Posts with the category “devotion”

23 For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread 24 and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an a...  Read More

14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t...  Read More

19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. 20 Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. 21 We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. 22 Through him you Gentiles are als...  Read More

18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. In the New Testament, Jesus fulfills the role of the redeemer by sacrificing His life to save humanity. This act of redemption is not just a New Test...  Read More

14 When Abram heard that his nephew Lot had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men who had been born into his household. Then he pursued Kedorlaomer’s army until he caught up with them at Dan. 15 There he divided his men and attacked during the night. Kedorlaomer’s army fled, but Abram chased them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. 16 Abram recovered all the goods that had been taken, an...  Read More

27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. The Bible is not just a collection of isolated stories but a unified narrative that tells the epic tale of God's ongoing quest to redeem His creation. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible reveals a continuous thread of God's grace and redemption, inviting e...  Read More

15 Laban said to him, “You shouldn’t work for me without pay just because we are relatives. Tell me how much your wages should be.”16 Now Laban had two daughters. The older daughter was named Leah, and the younger one was Rachel. The patriarchal period was defined by the oldest living male in the household, who made all the important decisions, from marriages to financial matters. Understanding th...  Read More

3 Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah (whose mother was Tamar).Perez was the father of Hezron.Hezron was the father of Ram.5 Salmon was the father of Boaz (whose mother was Rahab).Boaz was the father of Obed (whose mother was Ruth).Obed was the father of Jesse.6 Jesse was the father of King David.David was the father of Solomon (whose mother was Bathsheba, the widow of Uriah). The Bible often ...  Read More

2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. Unlike human relationships that can be fraught with deceit and broken promises, God's promises are steadfast and unchanging. Jesus assured His disciples that t...  Read More

21 Finally, the time came for him to marry her. “I have fulfilled my agreement,” Jacob said to Laban. “Now give me my wife so I can sleep with her.”22 So Laban invited everyone in the neighborhood and prepared a wedding feast. 23 But that night, when it was dark, Laban took Leah to Jacob, and he slept with her. Understanding the historical and cultural background of biblical stories helps us grasp...  Read More

When you go to war, your people will serve you willingly. You are arrayed in holy garments, and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew. The way we express joy and enjoyment in our faith practices can serve as a powerful testimony to those around us. When others observe us genuinely enjoying our faith, it becomes an inviting beacon for them to explore what makes our community diff...  Read More

They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— Prioritizing shared experiences of joy not only enhances individual enjoyment but also strengthens community bonds. By filling our "fun buckets," we sustain ourselves through challenging times and create a welcoming environment for newcomers. This principle of s...  Read More

But instead, you dance and play;you slaughter cattle and kill sheep.You feast on meat and drink wine.You say, “Let’s feast and drink,for tomorrow we die!” Integrating fun into our faith journey is not only permissible but beneficial for our spiritual health and communal bonds. Scripture supports the idea that enjoying life's pleasures, like the Israelites did with food and celebration, is an integ...  Read More

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. Laughter and joy are often underestimated in their capacity to heal and mend our inner brokenness. As we navigate life's challenges, integrating moments of genuine joy and laughter can significantly shift our perspective, helping us manage stress and sorrow more effectively. This integration of joy is not just a nice ...  Read More

And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” Joy in our spiritual journey is not merely a suggestion, but a divine command. Scripture repeatedly calls us to embrace joy as a fundamental a...  Read More

He said,“I came naked from my mother’s womb,and I will be naked when I leave.The Lord gave me what I had,and the Lord has taken it away.Praise the name of the Lord!” God sets boundaries that are designed for our good, even when they involve denying our desires. Understanding that these boundaries are rooted in divine wisdom and love helps us accept and embrace them, fostering deeper spiritual matu...  Read More

It’s not good to eat too much honey, and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself. While technology can significantly enhance our ability to connect with others, it can also become a barrier to meaningful relationships if not used wisely. The wisdom of Proverbs 25 reminds us that moderation is key in all things, including our engagement with technology. Reflecting on our technology use allows us ...  Read More

32 David replied to Abigail, “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you to meet me today! 33 Thank God for your good sense! Bless you for keeping me from murder and from carrying out vengeance with my own hands. Navigating family dynamics requires wisdom, especially when confronted with unwise or harmful behaviors. Inspired by the story of Abigail, we learn the importance of acting with...  Read More

Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. The influence of those we surround ourselves with cannot be overstated. As Proverbs 13 teaches, walking with the wise helps us grow in wisdom, whereas associating with fools can lead us astray. This principle should guide us in selecting our friends and mentors, ensuring these relationships draw us closer to God and suppo...  Read More

So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. Christ's resurrection not only signifies our salvation but also marks a profound liberation from the old law, urging us to lead lives guided by the Spirit rather than by rigid adherence to the letter of the law. This freedom is a precious gift, yet it comes with the responsibility ...  Read More

