Month: September 2016

2 Thessalonians 3: 5 “Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.”

Dear God,

Thank You, for making every provision for my salvation and protection from the evil one.  Because I am sure of this, I have again in my love for You, arising out of Your love for me, given my life to follow You.  I have a desire to do Your works/and tell others about the love You also have for them, so as many as possible can learn that they also can have salvation through Jesus Christ, whom You as His Father, allowed to give His live for our sins, thereby reconciling all who accepted Him to Yourself.

It was a glorious and triumphant day, when Jesus returned to heaven, having not only been put to death as our sin sacrifice, but having arisen alive from death.  Death has from the first been the consequence of sin, but now death had been conquered and Satan cannot hold us in death, when the Life-giver comes to earth a second time   When He from the skies calls all His own sleeping in death, to life; all in opposition to the plan of Satan, will answer the voice of Jesus, rising alive from death and decay to greet Him in the air, with the already living.

Today fill me with Your joy and appreciation for this wonderful news, and empower me to share this joy.  Forgive me for the times when earthly concerns and cares, have pushed the joy and hope of eternal life, out of my thoughts.

Not so for Paul, the writer of Thessalonians, the joy of knowing Jesus Christ and sharing the good news of salvation, through Jesus Christ, was ever in his conversation, as revealed in his greeting in 2 Thessalonians 3: 1 “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you.”

Please direct my prayers as to how I should pray for all the workers who actively take Your word to others in all parts of the world.   May You be glorified in their work at this time, and for as long as time lasts.  May the opening text be a reality for me, V5 “Now may the Lord direct Your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ”, I also pray that this will be a reality for all I know and have contact with.

Amen

Ephesians 6: 10, 11 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armour of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Dear God,

Today as I have come through by Your care, a wiser “battle scarred person”, my mind goes back 2 years and I give thanks for the spiritual strength granted during that time of illness, and for Your loving answers to my prayers over the scary times as I entered new experiences.  I am also very thankful for the kindness of friends, who enhanced my life and helped me through the first days, until this day.  As ever I am lifted up by the words of scripture that I read each day, and especially this morning.  I say that most mornings when I have my devotional time, for Your sacred word is precious to me, increasingly so as the years progress.

It is my belief that in these days of wickedness, I could not stand faithful to You without the instruction, assurance and promises contained in the scriptures; I need the ‘power of Your might’.  In Ephesians 6: 12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”   Paul never took for granted the forces of evil, as they tried to impede his work, or pull him from God’s chosen path.  But he knew with the certainty of experience, that for him and for me and for every person, we can have protection V 11 “Put on the whole armour of God that You may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Please forgive me Lord for when I go unheedingly into situations or the day, without praying for Your protection, and I am glad that under inspiration, You have told us clearly what and how to obtain Your protection.

Today I claim You promises, as I have read Your word and accepted Your ‘gospel of peace’ and in the power of the Holy Spirit, put my heart and faith in the care of My Saviour Jesus, and believe, that He will quench the fiery darts of the wicked one.  He also protects my thoughts, and allows the Holy Spirit to lead me into all truth.  I so often do not keep focused upon You, because I fail to moment by moment each day to be in prayer throughout the day.  But as ever a way has been provided, V18 “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints – “.

Go with me today, for I have Your armour on.

Amen

Ephesians 5:29, 30 “No one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.  For we are members of His body, of flesh and of His bones.”

Dear God,

In my heart, I exalt and worship You.  Please teach me to give You my complete and honest worship each morning , preparing my soul temple to be cleansed of myself, and swept clean of my sinful ‘clutter’ and anything that would prevent me from fully accepting Your invitation to come into my heart and life.  You are God in heaven, yet Saviour to man, having lived on earth as a sinless person; now You care about me more than I know or could care for myself.  I find this absolutely awesome, as well as the knowledge that I can be close to You all through the day, if and when I set my heart and mind to do so.

