Episodes
Saturday May 22, 2021
Daily Devotions - Words
Saturday May 22, 2021
Saturday May 22, 2021
Ecclesiastes 4:13-5:7 NIV
Advancement Is Meaningless
13 Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to heed a warning. 14 The youth may have come from prison to the kingship, or he may have been born in poverty within his kingdom. 15 I saw that all who lived and walked under the sun followed the youth, the king’s successor. 16 There was no end to all the people who were before them. But those who came later were not pleased with the successor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
Fulfill Your Vow to God
5 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. 2 Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth,
so let your words be few. 3 A dream comes when there are many cares, and many words mark the speech of a fool. 4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. 5 It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. 6 Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, “My vow was a mistake.” Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? 7 Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God.
-- What do you do when you make a hasty promise you can’t keep?
Words make a difference. You created the galaxy with Your Word. Your written Word speaks to my soul. Lord, thank You for the people that You have put in my life. What words come out of my mouth can either encourage or destroy others. Help me to guard the words that I say to others. Relationships are built upon loving words. Help me to not say just what others want to hear but to be honest, loyal, trustworthy, and genuine. Help me to not be fickle with my words. If I make a commitment with my words, help me to honor them. Let all of my words reflect Your truth. Let my words be true to You. You never back down on Your word. You keep to your commitments and promises. Lord help me grow to be more like You. Amen
Friday May 21, 2021
Daily Devotions - The strength of the Lord
Friday May 21, 2021
Friday May 21, 2021
Psalm 46 NIV
For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alamoth. A song.
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. 8 Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 11 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
The New Testament usually applies promises for Israel to the church. What forces threaten the church today?
Lord God, You are my refuge and strength. Although it looks like evil has overcome the world, You have overcome evil. I pray for the church. Instead of boldly proclaiming Your mighty power of love and truth, the church has submitted itself to the pressure of society. The church has replaced faith with fear. Allow the church to love again. Lord, give the church Your vision. We can only see in part, but You see the entire picture. I can see the mountains, but You see the mountains moved. I see the cross but You see the empty tomb. If You are in the church, it will not fail. I can trust You because You love the church and You love me. You are our fortress and strength. Bad things may happen in the world, but You shield us with Your Spirit. Lord, please dwell in our church today. Lord, dwell in my heart and give me Your confidence and peace. Let me be still and know that You are God. No evil that surrounds me can destroy the promise of salvation for eternity. Let the church be the place that shares the confidence of Your salvation to overcome the fears of this world. Take away my fears, dear Jesus. You are God. You are my fortress and my protection. In You I trust. I pray that You strengthen Your church to stand against the evil in this world and to be a beacon of Your love and a place where people can find Your strength. Amen
Thursday May 20, 2021
Daily Devotions - Redemption from sin
Thursday May 20, 2021
Thursday May 20, 2021
Mark 14:27-42 NIV
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial
27 “You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 29 Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” 30 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” 31 But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.
Gethsemane
32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James, and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” 35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him. 41 Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
How do you feel knowing Jesus knows your weaknesses and failures?
Precious Savior, Loving God, You know all about me. You know everything, including my innermost thoughts and motives, even those I try to hide from everyone else. You know me better than I know myself. No matter who I am or what I am doing, I cannot hide from You. You already know my failures, I am totally exposed. That is so comforting because I don't need to fear rejection. You love me in spite of my sin. Your love for me is so much greater than my sin. You have overcome sin's condemnation. Although my fight against sin can seem unending and overwhelming, I have confidence in Your grace so that I can confess freely and without fear of rejection. You came to this world to give Your life for me because of my sin. No matter what I have done, or how far away from You I feel right now, You are calling me by name. You yearn for me to turn to You for forgiveness. Satan tries to steal and destroy my faith by shoving my failures in my face, but You redeem me from my sins. Allow me to not dwell on my despair, but instead focus on You, who is infinitely stronger than my weakness and failures. You have overcome sin's condemnation and given me Your Holy Spirit to help me fight evil. Thank You, Lord, that I am freed from guilt and condemnation and can be at peace with You. Thank You that I have hope for the future with You. You are my Father, and I am Your child. I can rest in Your love for eternity. Amen.
Wednesday May 19, 2021
Daily Devotions - Bread and Wine
Wednesday May 19, 2021
Wednesday May 19, 2021
Mark 14:12-26 NIV
The Last Supper
12 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” 13 So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. 14 Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” 16 The disciples left, went into the city, and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. 17 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 18 While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.” 19 They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, “Surely you don’t mean me?” 20 “It is one of the Twelve,” he replied, “one who dips bread into the bowl with me. 21 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” 22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” 23 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. 25 “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” 26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
What new meaning did Jesus give to the Passover bread and wine?
