Category Archives: Daily Devotion

A New Life Has Begun

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Christ’s death and resurrection give us new life so we can be made right with God.

We are made Christ’s ambassadors. God has tasked us with reconciling people to Himself. When we are reconciled to God, we’re made new. We throw off the old self and live new in Christ.

A Christ’s ambassador is God’s messenger here on earth to share the gospel with the world; planting the seed, then God nourishes and harvests. That’s what we do as Christians. God makes His appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we please, “Come back to God!”

Father God, YAH, I pray that we will be the best Christ ambassadors to a lost world to bring them back to You. Thank you, Yahweh, in Jesus’ name, amen.

 

Putting on a New Nature

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‘Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.’ Ephesians 4:21-24

Once you learn the truth of Jesus Christ and accept Him as your personal savior, there’s no turning back. You will throw off the old sinful self and let the Holy Spirit renew you, your thoughts, and your attitude.

God’s word also tells us:
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:1‭-‬2

When you let God transform you, you become holy and righteous. Which is acceptable, pleasing, and perfect to Him.

Don’t get me wrong, life will never be a bed of roses. Each trial we face, God uses it in a way to make us grow in our faith. Keeping us on our toes. That is if we stay in His word and live our lives according to His word.

Father YAH, I lift up the readers of this post to You. I pray that they will seek You, will accept You, will throw off the old sinful self, and be renewed by You. Thank You for giving us Jesus to be our Savior. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Living the New Life

Christ’s death and resurrection give us new life so we can be made right with God.

He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. 2 Corinthians 5:15

Our focus for a new life is in heaven where Jesus sits. We do not live for ourselves after we receive Christ’s new life. Christ “is” our life. We are new in Him; so, we have no need for the old way of life.

‘You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for He forgave all our sins. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with Him, you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.’ Colossians 2:12-13

There’s a lot of mention of death and life. That is because before Christ became our redeemer we lived in sin, which leads to spiritual death. When we accept Christ as our savior we die to the old ways when we are baptized and we receive new life; we come alive spiritually.

Because of our new spiritual life, our home is in heaven, not earth. That’s where our focus is. We live for Christ, not ourselves.

No matter what is going on around us on earth, we need to keep our eyes on the prize, Jesus Christ; who is seated on the throne in heaven. Stay the course.

Here are some things to help us do that:

  • Be in the word of GOD.
  • Pray often. Have a prayer mindset.
    • We can pray anywhere anytime.
  • Share the gospel to plant the seed of salvation.
    • God will do the rest.
  • Meet regularly to study the word of God with like-minded believers and pray together over the word and for each other.

Dear Abba YAH, I pray for all the readers of this message. I ask that if anyone needs help that these messages and prayers will guide them to You. I pray that all believers will seek You and will read and listen to Your word; being ready to give a reason for their faith in You. Help us all to live our lives for You according to Your word. Thank You for our new life in Christ. Thank You for being our savior, cutting away the sinful nature, and making us new in You. I pray all this in Jesus’ name, amen.

New is Really Old!

Jesus commands us to love one another. It’s a vital component to our Christan livlihood. Why? Because, it’s how people can tell we are Christians.

We show we are servants of God by our pure lives, our understanding, patience, and kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by true love, by speaking the truth, and by God’s power. We use our right living to defend ourselves against everything. 2 Corinthians 6:6‭-‬7 as well as,

My children, we should love people not only with words and talk, but by our actions and true caring. 1 John 3:18

One thing to think about here is this:

Sometimes people say, “Here is something new!” But actually it is old; nothing is ever truly new. Ecclesiastes 1:10

New is actually old. We’ve been told this for a very long time.

Yes, there are different kinds of love. I’ve written a blog series about it before. You can find it here on the blog by searching with the word “love” and a list will pop up.

This post is talking about old versus new. God has talked about love from the very beginning of His word. In fact, one of the 10 commandments is about love.