The author of so many New Testament books, Paul, had the joy of being fully converted by Your Son Jesus Christ after His resurrection, and was never the same.  From then on he walked in close communion, each day with his Saviour and the Holy Spirit and desired that all the church members would do so also.  Ephesians 5: 1, 2 “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.  And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God for a sweet- smelling aroma.”  Therefore I realize, that as one of God’s children, and an imitator of Christ, nothing unclean from my mind, mouth or actions, will be part of me, and the best part to comprehend, is as an imitator of Jesus, I will be a light to other people.  Ephesians 5: 8, 9 “……….you are light in the Lord.  Walk as children of light.”  The Holy Spirit will produce a different fruit in me, “goodness, righteousness and truth” This is not the way of Satan the one of darkness, for he produces unkind, mean and dirty words, etc.

I am so glad Jesus when You dwell in me, that my actions can be righteous, even though I will always on this earth, have the tendency to do wrong and have no righteousness of my own, and it is Your righteousness that covers and transforms me.  It is only by You having my heart that I will be true to and not depart from You.

Hallelujah!  This good news, I must convey to others, whenever I can.

Amen

Isaiah 6: 5 “And one cried to another and said:  ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!’”

Dear God,

Thank You for this word picture of the Lord all glorious in the temple, ‘high and lifted up’, with the temple being filled with the train of Your robe;  in Your glorious lit-up majesty, it can be no other way, and all spaces and places are filled, when You were in the temple confines.  The angels cannot keep from spontaneously giving worship or from singing the words of the opening scripture text.

The bible account shows the respectful and worshipful response from those who have glimpsed Your glory, so please forgive me Lord, for the times with little reverence, I have treated You in a ‘ho hum’, ‘here I am again’ manner.  Isaiah when given a revelation of some of Your magnificence and glory was convicted of His own sin, as given in Isaiah 6: 5 “…..’Woe to me, for I am undone!  Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.’”

Please also convict me about my areas of sinfulness’s.  I remember that You always have the answer, as You did in Isaiah’s dream.  I have read how the seraphim took a coal from the altar and touched the mouth of Isaiah, and “his iniquity was taken away, and your sin purged.”

I can be filled with assurance, for the coal represented Your grace, and in love, the dream was given Isaiah so he knew his sins were forgiven, and all guilt was gone.  I am very glad, that I can also be forgiven, with my guilt removed, because I have repented and asked for this to be so, and can come each day in repentance for my ongoing sins, and ever find what I seek, delivered in mercy and grace.

Amen

 

Ephesians 4: 31, 32 “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

Father God,

Your absolute love for each of us puts everything in perspective.  Upon reflection, it is evident, that our hard heartedness, backbiting etc., is due to our sinful natures, and during that time in no way reflects Your nature.  Again I seek forgiveness, and ask that I be given the ability to more often and completely, have the ability to focus instead upon our lovely Saviour, Jesus, Your Son.    Jesus our example, whilst on earth, revealed a humble love and gentleness, with long suffering, bearing up another in love, Ephesians 4: 2.

I thank You, Jesus, for these gifts of Your grace, which are available to each of us, free, no ‘strings attached’.  This knowledge and belief, lifts me up, out of the often selfish, humdrum life here on earth.

Amen

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Dear God,

It is wonderful what has been wrought by You, the Father and Christ the Son, on our behalf; for which I give thanks.  I am appreciative, that we have the words of the prophets and men of God, handed down for our every need for happy living and eternal salvation.  Today I have been blessed to be able to read passages from Isaiah and Paul, and to do so in freedom, with no persecution.

Today I ask, dear Father God, that not only will Your love pour down upon me, but also Your strength and wisdom; especially as the family are arriving soon, because I am to mind two of the children who continue to cough.  It is good that one is much better after a week and the other  responded to the steam inhalation given yesterday.  The sunny afternoon was so welcome, as they played in the warm sun, and I prepared ground for the planting of seed, now that spring has stopped trying to be winter; on some days at least.  Spring is such a lovely time of the year, and I find it fulfilling to work the earth and plant the fruits of a past harvest, and wait for the green of new life.

Praise Your beautiful name, because I have been taken as a special child and bought close to Yourself, for which I am truly grateful.  I acknowledge, that as one of Your children, having accepted You and Your gift of salvation, I do not just follow my own way or the ways of darkness that many of us did formally.  We now stay close together as fellow believers, in peace; for when we truly accept You, we are changed and our former contentious, self-centred ways are gone.  If not, we still have a heart problem that You and no cardiologist will cure.

