Team Daily Devotions for April 2025

316Judith · April 1

I will be posting our Daily Devotions later this Morning.

Watch for our first Devotional I am posting soon for April 1st.

I invite you to share comments on the Devotions that are shared.

316Judith · April 2

Tuesday, April 1

High Time!

Now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. Romans 13:11

Recommended Reading:Romans 13:11-14

Dr. J. Frank Pantridge was a cardiologist at Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. He knew that people who die from heart attacks often do so within an hour of the attack.

So in 1965, Pantridge developed the first portable defibrillator and had it installed in an ambulance.

His invention has helped paramedics around the world save many lives.

When it comes to spiritual heart trouble, believers are like God’s paramedics.

The Lord has stationed us all over the world to provide the medicine of the Gospel urgently and effectively.

We sometimes think there’s lots of time left for us to share the Gospel with someone. But maybe not!

We never know when the other person will die, when we ourselves will be called to heaven, or when the Lord Jesus will come for us in the clouds.

The brevity of life and the imminent return of Christ should motivate us to share the Gospel whenever and wherever we can, to whomever we can.

Today, look for an opportunity to share the Gospel with someone in need!

The gospel is only good news if it gets there in time. Carl F. H. Henry

316Judith · April 3

Wednesday, April 2
Promised Blessings

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. Revelation 1:3

Bible Reading:

Revelation 22:6-7

Those starting a career in sales are taught the principle of “features and benefits.” That is, after describing the features of a product, it’s important to convey the benefits the product provides. The principle of “features and benefits” is evident everywhere in commercial advertising.

While the Bible is not selling a product, it clearly notes the benefits that will accrue to those who read it and put its words into practice. This is most clearly seen in the book of Revelation. Both the apostle John and Jesus Christ Himself say that keeping the prophetic words of Revelation will bring blessings to those who read and embrace its words. In other words, Revelation provides its own motivation for reading the book and being guided by what it says. Given the apocalyptic nature of the book, perhaps the Spirit added the promise of blessing as extra motivation for reading this last book of the Bible.

Set a goal to read through Revelation in the coming days and anticipate how God will keep His promise of blessing to you.

Those who would have the blessings of God’s testimonies must come under the bonds of his statutes. Matthew Henry

316Judith · April 3

Thursday April 3

Overwhelming Majesty

And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.” Revelation 1:17

Bible Reading:

Revelation 1:12-16

We see it occasionally: Someone collapses to the floor upon hearing sudden and shocking news. But in the Bible, people sometimes had the same reaction but for a different reason: an encounter with the glory and majesty of God.

The prophet Daniel collapsed at the sight of a “certain man” who came from heaven to answer his prayers (Daniel 10:5). Daniel was rendered unconscious, facedown, until the man revived him (Daniel 10:4-10).

Likewise, when Saul of Tarsus encountered Christ on the road to Damascus, the glory of the Lord forced him to the ground and rendered him temporarily blind (Acts 9:1-9).

When Christ appeared to the apostle John on the isle of Patmos, John “fell at His feet as dead” (Revelation 1:17).

Throughout the book of Revelation, the glory and majesty of God are revealed through John’s version of heaven.

“Throne,” “king,” “power,” and “authority” are mentioned scores of times.

The book of Revelation may be the closest we come to seeing the majesty of God until we see Him “face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Thank God for how He reveals Himself to us through His Word.

My God, how wonderful Thou art! Thy majesty how bright! Frederick W. Faber

316Judith · April 4

Friday, April 4
Divine Government

Thus says the Lord: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool.” Isaiah 66:1

Bible Reading:

Psalm 11

On the first anniversary of the Battle of Lexington—the beginning of the American Revolution—local pastor Jonas Clarke preached a sermon. He spoke eloquently about God’s overruling providence. He said, “Next to the acknowledgement of the existence of a Deity, there is no one principle of greater importance…than…belief of the divine government and…providence…. That God is Governor among the nations, that his government is wise and just, and that all our times and changes are in his hands.”

We are not waiting for God to take control. He’s already in control. When we see the chaos of our world today, we may be tempted to despair. But things are not what they seem.

The same God who governs the galaxies is overseeing the times—and He ordains all our steps too. His throne is in heaven, and earth is His footstool. Give thanks today that Jesus Christ is now and forever the Lord of all.

However dark and mysterious the ways of providence may appear; yet nothing shall overwhelm the mind, or destroy the trust and hope of those, that realize the government of Heaven…that an all wise God is seated on the throne and that all things are well appointed…for them that fear Him. Jonas Clarke

316Judith · April 6

Saturday, April 5
Spring Into Life: Renewed Patience

Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. Isaiah 40:31

Bible Reading:

Psalm 103:1-5

To renew means to replenish. Almost everything in our human and material realm needs ongoing replenishment. That’s why the word renew is frequently found in Scripture.

