Pasajes a leer:
1 Crónicas 7:1-8:40
Hechos 27:1-20
Salmo 7:1-17
Proverbios 18:22
"Jehová juzgará a los pueblos; Júzgame, oh Jehová, conforme a mi justicia, y conforme a mi integridad."
"Mi escudo está en Dios, que salva a los rectos de corazón." - Salmo 7:8 y 10
"El que halla esposa halla el bien, y alcanza la benevolencia de Jehová." - Proverbios 18:22
De todo lo leído en el día de hoy, me siento nuevamente como si Dios me está recordando de la importancia de velar mis palabras, mi actitud y mis pensamientos hacia mi familia especialmente, y hacia todos los que me rodean. Deseo realmente ser una buena esposa de la cual mi esposo pueda sentir orgullo en que Dios me trajo a su vida. Me siento que muchas veces no alcanzo la meta, que necesito cambiar tantas cosas, así que continúo rogando al Señor que me ayude a ser la mujer que necesito ser para mi esposo. Una que le apoya y ayuda a recordar a tener los ojos siempre puestos en Cristo, en nuestro Padre Celestial. Necesito velar mi actitud, mis palabras y la manera en que le trato.
Los pasajes de Salmos me recuerdan que Dios juzgará mis acciones, la manera en que he llevado mi vida. Mi mas profundo anhelo es que el Señor me ayude a ser una mujer de integridad, de santidad, conforme a Su perfecta voluntad para mi vida. Todavía me falta mucho por llegar a la meta, pero estoy tratando de vivir cada día como si fuera mi último, porque lo podría ser. Siento un santo temor por lo que el Señor vaya a decir acerca de mi vida, mi testimonio y mi ministerio. Ruego al Señor que me ayude a mantenerme en El, que me ayude a vivir en santidad para que así pueda ser juzgada favorablemente. No que merezco de ninguna manera Su amor y misericordia, pero El nos ha dado a todos ese hermoso regalo y yo quiero que Su regalo no se haya dado en vano por mi vida. Que así sea en Su nombre. ¡Amén!
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
8 de julio de 2014: ¡Sin Biblia, No Hay Desayuno! ¡Sin Biblia, No Duermo!
Pasajes a leer:
1 Crónicas 5:18 - 6:81
Hechos 26:1-32
Salmo 6:1-10
Proverbios 18:20-21
"Todos caímos al suelo. Luego oí una voz que venía del cielo, y que me dijo en arameo: 'Saulo, Saulo, ¿por qué me persigues? ¡Sólo los tontos pelean contra mí!'" - Hechos 26:14 (TLA)
"Quiero que hables con ellos, para que se den cuenta de todo lo malo que hacen, y para que comiencen a obedecer a Dios. Ellos ahora caminan como si estuvieran ciegos, pero tú les abrirás los ojos. Así dejarán de obedecer a Satanás, y obedecerán a Dios. Podrán creer en mí, y Dios les perdonará sus pecados. Así serán parte del santo pueblo de Dios." - Hechos 26:18 (TLA)
"Jehová, no me reprendas en tu enojo, ni me castigues con tu ira. Ten misericordia de mí, oh Jehová, porque estoy enfermo; Sáname, oh Jehová, porque mis huesos se estremecen." - Salmo 6:1-2 (TLA)
"Del fruto de la boca del hombre se llenará su vientre; Se saciará del producto de sus labios. La muerte y la vida están en poder de la lengua, Y el que la ama comerá de sus frutos." - Proverbios 18:20-21 (RVR 1960)
"Cada uno recibe por sus palabras sus premio o su castigo. La lengua tiene poder para dar vida y para quitarla; los que no paran de hablar sufren las consecuencias." - Proverbios 18:20-21 (TLA)
Los pasajes del libro de Hechos tienen que ver con Pablo. El se encontraba defendiéndose de acusasiones hechas por los judíos buscando su muerte frente al Rey Agripa, hijo del Herodes de Hechos 12:1. Aunque solo rey en nombre, era considerado experto en asuntos de la religión judía, así que Festo, el gobernador romano, le había traído para ayudar a formar una opinión acerca de Pablo. El poder verdadero restaba en Festo para juzgarle. Pablo les cuenta sobre su trasfondo como fariseo y cómo llego a convertirse en seguidor de Jesús, en vez de Su perseguidor mayor. Me encanta la manera en que la Traducción en Lenguaje Actual explica su conversión y llamado al ministerio. Jesús mostró a Pablo que todos tenían acceso a la salvación, no tan solo los judíos, algo que los judíos no podían creer, pero por lo cual doy gracias a Dios siempre, pues si no fuera por ello, no podría ser salva hoy.