This is such good news, for now I know, that if I am at odds, with anyone, it indicates, that I have not fully allowed You to change and fill me with Your Spirit, and have been instead focused on myself and not on Christ.  Prayerfully and sincerely, I rededicate myself to You again today.

Amen

Ephesians 1: 6 “To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.”

Dear God,

Your creative works outside my door bursts with new life and beauty, which fills me with happiness and gratitude.  I also rejoice in the new life I have each day with You, in the affecting of what Jesus Christ has done for me.  Day by day I am blessed from heaven, because of the love of You God the Father and Your Son, Jesus Christ.  Ephesians 1: 3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.”

It is wonderful to think upon the love You have for every person who would populate earth, which led to a plan for Christ, to save every one, if sin came onto earth.  Ephesians 1: 4 (Clear Word Translation), “It was of love that God planned for us to be with Him and be is children through Christ who was willing to be our Saviour.”

In the face of such love, my heart is gladdened and cannot resist Your invitation to be Your child.  It is wonderful to be loved absolutely by the God of Heaven and by Your Spirit. Because of Your provision I will know I can have all pride and arrogance taken away by Jesus; for sadly even though there is no reason to have any, they rise too often within me.  I humbly confess these issues and rejoice to be forgiven, and give You praise, as in my opening text of Ephesians 1:6.  It is through Christ, V7 and 8 “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Paul reminds us, that Jesus has lavished us not only with ‘the riches His grace’, but with wisdom and understanding also.

Again I express praise to You, O God of heaven, for the care of each person during their life time and Your longing to reinstate each to Your glorious self, in sinlessness.

Amen

Galatians 6: 1 “……if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”

Dear God,

Thank You for sustaining me throughout the tasks I have been called to do, and by Your spirit, keep me looking up depending upon You, acknowledging and talking of You, as well as singing about You, praying to You and all the while praising Your name; in and with You, in gladness.  It is so very good to come apart in the early morning time and spend an hour or more just focused upon You, and allowing Your love, peace and instruction to sink down into every part of my mind, body and soul.  Thereby I am revived and cherished by You daily, which produces great joy in me, at the beginning of most days.

Because of the Holy Spirit working in my heart, I now do not run from being taught, or even rebuked for any habit or wrong, that interferes with my relationship with You, or from being Your representative, on any level or place.  I deeply desire to be Your true child or ‘vessel’ in any situation, for the time I am there.

Praise Your blessed name, despite my reserve, unwillingness and inadequacies, I know that strength and guidance is on offer from You for the asking, and that it is IS sufficient, and will always be available as an ongoing gift.  I also know, that despite my ‘spiritual’ blindness and discernment, when I go to visit or interact with others in Your wisdom and strength, I will see their needs because of the infilling of the Holy Spirit.  Galatians 6: 2 “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”  I will also examine for myself my own conduct, for we are not to rely only on others in these situations, V5 “For each one shall bear his own load.”  But I plan to always keep in mind the needs of others, so I can do good to them as the Holy Spirit impresses me, especially those in my family of faith, V10 “Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

No matter the good I do, or how I help others, I understand, that it is Jesus Christ who has done all for my salvation, and the good deeds I do have not secured my salvation, V14, 15 “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.  For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.”

I am so glad, dear Jesus, that in You, I am a much needed new creation.

Amen

Galatians 5: 6”For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.”

Dear God,

It is good to spend this special time with You again this morning; it is a jewel in time for me; especially when I am soon to be much occupied with my current waiting tasks and maybe projects, with some possible garden digging.  Not all will be achieved, but thank You God that I live on this property still, with the  out of control garden, and delightful fulfilling prospects in mind, along with much that should be done.  I ask that I will do what You have in mind for me, for then I accomplish more, in fulfilling way.

I am thankful I do not have to perform the rituals that were attached to the Israelite ceremonial law.  Even though salvation for them, as it is for me, has always been through faith.  For we, our faith is based upon a risen Lord, and previously it was based upon the One who was yet to come; the first time.  Which gives me confidence in the fulfillment of my hope in the coming of Jesus the second time, upon whom I have fixed my faith.