Psalm 103:5 says, “[God] satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Isaiah said that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength and mount up with wings like eagles.

Notice how the two verses go together. We need to wait on the Lord, trusting His timing to work out our problems. He’s more patient than we are, and He knows how long it will take for circumstances to turn around. As we trust and wait, He satisfies us in other ways; He renews our strength.

Puritan writer William Gurnall wrote, “Hope assures the soul that while God waits to perform one promise, he supplies another. This comfort is enough to quiet the heart of anyone who understands the sweetness of God’s methods.” If you’re weary and worried today, wait on the Lord. He will replenish your strength and inward youthfulness.

There is not one minute when a believer’s soul is left without comfort. There is always some promise standing ready to minister to the Christian until another comes. William Gurnall

316Judith · April 7

Wisdom from the Psalms

April 6

Psalms 37:4

Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

I remember thinking, when I first because a Christian, how wonderful prayer would be. All I would have to do was let God know what I wanted, and He promised that I would have it.

I began searching my life for the true desires of my heart, and was surprised to find that they weren't cars, money, or houses, but love, peace of mind, and happiness. The more I prayed, the more I became aware that the true desires of my heart were the desires of Jesus' own heart. They had been there all along, but I had never recognized them before.

Prayer is not a way for us to make ourselves wealthy and prosperous.

The Christian's mind should be set on higher things.

When we pray to the Lord, always remembering to say, "Thy will done," we will find the truth of Christ squarely centered in our lives.

Prayer: There are few people I would rather spend my time with than You. Lord, though often I do n't spend time with You as I should. Forgive me when I forget to turn to You. Make Your desires my desires. Amen.

316Judith · April 8

Tuesday, April 8

In the Midst

I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man. Revelation 1:12-13

Bible Reading:

Revelation 1:12-20

People think the book of Revelation is hard to interpret because of all the symbols. But the writer, John, interprets many of them for us.

For example, the seven golden lampstands in chapter 1 represent the seven churches to whom this letter was originally addressed (Revelation 1:20). Jesus is walking among His churches on earth; He is in the midst of them.

Let’s consider two implications of this. First, the Lord is present—through His Spirit—whenever His people meet.

He said, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).

Remind yourself of this as you prepare for church this weekend!

Second, this also pictures the desired fellowship Jesus longs to have with us. He wants to be in the center of His Church and the center of our lives. Imagine how hard it would be to ride a bicycle if the tires were off center, if some of the spokes were shorter and some of them were longer!

As you go about your day, let Jesus be central and supreme in all that you do.

Christ does not exist in order to make much of us. We exist in order to enjoy making much of Him. John Piper

316Judith · April 9

Wednesday, April 9

Light of the World

The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches. Revelation 1:20

Bible Reading:

Matthew 5:14-16

The first few verses of the Gospel of John mirror the beginning of Genesis 1—the entrance of light into a dark world (Genesis 1:3; John 1:4-5).

Jesus identified Himself as the Light of the World (John 8:12) but only while He was in the world (John 9:5).

Preparing His followers, Jesus said that they would be the light of the world in His absence (Matthew 5:14-16).

This was reaffirmed in the vision John saw on the isle of Patmos. Part of that vision was Christ standing in the midst of seven lampstands—sources of light (Revelation 1:12-13).

In His words to John, Christ identified the lampstands as seven churches in Asia Minor, representing all the churches that were and that were to come. The implication of picturing the Church as a lampstand is obvious: The Church is to be the light of the world until Christ returns.

Reflect Christ’s light today by saying a kind word to a stranger or meeting the need of a neighbor.

The light of a holy example is the gospel’s main argument. R. L. Dabney

316Judith · April 10

Thursday, April 10
Remind and Return

Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Revelation 2:4

Bible Reading:

Hebrews 10:23-25

Reminders are a part of daily life. We enter reminders into our phone or computer calendar, we stick notes on the refrigerator or the bathroom mirror and ask others, “Please remind me to...” Re means “again,” so remind means “to call to mind again.”

Just as we are in danger of forgetting practical things in our life, so we are likely, if we are not careful, to forget our spiritual commitments. Christ admonished the church at Ephesus about that very thing—letting their love for Christ fade over time. They had forgotten the love they had for Christ when they first came to Him in faith. He exhorted them to “repent and do the first works” (Revelation 2:5)—the good works, motivated by love for Him, that characterized the early days of their faith. They needed to remind themselves of their love for Christ and return to it.

The same thing can happen to us if we are not careful. We can grow complacent, and our faith can grow cold. We must encourage ourselves and others to continue in the faith until Christ returns (Hebrews 10:23-25).

