Daily Devotionals

Devotional - When God Blesses

2021-01-22T05:53:00Z

“I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two groups.” – Genesis 32:10

Ira and Ann Yates were ranchers in the hardscrabble Trans-Pecos region of West Texas. Yates had recently purchased the ranch and was having difficulty making sufficient profit to pay the mortgage and taxes.

Desperate and needing cash, Yates invited an oil company to explore his land for oil. On one of the first drilling holes, it produced a "gusher" – as crude oil uncontrollably spewed into the air. Lacking any other means of containment, the crew built a holding pond for the oil. Other wells drilled nearby also hit substantial quantities of oil – it seemed to be everywhere. Both Yates and the oilmen immediately recognized the significance of their find. Mr. Yates was a millionaire the moment he purchased the farm, but he lived in poverty because he didn’t know what was underneath the ground.

In a similar way, the Lord wants to shower us with loving-kindness. We first need to be obedient and earnestly follow Him. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to give you guidance on how to be faithful to Him and follow Jesus with all of your heart.

“God is more anxious to bestow upon us his blessings on us than we are to receive them.” – Augustine

God’s Word: “The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.” – Proverbs 10:22

DEVOTIONS IN GENESIS

Devotional - Be Just In The Workplace

2021-01-21T05:40:00Z

“You know that I've worked for your father with all my strength, yet your father has cheated me by changing my wages ten times. However, God has not allowed him to harm me.” – Genesis 31:6-7

Emanuel Bronner was born in Germany to the Heilbronner family of soap makers. He immigrated to the United States in 1929. After World War II, he opened up his own soap factory in Escondido, California. Because his parents were murdered during the Holocaust, he decided to make his company employee-friendly. One of their founding principles is to treat employees like family. From the company’s website: “We’re a family business and consider all who work with us to be part of our extended family. Every ‘family member’ in every position within the company has an important role to play and deserves to enjoy the best benefits and compensation programs we can offer.”

The company has set the goal to “Be kind, reward generously, support good and healthy living. Seek and encourage the best in one another. For whatever unites us is greater than whatever divides us!”

One of the best places to exhibit God’s love is being fair and just in the workplace. Today in prayer, ask the Lord how you can increase fairness and justice in your place of work.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

God’s Word: “Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.” – Colossians 3:25

DEVOTIONS IN GENESIS

Devotional - The Lord Is Watching

2021-01-20T05:42:00Z

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” – Genesis 28:15

In December 2019, the computer security website, PreciseSecurity, revealed the top ten countries and cities with the highest number of CCTV cameras.

PreciseSecurity noted the definition of a CCTV as "a TV system in which signals are not publicly distributed but are monitored, primarily for surveillance and security purposes," and found that the US tops the list when it comes to the number of surveillance camera installations per capita, with 50 million CCTVs monitoring the entire US population of over 327 million people.

However, in terms of overall CCTV installations, China eclipses that figure by four times and was reported to have at least 200 million cameras installed for its 1.39 billion people. Since it has to cover a much larger population than (most) other countries, the number of CCTV cameras per 100 people comes out at 14.36, as compared to 15.28 for the US.

Security experts agree that even the best surveillance efforts can’t see everything.

Only the Lord can see us and protect us, no matter what situation we face. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that you are always in His sight.

“God is always near you and with you; leave Him not alone.” – Brother Lawrence

God’s Word: “the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” – Psalm 121:8

DEVOTIONS IN GENESIS

Devotional - Don't Hold Grudges

2021-01-19T05:47:00Z

“Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. He said to himself, ‘The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.’” – Genesis 27:41

In 1933, Bette Davis was a rising young actress. She starred in the comedy “Ex-Lady” and it was the first movie to feature her name above the title. Warner Brothers had planned an elaborate publicity campaign announcing Davis's new phase of stardom. But coincidently it was the day that actress Joan Crawford announced her divorce from actor Douglas Fairbanks Jr. The New York Times relegated Davis's film to a small paragraph in the Review section, while devoting several pages to Crawford's news, and other papers followed suit. “Ex-Lady” was dropped from theaters after a week due to poor ticket sales, and Davis's grudge thin Crawford was born.

