Team Daily Devotions for June 2023
316Judith
Posts: 11,666 Member
For June we will have a variety of Pastors who make available their Daily Devotions.
I will share Devotions from:
Charles Stanley
David Jeremiah
Charles Spurgeon
A W Tozer
And a few more…
I invite you to share your comments as you read these Devotions
I will share Devotions from:
Charles Stanley
David Jeremiah
Charles Spurgeon
A W Tozer
And a few more…
I invite you to share your comments as you read these Devotions
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Replies
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Feasting on the Word June 1, 2023
1 Peter 2:2-3
Did you ever watch an infant take a feeding?
Hungry little ones clutch the bottle, smack their lips, and make soft contented noises. They thoroughly enjoy their nourishment.
But there comes a time when milk isn’t enough to satiate baby’s appetite anymore. That’s when a whole world of culinary possibilities opens up.
Comparing new believers to babies, Peter said that they “long for the pure milk of the word” (v. 2). You wouldn’t feed a newborn steak and spinach, would you?
Well, baby Christians must sip scriptural truths that they understand. Then, like a growing child, they shoot up as they feast on Bible passages, gradually taking in more and meatier principles and topics.
Believers are not left alone to make sense of Scripture any more than babies and young children are expected to get their own meals. The Holy Spirit, who indwells God’s followers, illuminates the Word. That is, He makes the meaning clear to those who seek to understand.
Moreover, according to Ephesians 4:11-16, God has given gifted Christians to the church to act as pastors and teachers. They are charged with equipping the saints for service (v. 12).
These leaders instruct, clarify, and motivate people to grow in their personal faith and to fulfill the church’s purpose of reaching the lost.
God’s Word is a feast for our heart, mind, and spirit. This is one banquet table where there is no such thing as taking too much. In fact, the advice many parents give their children at the dinner table applies to the Christian life as well: “Eat up!
Scriptural food makes you grow strong."
Devotion by In Touch Ministry- Charles Stanley0 -
Going Nowhere - Friday, June 2, 2023
Everything is wearisome beyond description.
No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. (Ecclesiastes 1:8 NLT)
If you’ve ever ridden a stationary bike, then you know that no matter how much you pedal, you never go anywhere. And even if you’re riding a high-tech bike with a monitor displaying terrain that you’re supposedly going over, a quick look around reminds you that you’re on a machine. And you’re in the same place where you started.
That is what life can be like sometimes. You’re always trying, but it seems like you’re not going anywhere.
Solomon looked at life that way. He wrote, “What do people get for all their hard work under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth never changes. . . . Everything is wearisome beyond description.
No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content” (Ecclesiastes 1:3-4, 8 NLT).
That’s a bleak way to look at life. But throughout Ecclesiastes, Solomon uses a phrase that helps us explain his outlook: “under the sun.”
Solomon was speaking of horizontal, strictly human living. He rarely looked above the sun for answers. In other words, he was not looking to God. Instead, he was looking horizontally. He was looking to this planet, to this world, for answers.
As a result, Solomon decided to take a crash course on sin. He was prepared to try everything that was out there.
He wanted the finest entertainment the world offered and the finest education that money could buy. And he wanted to experience unlimited materialism.
Basically, Solomon wanted to experience everything there was to experience.
Devotion by Greg Laurie0 -
Sunday June 4, 2023
Solomon’s First Step Down
They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. (Psalm 119:3 NLT)
If someone has fallen into gross sin, it began with compromise. In every situation you can think of, that is how it began. Very rarely do people fall away from God overnight. It may look as though they did, but it doesn’t happen that way.
Maybe you knew someone who was always at church, and then they suddenly disappeared. Later you found out they were involved in something they shouldn’t be doing. You thought, “I don’t get it. I just saw them in church.”
However, compromise probably had been part of their life for a long time, and they finally caved in.
Compromise was the first step down for Solomon. While he was amassing a fortune, he began collecting wives too. Though Scripture warns against this, he just couldn’t stop. And one compromise led to another.
The devil may be wicked, but he is also cunning. He doesn’t tell us what he’s up to in the beginning. Instead, he starts with a little enticement. That is exactly what happened to Solomon. His downward spiral began with a simple rationalization, and tragically, he veered way off course.