La última porción de Escritura a leer en el día de hoy fue un recodatorio importante para mí en el día de hoy. Las palabras que salen de mi boca pueden dar vida o quitarla. Me recuerda la importancia de meditar en lo que voy a decir, en vez de decir lo primero que viene a mi mente, especialmente cuando me encuentro frustrada o enojada. Esta es una lección que me es aún más importante como mamá, pues estoy criando a un niño que Dios, en Su perfecta gracia, me ha regalado, y quien quiero que ame a Dios y le siga de todo corazón. Si no habló palabras de vida sobre él, ¿cómo puedo esperar que sea el hombre santo de Dios que quiero que sea? Y entonces tendré que rendirle cuenta a Dios por mis acciones. Es un pensamiento que me preocupa y abruma muchísimo, pero que tengo que poner en Sus manos y por el cual tengo que pedirle sabiduría diariamente.
Ruego al Señor en este día que las palabras que salgan de mi boca siempre den vida, en vez de quitarla. Que las palabras y el mensaje que profeso con mi boca, así también lo muestre por medio de mis acciones. Que así sea en Su santo nombre. ¡Amén!
1 Crónicas 5:18 - 6:81
Hechos 26:1-32
Salmo 6:1-10
Proverbios 18:20-21
"Todos caímos al suelo. Luego oí una voz que venía del cielo, y que me dijo en arameo: 'Saulo, Saulo, ¿por qué me persigues? ¡Sólo los tontos pelean contra mí!'" - Hechos 26:14 (TLA)
"Quiero que hables con ellos, para que se den cuenta de todo lo malo que hacen, y para que comiencen a obedecer a Dios. Ellos ahora caminan como si estuvieran ciegos, pero tú les abrirás los ojos. Así dejarán de obedecer a Satanás, y obedecerán a Dios. Podrán creer en mí, y Dios les perdonará sus pecados. Así serán parte del santo pueblo de Dios." - Hechos 26:18 (TLA)
"Jehová, no me reprendas en tu enojo, ni me castigues con tu ira. Ten misericordia de mí, oh Jehová, porque estoy enfermo; Sáname, oh Jehová, porque mis huesos se estremecen." - Salmo 6:1-2 (TLA)
"Del fruto de la boca del hombre se llenará su vientre; Se saciará del producto de sus labios. La muerte y la vida están en poder de la lengua, Y el que la ama comerá de sus frutos." - Proverbios 18:20-21 (RVR 1960)
"Cada uno recibe por sus palabras sus premio o su castigo. La lengua tiene poder para dar vida y para quitarla; los que no paran de hablar sufren las consecuencias." - Proverbios 18:20-21 (TLA)
Los pasajes del libro de Hechos tienen que ver con Pablo. El se encontraba defendiéndose de acusasiones hechas por los judíos buscando su muerte frente al Rey Agripa, hijo del Herodes de Hechos 12:1. Aunque solo rey en nombre, era considerado experto en asuntos de la religión judía, así que Festo, el gobernador romano, le había traído para ayudar a formar una opinión acerca de Pablo. El poder verdadero restaba en Festo para juzgarle. Pablo les cuenta sobre su trasfondo como fariseo y cómo llego a convertirse en seguidor de Jesús, en vez de Su perseguidor mayor. Me encanta la manera en que la Traducción en Lenguaje Actual explica su conversión y llamado al ministerio. Jesús mostró a Pablo que todos tenían acceso a la salvación, no tan solo los judíos, algo que los judíos no podían creer, pero por lo cual doy gracias a Dios siempre, pues si no fuera por ello, no podría ser salva hoy.