Over the next 44 years, the two women fought over men, movie roles, dresses, and just about everything else.

When Joan Crawford died in 1977, Bette Davis continued to hold a grudge. She was attributed to saying: "You should never say bad things about the dead, you should only say good… Joan Crawford is dead. Good."

The only person hurt by grudges is the one carrying them. Today in prayer, confess any hurt to the Lord and forgive those who have hurt you.

“To carry a grudge is like being stung to death by one fee.” – William H. Walton

God’s Word: “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” – Leviticus 19:18

DEVOTIONS IN GENESIS

Devotional - Blessing Others

2021-01-18T05:48:00Z

“Prepare me the kind of tasty food I like and bring it to me to eat, so that I may give you my blessing before I die.” – Genesis 27:4

On August 22, 1741, George Frideric Handel started composing an oratorio. He would not leave his home for three weeks. In fact, he rarely left his composing chair. Twenty-four days later, Handel emerged from his writing room with a 259-page masterpiece called “Messiah”. The opening act prophetically points to the coming Messiah.

“Messiah” debut as an Easter offering at the Great Music Hall in Dublin, Ireland, on April 13, 1742. The music mesmerized its listeners, but it accomplished so much more than that. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a benefit concert.

That inaugural performance raised £400—$86,000 in today’s dollars! And that £400 was used to free 142 men from debtors’ prison. That is what qualifies Messiah as a double blessing. The first blessing is beautiful music that inspires the soul. The second blessing? Setting 142 captives free!

Blessing others gives encouragement to others to continue to walk with Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, ask the Lord how you can bless others for Christ’s glory.

“Remember you are very special to God as His precious child. He has promised to complete the good work He has begun in you. As you continue to grow in Him, he will teach you to be a blessing to others.” – Gary Smalley

God’s Word: “By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.” – Hebrews 11:21

DEVOTIONS IN GENESIS

Devotional - Seek The Lord's Guidance

2021-01-15T05:19:00Z

“Then he prayed, "O LORD, God of my master Abraham, give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.” – Genesis 24:12

Pastor James Augustine tells the following story: “My friend Mike was out in the woods of his old homestead with his 8-year-old son. They were trekking through the woods that Mike had known like the back of his hand since he was the age of 8. He wanted to share these woods with his son, but his little son kept on running ahead of him. He would call out to him and say, ‘Son, I want you to go that way,’ pointing to the left. His son stopped and looked at the fork in the path and said, ‘What way dad?’

Mike finally stood still and wanted to see how the situation would play out. He again pointed to the left and said, ‘That way!’

‘Which way, dad?’

‘Son. I want you to stop and wait for me.’

Mike's son then turned around and waited for his father to come up next to him, take his hand, and then proceed to lead him in the right direction.”

To follow the Lord’s guidance we need to stop, look to Him, and to listen to Him. Today in prayer, take any decisions you are facing to the Lord asking for His direction.

“It is morally impossible to exercise trust in God while there is a failure to wait upon Him for guidance and direction.” – D.E. Hoste

God’s Word: “guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long” – Psalm 25:5

DEVOTIONS IN GENESIS

Devotional - The Lamb Of God

2021-01-14T05:36:00Z

“Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together.” – Genesis 22:8

Pastor Tony Evans in his sermon “The Lamb of God” using the text of John 1:29-37, gave the following illustration:

“One day, a repairman working up high on the steeple of a church slipped and fell to what appeared to be certain death. But just as he fell, a lamb came walking along in front of the church. The workman hit the lamb, which broke his fall and saved his life, although it killed the lamb.

The workman got up and got himself together, then walked over to the door of the church and painted a picture of a lamb on it. He wanted everybody who came through that door to recognize that their only right to enter the church was because a lamb had been slain.”

Jesus bridged the gap between sinful man and God. He is the lamb of God. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His sacrifice on the Cross, that it was an acceptable offering for our sin.