Begin today by meditating on God’s love for you.

It is possible to be so active in the service of Christ as to forget to love Him. P. T. Forsyth

316Judith · April 12

Friday April 11, 2025

Weariness

Friday, April 11

I know your works, your labor…. [You] have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Revelation 2:2-3

Bible Reading:

Revelation 2:1-7

Have you ever served God to the point of exhaustion? The Lord Jesus did. In John 4, Jesus was “wearied from His journey” (verse 6)

In Mark 4, Jesus was so tired He slept during a storm at sea. In Mark 6:31, He suggested that He and His disciples find a quiet place away from the crowds to rest.

Even Jesus grew weary in the work. But He never grew weary of the work—and there’s a big difference between the two. Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (NIV).

The church at Ephesus spread the Word of God throughout Asia so that people everywhere heard about Christ because of this dynamic congregation. They persevered in their works and in their labor.

Don’t be afraid of encountering some fatigue in whatever work God assigns you.

But if you have become weary of the work, ask God to renew your vision and your strength today.

God renews your hope with His comfort. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. God renews your spirit despite your physical troubles. V. Gilbert Beers

316Judith · April 13

Saturday, April 12

Spring Into Life: A Renewed Mind

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

Bible Reading:

Romans 12:1-2

Practical, personal holiness is mental in nature; it’s primarily a matter of our thoughts.

Before we sin with our body, we’ve failed in our minds. When we engage in righteousness, it’s because our minds are controlled by the Spirit.

The Bible says, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5).

That’s why Paul tells us to reject the “old man” with its deceitful lusts and to “be renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Ephesians 4:22-23).

The key to victory involves our mental diet. If we feed our thoughts with rotten images and rancid concepts, they’ll be spiritually sick.

But if we feed our minds with what is true, noble, just pure, lovely, and praiseworthy, they will be constantly revived and renewed (Philippians 4:8).

What are you feeding your mind today? Make the choice to not fill your mind with worldly things but to be mentally renewed by the Word.

Let the mind of the Master be the master of your mind. Author unknown

316Judith · April 14

April 13

Wisdom from the Psalms

Psalms 40:12

For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: theref ore my heart faileth me.

Church made Sue feel uncomfortable. She wanted to be there, but she felt so unworthy. Just sitting in the church made her feel like a hypocrite. She asked forgiveness for her sins, and she believed that God gave it to her, but there was so much to forgive.

All her life, she had been told that God was great and that human beings were unworthy of the attention He gave them. Sue figured she must be about the most unworthy of all.

Too often we come before the Lord with the feeling that we shouldn't be there. True, we have sinned, but God does not want us to dwell on the fact that we have sinned, but that we have been forgiven, and that we are His chosen people.

The love of God is greater than any sin we might commit. God makes us able to look up, because He lifts the burden of guilt from our shoulders.

Prayer: Your grace has made me worthy, Lord. What I could not do on my own, You have done for me. Thank You, Father, from the depths of my soul. Amen.

316Judith · April 15

Monday, April 14
Expect Testing

Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10

Bible Reading:
John 15:18-21

The city of Smyrna was on the west coast of Asia minor. It was a beautiful and sophisticated city, loyal to Rome and the emperor. The leaders of Smyrna petitioned Rome for permission to build a temple to honor the deity-status of Emperor Tiberius—permission which was granted. Smyrna had a “crown of porticos,” a collection of beautiful public buildings encircling Mount Pagos like a crown.

The emperor-worshiping Roman population, along with a hostile Jewish community, made life as a Christian difficult in Smyrna.

But Christ told the church in Smyrna they would receive a “crown of life” if they would persevere through their persecution—in contrast to the pagan “crown of porticos” of Smyrna. Paul had reminded the churches in Asia Minor that entrance to the Kingdom would only be through tribulations (Acts 14:22).

Entrust the troubles you are currently experiencing to Jesus, the One who knows what you are going through for His sake.

Persecution...is one of the marks of a converted man. J. C. Ryle

316Judith · April 16

Tuesday, April 15

Wealthy in Christ

I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich). Revelation 2:9

Bible Reading:

Matthew 6:19-21

The Christians in the ancient city of Smyrna were materially poor. Generally speaking, that meant not having food for the day at the beginning of the day. When Christ said to them, “I know your…poverty,” the word for “poverty” was one that meant “near destitution.” But in spite of their severe poverty, Christ said they were rich.

Smyrna was a rich city in the Roman empire.

But the Christians in Smyrna were marginalized by the Romans for their unwillingness to worship the emperor and by the Jews for their newfound faith in Christ.