La última porción de Escritura a leer en el día de hoy fue un recodatorio importante para mí en el día de hoy. Las palabras que salen de mi boca pueden dar vida o quitarla. Me recuerda la importancia de meditar en lo que voy a decir, en vez de decir lo primero que viene a mi mente, especialmente cuando me encuentro frustrada o enojada. Esta es una lección que me es aún más importante como mamá, pues estoy criando a un niño que Dios, en Su perfecta gracia, me ha regalado, y quien quiero que ame a Dios y le siga de todo corazón. Si no habló palabras de vida sobre él, ¿cómo puedo esperar que sea el hombre santo de Dios que quiero que sea? Y entonces tendré que rendirle cuenta a Dios por mis acciones. Es un pensamiento que me preocupa y abruma muchísimo, pero que tengo que poner en Sus manos y por el cual tengo que pedirle sabiduría diariamente.
Ruego al Señor en este día que las palabras que salgan de mi boca siempre den vida, en vez de quitarla. Que las palabras y el mensaje que profeso con mi boca, así también lo muestre por medio de mis acciones. Que así sea en Su santo nombre. ¡Amén!
Friday, February 21, 2014
February 17, 2014: No Bible, No Breakfast! No Bible, No Bed!
Scripture for this day:
Leviticus 4:1-5:19
Mark 2:13-3:6
Psalm 36:1-12
Proverbs 10:1-2
"Later, Levi invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. (There were many people of that kind among Jesus' followers.) But when the teachers of religious law saw him eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, 'Why does he eat with such scum?' When Jesus heard this, he told them, 'Healthy people don't need a doctor --sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.'" -Mark 2:15-17
"Then Jesus said to them, 'The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!'" -Mark 2:27-28
"He looked around them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, 'Hold out your hand.' So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus." -Mark 3:5-6
"Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds."
-Psalm 36:5
"How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings."
-Psalm 36:7
"Pour out your unfailing love on those who love you; give justice to those with honest hearts." -Psalm 36:10
In the portions of Scripture from Mark, we see Jesus demonstrating that unfailing love which is so perfectly described by David in Psalms. Those which society refused to acknowledge and regarded as "scum", Jesus loved unconditionally, showing them unparalleled mercy. The words of Jesus from Mark 2:17 which state that "'Healthy people don't need a doctor--sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners,'" really impacted me. God came to save me, a horrible sinner, truly the 'scum' that the Pharisees so aptly named me. But God, in His unfailing love saw fit to forgive me, to forgive all those who acknowledge Christ as Savior, and are trying to live holy lives. Lord knows I am NOT perfect. I sin regularly. I cannot understand His unfailing love, but it is there for me nonetheless. It is there for each and every one of us. There are no words left but to thank God for His unfailing love and mercy.
Therefore, my prayer on this day is, "Thank you, Lord! Thank you for your unfailing love and mercy! Thank you that you see me not as scum, but as someone in need of healing. Lord, heal me, cleanse me, and make me pure. Lord, I know I fail constantly, but PLEASE forgive me, and help me not to sin. Help me to be holy as You have called me to be. Pour out Your unfailing love on me because God, I LOVE YOU! I cannot live without you! Give me an honest heart and mind, one that is focused solely on pleasing You and bringing others to the saving knowledge of Your grace so that they can also be saved and sanctified. May it be so, in Your name, and for Your glory, Amen!
Leviticus 4:1-5:19
Mark 2:13-3:6
Psalm 36:1-12
Proverbs 10:1-2
"Later, Levi invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. (There were many people of that kind among Jesus' followers.) But when the teachers of religious law saw him eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, 'Why does he eat with such scum?' When Jesus heard this, he told them, 'Healthy people don't need a doctor --sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.'" -Mark 2:15-17
"Then Jesus said to them, 'The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!'" -Mark 2:27-28
"He looked around them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, 'Hold out your hand.' So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus." -Mark 3:5-6
"Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds."
-Psalm 36:5
"How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings."