“You didn’t want Heaven without us, So Jesus brought Heaven down. My sin was great, Your love was greater, what could separate us now.” – Brooke Ligertwood and Ben Fielding

God’s Word: “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” – John 1:29

DEVOTIONS IN GENESIS

Devotional - When Fear Strikes

2021-01-13T05:45:00Z

“Abraham replied, "I said to myself, 'There is surely no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.'” – Genesis 20:11

Christian author Mark Labberton, in his book “The Dangerous Act of Worship”, writes the following about fear:

“I attended a dinner sponsored by the International Justice Mission, a Christian human rights organization that seeks justice for people facing various forms of oppression. Elisabeth, a beautiful seventeen-year-old Christian girl from Southeast Asia, spoke at the dinner. She had grown up in a strong Christian home, memorizing Bible verses, which became all the more poignant to her during the year she spent in forced prostitution, enslaved in a squalid brothel in a major Asian city.

As she spoke, she projected a picture of her room in the brothel. Over the bed where she was so brutally treated she had written these words on the wall: ‘The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?’ These are the opening verses of Psalm 27.”

When fear strikes you, look to the Lord, not your own resources. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that He wants to conquer all of your fears.

“Whenever I hear about Christ as Savior it appears that he saves us from sin – and I don’t wish to deny that – but in my experience, he does more than that; he releases us from fear, and I think fear is the great killer.” – Ivor Smith-Cameron

God’s Word: “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” – Proverbs 29:25

DEVOTIONS IN GENESIS

Devotional - The Need For Humility

2021-01-12T05:34:00Z

“Then Abraham spoke up again: "Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes” – Genesis 18:27

In the 1930s, a young California lumberyard worker caught a vision. After seeing the benefits of basic discipleship principles in his own life, Dawson Trotman wanted to teach them to others, echoing the call of 2 Timothy 2:2: “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.”

Dawson began teaching high school students and local Sunday school classes these principles. In 1933, he and his friends extended their work to sailors in the U.S. Navy. There, Dawson taught sailor Les Spencer the foundations of Christian growth. They spent many hours together praying, studying the Bible, and memorizing Scripture. When one of Spencer’s shipmates asked him the secret of his changed life, Spencer brought the man to Trotman: “Teach him what you taught me,” he said.

“You teach him!” Trotman responded. And the 2 Timothy 2:2 vision was strengthened.

Dawson Trotman began the non-profit “The Navigators” to do just that.

Years later, Dawson was visiting Taiwan on one of his overseas trips. During the visit, he hiked with a Taiwanese pastor back into one of the mountain villages to meet with some of the national Christians. The roads and trails were wet, and their shoes became very muddy. Later, someone asked this Taiwanese pastor what he remembered most about Dawson Trotman. Without hesitation, the man replied, “He cleaned my shoes.”

At the heart of our Christian life, we need humility. Today in prayer, bow before the Lord, confessing any sin in your life and humbly asking Him what He would have you to do.

“We can never have more of true faith than we have of true humility.” – Andrew Murray

God’s Word: “Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” – 1 Peter 5:5-6

DEVOTIONS IN GENESIS

Devotional - When We Believe

2021-01-11T05:15:00Z

WHEN WE BELIEVE Monday - January 11, 2021

“Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” – Genesis 15:6

Joanie Yoder is a Christian author and writer of several devotional books. She writes: “Whenever I mail a letter, it's an exercise of trust. Let me explain what I mean. When I write to a distant friend, it's impossible to deliver the letter myself. I need the help of the postal service. But for them to do their part, I have to drop my letter in the mailbox first. I can't hang on to it. I have to place it in the mail slot and let go. Then I must trust the postal service to take over until my letter is delivered to my friend's home. Although I can't see what happens to it, my faith in the postal service assures me that my letter is as good as there!