14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t...  Read More

33 So, my dear brothers and sisters, when you gather for the Lord’s Supper, wait for each other. 34 If you are really hungry, eat at home so you won’t bring judgment upon yourselves when you meet together. I’ll give you instructions about the other matters after I arrive. Communion is a sacred time of reflection, confession, and remembrance of Jesus Christ's sacrifice. It is a reminder of the incl...  Read More

Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!” The concept of family extends beyond biological ties to encompass the family of God. This spiritual family offers companionship and support for those whose biological relatives may not share the same faith journey. Within the church community, individuals find a sense of belonging and encouragement that can susta...  Read More

24 Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, 25 or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul. Evaluating the influence of family members on one's spiritual journey is crucial. While familial ties are given, the degree to which their behavior affects one's life is a choice. Setting boundaries with those whose actions are detrimental to spiritual well-being is not o...  Read More

13 Spouting off before listening to the factsis both shameful and foolish.14 The human spirit can endure a sick body,but who can bear a crushed spirit? The story of Abigail, Nabal, and David is a powerful example of the impact that wisdom and discernment can have within family relationships. Abigail's ability to act swiftly and wisely in the face of her husband's foolishness not only prevented blo...  Read More

1 How wonderful and pleasant it iswhen brothers live together in harmony!2 For harmony is as precious as the anointing oilthat was poured over Aaron’s head,that ran down his beardand onto the border of his robe. The interconnectedness of a church community is not merely a social network; it is a spiritual tapestry woven together by shared beliefs, prayers, and the collective pursuit of God's will....  Read More

This vision is for a future time.It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled.If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently,for it will surely take place.It will not be delayed. Eternal hope in Christ is an anchor for the soul, especially during times of unanswered prayers or waiting. This hope is active, requiring an open heart to the unexpected ways God may reveal Himself and fulfill His promises...  Read More

And yet, O Lord, you are our Father.We are the clay, and you are the potter.We all are formed by your hand. God's restoration of our brokenness creates a unique and beautiful testimony. Rather than striving for a return to a perceived perfection, we should allow God to work through our broken pieces, which can then become a display of His love and restoration. Reflection Question: In what ways hav...  Read More

He personally carried our sinsin his body on the crossso that we can be dead to sinand live for what is right.By his woundsyou are healed. Jesus' choice to retain His scars post-resurrection demonstrates that our past wounds are not erased but are transformed into a part of our identity. These scars serve as a means to demonstrate God's power and faithfulness, becoming a vital part of our testimon...  Read More

But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over. The art of kintsugi teaches that there is beauty in brokenness, where the scars and repairs contribute to our unique story. Our imperfections and healed wounds are not to be hidden but embraced, as they are a testament to God's grace and the healing He provides, often in unexpec...  Read More

16 But God kept them from recognizing him.17 He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?”They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. In moments of profound grief, it can be difficult to recognize the transformative work of God. Like Mary Magdalene, who initially did not see Jesus at the tomb, individuals may be blinded by their sorrow, missing the divine pres...  Read More

Search me, O God, and know my heart;test me and know my anxious thoughts. Vulnerability Opens Us to TransformationApproaching God with raw vulnerability, as Jesus did in His prayers, is an act of courage and faith. It is in these moments of openness and honesty that believers can truly encounter God and experience His transformative power. Vulnerability in prayer allows for a deeper relationship w...  Read More

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Jesus' transformation of the Passover meal into a memorial of His sacrifice is a powerful example of how pain and suffering can be repurposed for a greater purpose. Believers are encouraged to consider how their own experiences of pain might be used to empath...  Read More

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Jesus' desire for the support of His disciples during His time of anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane highlights the importance of community in the life of a believer. Just as Jesus sought companionship, believers are called to walk alongside one another, offering support, encouragement, and strength. In times of trial, the presen...  Read More

Be still in the presence of the Lord,and wait patiently for him to act.Don’t worry about evil people who prosperor fret about their wicked schemes. The silence of God, as experienced by Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, is a powerful reminder that God's silence is not an absence. It is a sacred space where trust can be deepened and spiritual maturity can grow. In these moments, believers are invi...  Read More

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. In John 17, Jesus' prayer for the unity of His followers is a profound expression of His desire for the church to be one, as He and the Father are one. This unity is not merely a superficial agreement but a deep, spiritual connection that tra...  Read More

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. Our giving should be motivated by a desire to advance God's kingdom and reflect the condition of our hearts. It is not about meeting the financial needs of the church but about our p...  Read More

Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. We are created in the image of a generous God, and giving is an intrinsic part of our spiritual identity. Our offerings, whether of time, talents, or financial resources, are a reflection of God's nature within us. As we give, we grow closer to God and understand mo...  Read More

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” Giving is not merely a transaction but an expression of worship that aligns our hearts with God's heart. When we give out of joy and wholeheartedness, we tap into a profound connection with the divine that transcends our circumstances. This joy ...  Read More

Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. True stewardship is the sacred act of managing God's gifts with integrity and faithfulness. It is a shift from seeing ourselves as owners to being caretakers of the resources entrusted to us. This perspective challenges us to live with a sense of responsibility rather than entitlement, recognizing that our possessions, time, and tal...  Read More