Start With Praise

I'm loving all these little devotionals I've posted. And this one is no exception. 

For it's all about praise and what better why to end the work week by giving some praise where praise is due. He's worth it. Every day, every hour, and every second.

It doesn't matter where we are in our praise of Him just as long as we continue to do it and we so it for all our worth.

God Bless.

Start with Praise

by Joyce Meyer

Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name. 
—Hebrews 13:15
Moses rose early in the morning, built an altar, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings to God. Then he prayed and read the Book of the Covenant (See Exodus 24:1–7). Thankfully, God no longer asks us to build an altar out of rocks, slaughter a bull, drain its blood, and build a fire in order to honor Him with a burnt sacrifice.
God doesn’t want a dead sacrifice anymore. He wants us, living sacrifices, full of zeal to serve Him each day. All we have to do is wake up and say, “Thank You, Lord. I give You the sacrifice of praise. I give You myself, a living sacrifice, ready to live for You today.”

---

From the book Starting Your Day Right by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2003 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.

Jesus Our Example

I just love this little devotional. I love how they can put you in the moment as if you were there witnessing Jesus weeping. 

But more important this little devotional gives you something to ponder and I love that. I love how it stretches me to think outside of the box in hopes my faith will be strengthen in who Jesus is and what He means not only to me but to others and isn't that what it's all about?

Absolutely and it's my prayer that you will see the importance of others as well.

God Bless.

Jesus Our Example

Jesus wept

- John 11:35

This is verse is famous for being the shortest verse in the Bible. But it deserves our attention for reasons much more significant than that. What a scene! The eternal, unchanging, immovable God-in-the-flesh Jesus, weeping in front of the tomb of a friend.

How mysterious a scene this is. And yet there are some clear implications, embedded in the context of the verse, from which we can learn valuable lessons. First, Jesus was not weeping because of despair at the death of Lazarus his friend. He had already told his disciples that this death had been allowed in order to provide an occasion for their faith to be strengthened (11:15). Moments after weeping, Jesus would raise Lazarus from the dead.

Secondly, Jesus was weeping because he saw the deep grief of those around him and was deeply moved by compassion for them (11:33). Even though he knew that he was about to bring Lazarus back from the dead, Jesus was still effected by the sorrow that others were experiencing.

What about you? When you have lost a loved one, or seen your fondest hopes or projects fall dead at your feet, do you despair or do you see it, like Jesus did, as an occasion for faith to be strengthened? Does it cause you to lose hope or to place your hope in the strength and wisdom of God?

On the other hand when you see others experiencing deep grief, does it move you at all? Even if it does not directly effect your life, are you compassionate toward those whose lives are shattered by sin or sorrow? Do you weep with those who are weeping around you, bearing their burden empathetically and prayerfully with them?

May this day find you walking in the faith, and in the sympathy, of our beloved friend Jesus Christ, who is still touched by the sorrows of his people and who is still able to speak life to the dead.

 http://www.baptistbiblehour.org/resources/devotional/jesus-our-example/

Fear Of The Lord

Fear of the Lord. Wow, what a topic to deal with, studying, and then apply.

You would think it would be an easy thing to do but there are so many things that call for our attention.

I'm guilty of allowing things to come in between and not fearing the Lord as I should so, when I read little devotionals like these, I don't condemn myself but dig down deeper to better myself as well as strengthen my relationship with God. I am no where near where I need to be but I keep picking myself up and trying again knowing God loves me and will continue to lead me with the hope my life and struggles will help bring others to Him.

God Bless.

Fear the Lord

by Gloria Copeland

“O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.” Psalm 34:9

What does it mean to fear the Lord? It means to give Him total respect, to honor Him, to let Him be God in your life. If you fear the Lord, whatever He says, you’ll do. When you find something in His Word, you implement it immediately. You’re quick to make changes. God says people who live that way have no want. No want! That’s a vast statement. But read the Bible and you can see that it’s true. God has always taken total care of His people. When Israel followed Him, there was no lack in the whole nation. They had everything they needed. They were strong. They were prosperous. No enemy could stand before them. There was no sickness or disease among them. God doesn’t have any problem backing up His Word. The only problem He’s had since the Garden of Eden has been finding people who would do what He says and allow Him to be God in their lives.

Listen to me closely. God knows exactly how to get you out of trouble. He hasn’t forgotten how to part the Red Sea. He never changes. When He finds someone who is loyal to Him, He’s loyal to them. Second Chronicles 16:9 says, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” That word perfect doesn’t mean one who doesn’t make mistakes. It means “one who is loyal.” God isn’t just willing to deliver you from trouble, He wants to deliver you. He is constantly searching for opportunities to show Himself strong on your behalf! But He won’t force it on you. You’ll have to fear Him, give Him total respect and honor Him. If you want to walk in the delivering power of God, you will have to want it enough to let God be God every day of your life. Speak the Word “I reverently fear the Lord. I respect and honor Him therefore I do not lack!” —Psalm 34:9

Need prayer? Call 817-852-6000. We’re here for you, 24/7! Also, visit www.kcm.org/youversion to receive a free gift from Kenneth and Gloria Copeland.