In Ecclesiastes he wrote, “Generations come and generations go, but the earth never changes. The sun rises and the sun sets, then hurries around to rise again” (1:4–5 NLT).
What a contrast to the words of Jeremiah on the same subject: “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT).
It all depends on how you look at life. Solomon ultimately concluded that everything is empty without God.
If you’re living your life without God, even if you have everything this world has to offer, it can be downright depressing. But with God, you wake up each morning knowing there are new opportunities to worship Him, to walk with Him, and to serve Him.
Devotion by Greg Laurie: Harvest Ministries0 -
June 5, 2023 When We Feel Frustrated
We can take our concerns to God and rest in the peace He provides.
Today’s Bible Reading: Philippians 4:10-13
In difficult seasons, it’s natural to want to make changes—such as quitting a job, ending a friendship, or moving away—in order to resolve frustration. But first we should investigate the cause. Discontentment may come from:
• Inability to accept ourselves as we were created. The talents, personality, and physical attributes God gave us are exactly what we need to follow His will for our life. Dwelling on the things we lack or would change distracts us from our purpose.
• Reluctance to deal with our past. We can’t move beyond painful memories and mistakes until we confront the emotional or psychological issues that resulted from them.
• Holding on to ungodly behaviors or attitudes. Sin naturally breeds discontentment. But Psalm 119:165 says, “Those who love Your Law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble.”
The key to contentment lies not in our circumstances but in God Himself. The next time you’re frustrated and want to change your situation, take a moment to look inward:
Do you accept who God made you to be?
Are you in need of His healing?
Should you approach Him in repentance?
Whatever the case may be, turn to the Lord—He
is the source of true peace and fulfillment.
Devotion by In Touch Ministry’s- Charles Stanley0 -
Designed to Know God, June 6, 2023
I observed everything going on under the sun, and really, it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind. (Ecclesiastes 1:14 NLT)
It isn’t that unusual anymore to hear about another rock star who overdosed or another Hollywood celebrity who has checked into a drug rehab unit—or, tragically, has committed suicide.
It’s hard for us to understand how people living in a Tinseltown world could be miserable. But they have the same problems we have.
The difference is they have a lot of the things that we dream of, yet they see the emptiness and futility of it all.
Solomon saw this as well. He wrote, “Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content.
History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before.
Nothing under the sun is truly new” (Ecclesiastes 1:8-9 NLT).
It’s the conclusion that everyone will come to eventually. Of course, we can discover it the hard way, or we can discover it the easy way.
We can take God’s word for it, or we can foolishly chase after all the things that, in the end, will leave us empty.
And some people who go down that road will lose their lives in the process.
You don’t have to find out the hard way. You can come to God, and He will fill the void in your life.
We all were born with an emptiness inside. No earthly relationship will fill it. No amount of sex or possessions will fill it. Nor will knowledge or morality or even good, clean living.
We were designed to know God. And until you come into a relationship with Him, you will keep coming up empty, time and again, just as Solomon did.
When you turn to God in faith and let Him forgive your sins, He will fill the void in your life—a void that only He can fill.
Devotion by Greg Laurie0 -
I totally agree with this devo. God has so much planned for us that worldly possessions do not come close to comparing with. People with possessions can appear happy but deep within they have the same need for God that we all do.0
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Things That Cannot Be Shaken June 7, 2023
Bible Reading:
Hebrews 12:25-29
As a rule, people like security.
We seek what is comfortable. Yet the reality of our world is that much instability exists.
For example, finances, health, and even a country’s ability to survive are not guaranteed.
When our foundation is shaken, we often feel overwhelmed. Sometimes Satan causes the difficulty—with God’s permission, of course. At other times, challenging circumstances are brought about by the Lord’s hand.
Regardless of the source, we have the promise in Romans 8:28 that “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
And in either case, the Almighty’s purpose remains: to glorify Himself in our world and in our lives.
There are different reasons the Lord permits turmoil, but for now, let’s focus on one: He won’t allow anything that enables man to seem self-sufficient in his own eyes.
Therefore, God may lovingly allow enough trouble for us to realize our need of Him.