Thus, the Christians existed at the bottom of the economic ladder. But Christ encouraged them in His letter to the church, reminding them that they were spiritually rich even if materially poor.

This was consistent with what Paul would later write concerning God’s provision “according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

Make sure the riches you focus on are heavenly riches, not earthly ones. As you go about your day, focus first on His Kingdom, remembering that all else will be added to you (Matthew 6:19-21, 33-34).

If our principal treasure be as we profess, in things spiritual and heavenly, (and woe unto us if it be not so!) on them will our affections, and consequently our desires and thoughts, be principally fixed. John Owen

316Judith · April 17

April 16

Wednesday, April 16
Victory in Jesus

As the old saying goes, “From evildoers come evil deeds.” 1 Samuel 24:13, NIV

Bible Reading:

1 Corinthians 15:50-58

We’re living in a world of evildoers and evil deeds, and it’s very difficult to navigate the times. Though we live in a fallen world, we must keep ourselves both holy and happy in the Lord. That’s not a new challenge. In Revelation 2, the church of Pergamos was surrounded by evil, for Pergamos was a place where Satan dwelled. Yet the church held fast to the Name of Christ.

According to 1 John 5:19, we are children of God living in a world controlled by the evil one. We need to remember that Jesus has overcome the world. He will help us maintain purity and poise in times like these.

Sometimes we think no one notices our efforts and trials, but God does. He makes us “more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37), always leading us in triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14) and giving us the victory (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Pray today for God’s guidance in navigating the sinful culture of the world around us. And claim the victory today. God will strengthen you for victory over an evil world.

He loved me ‘ere I knew Him and all my love is due Him. He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood. E. M. Bartlett

316Judith · April 18

Thursday, April 17
The Danger of Downgrade

I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel. Revelation 2:14

Bible Reading:

Jude 1-7

In recent years, some churches have reinterpreted their teachings to align with contemporary social trends. They yield to the pressure to conform to the culture in vital areas of doctrine and morality. This is tragic.

We need separation from the world—not in our love for people but in our commitment to biblical integrity and personal holiness.

When churches diminish their doctrine and devalue their convictions, their ministries lose their power.

This is what happened to the church in Pergamos in Revelation 2.

It also happened in Charles Spurgeon’s day, and he called it a Down-Grade. He said, “We have had enough of The Down-Grade…. What havoc false doctrine is making, no tongue can tell.”

We need an updraft of the Spirit, not a downgrade of the truth. So keep a high view of Scripture, starting today with a personal rededication to its wonderful teachings.

We look down into the abyss of error, and it almost makes our head swim to think of the perilous descent; but the road of the gospel, to which we hope to keep by divine grace, is a safe and happy way. Charles Spurgeon

316Judith · April 19

April 18

The Satisfaction of the Cross

By Proverbs 31 Ministries

“When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied."Isaiah 53:11 (NLT)

Devotion:

Approximately 600 years before Jesus was condemned to the cross, the prophet Isaiah foretold of the event. Open up and invite those words to penetrate your soul today:

"See, my servant will prosper; he will be highly exalted. Many were amazed when they saw him beaten and bloodied, so disfigured one would scarcely know he was a person.

And he will again startle many nations. Kings will stand speechless in his presence. For they will see what they had not previously been told about; they will understand what they had not heard about.

Who has believed our message? To whom will the Lord reveal his saving power? My servant grew up in the Lord's presence like a tender green shoot, sprouting from a root in dry and sterile ground.

There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him.

He was despised and rejected a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief.

We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised, and we did not care.

Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down.

And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God for his own sins!

But he was wounded and crushed for our sins.

He was beaten that we might have peace.

He was whipped, and we were healed!

All of us have strayed away like sheep.

We have left God's paths to follow our own.

Yet the Lord laid on him the guilt and sins of us all. He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word.

He was led as a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.

From prison and trial they led him away to his death. But who among the people realized that he was dying for their sins that he was suffering their punishment?

He had done no wrong, and he never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man's grave.

But it was the Lord's good plan to crush him and fill him with grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have a multitude of children, many heirs. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord's plan will prosper in his hands.

When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of what he has experienced, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins.

I will give him the honors of one who is mighty and great, because he exposed himself to death.

He was counted among those who were sinners. He bore the sins of many and interceded for sinners." Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12 (NLT)

Approximately 2,000 years after Jesus hung on the cross, the passion of our Christ is still the power of God unto salvation. His suffering accomplished righteousness for us, and through it, both He and we are satisfied.

Dear Lord, may I realize afresh today what Your death and resurrection mean for me. Forgiveness … Freedom … and the ability to walk with You through this fallen world into eternity. May I always find my satisfaction in You and Your willingness to offer Yourself to me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

316Judith · April 19