Don't Get Sidetracked

Here lies a lot of truth in this little devotional leaving not much more I can add to it but just pray that it will help others and light bulb moments will take place all over the world.

God Bless.

Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. (NLT) -Proverbs 4:27

There are a lot of things that are competing for our attention. Each one of us has a mission on earth and we are to care for one another. Be vigilant to not allow distractions to get you off course. When we wander off course it is even more tempting to take up activities and habits that are dishonoring to God. Don't get sidetracked from your calling.

Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

My Old Self

I love this little devotional. My life can be found in the words in this little devotional. If you have struggles with life as a Christian join the club and find your forgiveness here right now and throw away your old life and begin again with a different perspective.

Begin to love again. It's going to be worth it!

God Bless.

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (NLT) -Galatians 2:20

Have you ever had a difficult time living for Christ? Does it ever feel awkward and forced because you follow a bunch of rules? Try focusing on loving God and letting Him love you. Once you begin to love someone, it's a natural response to want to live for them. Why would it be any different with God? You can only love God when you truly recognize the sacrifice of His selfless love for you.

Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

Be Answer-Minded

Go on the provision of faith, this little devotional says, putting it into practice is another matter.

I find myself being like and doing the things that are talked about in this little devotional before putting the faith into practice. So I really need the encouragement that is offered in this little devotional so I can put it into practice and have a reason for the hope that is within me.

God Bless.

Be Answer-Minded

by Kenneth Copeland

“For the Son of God, Jesus Christ...was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen....” 2 Corinthians 1:19-20

“Oh, God, I feel so sick. My head hurts. My skin hurts. My stomach hurts. I need You to heal me!” Have you ever prayed like that? If so, don’t ever again! One of the operating principles of faith is to go to God on the basis of His provision—not on the basis of your need. I learned this years ago in the area of healing. I don’t ever go to God and tell Him how sick I am, and then ask for healing. Isaiah 53:5 assures me that Jesus already provided for my healing on the cross. So when my body is experiencing symptoms of illness, I pray by saying: “I am thanking You, Lord, for providing healing for me. By faith I receive that provision now, in Jesus’ Name. I set myself in agreement with Your Word which says that by His stripes I was healed” (see 1 Peter 2:24).

Remember this: If you continue to rehearse your need, you will be so need-minded that it will stunt your faith, and you won’t be able to receive God’s supply. But if you continue to rehearse God’s promise, you’ll become so answer-minded that it will be the most natural thing in the world to simply reach out by faith and receive His provision. Speak the Word “All God’s promises to me are yes and amen.” —2 Corinthians 1:20

Need prayer? Call 817-852-6000. We’re here for you, 24/7! Also, visit www.kcm.org/youversion to receive a free gift from Kenneth and Gloria Copeland.

God's Glory Has Been Restored To You

My dream has always been for God to show me His glory.

But here lately, I've been thinking He already has and it is my job to show it to others but I never put the two and two together before.

I don't have revelation on this subject in any depth and I still want to see God's fill the earth but I think, the glory is going to fall amongst His people who are just as hungry as I am and are willing to learn and do what is on God's heart no matter what.

Let's learn about God's glory together and together God will show Himself mightily through us!

God Bless.

God’s Glory Has Been Restored To You

John 17:22 22And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:

When God made man, the Bible says that God crowned him with glory and honor. (Psalm 8:5) The word “crowned” here means to encompass or to surround like a glorious circle. The glory of God was therefore man’s clothing. In other words, Adam’s whole being was gloriously radiant.

When man sinned against God, he forfeited the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) But when Jesus Christ was born, the glory of God came down. (Luke 2:9) And many years later, Jesus, before He died, said to His Father, “The glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one.” So the glory of God which man forfeited has now been restored to him because Jesus has come. When He died on the cross, He took our shame, gave us His righteousness and restored the glory of God to us. But what exactly is the glory of God? Doxa, the Greek word for “glory” here, means having a good opinion concerning one that results in praise, honor and glory.

This means that in restoring to us His glory, God wants us to have the sense that we are praiseworthy, honorable and glorious because of His constant good opinion of us! Beloved, because God’s glory is on you, there is a weightiness about you. People don’t know why, but their spirits are lifted when they are in your presence. There is something about you that impacts them even if they have only been with you for a short while. When you talk, they listen because there is substance in what you say. Also, because God’s glory is on you, you can expect it to touch every aspect of your life — your finances, relationships, work and health. Your body, for example, will glow with divine health. So my friend, because Jesus has come and restored the glory of God to you, be conscious of God’s constant good opinion of you. Know that there is a weightiness about you and arise, shine!

Thought For The Day When Jesus died on the cross, He took our shame, gave us His righteousness and restored the glory of God to us.