Consider the trials the Israelites faced each time they turned away from Jehovah to worship other gods. In many ways, we do the same thing today.
Individually, in our churches, and as a nation, we often glorify “gods” like money or status. But the One who created us will not tolerate this.
In our pride, we tend to think we’re able to manage without God. But out of love, He may stir up our lives to reveal our dependence upon Him.
If you are basing your security on anything except Jesus Christ—even something as seemingly innocent as comfort—it will prove to be sinking sand.
Devotion by In Touch Ministries- Charles Stanley0 -
Amen! Real security is found only in Jesus. He is our solid rock of salvation.1
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The Requirements of Servanthood- June 11, 2023
Read: Luke 19:1-9
When Jesus left His home in heaven, He didn't
come to earth to be a superstar. He came to serve. As His disciples, we've been left here on earth to follow His example and serve a lost and hurting world. The story of Zacchaeus shows us some Christlike qualities that we need to develop in order to serve as the Lord did.
Awareness: Although surrounded by a crowd, Jesus stopped and took notice of one particular man perched in a tree. Zacchaeus was hated and rejected because he was a tax collector. Although he was rich, there was something missing in his life, and Christ recognized his need. There are people all around us "hanging in trees"--needy, empty, and searching for hope. But too often, we're preoccupied with our activities and don't even notice them.
Availability: Jesus was heading to Jerusalem to carry out the most important act in human history: our redemption. Yet He stopped to have a meal with a spiritually needy man. What could be so important that it keeps you too busy to give others what they need most--your time?
Acceptance: Although Zacchaeus was a notorious sinner, Jesus didn't say, "Clean up your act, and then I'll come to your house." We're called, not to fix people but to share the transforming gospel of Christ.
How are you doing at serving those around you?
Maybe it's time to slow down and open your spiritual eyes to see all the needy people. God places opportunities all around us, but if we're not attentive, we'll miss them. Sometimes you just have to look up to see who’s in the tree.
Devotion by Charles Stanley: In Touch Ministries1 -
Monday, June 12, 2023
Bring Them Up
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4 NLT)
A while back I was at a restaurant with my wife, and we were enjoying the view as the sun began to set. Then I glanced at a table nearby where a young family was sitting.
The dad was on his phone, the mother was on her phone, and the baby was on a tablet—in fact, there was a tablet holder in the stroller!
I thought, “What are we doing to these kids?”
We put them in front of devices and bombard them with information, and I wonder whether their brains are forming properly. Are they even learning to read social cues and communicate?
What concerns me is that a lot of parents are leaving their kids to themselves. Yet it’s the parents’ job to raise their own children. God created the family, and He loves the family.
And as someone has pointed out, a family can survive without a nation, but a nation cannot survive without the family.
Ephesian 6:4 reminds us, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord” (NLT).
The phrase “bring them up” means “to nourish.”
We should protect our children, watch over them, and help them process what they’re being exposed to.
Moses said to the Israelites, “And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NLT).
As a parent, nothing can happen through you until it has first happened to you. You cannot take your children any further spiritually than you have gone yourself.
Devotional by Greg Laurie0 -
Wisdom from the Psalms June 14, 2023
Psalms 75:6-7
For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.
But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.
Evelyn came from Charity Hill, the most expensive section of town. She had always received everything her heart desired, and she considered herself to be one of the finest people she knew.
Jane came from Cheesebox, the poor side of town, so named because all the houses there looked like cardboard cheese boxes. She had never had much of anything special, and felt she really didn't deserve better, anyway.
Both women worked for an ad agency that wanted a new production designer.
Evelyn knew she would do well in the position. To her dismay, Jane did even better.
Things don't always work so well in real life. The rich often get richer while the poor sink lower.
And yet, God has promised that in the end, justice will always carry the day.
God knows every heart and every situation. He will set all things right, if we will only trust in His wisdom.
Prayer: Nothing I do, Lord, will increase Your love for me, but still I want to do all that I can. Search my heart and know that I do truly love You. Help me to show that love. Amen.0 -
I will post a new Devotion tomorrow!0
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Wisdom from the Psalms June 15, 2023
Psalms 76:11
Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God: let all that he round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.