Jesus attached the significance of His bodily sacrifice to the Passover bread and wine. Prior to Jesus dying on the cross the bread represented the affliction of the forefathers in Egypt and the wine represented freedom from Egyptian rule. With Jesus sacrificing His own body and shedding his own blood, He is instituting a new convent between God and man.
Lord, there is no way I can even begin to understand why you would sacrifice yourself for me and All mankind. Your love is so beyond amazing and so powerful, how do I begin to thank you except to say I am yours, heart, mind, and soul. You created a new covenant with man and gave us the most precious gift of all, Redemption from my sins that put you on that cross and the promise of eternal life with you. I pray for your continuous mercy that is new every day and that you always find in me a clean spirit and a renewed heart that I may serve you and give glory to your name. Keep me humble and obedient to your call on my life. Amen
Tuesday May 18, 2021
Daily Devotions - Beautiful Devotion
Tuesday May 18, 2021
Tuesday May 18, 2021
Mark 14:1-11 NIV
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
14 Now the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. 2 “But not during the festival,” they said, “or the people may riot.” 3 While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. 4 Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? 5 It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly. 6 “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. 8 She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. 9 Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” 10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. 11 They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
What is the most beautiful thing another person has ever done for you?
You described Mary's deed of devotion as doing a beautiful thing to You. Mary’s extravagant act, forces me to think about how I show my love and adoration for You. Sometimes going to church or serving is something I do. Help me to not be devoted to doing acts of service, or to a cause, but instead let my heart be drawn to intimacy with You. You are more than an answer to my problems or a cause worthy of my commitment, but You are a beauty and worthiness that surpasses everything else in this universe. Let my agenda be driven by adoration. Genuine faith involves my heart and it involves my affections. Lord, You are calling me to love You, to delight in You, to be captivated by You, to worship You and to be overjoyed because of who You are. I desire that my sacrifice of time, talent and treasure is inspired by an affectionate faith as my expression of my love for You. Let me praise and worship You with extravagance out of my total devotion to You. Give me the heart to truly follow You. I pray that my devotion to You is a beautiful thing. Amen
Monday May 17, 2021
Daily Devotions - The signs of the times
Monday May 17, 2021
Monday May 17, 2021
Mark 13:1-37 NIV
The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End Times
13 As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” 2 “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; everyone will be thrown down.” 3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?” 5 Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. 9 “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me, you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. 11 Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. 12 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 13 Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 “When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation standing where it does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let no one on the housetop go down or enter the house to take anything out. 16 Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. 17 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! 18 Pray that this will not take place in winter, 19 because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again. 20 “If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them. 21 At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.
24 “But in those days, following that distress, “‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; 25 the stars will fall from the sky,
and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ 26 “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens. 28 “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 29 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. 30 Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
The Day and Hour Unknown
32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. 35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”
Have you ever faced persecution for your faith? What happened?
Lord God, You are the Alpha, the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. All times are in Your hands. I have been distressed to see the bombings in Israel and the middle east. 2021 is on track to become a record-breaking year of major earthquakes and volcanoes. I watched in horror as Pastor Pawlowski from Canada was arrested and dragged in the street because he held services, fed the poor, and preached the gospel. Many people who have stood on the principles of their faith have lost careers, been harassed, and canceled. People from around the world are arrested and even killed because of their faith in You. You are not surprised by any of this. This world is in desperate need of the hope of salvation. You have given us this very opportunity to stand up and share our faith with others who do not know You. I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I do know that on this very day, the words I say and my behavior matters. I can make a difference. Give me the boldness to share the story of Your grace, love, and forgiveness to those who need to hear that good news. Help me to not let my guard down but to be alert to Your Spirit as You lead me to do Your will. I pray that I stand firm in my faith no matter what is happening around me. Allow me to be an instrument in leading people back to You. Give Your global church courage to reach out to those who are hurting and frightened. Spread Your Spirit like wildfire across the world and let all Christians come together in Your Name. Give each of us the sense of urgency to share the story about what You did for us. Help me do my part as a consistent example of Your mercy and grace that brings others closer to You. Let me share Your message of salvation and love to all I meet. Let my behavior be authentic, honest, true and faithful. I look forward to the day when You return to join with those who know You as Lord. Together we will praise You for eternity. Let the signs of the times draw all people toward You. Amen
Saturday May 15, 2021
Daily Devotions - We are not meant to do this alone
Saturday May 15, 2021
Saturday May 15, 2021
Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 NIV
7 Again I saw something meaningless under the sun:8 There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless—a miserable business! 9 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
How easy is it for you to allow someone to help you? Or to let someone know that you need help?