And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:5

When we truly love God as He commands, all the rest of our Christian living will fall into place. Because, when we love God with every part of our being, we don’t have time for anything else. It puts our lives into perspective. We will pour out the love He gives to us to everyone else. Even our enemies.

Let’s begin this new year with something old! Let’s really love one another as GOD loves His dear children!

Thank You, Dear Father God, did Your love for us. Use it’s to love others as YOU do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Next blog post will be more about new things! Subscribe to this blog to be notified of new devo posts.

Jesus, Our High Priest D9

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Hebrews 8:7-13 image

Day 9

If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it. But when God found fault with the people, he said: “The day is coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt. They did not remain faithful to my covenant, so I turned my back on them, says the Lord. But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already. And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” When God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear. Hebrews 8:7‭-‬13

Greek: διαθήκη
Transliteration: diathēkē
Pronunciation: dee-ath-ay’-kay
Definition: From G1303; properly a disposition that is (specifically) a contract (especially a devisory will): – covenant testament.
KJV Usage: covenant (20x), testament (13x).
Occurs: 33
In verses: 30

So, this scripture is talking about a covenant, a divine contract, between God and the people. Apparently, the first covenant (contract) was faulty. God found fault with the people. So, the 1st covenant/contract was made obsolete. The people breached the contract and made it devoid. Henceforth, a new covenant had to be put in place. God will and did put his laws in the people’s minds and write it on their hearts. The people will already know God because of this; not requiring anyone to be taught of Him.

Covenants/Contracts are a very serious big deal. They are even more powerful and important than a promise.

How does this apply to our lives today? Well, contracts are very relevant in today’s world. They’re used in all sorts of situations, from leasing a place to live, to businesses conducting business. Even between two people who want a structure of some sort to something they’re doing together. Heck, people even call a marriage a contract.

As I stated above, they’re very serious and a big deal. It’s a serious issue when a contract is breached. Serious consequences happen when it’s breached.

We need to have integrity and honesty in place. We need to keep our end of the deal or suffer the bad consequences.

Dear Father God. Thank You for Your covenant with us (me and the readers of this blog and all of Your children). I pray that we keep our end of the deal. I pray for direction and guidance in our lives. You know we get terribly distracted in life. I pray for focus and redirection when that happens. Nobody likes to suffer. Although, at times, we must be put to the test and come out better for You. Thank You, in advance, for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Jesus, Our High Priest D9

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Day 9

If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it. But when God found fault with the people, he said: “The day is coming, says the Lord , when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt. They did not remain faithful to my covenant, so I turned my back on them, says the Lord. But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already. And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” When God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear. Hebrews 8:7‭-‬13

Greek: διαθήκη

Transliteration: diathēkē Pronunciation: dee-ath-ay’-kay

Definition: From G1303; properly a disposition that is (specifically) a contract (especially a devisory will): – covenant testament.

KJV Usage: covenant (20x), testament (13x).

Occurs: 33
In verses: 30

So, this scripture is talking about a convenant, a divine contract, between God and the people.

Apparently, the first covenant (contract) was faulty. God found fault with the people. So, the 1st covenant/contract was made obsolete. The people breached the contract and made it devoid. Henceforth, a new covenant had to be put in place. God will and did put his laws in the people’s minds and write it on their hearts. The people will already know God because of this; not requiring anyone to be taught of Him.

Covenants/Contracts are a very serious big deal. They are even more powerful and important than a promise.

How does this apply to our lives today? Well, contracts are very relevant in today’s world. They’re used in all sorts of situations, from leasing a place to live, to businesses conducting business. Even between two people who want a structure of some sort to something they’re doing together. Heck, people even call a marriage a contract.
As I stated above, they’re very serious and a big deal. It’s a serious issue when a contract is breached. Serious consequences happen when it’s breached.
We need to have integrity and honesty in place. We need to keep our end of the deal; or suffer the bad consequences.