-Psalm 36:7
"Pour out your unfailing love on those who love you; give justice to those with honest hearts." -Psalm 36:10
In the portions of Scripture from Mark, we see Jesus demonstrating that unfailing love which is so perfectly described by David in Psalms. Those which society refused to acknowledge and regarded as "scum", Jesus loved unconditionally, showing them unparalleled mercy. The words of Jesus from Mark 2:17 which state that "'Healthy people don't need a doctor--sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners,'" really impacted me. God came to save me, a horrible sinner, truly the 'scum' that the Pharisees so aptly named me. But God, in His unfailing love saw fit to forgive me, to forgive all those who acknowledge Christ as Savior, and are trying to live holy lives. Lord knows I am NOT perfect. I sin regularly. I cannot understand His unfailing love, but it is there for me nonetheless. It is there for each and every one of us. There are no words left but to thank God for His unfailing love and mercy.
Therefore, my prayer on this day is, "Thank you, Lord! Thank you for your unfailing love and mercy! Thank you that you see me not as scum, but as someone in need of healing. Lord, heal me, cleanse me, and make me pure. Lord, I know I fail constantly, but PLEASE forgive me, and help me not to sin. Help me to be holy as You have called me to be. Pour out Your unfailing love on me because God, I LOVE YOU! I cannot live without you! Give me an honest heart and mind, one that is focused solely on pleasing You and bringing others to the saving knowledge of Your grace so that they can also be saved and sanctified. May it be so, in Your name, and for Your glory, Amen!
February 16, 2014: No Bible, No Breakfast! No Bible, No Bed!
Scripture for this day:
Leviticus 1:1-3:17
Mark 1:29-2:12
Psalm 35:17-28
Proverbs 9:13-18
"A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. 'If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,' he said. Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. 'I am willing,' he said. 'Be healed!' Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed." -Mark 1:40-42
"Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, 'My child, your sins are forgiven.'" -Mark 2:5
Both of these stories are some of my favorite miracles that Jesus performed. Both of these instances demonstrate one of the most valuable things we possess as Christians, and that is faith! The Word says "Without faith no one can please God" (Hebrews 11:6). And in both these encounters with Jesus, we can see incredible faith demonstrated. Neither of the men Jesus heals knew him personally, they had only heard of him, but still, they had enough faith in Jesus' power, in who He was, that their faith brought them healing from that which ailed them. They second story of the man who could not walk is especially touching because Jesus not only heals him, no, that's not enough. Jesus forgives his sins, and makes him a new man. The Bible does not tell us what happens to all those people who have miraculous encounters with Jesus, but I can only imagine that after receiving such incredible healing, they go on to lead lives in which they trust God and profess what Jesus has done for them, maybe even becoming one of his many disciples. Only God knows, but it's beautiful to imagine, at least for me. Their lives were completely changed from misery, degradation, isolation, etc., etc. How amazing is our God!
My prayer for this day is that God would help my faith grow like that of these men. That I could trust Him when things are going great, and when things are going horribly, knowing that my future is in His hands, and that He knows what is best for me and my family. May it be so, in His name, for His glory, Amen!
Leviticus 1:1-3:17
Mark 1:29-2:12
Psalm 35:17-28
Proverbs 9:13-18
"A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. 'If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,' he said. Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. 'I am willing,' he said. 'Be healed!' Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed." -Mark 1:40-42
"Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, 'My child, your sins are forgiven.'" -Mark 2:5
Both of these stories are some of my favorite miracles that Jesus performed. Both of these instances demonstrate one of the most valuable things we possess as Christians, and that is faith! The Word says "Without faith no one can please God" (Hebrews 11:6). And in both these encounters with Jesus, we can see incredible faith demonstrated. Neither of the men Jesus heals knew him personally, they had only heard of him, but still, they had enough faith in Jesus' power, in who He was, that their faith brought them healing from that which ailed them. They second story of the man who could not walk is especially touching because Jesus not only heals him, no, that's not enough. Jesus forgives his sins, and makes him a new man. The Bible does not tell us what happens to all those people who have miraculous encounters with Jesus, but I can only imagine that after receiving such incredible healing, they go on to lead lives in which they trust God and profess what Jesus has done for them, maybe even becoming one of his many disciples. Only God knows, but it's beautiful to imagine, at least for me. Their lives were completely changed from misery, degradation, isolation, etc., etc. How amazing is our God!
