everything I do, may my life be lived in a way that is pleasing before your eyes. May I stay away from all activities that do not glorify your name, Lord. I pray that I follow your guidance and apply your wisdom, so that the righteousness that is within me, will shine through. In Jesusβ name, I pray. Amen.
Morning Devotional
Psalms 34:1-4 (KJV)
I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Will Praise Him
Frances Taylor
Our theme of praising and thanking God continues as we contemplate Easter. This passage from the psalms gives us a reminder that it is in God we boast, not ourselves, and we ask God to be even more within us. If we are to exalt Godβs name together, it presumes that we have found others who also want to praise God. That means we need to reach out to others. I once heard a wonderful definition of evangelization, which we are all called to be about. The preacher said that evangelization is seeing the God in the other and allowing the other to see the God in us. We can only achieve the second part of that equation by allowing God to increase in us so that our behavior imitates that of Christ. The way we achieve the first half is to see each individual as a face of God. Genesis tells us that we are made in the image and likeness of God. Genesis doesnβt say that some people are made in the image and likeness of God, it says all humanity is. Again, we are given a reminder that we have nothing to boast about on our own. People are not drawn to a boastful person, but meekness can attract. It is easier to be meek if we remember that all we have is gift. When we are willing to admit this to ourselves, it is easier to see others as equals, which in turn makes it easier to see everyone as brothers and sisters, children of the one God.
Prayer
Lord, you have created us, you formed us in your image and you have given us all we have. You have called us to share these gifts with others in thanks and praise. Let us be open to sharing your love with all those you send us. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Scripture
For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.
From: Ecclesiastes 5:7 (KJV)
Inspiration
Anybody can talk about dreams, aspirations, and ideas. But just like insincere vows and unkept promises, such talk is meaningless if it comes from man and not from God. Reverence for God keeps us grounded so that we may order our plans according to His righteousness and His purpose. And communion with God empowers us to carry out His will for our lives. And in doing so, we will produce real results, instead of empty words.
Prayer
Lord, sometimes my thoughts and dreams wander. Help me to set my mind on You, so that my dreams do not lead me astray or cause me to speak meaningless promises. You alone are wise and righteous, and I desire Your will and purpose for my life. Take my thoughts captive, so that I may live for You. In Jesusβ name, amen.
Morning Bible Verse of the Day
Morning Scripture
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
From: Philippians 2:9 (KJV)
Inspiration
Jesus, as a result of the sacrifice he made, leaving his place in heaven for the sake of mankind, was highly rewarded by God, the Father, when his work was done. We, too, will receive rewards for the work we do as Christians. We should strive to do our best in our heavenly work, the same way we put effort into our earthly work, looking forward to the reward God will grant us β provided everything we did was done with a genuine heart.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that in everything I do for you, may you see nothing but excellence. Lord, may I take your work just as seriously as I take the work I do on earth. I know that your work is of much more value and I desire to show you this. May I do everything with a genuine heart and never for the approval of man. In Jesusβ name, I pray. Amen.
Morning Devotional
Psalms 27:1-4 (KJV)
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
My Light and My Salvation
Frances Taylor
This psalm is such a favorite of mine that I have requested it for my funeral. My life has seen a lot of loss, grandparents, parents, siblings, a child, grandchildren and my marriage. Especially following the death of my son, people would ask how I could go on. For me, the answer was obvious; I knew that God was with me all the way. His presence in my life was a constant from my youngest days, and I am eternally grateful for that. Now this doesnβt mean that I didnβt tell God that I wasnβt happy with some of the things I had to deal with! We had many conversations when I was alone in my car and no one could hear me complaining! I always figured that God has big shoulders so he could handle it. After all, even Jesus questioned him in the garden that night. My faith in him is strong enough that I believe that he will answer my deep-seated desire to spend eternity with my loved ones in the presence of my loving God.
*Prayer
Loving God, you are with me always. I believe that you will answer my prayers and continue to be by my side as unwanted pain comes into my life as time goes by. For this I give you thanks. Amen.
Night Bible Verse of the Day
Night Scripture
Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.
From: Psalm 37:37 (KJV)
Inspiration
All of us need good role models. As Christians, we are wise to look to those who walk with the Lord and learn from them. The reckless and the proud invite trouble and discord on themselves and those around them. But the Godly will be evidenced by their results. Where we see peace and goodwill flourish, that is where we find faithful Christian role models to observe and learn from.
Prayer
God, as I grow in my faith, teach me to keep an eye on those who would lead me well. Give me wisdom to see the foolishness of poor choices that lead to destruction. Bring people into my life who walk with You and know Your peace so that I may learn from them and be better prepared to serve You more faithfully. In Jesusβ name, amen.