When God Ran

Have you ever heard the song when God ran by Phillips Craig and Dean?

Part of the lyrics are:
He ran to me,
He took me in His arms,
Held my head to His chest,
Said "My son's come home again!"
Lifted my face,
Wiped the tears from my eyes,
With forgiveness in His voice He said
"Son, do you know I still love You?"

Read more: Phillips Craig And Dean - When God Ran Lyrics | MetroLyrics 

So you can see the comparisons between the song and this little devotional. All I can hear and what sticks in my head is God will do anything and everything to to make sure we know just how much He loves us even if He has to run to us!

God Bless.

When God Ran

Luke 15:22 22“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.

If you are a believer, you are probably familiar with the touching story of the prodigal son that Jesus shared. Who do you think the father in the story represents? Jesus’ Father in heaven, of course. Jesus was giving us a picture of His Father, who is also our Father.

In the story, the father was seen running toward his son, who was returning home. (Luke 15:20) Do you realize that God is never described as being in a hurry in the Bible? He is always cool and composed. The only time He is portrayed as being in a hurry is in this story. Though improper in Jewish culture, the father held up his robe and ran. Where was he running to? Why was he in such a hurry?

The father was in a hurry because he had seen his son, who was still a long way from home. He was running toward his son as he could not wait to embrace and kiss his child again. The father was in a hurry to clothe his son with the best robe. My friend, our Father has put the best robe — the robe of righteousness — on us. In doing so, He has reinstated us as sons of the Most High God, a position that we had lost when Adam fell. The father was in a hurry to put a ring on his son’s hand.

Like the authority that is invested in the signet ring of a rich man’s son, our Father is eager to put back into our hands the authority to invoke His name, so that we can walk in dominion every day. The father was in a hurry to put sandals on his son’s feet to assure him that he was still his son — only servants went about barefoot. Our Father never wants us to feel like hired servants or outcasts. We are always His sons. Beloved, if the Father appears to be in a hurry, it is only because He is in a hurry to assure you of your position as His precious child!

Thought For The Day If the Father appears to be in a hurry, it is only because He is in a hurry to assure you of your position as His precious child!

Joseph Prince Miniseries

God Hears Your Prayers

Gosh, the one thing I struggle with in my Christian walk is my prayer life. For most of my life, I have felt like God never answered my prayers because when I prayed everything seemed to get worse.

Everything I prayed about went the other way instead of how they should be only making my life harder. People say that is what strengthens your faith but to me it sent me in the opposite direction.

For years I've lived a condemned life and I really thought I was doing something wrong or there was something wrong with me so when I came across this little devotional, I knew I was on the right track to getting my head straighten back on.

This little devotional gives us who have struggles a sense of hope.

God Bless.

God Hears Your Prayers

Romans 4:7–8 7“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.”

Some people think that if they were more “right” with God, then He would hear their prayers. For example, they sometimes believe that if they had not quarreled with their wives or had those bad thoughts earlier in the day, then God would answer their prayers. God is not like that. He wants you to know beyond any doubt that you can always come to His throne of grace with boldness and have every confidence that you will receive His mercy and grace. (Hebrews 4:16) You see, because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross, you are already right with God. You don’t need to do anything to make yourself more right with God. In fact, by faith in Jesus, you have received the righteousness of God Himself! (2 Corinthians 5:21) And no matter how many mistakes you make, you will never lose that righteousness because in the first place, God gave it to you apart from your works. (Romans 4:5–6) In other words, God did not impute righteousness to you because you were good, but because you believed in Jesus. Because of what Jesus has done for you at the cross, all your sins — past, present and future — are forgiven. God will by no means ever remember your sins or count them against you! (Hebrews 8:12, 10:17) My friend, because Jesus has been punished for your sins, today, God is not counting your sins against you.

This means that your sins won’t stop Him from hearing and responding to your prayers. So you can always run into His presence knowing that you can boldly stand in and enjoy His presence and His love. When you know this truth, it is going to set you free in your relationship with God. You can talk to Him without fear or any sense of condemnation. You can practice His presence and trust that He always hears you. Should something happen at home or at work, you don’t always have to call for your church leaders — you pray and God hears you! Beloved, you are righteous in Christ and God hears your prayers — all because of Jesus!

Thought For The Day Because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross, you are already right with God. So when you pray, God hears you!

Joseph Prince Miniseries

Grateful And Aware Of God's Love

Being aware and being grateful to a God who claims to love me is something new to me.

At the beginning of the new year, God told me that He was going to show me that He's a good Father.

I knew He was on a certain level but not in depth or on a level He wanted to show me. So, I am off on a new adventure and when I came across this little devotional, I knew God was sending me a message that o was on the right track. How can I not share?!

God Bless.

Grateful and Aware of God’s Love
by Joyce Meyer - posted March 21, 2017

Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever! - Psalm 106:1

God is always good to us, always faithful to us, always working so diligently in our lives. He is always doing something for us and acting in our best interest, so we need to respond by letting Him know we appreciate His abundant goodness.

