Category Archives: Daily Devotional

Messages from the daily devotional

The Good News – Series, Prt 3

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2 Timothy 2_8-10 scripture image

  • What is going on in these verses?
    • In my reading and research, I find that the book of 2 Timothy was a letter written to Timothy, a disciple of Jesus,  by Paul; to encourage Timothy in suffering for Christ’s sake. It was Paul’s comfort that God’s word was not bound. The Good News of the Gospel is, that Jesus was raised from the dead.
    • Next to the salvation of our own souls, we should be willing to do and suffer anything to encourage the salvation of the other’s souls.
This is the great proof of his divine mission, and therefore a great confirmation of the truth of the Christian religion; and the consideration of it should make us faithful to our Christian profession, and should particularly encourage us in suffering for it. Let suffering saints remember this. Matthew Henry
  • What is God’s word saying?
    • While it’s tough to go through suffering and hardship, doing it for the Lord’s sake makes it all worth it. It’s comforting to know and experience an unbound God’s word. There is nothing that can hold it down, nor hide it.
    • I need to be available to allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through me. My suffering for Jesus is nothing compared to the suffering He went through to become my Savior. I’m willing to endure suffering for Jesus to bring lost souls to Him so He can save them.

Prayer: Thank You, dear God, for the salvation of my soul and others. Use me, Lord. I’m here. I offer myself to You. I pray all of Your children will do so. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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The Good News – Series, Prt 2

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Mark 38_34-38 scripture image

“They shall not share with Him in His glory then, that were not willing to share with Him in his disgrace now.” Matthew Henry
  • What are the details in these verses?
    • I observe that Jesus is with His disciples and telling them that they must give up their own way, take up their cross [note: whatever is going on that seems to be unbearable life circumstances], and follow Him. If they don’t give it up and follow Him, they’ll lose their life [spiritual death]. For the sake of the “Good News”, they will save their life if they give it up [spiritually alive]. If they lose their soul, what good is having the whole world? If they’re ashamed of Jesus and the message of the “Good News” in these sinful times, Jesus will be ashamed of them when He returns in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.
    • It’s eye-opening to see how life is affected when I’m not following Jesus and not sharing His Good News. When I’m disobedient to Him, my life is in chaos and turmoil. Don’t get me wrong, there are still burdens to bear, but they either make me stronger in faith or weaker. I’d rather not lose my soul to the world. It’s not worth it!
  • How can this be applied in life?
    • I should not be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
    • I need to share the Good News of the Gospel with lost souls.
    • I need to get out of God’s way and stop trying to control everything in my own way and understanding. My way is sorely lacking!
  • What changes need to be made?
    • Read His word more
    • Pray to Him ceasingly
    • Allow the Holy Spirit to pour over me and use me.
  • What actions need to be taken?
    • Share the Good News of the Gospel more
    • Basically, get out of God’s way!
    • Just Do It!

Prayer: Show me the way, God. Remove my blinders and let me see what You want me to see. Shove me out of Your way and use me for Your purpose so that the Good News of the Gospel can be spread to lost souls. Thank You, God. I pray that the readers of this devotional will move out of Your way so You can use them too. For those who are in the way, that is. Thank You, Jesus, for being the Messiah and being the Savior. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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The Good News – Series, Prt 1

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Isa-61_1-3 scripture image

  • What are the details in these verses?
    • I observe in this scripture that Isaiah the prophet is sharing about Yahweh’s Spirit and preaching the “Good News” to the humble. He is sharing that Yahweh sent him to proclaim the Good News of Yahweh and to proclaim Yahweh’s favor and to give them joy and praise that He may be glorified. The Good News is about Jesus coming to save God’s people.
The good news is about the living God overcoming all the powers of the world to establish His rule of justice and peace, on earth as in heaven. N.T. Wright, Simply Good News: Why the Gospel Is News and What Makes It Good
  • What is God’s word saying to me?
    • I find it amazing that Jesus is in and throughout the old testament. Discerning this in my reading will open my heart to God and the Gospel. Taking time from the daily grind and recharging by being in His word and listening to what it is saying will help me to be able to share the gospel with the lost and dead souls. I need to be available and not distracted by the world so that God can use me.

What about you? What do you observe in the scripture above? What do you discern God is saying to you in this scripture?

Prayer: Thank You, Yahweh, for Your word and speaking to me and those who read it. I pray that I and the readers of this will be open to hearing from Your word and helping us to apply what we learn to our lives and to be a vessel for You to reach out to the lost souls to bring them to You through sharing The Good News of the Gospel. I lift up our world leaders and pray that they will be proper leaders and not tyrants terrorizing the citizens. Thank You for Your blessings and promises in Your word. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Be Jubilant With Joy!