[Oh, no,] thought Kent, [here comes the old pitch.]
We don't have enough money. We can't keep the doors open. Give till it hurts. On and on and on and on. He gave five bucks a week. That was enough.
He didn't see others beating him out of the way to give more. Hey, a movie cost about five bucks, and you got two hours of entertainment. For the same price he only got an hour's worth at church.
Get real. Sometimes it annoyed him enough to make him put his wallet back in his coat without taking anything out. This morning? What the heck, he was in a generous mood.
People forget where their financial support originates. Without the lord, no one would receive anything.
The Bible says that ten percent off the top should go to the Lord. This isn't charity on our part, but a return to God of what is really His, anyway.
We tithe out of gratitude for what God has given.
The Lord teaches to give so we will not think too highly of material wealth, and instead will remain committed to the wealth that cannot be destroyed. God's wealth endures forever.
Prayer: O Lord, I possess more than I really need. There is something that I could do without. Help me to learn to give, as You Yourself have given: freely, joyfully, and completely. Amen.1 -
Wisdom from the Psalms, June 16, 2023
Psalms 76:5
The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands.
Bob didn't need anybody. He had always done things on his own. He thought he would do well in sports, but he couldn't play as part of a team. He thought he would settle down and have a happy marriage, but he couldn't stand having to answer to another person.
He couldn't hold a job because he could neither take nor give orders graciously. No, Bob didn't need anyone, which was a lucky thing. No one needed Bob.
We were created to live with and for one another. When we think the universe revolves around us, we upset god's intended order.
Our goal in life should be to reach out to a s many of God's children as we possibly can. When we learn to walk with others, we have learned to walk with God.
Prayer: Lord, do not let me become spoiled and conceited. I want to share my life and to share the lives of others. Help me to know others better, and in s o doing, know You better, too. Amen.1 -
The Dark Side of Serving Others - Today's Insight - June 17, 2023
Read the words of the apostle Paul—an honest, humble, transparent servant of God:
For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves. (2 Corinthians 4:5-7)
We Christians have received a priceless treasure (the glorious gospel) in a very frail and perishable container (our weak bodies).
There is a reason. So nobody will have any question about the source of power, it must be of God and not of any human origin.
And so—to verify just how frail our humanity is, Paul lists four common struggles servants live with. I'm calling them consequences.
Let's see all four in the two verses that follow before we analyze each one in the next few posts.
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
If you have a pencil handy, you might circle the four terms in your Bible: afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, struck down. These are four consequences of serving God.
Although we'll unpack and apply these terms in the next few posts, take a moment and read those verses again—emphasizing words you've circled.
Have you experienced these consequences—yet?
Devotion by Chuck Swindoll0 -
The Call to Serve Sunday June 18, 2023
Bible Reading: Galatians 5:13
Jesus commanded that we serve one another, but obeying this mandate in humility is not natural for us. Sure, there are times we like to help others. But service that involves self-sacrifice--especially for someone we deem undeserving--much more difficult to do.
What does it mean to serve? Consider Christ's example. He gave up everything in heaven to live among us, subjecting Himself to dishonor and human frailty. And He loved even those who rejected Him.
Think about how He humbled Himself and washed the disciples' feet at Passover.
This was a disgusting, lowly task that a slave might be assigned--far from anything a king should do. He even knew these men were about to abandon Him but served them anyway.
Ultimately, Christ gave His life for us. And He did so while we were still sinners (Rom. 5:8).
Serving others was His lifestyle--part of who He was and what He did. As His followers, we should strive to be like Him.
Therefore, service involves first dying to our selfish attitudes and motives. Only then can we live to glorify Christ.
Jesus said that the greatest commandments are to love God wholeheartedly and to love others (Matt. 22:37-39).
Ironically, it is only when we humbly serve others that we experience God's fullness in our own lives.
Many try to achieve happiness by striving after their own desires. The result? Tired, unsatisfied people.
True contentment happens only when we walk closely with Jesus. He shows where we can
humble ourselves and take care of others.
These actions, done through His strength, will be blessed.
Devotion by In Touch Ministries0 -
Wisdom from the Psalms June 19, 2023
Psalms 77:18
The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.