Likewise, whenever we're faced with a problem, our faith is challenged. Knowing that it's impossible to resolve the difficulty ourselves, we recognize our need of God's help. First, though, we must go to Him in prayer. Until that moment, we're still holding on to our problem. We know the situation won't get resolved until we let go and commit it into God's hands. Once we let go, we then must trust God to take over until the problem is resolved in His way. Although we can't see what He's doing, our faith is "the evidence of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1), the assurance that His work is as good as done!”

Is there a problem you are holding on to? Today in prayer, thank the Lord that He has credited you with righteousness because of your faith in Him.

"Faith is rest in Another." - H. Orton Wiley

God’s Word: “What does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’” - Romans 4:3

DEVOTIONS IN GENESIS

Devotional - Making A Name For Ourselves

2021-01-08T05:19:00Z

“Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth." – Genesis 11:4

In 2017, Market research company GfK surveyed 27,000 people in 22 countries in an attempt to determine which one was the vainest, taking into account the amount of time people spent bathing, doing their hair and make-up, and getting dressed on a weekly basis.

It may or may not come as a surprise that those handsome devils in Italy came out on top, with Italian women spending 6.2 hours a week on how they look and Italian men spending five hours doing likewise.

Argentina was next followed by the USA, while there are six European countries in the rest of the top ten, with French people ranking best of the rest in fourth and the United Kingdom (where men spend 3.7 hours a week on grooming and women 5.4 hours a week) coming in tenth place.

There is a danger in vanity and trying to “make a name for ourselves.” Today in prayer, humbly come before the Lord and ask how you can glorify His name.

"Oh, beware! Do not seek to be something! Let me be nothing, and Christ be all in all." - John Wesley

God’s Word: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3

DEVOTIONS IN GENESIS

Devotional - Walk By Faith

2021-01-07T05:45:00Z

“Noah did everything just as God commanded him.” – Genesis 6:22

Faith often defies logic. Dr. Dionysius Lardner was an Irish scientific writer who popularized science and technology and edited the 133-volume Cabinet Cyclopædia.

In 1828 Lardner was elected professor of natural philosophy and astronomy at University College, London, a position he held until he resigned his professorship in 1831.

He was the author of numerous mathematical and physical treatises on such subjects as algebraic geometry (1823), the differential and integral calculus (1825), and the steam engine (1828).

It was his lecture on the steam engine that he is remembered. In November 1837, he proved with irrefutable mathematics and equations nobody could question, that it was impossible to build a steamship capable of a non-stop voyage from London to New York. Copies of his lecture proving this 'fact' arrived in Manhattan on April 24, 1838, aboard the steamship Sirius, the first to cross the Atlantic non-stop entirely under steam.

The Lord does have a purpose for our lives and we need to trust Him. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for His purpose for you, trust Him and walk by faith.

"Obedience is the fruit of faith; patience the bloom on the fruit." - Christina Rossetti

God’s Word: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:5

DEVOTIONS IN GENESIS

Devotional - Great Wickedness

2021-01-06T05:25:00Z

“The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.” – Genesis 6:5

The website wallethub.com looked at 180 cities in the United States to determine to what level they are a “sin city”. The site ranked the cities across 37 key indicators of evil deeds. For instance, Las Vegas is ranked #1 in gambling. Gambling addiction leads to over $100 billion in losses for U.S. consumers every year.

St. Louis, Missouri was ranked #3 overall in the vice index. St. Louis is ranked #1 in “Anger and Hatred” as well as #1 in “Excesses and Vices”. B

On the other end of the scale, Pearl City, Hawaii had the lowest vice index of the 180 cities on the list. But it was not without its faults. The people of Pearl City were ranked #26 in Greed.

The website admonishes us “No place is innocent. We all have demons.”

Our natural inclination is toward wickedness. It is only through the grace of the Lord that we are saved. Today in prayer, confess any sin in your heart and seek to follow Christ in all you do.