For example, “Lord, thank You for a good night’s sleep,” or “God, I thank You that my visit to the dentist didn’t hurt as much as I thought it might,” or “Father, thank You for helping me make good decisions today,” or “Lord, thank You for keeping me encouraged.” We can thank God silently in our hearts, and we can also voice our thankfulness aloud because that helps us stay conscious and aware of God’s love, which He demonstrates through His goodness to us.

Prayer of Thanks: I thank You, Father, that You are always faithful to me. Even when I can’t see it, You are working on my behalf because You love me and You have a great plan for my life. Thank You for all the ways You demonstrate that love on a daily basis.

From the book The Power of Being Thankful by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2014 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserve

Names Of God - The Good Shepherd

There is so much to learn about the ways of God and who He is. So, I am always thrilled when I come across something that will help me achieve my goal.

Learning that He is a good shepherd and how that applies to my life is almost more than I can bare! 

But I am thankful for the revelation the Holy Spirit pours out on and shows different things to people in different ways depending on their need.

I am forever grateful that I serve and get to know the good shepherd who will leave His flock to come and bring me home again without condemning me in the process for this is just one thing amazing about the Savior of the universe.

God Bless.

Names of God

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want

- Psalm 23:1

Often the impression that people have of God in the Old Testament is that he is all fire and brimstone, judgment and holiness; but here we see a hint of his humility, condescension, and intimacy. The Lord is my shepherd.

Embedded in this pastoral imagery are two clear lessons regarding, first, the predicament of the sheep and, second, the provision of the shepherd. The very statement "I shall not want because the Lord is my shepherd" implies a cavernous need without the shepherd. Indeed, all sheep are quite helpless without their protector and provider close by.

In comparing us to sheep, the psalmist suggests the danger that we are in (sheep have no claws or other natural defenses), the understanding we lack (sheep are stupid animals), the direction we need (sheep can't hunt or find their own way), and the frailty we show (sheep are relatively fragile creatures). We need a shepherd to provide for us, direct us, help us, feed us.

Remember this is your condition, dear reader, without your Shepherd. We are sheep in our understanding, vulnerability, and weakness. Therefore, when you least understand God's will -- when it frustrates you the most, when it seems the most contrary to all that you desire -- know this... it is at that moment that you are most wrong about what is good for you. Do not try to go your own way: follow your Shepherd and trust in his wisdom.

The good shepherd is watchful, he is faithful, he is tender; he knows his sheep intimately, and he is willing to sacrifice for them (remember how David risked his life to save one sheep from a lion and a bear?). Our good Shepherd provides for every need of each of his sheep, and he is intimately acquainted with our condition. He tenderly follows and embraces us when we go astray.

Can you say today, "the Lord is my shepherd?" If so, then rest assured: you shall not want.

 http://www.baptistbiblehour.org/resources/devotional/names-of-god/

Our Lord In His Teaching Regarding Prayer

Love, love, love this little devotional!

The author of the Utmost for his highest, Oswald Chambers has so much wisdom we can use in this day and age.

Oswald Chambers uses little nuggets of wisdom to make you have a light bulb moments such is the case in this little devotional.

This little devotional means to help and excite you to walk deeper in your relationship with God, the Son, and the Holy Ghost and I'm so thankful for that. I'm not where I should be but I'm nowhere near where I've been.

God Bless.

Our Lord in his teaching regarding prayer never once referred to unanswered prayer; He said that God always answers prayer. If our prayers are in the name of Jesus, that is, in accordance with His nature, the answers will not be in accordance with our nature, but with His. We are apt to forget this, and to say without thinking that God does not always answer prayer. He does every time, and when we are in close communion with Him, we realize that we have not been misled. Whenever we stop short in prayer and say—“Well, I don’t know; perhaps it is not God’s will,” there is still another stage to go. We are not so intimately acquainted with God as Jesus was, and as He wants us to be.

Reflection Question: Am I close enough to God to recognize His answers to prayer?

Quotations taken from If You Will Ask and My Utmost for His Highest, © Discovery House Publishers

Born To Die So That You Might Live

The birth of Jesus is quite amazing. To study about the events leading to it isn't reserved just for Christmas or Easter. 

In fact, His birth should be studied as often as you can for His birth brought hope to the world and brings life to all who will listen.

So when your feeling why bother with life or if you know a person who is in need to believe in something, or you just want to be amazed over and over by an awesome God and His power and plan, well, I would say this little devotional is for you!

Rejoice for the Savior of the world has been born and risen from the dead to bring life to any and all who will call upon His name.

God Bless

Born To Die So That You Might Live

Luke 2:12 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

You are probably familiar with the story of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. The Bible says that when the time had come, Mary “brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger”. (Luke 2:6–7) But have you ever wondered why the angel told the shepherds that the Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger was a “sign”?

