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DAILY DEVOTION - PSALM 1:1-3 - MEDITATING ON SCRIPTURERead Psalm 1:1-3 HCSBThis first psalm highlights the blessing that comes with godly wisdom. It recognizes that our thought life is important, as it influences all that we say and do. Quite simply what we think, becomes how we feel and then our actions flow from our feelings. We live in a world that generally, does not follow the ways of God. It is so easy to absorb worldly attitudes and ways of thinking which can be contrary to God’s word. The writer here declares the wisdom of making the right choice in what we are listening to and meditating on.In verse one we see a progression, that if we follow worldly advice, we can find ourselves taking the wrong path. It may be following popular opinion but when we do, we can find ourselves in the company of those who not only do not believe in God, but who actively oppose the truth of God’s word. What may seem right to them, is not right or acceptable in God’s sight.Instead there is a far better way for us, the way of blessing. True spiritual blessing is an inner happiness, a sense of assurance and well-being that comes from knowing the faithful love and care of a gracious God. Knowing, what we know. This is where we see the benefits of meditating on God’s word.Meditating on scripture is not some mystical practice. It is quite simply pausing to reflect on God’s word, to take the time to focus on its meaning and to absorb it into our minds. Meditating is not the same as memorizing scripture. We may take a verse or part of a verse to reflect on, but in the main it is dwelling on the thought and the concept of the verse rather than reciting the verse.Meditating is aligning our thoughts with God’s word, by immersing our thoughts in God’s Word.What we meditate on today may not always bring immediate insight or blessing, but it is deepening our faith and developing our relationship with God. Meditating on God’s word develops a grateful and thankful heart and changes our perspective and outlook on life. “Help me understand the meaning of Your precepts so that I can meditate on Your wonders.” Psalm 119:27 HCSBRead the full devotion at https://devotableapp.com/daily-devotion-psalm-1-1-3-meditating-on-scripture/
Daily Devotion - Psalm 27:14 - Spiritual CourageI think you’ll agree with me when I say finding spiritual courage in times of fear isn’t easy. Yes, fear is a powerful foe. It prevents me from living in faith and causes anxiety. I experience a loss of control and find myself alone.The coronavirus pandemic is an excellent example of how fear engulfs people’s mindset. This unfortunate virus outbreak created a social environment filled with uncertainty and full of unrealistic behaviors. The reason for society’s fearful response is its threat to human life.In fact, many governments across the globe took drastic measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19. They imposed strict rules and jailed people for violation of those ordinances. Those well-intentioned efforts are fear-driven.This widespread sickness is but one illustration of how fear penetrates the mind and soul of individuals. Many other life circumstances stir up unwanted feelings based on self-centered fears.So what’s the solution to fear?Christ’s courage.Here’s something we both can agree on; Jesus gives an inner-strength unlike any known to humanity. The result of abiding in Christ is spiritual courage that evaporates fear. We discover a Christian confidence to live in peace.When Judas betrayed Christ Jesus and turned Him over for His execution (Mark 14:43-46) the world bear witness to an exceptional display of fearlessness. Our Messiah showed spiritual courage more powerful than any known to humanity. In fact, He took on every torturous act man inflicted with grace.The key that unlocks Christ’s courage is praying from the heart. Prayer opens up the door to God’s ear. When I pray with a humble spirit, then Christ takes my hand and strengthens my soul. In return, the Holy Spirit takes away the fear and replaces it with courage.How do you overcome fear?Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:14 ESVRead the full devotion at https://devotableapp.com/daily-devotion-psalm-27-14-spiritual-courage/
Daily Devotion - Psalm 73:28 - God’s Presence Is My Good“But as for me, God’s presence is my good. I have made the Lord God my refuge, so I can tell about all you do.” (Psalm 73:28 CSB)When life gets difficult, it is quite easy to slip into a negative cycle of thinking, viewing ourselves as victims and our life as a series of bad events. When a tragedy darkens our world and casts a black shadow on our future, it is tempting to become blind for the good in our life.In moments like that, when I feel my life devoid of any good, struggling to go on through the day, the last words of Psalm 73 breathe fresh hope and help me shift my perspective: “But as for me, God’s presence is my good.”God’s presence is my good. On one side there is the devastating loss, the uncertain future, the hard days full of overwhelming grief and pain, and the stressful transition to another kind of life – a life that I don’t want nor I would have chosen for myself. And on the other side is God’s presence and this is my good that nothing and nobody can take away from me. God’s presence with me and in me is all that matters. It means that I am loved all the time and for eternity. I can rest, I can stop striving, I can stop worrying, I lack nothing because He is my Shepherd.God’s presence means comfort and security. By His indwelling, the Holy Spirit comforts us in all our troubles. There is nothing that compares to the comfort of God. In fact, Jesus said blessed are those who mourn because of the comfort they will receive from Him. (Matthew 5:4) God comforts us by the truths in His eternal Word that stands forever and by His promises for a glorious future incomparable to our present troubles. His comforting presence imparts fresh revelation and brings healing to every wound no matter how deep it is.God’s presence brings joy and peace too. Yes, it is possible to feel simultaneously sorrow and joy, doubt and confidence, anxiety and peace. This is the paradox of living life in the flesh on this earth. Peace and joy in the Lord are not just fleeting emotions, they are deeply rooted confidence in the goodness and love of God, and His purpose and plan for our lives.Read the full devotion at https://devotableapp.com/daily-devotion-psalm-73-28-gods-presence-is-my-good/