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Psalm 68 scripture image

  • What are the details in these verses?
    • I observe that David sang and prayed a song of triumphant joy before God; singing praises to God; to His name and that God would appear in His glory. God is the God of widows, orphans, and the broken-hearted. God has relocated from God with us to God in us.
Those who rejoice in God have reason to rejoice with exceeding joy; and this joy we ought to wish to all the saints, for it belongs to them.
– Matthew Henry
  • What is God’s word saying to me?”
    • I need to show triumphant joy before God Almighty. I need to be praising and worshiping His holy name, YAH!
    • I need to remove all distractions and roadblocks. I need to “Just Do It!”

Prayer: Dear YAH, thank You immensely for who You are, for what You do and continue to do, and for your promises and blessings in my life and the lives of Your saints. I lift up the spiritually, mentally, and physically ill to You. I pray that whatever happens that You will be honored and glorified and that those who are ill will find peace of mind in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

NOTE: Starting 4/4, there will be a new series leading up to Resurrection Sunday, called: Bringing the Good News. Watch for it!

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His Weights Work!

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Provers16 scripture image

  • What are the details in these verses?
    • In my searching and investigating I found that King Solomon wrote this scripture. It is an instruction to kings and leaders.
    • I observe that this scripture is referring to what’s right regarding weights and balances; being honest and wise. God’s weights work best. It’s better to be poor and honest than dishonest and wealthy. On the other hand, it’s better to get wisdom and understanding than precious metals.
    • Pride is destructive. Being humble is best. By watching what we do, we protect our lives.
  • What is God’s word saying to me?
    • Being dishonest and proud will only lead to destruction. It’s better to be poor and right than wealthy and dishonest. My plans will fail; every time. Why? Because the LORD decides what I will do in my life. Disobedience to GOD leads to chaos and destruction.
    • I need an attitude of gratitude and to live right according to God’s word. I need to be humble, not proud. That’s a tall order for us humans. Human nature has a bent toward feelings and emotions and wearing our hearts on our sleeves. Human nature has a bent toward sin.
    • I need to trust and obey God and His word/teachings. If I have any sin, unresolved, known, or unknown, I need to truly and earnestly repent and seek God’s forgiveness. I need to stop allowing my human nature to run my life. I need to allow the Holy Spirit to permeate every part of my being and do what He will do. I’m just God’s vessel in His grand plan and purpose. It’s tough, but it’s possible. I need to “Just Do It!”

Prayer: Dear ABBA YAH, I lean on Your everlasting arms. Thank You, God! I pray this for others too. I live up Your children to You and pray for healing and recovery, redemption and salvation. I pray for the backslidden and that they will come back to You. I lift up the lost souls for who You have plans for, that they will be saved at the right time without delay. I trust Your plan and purpose, Father God (ABBA YAH). In Jesus’ name, amen.

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I Confess!

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Psalm 17 scripture image

  • What are the details in these verses?
    • I observe that David is confessing his sin before the Lord. He acknowledges his sin to God and God forgave him. We can pray to God for and seek forgiveness. I’m comforted and encouraged that God is my hiding place; that He protects me. HE delivers me from all my sin. If I’m without the steadfast love of God there is no trust in the Lord. We need to love God and trust Him. We need to be glad and rejoice, as righteous Christians. All that are upright in heart.
  • What is God’s word saying to me?
    • Confession is good for the spirit and soul. Rejoicing in God’s love is also good for the spirit and soul. Scripture tells us to confess our sins.
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16
  • What changes do I need to make?
    • I need to lay it all on the line and take all my sins to God and seek His forgiveness. I need to confess any sin… great and small… it’s all sin. Harboring and living in sin is unhealthy to my spirit and soul. I need a clear and right conscience before God.
  • Is there any action that I need to take?
    • It’s hard for a mortal human not to sin. However, I can strive to not sin; it’s required and commanded of me. I need to put on the full armor of God.
For this reason, take up all the armor that God supplies. Then you will be able to take a stand during these evil days. Once you have overcome all obstacles, you will be able to stand your ground. So then, take your stand! Fasten truth around your waist like a belt. Put on God’s approval as your breastplate. Put on your shoes so that you are ready to spread the Good News that gives peace. In addition to all these, take the Christian faith as your shield. With it you can put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Also take salvation as your helmet and God’s word as the sword that the Spirit supplies. Pray in the Spirit  in every situation. Use every kind of prayer and request there is. For the same reason be alert. Use every kind of effort and make every kind of request for all of God’s people. Ephesians 6:13-18
    • I need to be in HIS Word daily. Everything stated here is in scripture. I don’t make things up as I go along.
    • I need to be in communication without ceasing; praying without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5 says in verses 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench  (do not extinquish the fire of the Holy Spirit) the Spirit.
  • What’s stopping me or a stumbling block?
    • Myself! I need to stop trying to handle life on my own without God leading it. HE’s much better at than I am. I need to “Just Do It!” I need to step aside and shut up about what I think should happen or what I do not like. God knows all and is in control. I simply need to stop trying to control things myself. It’s a sin! I don’t want to sin.