A manger is actually a feeding trough for livestock. Do you know what a feeding trough in those days looks like? I have seen a similar one at Solomon’s stables in Meggido, Israel. It is basically a big rectangular block of stone with the trough hewn out of it. So baby Jesus, who was wrapped in swaddling cloths, was placed in such a stone trough. But why was that a sign? Because if you have seen the empty tomb of Jesus at a place called The Garden Tomb in Jerusalem, you would have noticed that the place where His body was laid, inside a tomb hewn out of rock, resembles a stone trough. The Bible says that after Jesus’ crucifixion and death, Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus’ body, wrapped it in linen and laid it in a tomb hewn out of a rock. (Mark 15:43–46) Can you see the similarities? Wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger, baby Jesus would one day be wrapped in linen and laid in a tomb. That was the sign the angel was referring to. It pointed to Jesus’ death. Jesus was the only child in all of humanity born to die.

Once you realize that, you will realize how much God loves you. You will realize that He gave up His Son for that one purpose, and that His Son willingly came for that one purpose — to die for your sins and mine. Beloved, can you imagine living your life knowing that you are just qualifying yourself to die on the cross to save the world? That was the life that Jesus lived. He lived to die, so that we might live and enjoy life abundantly today!

Thought For The Day Jesus was born to die and He lived to die, so that we might live and enjoy life abundantly today!

Joseph Prince Miniseries

Tap In To The Mind Of The Spirit

I don't know about you but the subject of the Holy Spirit can be pretty scary to me.

I found I would rather stay away from the subject mostly due to the fact, I don't have any revelation on who He is and what He can for me.

For if I did, I wouldn't run as fast as I could. However, I have experienced Him on a level that I know for a fact He is real and a longing to over come my fear where the Spirit is concerned.

So with that being said, I was excited to read this little devotional in hopes that a greater understanding would come about and I must say, I'm excited to reach out and get to know more about this person, the Holy Spirit who can raise the dead while bring life to a soul like me.

God Bless.

Tap In to the Mind of the Spirit

by Gloria Copeland

“The [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance. And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit...because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God’s will.” Romans 8:26-27, The Amplified Bible

Most believers don’t realize it, but praying in the spirit, or praying in other tongues, is a spiritual exercise that strengthens your inner man. Just like barbells build up your arms, praying in tongues will build up your spirit. If you’ll do it faithfully, it will help to keep that flesh body of yours in line. “Well, Gloria,” you may ask, “why can’t I just do that praying in my native language?” Because the Bible says your “weakness” gets in the way. Many times your natural mind doesn’t have the first idea how to say a prayer that will strengthen you against temptations or bring the answer you need.

Your mind is not informed like your spirit is. Your spirit is in contact with God. That’s why, as Romans 8:26-27 says, the Holy Spirit comes to our aid because we do not know how to pray as we ought. Praying in tongues enables you to pray the perfect will of God for your life. It allows you to step out of the realm of the flesh and in to the realm of the spirit so that no matter how weak or ignorant you may be in the natural, you can pray exactly what you need. Praying in tongues is the tool God has given us to tap in to the mind of the Spirit. When we pray in tongues, we activate our spirit to understand as the Holy Spirit enlightens us. But be warned, it won’t work for you unless you put it to work. The Holy Spirit is a gentleman. He’s not going to come storming in and make you pray in the spirit. He’s going to wait for you to put your will in gear. So yield to the Holy Spirit today. Begin to pray in tongues every day and build yourself up.

Tap in to the mind of the Spirit. You’ll be blessed to have the strength, ability and answers you need for every situation! Speak the Word “The Holy Spirit comes to my aid and bears me up in my weakness when I do not know how to pray as I ought. He intercedes on my behalf according to the will of God.” —Romans 8:26-27, The Amplified Bible

Need prayer? Call 817-852-6000. We’re here for you, 24/7!

Also, visit www.kcm.org/youversion to receive a free gift from Kenneth and Gloria Copeland.

It Is Finished

There are times when I come across a devotional where it is so good and you just want to share it with the world.

Well, this is one of them. Read the following words with a prayer the word's will take hold causing you to dig a little deeper, appreciate His sacrifice a little more, and the williness to share Him and the hope you have to survive this cruel world with more power; fueled by a greater love for the Man who gave all.

God Bless.

It is finished

One of the two most important days in human history seemed pretty ordinary to some Roman soldiers. It was their grim duty to perform three public executions in Jerusalem the day before the Passover Sabbath. They carried out their assignment with macabre and practiced efficiency, hammering the nails into their victims’ hands and feet.

Two screamed their pain and hatred. The One in the middle bore his suffering mainly in silence, once speaking to ask his Father for forgiveness for his tormentors. As Jesus was dying, it began to dawn on the noncom who was in charge of the crucifixion detail just who it was who hung before him: “When the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, ‘Surely this man was the Son of God!’” (Mark 15:39).

That centurion went back to his barracks that day carrying three things: his share of the clothes they had taken from the executed men, the terrible guilt that they had crucified not only an innocent man but the very Son of God, and a gospel message of forgiveness that extended even to murderers like him.