Dear Father God. Thank You for Your covenant with us (me and the readers of this blog and all of Your children). I pray that we keep our end of the deal. I pray for direction and guidance in our lives. You know we get terribly distracted in life. I pray for focus and redirection when that happens. Nobody likes to suffer. Although, at times, we must be put to the test and come out better for You. Thank You, in advance, for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Jesus, Our High Priest D8

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Day 8

Here is the main point: We have a High Priest who sat down in the place of honor beside the throne of the majestic God in heaven. There he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle, the true place of worship that was built by the Lord and not by human hands. And since every high priest is required to offer gifts and sacrifices, our High Priest must make an offering, too. If he were here on earth, he would not even be a priest, since there already are priests who offer the gifts required by the law. They serve in a system of worship that is only a copy, a shadow of the real one in heaven. For when Moses was getting ready to build the Tabernacle, God gave him this warning: “Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain.” But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises. Hebrews 8:1‭-‬6

Greek: μεγαλωσύνη
Transliteration: megalōsunē
Pronunciation: meg-al-o-soo’-nay
Definition: From G3173; greatness that is (figuratively) divinity (often God himself): – majesty.
KJV Usage: Majesty (2x), majesty (1x).
Occurs: 3
In verses: 3

The dictionary defines majesty as this:
supreme greatness or authority; sovereignty

A supreme ruler. God is our supreme ruler. He gave this title and honor to Jesus to represent Himself as our creator; as our High Priest.

How does this apply to our life, today? How do we apply it to our life?

We need to give God the credit He is due. We owe him our lives. He created us. He can take us down just as quickly as He gave us life. Remember the scriptures where people died when they didn’t trust and obey God? Look it up. Don’t take my word for it.

Defiant behavior will be addressed by God in due time. He can unleash His wrath on us at any time. He doesn’t need our permission. Also, He can go on with or without us. We are here because of Him, not us. God has the final word and He is the final authority of all. This is the part where we need to have the fear of God in us. We need to revere Him and have reverence for Him.

So, at the end of the day, we need to trust and obey God and surrender our all to Him. He knows what He’s doing. Even when we don’t know what He’s doing. It’s for our own good.

Yes, I’ve messed up, lots. Satan makes life confusing and difficult for us. We simply need to understand that he started this whole mess of fallen man. Remember Adam and Eve, how satan deceived them in the Garden? Satan is still at it and he doesn’t let up. In fact, the more aligned with God you are and being an example of Jesus in your life, the more satan deceives you to steer you wrong. Know his wiles. Stomp him down in Jesus’ name. At the name of Jesus, satan is unable to even stand… he crumbles and withers. Keep Jesus’ name on your lips, in your mind, and in your daily living.

Dear Abba Yah, Father God, I thank You for all You do and continue to do in the life of Your children. I pray for all of us to keep ourselves in Your word and to be an example of You to draw the lost to You. I thank You, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Jesus, Our High Priest D6

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Hebrews 7:13-24 Image

Day 6

The priest whom we are talking about was a member of a different tribe. No one from that tribe ever served as a priest at the altar. Everyone knows that our Lord came from the tribe of Judah. Moses never said anything about priests coming from that tribe. The regulations were different. This became clear when a different priest who is like Melchizedek appeared. That person is a priest, not because he met human requirements, but because he has power that comes from a life that cannot be destroyed. The Scriptures say the following about him: “You are a priest forever, in the way Melchizedek was a priest.” The former requirements are rejected because they are weak and useless. Moses’ Teachings couldn’t accomplish everything that God required. But we have something else that gives us greater confidence and allows us to approach God. None of this happened without an oath. The men from the tribe of Levi may have become priests without an oath, but Jesus became a priest when God took an oath. God said about him, “The Lord has taken an oath and will not change his mind. You are a priest forever.” In this way Jesus has become the guarantee of a better promise. There was a long succession of priests because when a priest died he could no longer serve. But Jesus lives forever, so he serves as a priest forever. That is why he is always able to save those who come to God through him. He can do this because he always lives and intercedes for them. Hebrews 7:13‭-‬25

Strong’s Number – G2420
Greek: ἱερωσύνη
Transliteration: hierōsunē
Pronunciation: hee-er-o-soo’-nay
Definition: From G2413; sacredness that is (by implication) the priestly office: – priesthood.
KJV Usage: priesthood (4x).
Occurs: 4
In verses: 4

Here we see the sacredness of the office of the priesthood. Because Jesus is who He is; makes it most sacred. He is once and forever to save those who come to God through Him. It lasts forever. He lives forever to intercede with God on our behalf.