Daily Devotion - Psalm 19:14 - Acceptable In Thy Sight“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14I used to complain often. I didn’t hear myself most times and sadly, complaining became my first language. It wasn’t until one day one of my closest friends (several of my closest friends) pulled me to the side and told me about my unbearable habit. Do you find yourself complaining or saying things that might reflect a negative perspective?I encourage you to use the passage from today’s devotion to help you with your words.Acceptable WordsThe only time I heard this passage was typically before a pastor or minister would preach. I never heard it or studied it outside of this context. This summer I used this passage as the theme for my message to a women’s group. I shared with the women that if we are going to be Gods “Wonder Women”, we need to be mindful of the words that come out of our mouths. It reminded me of Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit Theron”.There’s a story in the Bible of a centurion who had a sick servant who asked Jesus to heal him. He believed that Jesus only had to “speak the word” and his servant would be healed (Matthew 8:8). The Bible also says in Matthew 15:11 that “What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”Think about the key verse. Now think about some things you are asking God for or situations where you need God to act on your behalf.What has your perspective been and what has your response been?Have your words been acceptable or have you spoken negatively?PrayerDear Lord help me to change my perspective on the issues of life. Forgive me for the times that my words have negated my faith. Help me to trust you fully and to represent you well. Help me to bring honor to your name with the words that come out of my mouth. I love you and I thank you. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.Read the full devotion at https://devotableapp.com/daily-devotion-psalm-19-14-acceptable-in-thy-sight/
Daily Devotion - Psalm 92 - Three Reasons To Be ThankfulYou might be surprised to hear that the most common command in the bible isn’t prohibitive. Rather, scripture urges us again and again to DO something. Over 70 times in the New Testament, we are commanded to give thanks and praise to our God. In the book of Psalms alone, it is thought that there are around 36 references to thanksgiving, occurring in 24 different Psalms. So why is thankfulness so important? The truth of the matter is, there are infinite reasons to give thanks and praise to our God – and it would be impossible to list them all, but here are three to get you started!Being Thankful is GoodPsalm 92 opens with these words: It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Thy name, O Most High, to declare Thy lovingkindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness by night.Giving thanks is good! The word good here could be interchanged with ‘right’ or ‘fitting.’ Thankfulness is the only appropriate response to a God whose lovingkindness we wake up to each and every morning, and whose faithfulness we can sing of night after night. Being Thankful Leads Us to JoyPsalm 16:11 tells us that in God’s presence there is fullness of joy. So how do we get into God’s presence?It can be all too easy to wake up in the morning and immediately begin to focus on our problems or the long list of things we need to get done. This doesn’t make for a very joyful day.Being Thankful is God’s Will for Us1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us this: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”I often used to ponder what the will of God was for my life. Well, this verse takes the mystery right out of that! God’s will for me is to be the kind of person who rejoices - a lot – in fact, in every circumstance! To be someone who abides in communion with God, in whose presence there is fullness of joy.Read the full devotion at https://devotableapp.com/daily-devotion-psalm-23-three-reasons-to-be-thankful/
Daily Devotion - Psalm 119 - What are Spiritual Disciplines?“Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!” Psalm 119:1-5, NIVWhat is Spiritual DisciplineDiscipline is defined as training expected to produce a particular pattern of behavior. Discipline is not part of the sin nature, but it is a natural element of the Christian life. Without discipline, nothing significant in our lives is ever accomplished.Now, spiritual disciplines can be described as those behaviors that improve our spiritual growth and allow us to grow to spiritual maturity. The purpose of spiritual discipline is the development of that part of us which is transformed by Christ at salvation. (See 2 Corinthians 5:17)Types of Spiritual DisciplinesThere are two types of spiritual disciplines: those that are personal and those that are corporate. The personal disciplines are those that each individual should develop for him or herself, while the corporate disciplines are those that the entire church body can do together.Personal Disciplines Prayer Fasting Bible Study Evangelism Service StewardshipCorporate Disciplines Celebration Confession Seeking Guidance WorshipThe Rewards of Spiritual DisciplineWe are not granted favor with God or any measure of spiritual success through the practice of spiritual disciplines. Through these disciplines, we are enabled to obey God’s command “…to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:12-13)
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