There are many takeaways for you and me from this incredible scene, but two matter more than all the rest. First, the crucifixion of Christ shows us how bad our sins really are. Second, his crucifixion shows us that his purchase of forgiveness for all was successful. It is finished. Satan is finished. Christ has made you free.

-Aurhor Unknown

It's Time

I'm never on time for anything hardly. I'm always rushing out of my house ten minutes after the time I should.

And I'm you think that is bad, I'm always looking at the clock to see what time it is. So it's not as if I don't know when, where,  and the way I should be, it's called laziness. 

But as far as my walk with Christ, I'm always searching and making sure I know the times I'm living in.

Am I perfect? Not by a long shot. But thank heavens I serve a God who is never late to the party and I'm forever grateful.

Nothing surprises Him and He never wavers in where He must be or what His mission is....He knows who He is.

He is the Lord God Jehovah. The great I am. He is, and was, and will forever be my Lord and Savior and if there is one thing I know, it's time to introduce Him to the world

God Bless.

It’s time

If you ever come to my house, one of the first things you’ll see is that I have this thing about clocks--in my living room alone I have six of them. They are all mechanical; there’s something about the ticking and chiming that just soothes my soul. I must have an inner dread about being late.

Perhaps all those clocks quell my fears that I’m going to miss something important. Jesus always knew what time it was--time to heal, time to teach, time to rebuke, time to go on a retreat, time to attend celebration dinners. His Father let him know when it was time to die. Jesus told his disciples that their traveling teaching ministry was almost over. “From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life” (Matthew 16:21).

He knew that his royal entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday would be his last. A great miracle happened amidst the palms. Great crowds of people recognized that the quiet man on the humble donkey colt was their Messiah, the fulfillment of all Old Testament Scripture. Their hosannas showed that they knew what time it was--that their King was riding right into their lives and claiming their allegiance.

Do you know what time it is? It’s time for you to quit dithering and claim, or re-claim all over again, Jesus Christ as your Lord and King. Through his Word, through the splash of baptismal water, through his body and blood given in the Lord’s Supper, Jesus comes to you as personally today as he did back then. The palms call you: worship him now.

-Author Unknown

Are You The One Who Was To Come?

One of my biggest problems in my walk with Jesus is doubt. I absolutely hate how God waits to the very last moment to do something.

They say it's to build faith,  but I don't see it that way. For me, it makes me wishy-washy and I hated that feeling.

I am always fighting to stay in faith rather than doubt. Maybe it's because of what I been through but I can be honest here for a second, I find it inhumane.

Some would say I'm selfish and I won't dispute that fact. So I guess with that being said, I myself open the door for doubt to come in and take over my life. I hate it. I want to control it, but I will constantly strive to overcome it.

So, this little devotional helps me with my struggle and it's my hope you will find it useful as I did.

God Bless.

ARE YOU THE ONE WHO WAS TO COME? DEVOTION:

Christianity has often had an uneasy relationship with doubt. Sometimes it has been thought to be ‘unspiritual’ or the enemy of true faith. But here we may take great comfort from the fact that even John the Baptist was not always sure about Jesus’ identity. He sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus, ‘Are you the one who was to come or should we expect someone else?’

Jesus’ response pointed them to the evidence that he was indeed the long-awaited deliverer of God’s people. Alluding to the prophet Isaiah (35:5-6) he reminded them that ‘The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.’ This reminds us that the opposite of faith is not doubt but unbelief.

When we doubt, the antidote that Jesus prescribes is to look again at the evidence for who he is. The blind did receive their sight. The dead were raised. And so we can be sure that Jesus is who he said he was – the one worthy of all our worship, devotion and love. Will we believe the evidence that Jesus gives?

FOR REFLECTION • What doubts do you have at the moment? • What role should evidence play in our faith? • How can the evidence for who Jesus is give us confidence in our evangelism? PRAYER Heavenly Father, we thank you for the example of Jesus who reassured those who doubted. In the midst of our doubts, please help us to be honest and to remember the evidence for who Jesus is.

May we never harden our hearts and turn away from you in unbelief, but rather help us to trust in your word and grow in our faith. Amen.

Moving Foward

I don't know about you, but when I am faced with a lot of choices I seem to have a brain malfunction.

To many decions are never good and I often find myself making them out of my head and not my heart not allowing God to speak to me. 

I was elated when I came across this little devotional about how to move forward once a decision is made. 

If I think making a decision is made, moving forward after it has been made is the toughest thing to walk out.

I go back and forth always thinking the other option is the best and always waiting for the other shoe to drop.

I long for peace in every area of my life so I got encouraged when I came across this little devotional and moving toward doesn't seem to be so scary now.

God Bless.

MARCH 8

Moving Forward

My members, the parts of my body, are instruments of righteousness, yielded to God for His service and for His glory.