"Many have puzzled themselves about the origin of evil. I am content to observe that there is evil, and that there is a way to escape from it, and with this I begin and end." - John Newton

God’s Word: “All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.” – Psalm 14:3

DEVOTIONS IN GENESIS

Devotional - He Crushed Death

2021-01-05T05:59:00Z

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” – Genesis 3:15

During the summer of 2020, U.S. Marshals conducted “Operation: Not Forgotten”. The U.S. Marshals Service and other agencies searched for missing and exploited children in 20 counties in north and middle Georgia. Investigators found 26 endangered children and 13 missing children during the two-week operation. Authorities arrested nine suspects in connection with the operation.

The chief of the Missing Child Unit said, “When we track down fugitives, it's a good feeling to know that we're putting the bad guy behind bars. But that sense of accomplishment is nothing compared to finding a missing child.”

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said: “I applaud the work of law enforcement in “Operation Not Forgotten.” We’ll continue to work around the clock to bring an end to human trafficking and ensure the perpetrators of this evil industry know they have no place in our state.”

From the fall of man until today, God had a plan to rescue people from evil. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that in Jesus Christ we have eternal life, and may your faith in Christ bring hope to a lost world.

“That there is a continual conflict between God's people and him. Heaven and hell can never be reconciled, no more can Satan and a sanctified soul.” – John Wesley

God’s Word: “The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one” – Matthew 13:38

DEVOTIONS IN GENESIS

Devotional - He Ordained Marriage

2021-01-04T05:31:00Z

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” – Genesis 2:24

Lou Nicholes is a graduate of Philadelphia Biblical University. He has spent over 40 years serving the Lord with Word of Life fellowship, first with Local Church Ministries as a missionary in the United States. He then started and directed a short-term missions program called Youth Reachout, taking over 2000 young people to 42 countries in 12 years. More recently he has been the Word of Life Asia Representative, traveling to various countries, recruiting potential staff, and helping establish new ministries. He currently is a missionary to Korea. He is also the author of 14 books, including “The Bible in a Nutshell”.

On the subject of marriage, Lou writes:

“As a boy, I remember a young lady coming to my mother for counsel concerning her marrying a man much older than herself. She was saying that if it didn’t work out she could always get a divorce. My mother told her marriage is for life and not for trial.”

One of the first things the Lord blessed was marriage. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord for establishing marriage.

“Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads, which sew people together through the years." – Simone Signoret

God’s Word: “and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'?” – Matthew 19:5

DEVOTIONS IN GENESIS

Devotional - God The Creator

2021-01-01T06:15:00Z

“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning--the sixth day.” – Genesis 1:31

In 1967, Dr. George Wald, professor of Biology at Harvard University, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for his discoveries in vision.

On the subject of how life arose, Dr. Wald said:

“There are only two possibilities as to how life arose; one is spontaneous generation arising to evolution, the other is a supernatural creative act of God, there is no third possibility. Spontaneous generation, that life arose from non-living matter, was scientifically disproved 120 years ago by Louis Pasteur and others. That leaves us with only one possible conclusion—that life arose as a creative act of God. I will not accept that philosophically because I do not want to believe in God, therefore I choose to believe in that which I know is scientifically impossible, spontaneous generation arising to evolution.”

Whether we choose to accept Him or not, God is the good Creator of the universe who is Lord of all. Today in prayer, praise Jesus for this New Year and that He is the Creator of all.

"The world is not here by chance, nor is human life a biological accident. God brought it all into existence." - Billy Graham

God’s Word: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” – John 1:1-4

DEVOTIONS IN GENESIS

Devotional - Go!

2020-12-31T05:55:00Z

“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.’” – Mark 16:15

Dois Rosser was born in Hampton, Virginia, and was a longtime businessman in Virginia's Hampton Roads/Tidewater area. After owning an insurance company, he got his start in the auto business when he bought a small Poquoson car dealership in 1948 for $35,000. He grew the POMOCO Auto Group to become one of the largest dealership groups in Newport News and Hampton, Virginia, opening a new $10 million sales complex in 1996 and operating at least 27 different franchises under the Pomoco Group banner. His companies employed about 350 people and taking more than $150 million in annual revenue.

In 1986, Dois founded International Cooperating Ministries (ICM), a Christian nonprofit organization whose mission is to build a church within walking distance of everyone in the world. As of 2019, the organization had 8,543 church projects built or under construction in 58 countries.