Prayer: Dear YAH, Father God, I  thank You for being my hiding place. I pray and confess my sins, known and unknown, to You. I pray that all Your children will do the same. I rejoice in the fact that You’re loving and forgiving; only because Jesus is the Messiah. Without the Savior, it’s not good. We would not have eternal life in heaven with You without Jesus saving us. Open our eyes to our sin and that we could come clean and confess our sins to You seeking Your forgiveness. It seems this whole world needs Jesus; to be cleansed. I pray Your chosen will all come forward seeking to be saved and confess, repenting and turning to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

at Jesus' feet

Hear Ye; Hear Ye – Someone Much Greater is Coming!

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Luke 3 scripture image

  • I observe that Luke is telling about John the baptist in his ministry when he was going along the Jordan River preaching and baptizing people with water in the name of the Father,  the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Luke is telling about John answering people’s questions concerning what he was doing and what they should do. They were expecting the Messiah and thought John was Him. John expressed that someone great that he was coming soon. He is so much greater. John explained that the Messiah will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. John was simply warning and announcing the Good News of the Messiah to the people.
    • The strong theme in this scripture is about the Messiah coming to baptize people with the Holy Spirit and fire to replace the baptizing John did because the Messiah hadn’t gone through the crucifixion and resurrection, yet. His baptizing was an example of what would happen later.
    • Side note: Think back to a time when you went through an experience where you thought someone you saw and heard was someone you were expecting to show up; some TV shows incorporate this humorous gag into their scripts. You know what I mean. Well, this scenario of John the Baptist isn’t humorous; it’s quite serious. But, you get the idea, right? The people expecting the Messiah thought John was HIM.
  • What is God’s word saying to me?
    • I believe this is something that is like being a modern-day John the baptist. I can be about God’s business of spreading the Gospel/the Good News of the Messiah. Lay people who are not clergy can perform baptisms. We don’t have to be preachers ordained to officially perform services. God’s word commands us to go out and spread the Gospel of Jesus the Messiah. While I wouldn’t be warning and announcing the Messiah’s arrival as they did in Biblical times, because He already died and rose again… that’s the message and that He will return for His people another time.
    • I just need to be about God’s business, not man’s. “Just Do It!”

Prayer: Dear ABBA YAH, I pray that I and all Your children would be YOUR messengers announcing the Good News of the Messiah, preaching, baptizing, and helping the needy until You return for us. I pray that we don’t mistake others for You. There is only ONE YOU… The world is in turmoil right now… as You know. I pray for people to seek and surrender to You, YAH. Thank YOU for Who You are, what You do, and continue to do in my life and Your children’s lives. I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.

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Crown of Life

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  • What do I see going on in these verses?
    • I observe that James, 1/2 brother to Jesus, authored this book. James is addressing the believers letting them know that they should consider it an opportunity for great joy when any kind of trouble comes their way. It’s because our faith is being tested and we have a chance to grow in faith during troubles. When we need wisdom, ask God generously and He will give it to us. It’s ok to ask God questions. We only need to be sure that our faith is in God alone.
    • Those who endure troubles growing in their faith will receive the crown of life as God promised to those who love Him. Rich and poor are honored and humbled. God blesses those with patience to endure their testing of faith. He gave us His true word; Jesus, the living and alive Word.
    • We are His prized possession out of all creation.
  • What is God’s word saying to me?
    • I believe I simply need to have faith in and trust God in times of trouble. I choose joy over sadness so that my faith will grow stronger. It’s ok for me to ask questions of God as long as He alone is my Master. I’m His prized possession out of all creation and He promises me the crown of life because of my faith and my love for Him.
    • In order for this all to happen, I must not have any other gods. YAH alone is my God and I must endure the test of faith I go through trusting the He will bring me through it and that my faith grows.
    • This means that I need to remove ALL distractions and obstacles. I must focus only on God; be in His word and pray.
      “Just Do It!”