My prayer for this day is that God would help my faith grow like that of these men. That I could trust Him when things are going great, and when things are going horribly, knowing that my future is in His hands, and that He knows what is best for me and my family. May it be so, in His name, for His glory, Amen!
Thursday, February 20, 2014
February 15, 2014: No Bible, No Breakfast! No Bible, No Bed!
Scripture for this day:
Exodus 39:1-40:38
Mark 1:1-28
Psalm 35:1-16
Proverbs 9:11-12
Portions which jumped out at me today:
"They mounted the two onyx stones in settings of gold filigree. The stones were engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel, just as a seal is engraved. He fastened these stones on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod as a reminder that the priest represents the people of Israel All this was done just as the Lord had commanded Moses." -Exodus 39:6-7
"John announced: 'Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am--so much greater that I'm not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.'" -Mark 1:7-8
The first portion from Exodus, as soon as I read it, gave me a mental image of myself in my Salvation Army officers' uniform, with the red and the one star on my shoulders. It really meant something to me because just as Aaron was set apart with his clothing as God's holy priest, along with his sons, and the generations that would follow from his line into priesthood, I am also set apart because of the decision I made to become a Salvation Army officer, a "priest" in my own right, a pastor/minister to my people where I find myself at. Although I do not think more of myself than I should, I do realize that God has chosen me, just as he chose Aaron and his sons, and his generations thereafter, to be set apart and lead his people, minister to them, and seek God's will for their lives. This responsibility is not a burden, but it is at the same time. It is hard to explain. I am responsible for the lives of the men, women, children, and youth in my congregation. With this responsibility comes a large weight to be carried, but God has called me to do it, and He will strengthen and help me to do it. I know that there is no way I can do this on my own, no one can. It is only by His grace that I do what I do, and am strengthened to do what I must do. One of my favorite portions of Scripture perfectly describes the responsibility I have, and not just me, all of us who profess to believe in God.
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light." -1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
We have been chosen to proclaim Christ to the world, to all who surround us, just as John prepared the way for Jesus' ministry, so must we prepare the way for the Holy Spirit to do its work in peoples' lives.
My prayer on this day is that God will ever remind me that He has chosen imperfect me for His ministry. It is not a coincidence. Even when things seem incredibly difficult, impossible even, I am His chosen, and He will guide me out of darkness into His wonderful light. May I declare His praises so that anyone who sees me or comes in contact with me will want to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. May it be so, in His name, for His glory, Amen!
Exodus 39:1-40:38
Mark 1:1-28
Psalm 35:1-16
Proverbs 9:11-12
Portions which jumped out at me today:
"They mounted the two onyx stones in settings of gold filigree. The stones were engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel, just as a seal is engraved. He fastened these stones on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod as a reminder that the priest represents the people of Israel All this was done just as the Lord had commanded Moses." -Exodus 39:6-7
"John announced: 'Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am--so much greater that I'm not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.'" -Mark 1:7-8
The first portion from Exodus, as soon as I read it, gave me a mental image of myself in my Salvation Army officers' uniform, with the red and the one star on my shoulders. It really meant something to me because just as Aaron was set apart with his clothing as God's holy priest, along with his sons, and the generations that would follow from his line into priesthood, I am also set apart because of the decision I made to become a Salvation Army officer, a "priest" in my own right, a pastor/minister to my people where I find myself at. Although I do not think more of myself than I should, I do realize that God has chosen me, just as he chose Aaron and his sons, and his generations thereafter, to be set apart and lead his people, minister to them, and seek God's will for their lives. This responsibility is not a burden, but it is at the same time. It is hard to explain. I am responsible for the lives of the men, women, children, and youth in my congregation. With this responsibility comes a large weight to be carried, but God has called me to do it, and He will strengthen and help me to do it. I know that there is no way I can do this on my own, no one can. It is only by His grace that I do what I do, and am strengthened to do what I must do. One of my favorite portions of Scripture perfectly describes the responsibility I have, and not just me, all of us who profess to believe in God.
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light." -1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
We have been chosen to proclaim Christ to the world, to all who surround us, just as John prepared the way for Jesus' ministry, so must we prepare the way for the Holy Spirit to do its work in peoples' lives.