We can trust Jesus, Father God, & the Holy Spirit. Jesus is our once and for all and forever High Priest. He intercedes on our behalf with God. I mean, those of us who are His children. Until we are His children, saved by His grace, and have faith in accepting Him as our savior; we’re simply noisy gongs in His ears. We MUST be saved and be His children for Him to intercede on our behalf with God.

Where do you stand with God? I challenge you to vertically align yourself and spend some time with Him. Let’s share and connect through God.

Dear Father God, Abba Yah, I lift up the readers of this blog. I pray for them to reach out to You and grow stronger in their faith of You. I pray that they’re blessed and bless others as well. Thank You for using me to share Your word and the Good News of Jesus, our Saviour. Thank You, in advance, for hearing and answering this prayer! In Jesus’ name, amen!

Jesus, Our High Priest D5

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Hebrews 7:1-7 image

Day 5

Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of the Most High God. He met Abraham and blessed him when Abraham was returning from defeating the kings. Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything he had captured. In the first place, Melchizedek’s name means king of righteousness. He is also called king of Salem (which means king of peace). No one knows anything about Melchizedek’s father, mother, or ancestors. No one knows when he was born or when he died. Like the Son of God, Melchizedek continues to be a priest forever. You can see how important Melchizedek was. Abraham gave him a tenth of what he had captured, even though Abraham was the father of the chosen people. Moses’ Teachings say that members of the tribe of Levi who become priests must receive a tenth of everything from the people. The priests collect it from their own people, Abraham’s descendants. Although Melchizedek was not from the tribe of Levi, he received a tenth of everything from Abraham. Then Melchizedek blessed Abraham, who had God’s promises. No one can deny that the more important person blesses the less important person. Hebrews 7:1‭-‬7

Strong’s Number – G2409
Greek: ἱερεύς
Transliteration: hiereus
Pronunciation: hee-er-yooce’
Definition: From G2413; a priest (literally or figuratively): – (high) priest.
KJV Usage: priest (31x), high priest (1x).
Occurs: 32
In verses: 30

So, according to Strongs, in this scripture, this is literally and figuratively “a priest” – a high priest. Its usage occurs 32 times in 30 verses.

I love the parallels to Jesus in this scripture.

Melchizedek, being the king of Salem and priest of the Most High God. Abraham was blessed by him and then he gave the king a 10th of everything he had captured.

Melchizedek’s name means king of righteousness. King of Salem means king of peace. No one knows about Melchizedek’s background. Not even when he died. Like Jesus, Melchizedek continues to be a priest forever. It’s obvious how important he was. Even though Melchizedek wasn’t from the tribe of Levi, he still received a 10th of everything from Abraham. Abraham had God’s promises.

Personally, I’m not certain how this applies to us today. If anything, a history lesson and a correlation between Melchizedek and Jesus as “Hight Priest”.

This may be far-reaching… but, my thoughts are that Melchizedek was a human manifestation of Jesus just for this purpose of scripture and the people to experience a “high priest” who was all godly and righteous. An example of our Savior to come.

I’m in total awe and fear (reverence) to GOD. This is amazing.

Father God, Abba Yah, show us Your purpose in this scripture and how we can apply it to our lives today. Correct me if I’m wrong in my thoughts expressed above. I do not want to be sharing nonsense to anyone. I praise, honor, glorify, and LOVE You, Almighty Yahweh. Thank You, in advance for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.