Prayer: Thank You, Father God, for Your promises and fulfilling them in the lives of the believers as well as mine. I lift up the whole world to You. I trust Your plan and purpose, even if I don’t understand or know what’s going on. I bow down before You in humble adoration of You. I praise and worship only You. I pray this for Your chosen. Your children. The names in the Lamb’s book of life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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The Great Commission

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Matthew-28_17-20 scripture image

  • What are the details in these verses?
    • What I observe is that Jesus appeared before His disciples after He was resurrected from the grave and rose back to life. The disciples worshiped Him; even though some doubted it was Jesus.
    • Jesus spoke to them telling them that God gave Him all authority in heaven and earth. Jesus then commands them to go out and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching the new disciples to observe everything that Jesus commanded to them. Jesus also reminds the disciples that He is with the disciples always, to the end of the age.
    • What stands out to me is that the disciples worshiped Jesus, as well as, Jesus was given all authority in heaven and earth.
  • What is God’s word saying to me?
    • I’m a disciple of Jesus Christ the Messiah.
    • It’s my duty as a disciple to make disciples of Jesus, to baptize them, and to teach them to observe everything Jesus commands.
    • Also, I’m reminded that Jesus is with me always.
  • How can I apply this scripture to my own life?
    • It’s a comfort knowing that Jesus is always with me. I never have to be alone. I also believe that He will guide me; from my experience so far, to do what’s expected of me.
    • Submitting to God, trusting and obeying Him, as well as, seeking Him always in all things, will keep me focused on the task at hand. As scripture says, “keep my eyes on the prize before me.”[paraphrased]
    • Be a willing participant in the team God has put together. He knows what He’s doing, even if I do not.
  • What changes do I need to make?
    • Take stock of my life so far to see where I am in my alignment with God. Being out of alignment will throw my life off track, creating chaos and trials. Regardless, some trials are teachable moments and tests of my faith reeling me back in.
    • I will need to dig deep and clear out the clutter (mental and physical) and the mental cobwebs. I will also need to clear out all distractions that keep me away from the prize before me (Jesus).
  • Is there any action that I need to take?
    • This will always be the same response. Distractions galore will always appear (stay the ~course~).
      “Just Do It!”

Prayer: Thank You, Yahweh, for all that You are, all that You do, and all that You are doing in the lives of believers who are Your disciples. I pray that we will be a blessing to You, Yahweh. I lift up all of the world to You, Yahweh.  You know the tragedy that’s going on. I realize it’s all part of Your grand plan and purpose. I don’t understand it. I don’t have to. You do not need any input from me for anything. All You need from me is that I surrender and submit myself to You and allow You to use me in the grand plan and purpose. I pray this for everyone You have written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Only You know these names. I honor, glorify, adore, and love You, Yahweh. I pray the readers of this blog are in harmony with You and that we’re Your disciples, planting the seed so You can harvest at the right time. Thank You again, Yahweh. In Jesus’ name amen.

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Grieved and Crushed

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Psalm 34:15-18 scripture image

  • What are the details in the verses?
    • King David authored most of the Psalms. He wrote them as songs. Much like people write and sing songs today about their sorrows and joys; King David did the same.
    • Here, in these verses, I observe that King David is singing about the Lord watching and hearing the righteous in their sorrows and that the Lord is against the evil-doers and he will not remember the evil-doers. The Lord hears the righteous who cry out for help and hears them and delivers them out of their troubles.
    • The Lord is near the griefed and crushed in spirit.
  • What is God’s word saying to me?
    • I feel that God is reminding me that He is with me, near me, and hears my spirit-cries as well as when it is grieved. All I need to do is call out to Him, live right according to His living word, stay alert in prayer, and help the needy when the situation arises. Be alert!
    • What changes do I need to make?
      • Stop being bothered by worldly things. God is in control. It’s all part of His grand plan and purpose.
      • Be in His living word, daily. Let it speak to my spirit, mind, and soul.
      • Be teachable. Don’t be a know-it-all. There is always something new to learn and to unlearn.
    • What action do I need to take?
      • YEP! You guessed it! “Just Do It!”

Prayer: Dear Abba YAH, thank You for being near me and with me. I pray the same for the readers of this blog. I lift up everyone to You, YAH. There’s always someone who has needs. I lift all those needs up to You.  I also want to thank You for the blessings and promises You fulfill in our lives. Some go unnoticed by us. I just pray that we take stock and realize what You are doing in our lives. I praise, glorify, honor, and love You, YAH. In Jesus’ name, amen