The love of God pervades all of scripture and is still evident all over earth, and in each of us; despite the many escalating horrors of these times.  Paul in his writings, and now in Galatians, tells his brethren (and us) that we have been set free by Jesus from sin and rituals.  We are also free to love one another as God’s children, Galatians 5:14”For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”  With the interesting timeless advice, in V15 “But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another.”

I pray that the Holy Spirit today, will fill me with love, power and all that is needed, for bringing Your blessings to those placed in my pathway, for I am often unaware of others, as I am in my ‘own little world’.  Despite some troubling events of this world, which have been unfolding day by day, keep me focused on  Jesus, and then I will have much love, for all my neighbours and the afflicted of the world.  I know You will show me my part and strengthen me to do Your will, remembering also to pray for all people in need, and to share financially, with love and discernment, so that I will use my resources with generosity and wisdom.

Amen

Matthew 16: 27 “For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.”

Dear God,

It is because of You that I have the hope of eternal life, without sin and sorrow.  I have a magnificent word picture this morning drawn from the words of Jesus in Matthew 16: 27.  I do not know the full implications of the phrase ‘in the glory of His Father’, but I appreciate that the coming of our Saviour as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, will give great joy and sensory delight, to all who have awaited Him; beyond anything those who have lived on earth, have ever known.  But more than the visual glory and splendour, there must be a deep unparalleled joy, to actually behold our dear Saviour in the skies, coming for each one who have waited prepared, to hear His voice.  That voice is not heard by the unsaved dead, and brings terror to the unsaved living, as they try and hide.  The glory of Jesus will also cause them to fall before Him in absolute terror.

Today as I live knowing and loving You, it is only by giving You my heart that we can abide together and You can lead me so that I am prepared, expectant for Your second coming.  It is easy to think my good works and deeds will do it, but coming from a sinful mortal (as we all are from earth) they can never be sufficient, even though they do show my allegiance and love for You.

Revelation 22: 12, 13 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the first and the Last.”

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15: 55 “O death, where is your sting?  O Hades, where is your victory?”  All restraining bonds were overcome by Jesus when He arose from death and His earthly tomb.  Death cannot constrain the arising to life in all who died in the love of Jesus.  At His command, the righteous dead, whether living or resurrected, respond to the voice of Jesus and in life behold their Saviour and raise their voices in a glad shout of victory.

Thank You God for this word picture I have from scripture, consolidating my knowledge and hope.

Amen

Ecclesiastes 12: 13, 14 “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: ‘Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.  For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.”

Dear God,

The new day has dawned, glowing light, yet soft colours, with the promise of increasing heat.  I have been enjoying the verdant growth of spring.  Especially the soft leaves on the roses and the blooms that are just beginning to burst into mass of colour, that my much rose bush planting (after pouring over the catalogues), encourages.  O I love the beauty of plant, tree and grasses; but especially my heritage rose bushes.

Today as I have started the day with You, by reading portions of the Holy Word, and have received spiritual enrichment and a sense of peace with You; I also rejoice this morning, in the many answers to my prayers over the past days.

Again I am humbled by Your love and care of me, as I have contemplated the wise sayings in Ecclesiastes, with renewed interest and understanding.  No matter all the activity I (we) think I need to keep up with the daily tasks or any of my earthly achievements; all will come to an end when I die.  What will be counted then?  With King Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, I observe, that what matters in the end, is and will be, that I in life, fear (reverence) and abide by Your commandments, because my love for You is paramount, and not the keeping of Your laws by rote or ritual.  Galatians 3: 21 “Is the law then against the promises of God?  Certainly not!  For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law.”

Your commandments are based on Your pure character, and when I walk in the strength of the Holy Spirit and my love for You, I will desire only to do as You do, because my heart is given to You. V 22 “But Scripture has confined all under sin that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.” It is good to know, that when the sum of my actions are taken, Jesus will have blotted out my confessed sins, with His own blood.  V 26 “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”  His sacrifice can be applied for my every sin and for the whole world as well, and should not be wasted.  V 28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus”.  These passages have given me further understanding of what Christ has done for me, for which I give thanks.

Amen