Since Adam, man was not meant to be alone. You gave him Eve. You designed marriage to be a team effort in handling the ups and downs in life. You also gave us the church community where we not only gather together in worship but support each other during challenges. We were not meant to be alone. Forgive us, Lord, when we try to do it on our own. When we keep our pain to ourselves, we circumvent the meaning of community. When we take control and don't let others into our situation we are not helping ourselves or those who love us. Lord, allow us to open ourselves to those You put in our lives and in our church communities. Open our eyes to see those who are struggling and need support but have not shared their needs with us. Allow us to serve, support, and provide for each other in ways that Glorify You. Guide us to confide to others when we have needs, or when we are in pain so that we may bind together in Your love to build each other up. Your design is for us to do this thing called life together. Let me lift out my hand to support those in need as I grasp onto You with my other hand. As we hold each other up, entwined in Your love, we are all strengthened. Lord help me to be a joyful servant sharing Your love. Amen
Friday May 14, 2021
Daily Devotions - The eternal wedding
Friday May 14, 2021
Friday May 14, 2021
Psalm 45 NIV
For the director of music. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of the Sons of Korah. A maskil. A wedding song.
1 My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. 2 You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace since God has blessed you forever. 3 Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one;
clothe yourself with splendor and majesty. 4 In your majesty ride forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility, and justice; let your right hand achieve awesome deeds. 5 Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet. 6 Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. 7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. 8 All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad. 9 Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir. 10 Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention: Forget your people and your father’s house. 11 Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. 12 The city of Tyre will come with a gift, people of wealth will seek your favor. 13 All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold. 14 In embroidered garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her— those brought to be with her. 15 Led in with joy and gladness, they enter the palace of the king. 16 Your sons will take the place of your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land. 17 I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you forever and ever.
What was the most extravagant wedding you ever attended?
Beautiful Jesus, You are the anointed King and Messiah. In your majesty, Jesus, my King, ride forth victoriously on behalf of truth, humility, and righteousness. In Your splendor, Your hand displays awesome deeds. You love righteousness and hate wickedness. You pierce the hearts of Your enemies. Let the nations fall beneath your feet. Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever. Lord, You are enthralled by the beauty of Your bride, the church. As Your bride, let the church honor You, our Lord. Let our hearts be stirred and let us praise You forever. Help the church be faithful and pure. I pray that the church honors You as Lord. I pray that Your love shines through Your bride as gold shining in the sun. Lead us in joy and gladness to Your eternal kingdom. By Your mercy and grace, we will sit at Your table and celebrate the wedding feast for eternity. Lord, Jesus, through my worship, help me to perpetuate Your memory through all generations so that all nations will praise you forever and ever. Amen
Thursday May 13, 2021
Daily Devotions - Authentic Love
Thursday May 13, 2021
Thursday May 13, 2021
Mark 12:35-44 NIV
Whose Son Is the Messiah?
35 While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, “Why do the teachers of the law say that the Messiah is the son of David? 36 David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared: “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.”’ 37 David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?” The large crowd listened to him with delight.
Warning Against the Teachers of the Law
38 As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”
The Widow’s Offering
41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
How do people use religion to make themselves look good?
Holy God, You are pure and holy. You have given me everything. I worship You. I pray that my heart is filled with Your love and my motives are pure. You know me for who I am. You know the intentions of my heart. Let my thoughts, desires, and behaviors be pleasing to You. Don't let me be distracted by what other people think of me. Having positions of authority, saying long prayers, and giving large amounts of money cannot save me. Instead if done for my glory, they actually harm my relationship with You. I need to lead others to know You out of my love for You. I need to pray from the depths of my heart out of my love for You. Let my life be generous out of my love for You. For out of Your love for me, I am forgiven and saved. Out of my eternal gratitude let me serve You with all that I am and all that I have. Let my praise be authentic and filled with love for You. Let me trust You with my time, possessions, and finances and freely utilize them as You desire. Use what I have and what I do to lead others to know You as Lord and Savior. There is nothing more beautiful than my love relationship with my God. Help me to bring honor to You through my life. Amen
Wednesday May 12, 2021
Daily Devotions - Love God, Love Others
Wednesday May 12, 2021
Wednesday May 12, 2021
Mark 12:28-34 NIV
The Greatest Commandment
28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” 32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
Why are these two commandments the greatest?
These two commandments are the greatest because they emphasize Love and unity as ultimate truths. These verses state unequivocally that there is only one God and if you truly love God love for your neighbor ( who is everyone ) flows from that love. God is the author of love.
Lord, I pray that I would love you with all my mind, all my strength, and all my heart daily so that I can love everyone you place before me. You have given your life for all out of your deep and unfailing love, teach me to see everyone as you see them. Erase any pride or lie in me so that I can be free to love. May your Holy Spirit guide and strengthen me to speak of you and your love and encourage anyone around me. Keep me close to your kingdom Lord. Amen