We have a choice to make. Something is going to control us. Which will it be: sin or righteousness? If we say righteousness, we can believe we will be tested! The devil will not give up as long as he thinks he has a chance of succeeding.

When an individual is tested and tempted, the devil will go on until that person has come to the place where the temptation just doesn’t affect him. He does not even entertain the thought. The devil is clever enough not to waste his time on people like that. But if any double- mindedness exists in us, the devil will exploit it. We must make a firm decision.

I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For...you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness. (Romans 6:19 NASB)

If we choose lawlessness, it will increase. We will become more and more lawless. Many of us can trace that reality in our lives.

Instead of increasing in lawlessness, “now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification [holiness]” (verse 19 NASB).

It is almost impossible to stand still in the spiritual life. We are either going to go forward or backward. We are either going to progress in holiness or go further into rebellion.

Thank You, Jesus, for Your victory on the cross. I present myself as a slave to righteousness and proclaim that my members, the parts of my body, are instruments of righteousness, yielded to God for His service and for His glory. Amen. 

Derek Prince Miniseries 

Humble Greatness

I love nothing better than a superhero who can save the world with a single bound leap.

But there is one who I love more than any other. He is not fictional but a real life superhero who can walk on water, calm the seas, and make things out of nothing.

You are never too old to idolize your hero and want to be just like him but the real problem lies in where one puts their hopes into.

The person who deserves your undying love and affection shouldn't be a t.v. star, a rock star, or anyone who puts themselves above anyone else.

Let me introduce you to someone who not only can fascinate a group of kids with His adventures of His life but can make the meanest person you know the most loving.

He won't judge you to harshly, He is the most humbled person you will ever come across, He will love you with an undying love, and He will go to the gave for you and come so that you may have life,

He will free you of all your burdens, make you feel worthy when you, yourself, think your worthless, and most of all, He will build you a home where you can live free of charge for all eternity.

Let me introduce you to the person your soul has been looking for. His name is Jesus and He was, is, and is to come the most important person the world has ever known.

He is waiting patiently to take you by the hand to show you His ways and lead you into a life of humble servitude for others. So, let's start by reading the following little devotional.

God Bless.

Humble greatness

The stories that children probably come to love first about Jesus involve his power. What a miracle worker he is!

Lord of the sea, master of storms, conqueror of disease, victor over demons, raiser of the dead--there is nothing he can’t do. He is the ultimate superhero, cooler even than Batman or Superman.

As you get older, though, you come to appreciate Jesus even more in his acts of humble service. One of the most powerful stories in all of Scripture comes from Maundy Thursday evening. A few hours before his crucifixion, he taught his disciples a memorable lesson about how servant leadership looks. Kneeling before each one, he took a basin of water and a towel and washed their feet. “Do you understand what I have done for you? . . . Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (John 13:12,14).

It was by service and suffering that Jesus redeemed us. It is his example of humble service that informs and inspires our attitude each day. Would the people around you say that at least some of the time you look and sound stubborn, proud, or even arrogant? Do you gravitate automatically to an agenda that features your comfort, your wants, your pleasures? What does foot-washing humility look like in your home? Make a list of three examples and do them today.

In Our Place:  Lenten Devotionals From Times Of Grace

It Is Not So True

Oh, how I struggle with prayer and get frustrated when nothing seems to happen.

In essence, I need all the help I can get in this area. Prayer definitely falls into my weakness area.

So I am always on the lookout for something to make a lightbulb moment and this little devotional gets my mind to thinking and so who am I to keep it to myself.

My hope is someone else will find some encouragement who is struggling like me.
Together, we can make a change and give the reason for our hope.

God Bless.

It is not so true that prayer changes things as that prayer changes me, and then I change things; consequently we must not ask God to do what He has created us to do.

For instance, Jesus Christ is not a social reformer; He came to alter us first, and if there is any social reform to be done on earth, we must do it. Prayer is not meant to develop us naturally, it is meant to give the life of the Son of God in us a chance to develop that the natural order may be transfigured into the spiritual. Reflection

Question: How can I achieve the proper balance between praying for something to be done and working to get it done?

Quotations taken from If You Will Ask and The Place of Help, © Discovery House Publishers

Temptation

We all have it, we all give into it, and we all regret it when we give into it.

Common sense goes right out the door when we exert it. And sometimes death comes from it.

Temptation number one issues for Christians. It runs ramped amongst us. We try to hide from it but thank God, He doesn't remember our stupidity.

And this little devotional helps but the notion of how God feels about to bed. Once I was blind now I see the only one who really knows me and still loves me!

God Bless.

JESUS UNDERSTANDS YOUR WEAKNESS DEVOTION:

Temptation!

We all face it and we all have to learn how to resist and overcome. In our scripture for today we read that even Jesus was tempted by the devil.

In fact, the scriptures assure us that Jesus was tempted in every way, just like we are, and yet he did not sin. Because Jesus was tempted just like we are, he is able to sympathize with us in our weakness.

