Daily Devotions
Devotions for November 1-10, 2024:
ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHERMonday, November 18, 2024
Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)
One of the marks of a true believer is their ability to correct and warn others without being self-righteous or judgmental. That is hard to find in our world today, for often we become haughty, failing to see when we are wrong. We all need to have someone who will hold us accountable. I thank God for those He placed in my life who were concerned about me, encouraged me, listened to me, and guided me when I was going wrong. We need one another, and we are called by God to encourage one another.
In Ephesians 4:32, we find these words:
“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
The writer makes it clear how we are to respond to one another. This ethical teaching speaks to the heart of who we are as God’s people, and calls on us to put away bitterness, anger, and evil speech. We are to have a heart of forgiveness. Notice that the writer makes clear the importance of forgiving one another as God through Christ has forgiven us. Love is at the heart of forgiveness; therefore, we cannot let pride get in the way, for that is not the will of God. We are called to be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1). Read this entire book of Ephesians when you get a chance — it has so much to say about how we are to live. I need God to forgive me; consequently, I have no other choice but to forgive others. Prayerfully you find yourself in that same situation.
JESUS HAS SET US FREE
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Jesus Romans 8:2 (NLT)
We are set free from the penalty of death for our sins. Whom God sets free is free indeed! Sin can bind us and rob us of the joys of life. Guilt over our sins can weigh us down. This is more than just having low self- esteem; it can damage us for life. One of the challenges that some of us struggle with has little to do with what others do to us, but what we do to ourselves when we feel a sense of worthlessness. But thanks be unto God that through the Blood of Jesus Christ we have been set free!
In Romans 8:2, we find these words:
“And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.”
Paul tells us that life comes to us only through Christ who sets us free from sin. Paul declared that divine intervention set free those who were once held captive by sin. Those who now follow the Spirit rather than the flesh received liberation that granted their freedom. It is my prayer today we are aware that we have been set free by the power of God, and we no longer walk in the flesh. May we each walk in the freedom He has given us. Thank God for His grace and His mercy!
FOOLISHNESS IS BOUND UP IN THE HEARTS OF A CHILD
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Proverbs 22:15 (KJV)
I have a deep appreciation for how social media has impacted the lives of God’s people. Let me be clear, I recognize that social media can be used for the wrong purpose, but on the other hand so many blessings can come from its use. For example, many people use Instagram for inspiration. As I thought about that, I thought about the Book of Proverbs where we find many short verses, each having a profound meaning. In fact, today’s scripture lesson is one that I could post on social media.
In Proverbs 22:15, we find these words:
“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; But the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.”
To get a full understanding, please read the entire chapter. In this verse the author tells parents to choose the form of discipline that works best for each child. Throughout this chapter, however, the author gives advice on living-such as how to avoid danger, and the importance of using good judgment. Many thoughts came to my mind as I read this text. I was especially reminded of 1 Corinthians 13:11 (KJV): “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things”. There was a time in my life when I thought that serving God was foolish, but thanks be unto God I have discovered, as many others have, that what the world may call foolish is a gift from God. Thank God that He has blessed me to see beyond my childish ways of thinking!
GLAD TO WORSHIP
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Psalm 122:1 (NLT)
Those who have discovered the joy of worship may have encountered one of God’s richest blessings. The joy that comes over us as we enter the house of God is a feeling that cannot be put into words. The burdens of life can be challenging and trials and troubles can create havoc in our lives. But the joy that comes when we gather with our brothers and sisters in the Lord to sing praises unto our God makes us glad.
In Psalm 122:1, we find these words:
“I was glad when they said to me, ’Let us go to the house of the Lord.’”
This pilgrim expresses joy because of the danger they had been exposed to. Entering into the temple caused the psalmist’s heart to be overjoyed. He entered into the Holy City, Jerusalem. His heart was glad to be in God’s house one more time. It is my prayer today that whenever we enter the house of the Lord, our hearts are made glad. It is a privilege, an honor, and a blessing to go into a sacred place to worship and praise our Holy God. There is something
about worship that lifts our bowed heads, soothes our souls, and causes our hearts to overflow with the joy of the Lord.
FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT
Friday, November 15, 2024
1 Timothy 6:12 (NLT)
The Lord calls us to fight the good fight of faith. On this Christian journey, we will run into obstacles, but we must remain strong in our faith. We have to be ready, for the devil is always busy. We have been given instructions on fighting the good fight in today’s scripture lesson.
In 1 Timothy 6:12, we find these words:
“Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.”
Notice that the writer says fight the good fight, suggesting that the prize comes at the end. This is a call to pursue righteousness. Paul expresses to Timothy, his son in the ministry, that these are not human achievements. Our willingness to walk with God will result in the Lord declaring us worthy of receiving an eternal crown. It is my prayer today that we are following Christ and fighting the good fight with faith, love, patience, and meekness.
THE Lord WILL NEVER FORSAKE US
Saturday, November 16, 2024
Hebrews 13:5 (NLT)
We have been given the assurance that the Lord will never ever forsake us. That is reason to rejoice- for the one thing we can count on is that the Lord is always there for us! Many of us have experienced the pain of being forsaken. That is an awful state to be in — to be abandoned, to be forgotten, or to feel that no one cares. But thanks be unto God that no matter what happens in our lives, we can count on the Lord to be there with us and for us. His promise that He will never leave or forsake us is true.
In Hebrews 13:5, we find these words:
“Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,’I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’”
This verse tells us that no matter what financial situation we find ourselves in, we should not move outside of the will of God, for He is always there. The writer indicates clearly that no matter what state we find ourselves, God’s hand of mercy is ever present. Throughout this chapter the writer gives us instructions on how we should live. These are values that cannot be overlooked. It is my fervent prayer today that we will all remain firm in our faith and keep before us the promise that the Lord will never forsake us.
A FRIEND LOVES AT ALL TIMES
SUNDAY, November 17, 2024
Proverbs 17:17 (NLT)
One of the gifts that the Lord gives us is that of friendship. It cannot be taken for granted. When we have a friend — a true friend — we are blessed with one of God’s richest blessings. To have a friend is to know that someone is there for us no matter what— someone we can count on, and someone who will love us even when we may seem to be unlovable. Many of us have discovered true friendship. The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about friends.
In Psalm 119:11, we find these words:
“I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
The psalmist prays for guidance and instructions. He says that he has hidden His word in his heart so that he will not sin. In verse ten he pleads with the Lord to not let him wander from His commands. He wants to remain true to God because he is aware of the temptation that is all around him. It is my prayer today that we will all hide the Word in our hearts so that we will be able to stand when the enemy surrounds us. We must be strong and meditate on Him continuously. The psalmist offers us a wonderful testimony. May that be our testimony as well.