The Gospel is Good News and Jesus desires you to share it with others. Today in prayer, thank Christ for His Gospel and seek to share it with others.

"No man on earth is getting along 'pretty well' without Jesus Christ." - William Fraser McDowell

God’s Word: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20

DEVOTIONS IN MARK

Devotional - This Is The Son Of God

2020-12-30T05:39:00Z

"And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, ‘Surely this man was the Son of God!’” – Mark 15:39

Growing up in Iran, the god of the Koran was the only god that Fatima Devanbeigi ever knew. “He’s not a personal god. He’s distant, and nobody knows who he is. Nobody knows his nature. Nobody knows his plans. You just know that he cares about morality and in order to go to heaven, you must do good works.”

As a teenager, Fatima looked for answers. “Finally I came to a conclusion. I said, ‘God, You are either so complicated that I could never know you, or you’re right in front of my eyes, and I can’t see you.’”

Her cry was answered when Fatima says that Jesus appeared to her in a dream.

“I dreamt that Jesus and I were walking in a rose garden. This is going to make my cry. In the dream, I’m thinking he’s a prophet. He’s walking, and I’m following, and He said, ‘Do you want to come with Me?’ and I said, ‘Yes.’ And He said, ‘Then follow me.’”

Night after night, Fatima had dreams about Jesus, God – and churches.

“Old churches, new churches, modern churches. And I dreamt that my Mom and all of my family are holding hands, going to the church.”

Fatima moved to the United States when she twenty. She met a friend from work who told her about Jesus.

That night, after years of searching, Fatima prayed to become a Christian.

Jesus is God, but He must also be Lord of our lives. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that He is God and walk with Him in all that you do.

“Take hold of Jesus as a man and you will discover He is God.” – Martin Luther

God’s Word: “When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, ‘Surely he was the Son of God!’” – Matthew 27:54

DEVOTIONS IN MARK

Devotional - The Lord's Supper

2020-12-29T05:27:00Z

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them.” – Mark 14:22-24

In 1847, a boy named Homan Walsh went out to fly a kite. Homan was taking part in a kite-flying contest, so he brought his best kite, and plenty of string.

He stood on the Canadian bank of the Niagara River, letting more and more of that string go out, and his little boy's kite kept going higher, and higher, and higher ... until it stretched nearly 1,000 feet. When a stranger on the American side of the Niagara Gorge grabbed Homan's string, the crowd that had gathered let up a mighty roar. For the first time in history, people on opposite sides of this great gorge were holding onto the same string. And Homan won $5, the top prize in the contest.

There was much more than $5 at stake, however. In short order, the string was tied to a tree on the American shoreline, and a light cord tied to the Canadian end of the string. The cord was then pulled across the 800-foot span. A rope was tied to the cord and pulled safely across. To the rope was attached a wire cable, and to the cable, a thicker cable attached. It was the beginning of an engineering victory over one of the greatest natural barriers that had separated Americans and Canadians.

Fifty-foot towers were built on each side of the river, and more cables became a part of the picture. In time, people rode across the river in buckets, for $1 each, and then they walked on a footbridge for a quarter. But less than a year after Homan's kite first flew across the river, people were safely riding their horse-drawn carriages across the Niagara, on a marvelous suspension bridge that hung 220 feet over the rushing water.

Eventually, there were 15 bridges that spanned the Niagara, six of which are in use today.

The Lord's Supper is one of the world's simplest meals. From one vantage point, it might not seem much more significant than a boy flying a kite. It might seem little more than a string of a connection between you and God. But from the smallest beginnings can come great bridges of faith.

The Lord’s Supper is a remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice and His promise to all who partake in it. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for Communion with Him during the observance of the Lord’s Supper.