My prayer on this day is that God will ever remind me that He has chosen imperfect me for His ministry. It is not a coincidence. Even when things seem incredibly difficult, impossible even, I am His chosen, and He will guide me out of darkness into His wonderful light. May I declare His praises so that anyone who sees me or comes in contact with me will want to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. May it be so, in His name, for His glory, Amen!
February 14, 2014: No Bible, No Breakfast! No Bible, No Bed!
I have a LOT of catching up to do. It has been an extremely rough week, and I know exactly why. I should've kept up with my devotionals, but I let myself get distracted by work, and other things. It's a great thing God is SO amazingly forgiving.
Scripture for this day:
Exodus 37:1-38:31
Matthew 28:1-20
Psalm 34:11-22
Proverbs 9:9-10
The next couple of portions stood out to me from this day:
"Then the angel spoke to the women. 'Don't be afraid!' he said. 'I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn't here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you'.... And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, 'Don't be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.'" -Matthew 28:5b-7 and 9-10
"Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it." -Psalm 34:11-14
"Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment." -Proverbs 9:10
The recurring theme through these portions of Scripture have to do with listening to God. It is only when we are attentive to His voice and will that we can truly be successful in life. When we listen to His voice, when we read His Word and take it in, make it a part of ourselves, we learn what it is He desires of us. And, in the end, what the Lord desires from each and every one of us, His children, is for us to lead holy lives. Holiness is hard, but it can be done with His help. We need to set aside anything that might hinder our growing closer to God, and hold fast to Him.
My prayer for this day is that He would keep me aware of His will for my life, that He would call my attention if I am not doing what He wants of me. May He grant me wisdom that comes from Him that I might have a life that is long and prosperous in Him. May it be so, in His name, Amen!
Scripture for this day:
Exodus 37:1-38:31
Matthew 28:1-20
Psalm 34:11-22
Proverbs 9:9-10
The next couple of portions stood out to me from this day:
"Then the angel spoke to the women. 'Don't be afraid!' he said. 'I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn't here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you'.... And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, 'Don't be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.'" -Matthew 28:5b-7 and 9-10
"Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it." -Psalm 34:11-14
"Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment." -Proverbs 9:10
The recurring theme through these portions of Scripture have to do with listening to God. It is only when we are attentive to His voice and will that we can truly be successful in life. When we listen to His voice, when we read His Word and take it in, make it a part of ourselves, we learn what it is He desires of us. And, in the end, what the Lord desires from each and every one of us, His children, is for us to lead holy lives. Holiness is hard, but it can be done with His help. We need to set aside anything that might hinder our growing closer to God, and hold fast to Him.
My prayer for this day is that He would keep me aware of His will for my life, that He would call my attention if I am not doing what He wants of me. May He grant me wisdom that comes from Him that I might have a life that is long and prosperous in Him. May it be so, in His name, Amen!
Friday, February 14, 2014
February 13, 2014: No Bible, No Breakfast! No Bible, No Bed!
So I was unable to post this yesterday as I promised, but I am posting both yesterday's and todays devotional thoughts. Today, I WILL do it!
Scripture for today:
Exodus 35:10-36:38
Matthew 27:32-66
Psalm 34:1-10
Proverbs 9:7-8
In the passage from Exodus, we continue to see Moses following the Lord's commands in constructing the Tabernacle. He asks the people to bring offerings for the construction of the Temple, and they do so. "All whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and brought their sacred offerings to the Lord.... Both men and women came, all whose hearts were willing." -Exodus 34:21a-22a. In fact, they brought SO many offerings that Moses had to tell them to stop bringing them. Now that is true worship and sacrifice. The people ha realized what an amazing and awesome God they served that they were willing to do whatever was needed of them in order to please the Lord, and they did it joyfully. This is such a great example for us as Believers today. Are we willing to sacrifice of what we have if the Lord asks us to? And if we do so, will we do so joyfully rather than out of duty?