The little airplane bobbed and weaved. The storm was playing havoc with its small engines. Arthur looked out of the cabin windows. His gaze was met with pitch blackness, but he continued to look out, anyway.
He said a short prayer to God for safety, and as he finished, a bolt of lightning lit up the entire sky.
Down below, a town was exposed by the flash, and Arthur was struck by the calm beauty and peace of the village.
The plane was closer to the ground than he had realized, and he was suddenly convinced that everything would be perfectly all right. A strange peace filled his heart, and he sat back and relaxed for the rest of the flight.
The fury of a storm can be frightening, but the hand of God is mightier, and His hand is ever upon our heart. Though we might feel tossed around, we are in God's care, and nothing bad can happen to us.
Prayer: O Lord, I do not know what Your will is for me this day, but I do know that whatever happens to me, it will be the best possible thing. Your love rules my life, and I trust you completely. Amen.0 -
Wisdom from the Psalms June 22, 2023
Psalms 78:14
In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.
The chosen people were afraid. They had to cross a barren wasteland, a desert, with no provisions and not definite sense of where they would end up.
The scorching sun frightened them. The dark, cold nights frightened them. They were a people afraid.
But the Lord saw their fear, and He sent a cloud to block the scorching sun, and He placed a bright fireball in the sky at night to light their way.
The people of God came through the desert safe and sound.
God brings us through the wastelands of our live sin the same way. He will not allow us to be tested beyond our strength and endurance.
Trust in God's mercy and love, and He will bring you through any situation.
Prayer: Lord, I am sometimes frightened by the challenges I am called on to face. Be with me, and let me lean upon Your strength for support. Amen.1 -
Big Steps: Courage
JUNE 24, 2023
O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.
2 Chronicles 20:12
Recommended Reading: Psalm 121:1-2
It comes as no surprise that the English word courage comes from the Old French word corage, from the Latin cor—or “heart.” The connection between courage (and its opposite, fear) and the heart appears in Luke 21:26 describing the End Times: “Men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth.” Some modern translations render this as “fainting from fear” brought on by expectations and apprehensions.
The need for courage almost always comes from expectations and apprehensions about the future. That was certainly true for King Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. Armies from three nations had surrounded Jerusalem, and the future looked grim. But rather than look at the armies bent on Judah’s destruction, Jehoshaphat turned his eyes elsewhere: “We have no power against this great multitude . . . but our eyes are upon You.”
If you are surrounded by forces too strong for you, take a giant leap of courage: Turn your eyes upon God and away from what you fear.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. Closing Thought by: Helen
Lemmel
Devotion by David Jeremiah0 -
Turning our eyes from ourselves and our situation and toward Jesus is the most courageous thing we can do. We used to sing a song that had this chorus: "Turn Your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace."1
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Wisdom from the Psalms June 25, 2023
Psalms 78:45-46
He sent divers sorts of flies among them, which devoured them; and frogs, which destroyed them. He gave also their increase unt o the caterpillar, and their labour unto the locust.
God sent plagues upon the Egyptians, who persecuted the Hebrew people. Through these afflictions, God sent the message that no one could do evil for long and get away unpunished.
Our Lord doesn't supersede the laws of nature often, but when He does, it is with good cause.
And yet, even in the face of the terrible plagues, the Egyptian pharaoh refused to believe. People who lack the love of God in their lives so often refuse to admit they might be wrong. It is easier to deny God than to do what is necessary to please Him. The Christian refuses to deny her heart, and she continually acknowledges God's great works for what they really are.
In our own day, the Lord does not send many plagues to afflict us, but there are definitely enough hardships to make us want to reach out to Him. We need God, and thankfully we have Him, every step of the way.
Prayer: My eyes are blind to many of Your great works, Lord. I miss so much of Your greatness and love. Help me to see You in new ways each day. Amen.
In closing after reading your response from last devotion I say a hearty Amen Linda, we sang that sang chorus and every once in a while we get a visiting Pastor/Missionary and they request the chorus and we sing it gladly! 😊0 -
Wisdom from the Psalms June 26, 2023
Psalms 79:6
Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name.