“This meal is for sinners only.” – David Watson

God’s Word: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom." – Matthew 26:26-29

DEVOTIONS IN MARK

Devotional - Don't Worry What To Say

2020-12-28T05:56:00Z

“Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” – Mark 13:11

Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer, evangelist and founder of Dallas Theological Seminary, told a simple story from his life. It seems that one-day Dr. Chafer was walking along the street when he encountered a flagman sitting in a little house at a railroad crossing. He noticed that the man was reading a large family Bible. Though a sign on the door said, "No Admittance,"

Dr. Chafer went boldly through the door to greet the man. In reply to a question from Dr. Chafer, the man said that he read the Bible a lot. So Chafer asked a second question--one most people are too timid to ask these days--"Are you saved?"

The answer of the flagman carries the sentiments of many: "I never could be good enough to be saved."

Dr. Chafer countered, "Friend, if God would make an exception of your case, and give you salvation outright as a gift, would you receive it?"

"Mister," the flagman replied, "I don't know what brand of fool you think I am that I wouldn't take a gift like that!"

Chafer asked the flagman to read John 10:28. It took the man awhile to find the passage, but then he read, "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish..." Then Chafer directed him to Romans 6:23, where he read, "the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

The flagman was amazed. He said to Dr. Chafer, "Stranger, I don't know who you are, but you've done more for me today than any other man." Chafer crisply replied, "What have I done for you? I've got you in a trap. You told me that if it was a gift, you'd accept it. Now, what are you going to do about that?" "I will accept it right now," the flagman responded. And he did.

We need not worry what to say when we share our hope in Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for giving us the Holy Spirit to guide us in witnessing to others.

“His voice leads us not into timid discipleship but into bold witness.” - Charles Stanley

God’s Word: “But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” – Matthew 10:19-20

DEVOTIONS IN MARK

Devotional - The Lamb

2020-12-25T05:46:00Z

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” – Luke 2:6-7

Marv & Marbeth Rosenthal wrote a delightful poem entitled: “Mary had the little Lamb”:

“Mary had the little Lamb, who lived before His birth;

Self-existent Son of God, from Heaven He came to Earth. (Micah 5:2)

Mary had the little Lamb; see Him in yonder stall—

Virgin-born Son of God, to save man from the Fall. (Isaiah 7:14)

Mary had the little Lamb, obedient Son of God;

Everywhere the Father led, His feet were sure to trod. (John 6:38)

Mary had the little Lamb, crucified on the tree

The rejected Son of God, He died to set men free. (1 Peter 1:18)

Mary had the little Lamb—men placed Him in the grave,

Thinking they were done with Him; to death He was no slave! (Matthew 28:6)

Mary had the little Lamb, ascended now is He;

All work on Earth is ended, our Advocate to be. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Mary had the little Lamb—mystery to behold!

From the Lamb of Calvary, a Lion will unfold. (Revelation 5:5,6)

When the Day Star comes again, of this be very sure:

It won’t be Lamb-like silence, but with the Lion’s roar. (Psalm 2:12

Revelation 19:11-16)”

Jesus came as a baby, lived and died as a man. He rose from the dead and reigns as God Almighty. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord that He did all of this because He loves you.

“Christ was born in the first century, yet He belongs to all centuries. He was born a Jew, yet He belongs to all races. He was born in Bethlehem, yet He belongs to all countries.”

– George Washington Truett

God’s Word: “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” – Luke 2:16-18

DEVOTIONS FOR CHRISTMAS

Devotional - The Star Of Bethlehem

2020-12-24T05:42:00Z

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem” – Matthew 2:1

No one knows what guided the wise men from the east to Bethlehem. One leading candidate is the rare alignment of the planets Jupiter and Saturn. On December 21, 2020 the two planets appeared so close that a pinkie finger at arm’s length will easily cover both planets in the sky, NASA said. In space, however, the two planets remain hundreds of millions of miles apart.

It’s been nearly 400 years since the planets passed this close to each other in the sky and nearly 800 years since the alignment of Saturn and Jupiter occurred at night. The planets also aligned in April 6 B.C.

Although scientists have ruled out several possibilities, we may never know for sure what the Star of Bethlehem was or if it even really happened, barring some remarkable archaeological finding.