In the portion from the book of Matthew, we read about the torture, mockery, crucifixion, and burial of Jesus. The part which always touches me when I read this is when Jesus calls out to God... "At about three o'clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachtani?' which means 'My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?'" -Matthew 27:46. The Son calls out to His Father in anguish. But we have to understand, God had to leave Jesus when He took our sins unto Himself. God cannot be a part of anyone or anything that contains sin, so at that desperate moment, Jesus realizes that His Father is no longer with Him, and He desperately seeks His aid and comfort, to no avail. However, He does not sin nor curse His Father for leaving Him, instead he shouts out to God again, and "released His spirit" -Matthew 27:50. When he dies, the veil in the Temple tore in half, there was a great earthquake, and many godly men and women were released from their burial tombs and brought back to life. It amazes me that after seeing this happen, some were still stubborn enough to deny the fact that Jesus was in fact the Son of God, and that what they had done to Him was utterly wrong and cruel. But, they were human beings, as are we, and when we do not want to admit our wrongdoing, we make up excuses and try to cover our actions. In the end, God is the one who will pass judgment.
The portion reading from Psalm 34 happens to be one of my favorite psalms in the Bible. So I cannot do it justice. I will simply write it out.
"I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness; let us exalt His name together. I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me, He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; He saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; He surrounds and defends all who fear Him. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him! Fear the Lord, you His godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing." -Psalm 34:1-10
My prayer today is that He will be my refuge, that He will deliver me from any fears I might have, be they known or unknown, so that I may be able to continue being a faithful witness for Him. I also pray that He gives me joy, even when things may seem bleak and I might not feel wanted or appreciated, that He will remind me of His greatness and love, and that I may rejoice in His love and deliverance. I also pray that I may be able to give whatever He asks of me, willingly, like the Israelites did, and with joy in my heart. May it be so, In His name, Amen!
Scripture for today:
Exodus 35:10-36:38
Matthew 27:32-66
Psalm 34:1-10
Proverbs 9:7-8
In the passage from Exodus, we continue to see Moses following the Lord's commands in constructing the Tabernacle. He asks the people to bring offerings for the construction of the Temple, and they do so. "All whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and brought their sacred offerings to the Lord.... Both men and women came, all whose hearts were willing." -Exodus 34:21a-22a. In fact, they brought SO many offerings that Moses had to tell them to stop bringing them. Now that is true worship and sacrifice. The people ha realized what an amazing and awesome God they served that they were willing to do whatever was needed of them in order to please the Lord, and they did it joyfully. This is such a great example for us as Believers today. Are we willing to sacrifice of what we have if the Lord asks us to? And if we do so, will we do so joyfully rather than out of duty?
In the portion from the book of Matthew, we read about the torture, mockery, crucifixion, and burial of Jesus. The part which always touches me when I read this is when Jesus calls out to God... "At about three o'clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachtani?' which means 'My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?'" -Matthew 27:46. The Son calls out to His Father in anguish. But we have to understand, God had to leave Jesus when He took our sins unto Himself. God cannot be a part of anyone or anything that contains sin, so at that desperate moment, Jesus realizes that His Father is no longer with Him, and He desperately seeks His aid and comfort, to no avail. However, He does not sin nor curse His Father for leaving Him, instead he shouts out to God again, and "released His spirit" -Matthew 27:50. When he dies, the veil in the Temple tore in half, there was a great earthquake, and many godly men and women were released from their burial tombs and brought back to life. It amazes me that after seeing this happen, some were still stubborn enough to deny the fact that Jesus was in fact the Son of God, and that what they had done to Him was utterly wrong and cruel. But, they were human beings, as are we, and when we do not want to admit our wrongdoing, we make up excuses and try to cover our actions. In the end, God is the one who will pass judgment.
The portion reading from Psalm 34 happens to be one of my favorite psalms in the Bible. So I cannot do it justice. I will simply write it out.
"I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness; let us exalt His name together. I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me, He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; He saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; He surrounds and defends all who fear Him. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him! Fear the Lord, you His godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing." -Psalm 34:1-10
My prayer today is that He will be my refuge, that He will deliver me from any fears I might have, be they known or unknown, so that I may be able to continue being a faithful witness for Him. I also pray that He gives me joy, even when things may seem bleak and I might not feel wanted or appreciated, that He will remind me of His greatness and love, and that I may rejoice in His love and deliverance. I also pray that I may be able to give whatever He asks of me, willingly, like the Israelites did, and with joy in my heart. May it be so, In His name, Amen!
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