This empathy actually causes him to pray and intercede for us. Imagine that - Jesus, the Son of God, is right now at the right hand of the Father praying for you.

According to 1 John 2:16 there are three main categories of temptation. These are the same three areas in which Jesus was tempted: a) Sinful cravings of the flesh – Jesus was tempted to give in to the hunger of his flesh by abusing his power and turning stones into bread. b) Lust of the eyes – the devil showed Jesus the splendor and glory of the kingdoms of this world and tempted him to gain all of this by following the devil’s plan instead of God’s plan for his life. c) Pride of life – Jesus was tempted to exalt himself and put God to the test by assuming that God would save him if he jumped off the highest point of the temple. Jesus was indeed tempted in every way, just like we are, and he understands our weaknesses. But he also set the example for us by overcoming and resisting every temptation. He wants to help us to do the same.

So, the next time you’re tempted by the devil, why not take a moment to pray and ask Jesus to help you overcome, just like he did. FOR REFLECTION • What holds you back from trusting God; what are the areas of your life where fear or unbelief hinders you in your discipleship? • It is not enough for Jesus to be ‘used’ to provide physical healing alone. • How can you appreciate more fully the wonder of the salvation he brings? • What desperate needs could you bring to Jesus today?

PRAYER Lord Jesus, thank you that you understand my weaknesses. When you were on this earth you were tempted in every way, just like I am. Yet, you overcame. You resisted the temptation and did not sin. Please forgive me for those times when I have not resisted but given in to temptation and sinned against you. I ask you to help me to overcome the next time I am tempted. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!

His Own Turned Against Him

I have personal experience when the ones you thought has your back turns on you and leaves you with egg on your face.

It's a hurt like no other. One that is hard to come back from.  So if this is how I feel, I can't imagine what Jesus thought when He was left hold the bag of our sins and taking shots for something He never did.

What a man! What a Savior! He has earn the right to be known! Shout it from the mountaintops! Come see a man who loves like no other even when others turn away. He is the King of King and Lord of Lords and He will reign forever more!

God Bless

Scripture Reading: John 1:1-11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. - John 1:11

Not until several paragraphs into his gospel account does the apostle John name who he is writing about: Jesus Christ (John 1:17).

But in his earlier sentences John does tell us a lot about Jesus. Jesus was present in the beginning, from before there was time. He was not only in on every part of the creation of the universe, but he was also involved in ways beyond our imagining. Everything that came to be—even light, even life itself—owes its existence to him.

He was and is God. Then this same beyond-our-imagination being came into the world as a part of his own creation. He came within the limitations of time and space and was born a flesh-and-blood human being. He came especially as a member of a struggling and politically oppressed nation—a people that the Father had chosen and had already guided for about two thousand years: Israel. And what happened? When Jesus came into the world he had created, that world did not recognize him. Even his own people refused to receive him.

In the Christian season of Lent that begins today, we remember Jesus’ suffering. During the first part of this month we will look not so much at the physical side of this suffering but at something even more painful: how Jesus was rejected, despised, and betrayed—by “his own.”

Prayer: Jesus, eternal Son of God and suffering, human Savior, you became one of us in the world you made. Help us to receive you for who you are. Amen.

Fred Bultman

God Speaks A Fresh Word

Who doesn't love something fresh? There's nothing better.

And there is nothing better than fresh manna from heaven in the form of God speaking to you.

When He speaks to you, there is nothing like it in the world. It energizes you and sends hope through your veins like a drug.  In fact, there is no other high. If you haven't experienced it, you don't know what your missing and you need to go get ya some...its a life changer!

God Bless.

God Speaks a Fresh Word

by Joyce Meyer

Seek, inquire of and for the Lord, and crave Him and His strength.… —Psalm 105:4

When King Jehoshaphat heard that a huge army was amassing to attack Judah, he knew what to do. He needed to set himself to seek not the advice of the people, but to seek God and hear directly from Him.

No doubt, Jehoshaphat had been involved in other battles before this one, so why couldn't he use the same methods he had employed in previous situations? No matter how many times something has worked in the past, it may not work to solve a current crisis unless God anoints it afresh.

He may anoint an old method and choose to work through it, but He may also give us brand-new direction, instructions we have never heard before. We must always look to God, not to methods, formulas, or ways that have worked in the past. Our focus, our source of strength and supply, must be God and God alone.

Jehoshaphat knew that unless he heard from God, he was not going to make it. The Amplified Bible calls his need to hear God's voice "his vital need." It was something he could not do without; it was vital. It was essential to his life and the survival of his people. You may be in a situation similar to Jehoshaphat's. You, too, may need a fresh word from God. You may feel that, like a drowning man or woman, you are going under for the last time.

You may be desperate for a personal word from God in order to survive. God wants to speak to you even more than you want to hear from Him. Seek Him by giving Him your time and attention, and you won't be disappointed. God’s Word for You Today: Be open to hear a fresh word from God today.

From the book Hearing from God Each Morning: 365 Daily Devotions by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2010 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.