It's not easy loving unlovable people. Some people do such terrible things. King David looked at evil men and felt nothing but contempt.
Why should evil men prosper while good men struggled just to get by?
Why should hateful women set their hearts' desires while virtuous women could hardly lift their heads?
David wrestled with God's justice throughout his lifetime.
It is difficult to remember that God's justice plays itself out in eternity, not just in our lifetime.
In the end of times, righteous people will prevail, while the evildoers are left out in the cold.
The Lord has little desire to reward only good people and punish those who are bad. If He did that, people would follow Him for the wrong reason.
God wants His children to come to Him because they love Him, not because they think it will bring them good things.
Prayer: Help me to accept the fact that bad things happen to good people, and that bad people are often prosperous. I may not like it now, but I need to keep in mind that one day each of us will receive exactly what he deserves. Amen.0 -
A Life That Makes a Difference, June 27, 2023
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. (Galatians 6:9 NLT)
In many ways, people mock us and deride us for our beliefs as Christians. They accuse us of things that simply aren’t true because we stand up for our principles.
Just remember that we are not home yet. One day Jesus will welcome us home, and we will hear the words “Well done, my good and faithful servant” (Matthew 5:21 NLT).
That is why the Bible reminds us, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9 NLT).
I remember hearing the late Alan Redpath talk about a message he heard many years ago when he was a young accountant.
The speaker was talking about having a saved soul but a lost life. In other words, it is possible for us to be saved and forgiven of our sin yet waste our lives by not serving the Lord.
Redpath kept thinking about the words “saved soul, lost life,” and he ultimately made a commitment to the Lord. He prayed, “Lord, I want to serve You. I don’t bring a lot to the table, but what I have is now Yours.”
Some Christians are basically throwing their lives away and living for themselves. Maybe that describes you. And maybe you think it’s too late and that God could never use you.
It isn’t too late for you to recommit your life to God and say, “Lord, I want my life to make a difference. You have given me something to do. You have given me certain abilities and talents, and I want to serve You. Whatever role You have for me, I want to be a part of what You’re doing.”
Don’t waste your life. If you will step forward and make yourself available, God will help you do what He has called you to do.
Devotion by Greg Laurie0 -
Wisdom from the Psalms June 28, 2023
Psalms 80:3
Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
The silly-looking little clown wobbled back and forth across the tabletop. He would jerk along in a funny walk, then, as his foot cleared the edge of the table, he would rock back, spin, and head off in a new direction, barely averting disaster.
We are a lot like that clown. We head off in wrong directions and then have to change our ways time and time again in order to avoid bad consequences.
The word [repent] means to turn away from or toward. God wants us to turn from the things that are wrong in our lives and to turn toward Him.
If we will always try to do just that, the Lord's face will shine upon us, and we shall be saved.
Prayer: Be patient with me, Lord, I run off in so many wrong directions, but I want always to come back to You. Thank You for not giving up on me. Amen.0 -
Will be back tomorrow to post our Devotions! 📖0
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Heart, Soul, and Mind: Friday, June 30, 2023
“ ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” (Matthew 22:37-38 NLT)
When the Pharisees were trying to set a trap for Jesus, they asked Him this question: “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” (Matthew 22:36 NLT).
Jesus told them, “ ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment” (verses 37–38 NLT).
In our culture when we speak of the heart, we’re generally referring to our emotions. For instance, we might say, “My mind is telling me one thing, but my heart is telling me another.”
So, what did Jesus mean when He said, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind”?
Is this saying that we should merely do this from our emotions and disengage our intellect?
No. In the original language, the heart refers to the core of a person’s being. The soul refers to what we would call emotion. And the mind refers to intellectual vigor and determination.
Therefore, our love for the Lord should be intelligent, feeling, and willing. Notice that God wants all three.
However, some may love the Lord with all their minds but not with all their souls. They believe certain things to be true, but they are not emotionally engaged.
There are others who love God with all their souls but not all their minds. They relate to God emotionally, but they don’t fill their minds with God’s Word.
The Bible calls for balance. It’s telling us to love God with every fiber of our beings. We love Him with our intellectual ability, our emotional passion, and our strength. We should love God with everything we have.
Devotion by Greg Laurie0