"Nothing in science is ever case closed, nor is it in history," said Grant Mathews, a professor of theoretical astrophysics and cosmology at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. "We may never know if the Star of Bethlehem was a conjunction, astrological event or a fable to advance Christianity. Maybe it was simply a miracle."

Wise men and women still seek Jesus. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord that God became a man to die for you.

“Oh, star of wonder, star of night,

Star with royal beauty bright.

Westward leading, still proceeding,

Guide with thy perfect light.” – John Henry Hopkins Jr.

God’s Word: “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” – Matthew 2:10

DEVOTIONS FOR CHRISTMAS

Devotional - Loving Your Neighbor As Your Self

2020-12-23T05:49:00Z

“To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” – Mark 12:33

In October 2011, in the city of Foshan, China, the world was horrified at the behavior of some people. Two-year-old YueYue, which means Little Joy, was with her mother at the market in Foshan. Like two-year-olds, she wandered off from her mother. Video shows her walking down the narrow street of the market, right into the path of an on-coming truck.

The truck hits little YueYue knocking her down. The driver, aware he has hit something (later he would say he was on his cell phone), slows, then speeds off.

That would be tragic enough, but the next series of events is what brought the nation of China to re-examine its own morality. As YueYue is lying on the road, 18 people pass by her. Most are walking, but one man on a motorcycle steers around the little girl. And then, another vehicle runs over the toddler again.

Finally, a woman pulls the limp body of YueYue to the side of the road.

Loving our neighbors not only benefits our neighbors but also it benefits us. Today in prayer, ask Jesus how you can love your neighbor.

“He alone loves the Creator perfectly who manifests a pure love for his neighbor.” – Bede

God’s Word: “Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, "'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'" – Matthew 19:19

DEVOTIONS IN MARK

Devotional - Being A Person Of Integrity

2020-12-22T05:35:00Z

“They came to him and said, "Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” – Mark 12:14

Fred Phillips is a retired public-safety director and police chief of Johnson City, Tennessee. He told the story of when was a regular police officer, he and his partner pulled over an unlicensed motorist. They asked the man to follow them to the police station, but while en route they spotted a North Carolina vehicle whose license plate and driver matched the description in an all-points bulletin.

Fred and his partner took off in a high-speed chase, and finally stopped the wanted man's car.

Minutes later, as the felon was being arrested, the unlicensed motorist drove up. "If y'all will just tell me how to get to the station, I'll wait for you there," he said. "I'm having a heck of a time keeping up with you." That unlicensed driver had integrity.

Do the right thing in everything you do. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is our model for integrity and seek to follow Him in all your ways.

"Real integrity stays in place whether the test is adversity or prosperity." - Charles Swindoll

God’s Word: “They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are.” – Matthew 22:16

DEVOTIONS IN MARK

Devotional -Forgive Always

2020-12-21T05:35:00Z

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” – Mark 11:25

On 31 March 1999, Steven Gonzales, Andrew Ramirez, and Andrew Stone were captured while serving with the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment as part of a peacekeeping NATO force in Kosovo.

In response to the soldiers’ capture, the Reverend Jesse Jackson and a delegation of religious leaders flew to Yugoslavia to negotiate their return.

On 2 May 1999, the men were released. But before leaving Kosovo, Staff Sgt. Christopher J. Stone of Smiths Creek, Michigan, and Specialist Steven M. Gonzales of Huntsville, Texas – told news media "they had developed friendships with their captors, felt fondly about them and had prayed with them before they left". Christopher Stone said he had told one of the soldiers looking after him that he “hoped that war would not separate them and that the two countries and the two armed forces would not be forced to be enemies.”

No matter what life may throw your way, forgive others. Do not hold a grudge! Today in prayer, thank the Lord for His forgiveness and forgive others as the Lord has forgiven you.

“The man who is truly forgiven and knows it, is a man who forgives.” – Martyn Lloyd-Jones

God’s Word: “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” – Matthew 6:12

DEVOTIONS IN MARK