Our motive for doing something is far more important than the act itself. If we do a kind deed, but with an ulterior motive that is based on selfish pride or desires, that once kind deed has turned a dark corner. Our motives need always to remain pure and selfless as we go about the Lord’s work .
Category: Daily Inspirational Devotional
I Corinthians 13:2 ” If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”
You may think you have it all together as a Christian…you may even think that you’ve got a direct line to God Himself, but if all your head knowledge isn’t surrounded by love and compassion it’s rubbish. If you don’t take the attitude of a servant when you’re telling others about Jesus, it’s all just bauble. I’ve heard it said – You may think yourself as some great Christian Leader with a dynamic ministry…but if you look behind you, and no one’s following…you’re just out for a walk.
I Corinthians 13:1 ” If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”
Some noises are just irritating to our ears…fingernails on a chalkboard, piercing fire alarms, or the incessant high-pitched barks of a dog all seem to rub us the wrong way. So if I preach to you, but have no compassion…or exhort you, but have no empathy for your situation, I’m just like that annoying sound you quickly walk away from.
Micah 7:7 ” But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior, my God will hear me.”
The Lord is ever listening for you…He has His ears attuned to your voice. You will never have to question or wonder, for He will always hear you. He’s waiting to hear your voice today…call on His name.
Romans 16: 25 ” Now to Him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ…”
When someone hears and accepts the Good News of the Kingdom of God and the gift of salvation through Jesus, they are transformed. They are forever changed by the power of the Holy Spirit within, and established by God Himself eternally. But this can’t happen if they never hear the Gospel or the message of redemption…for that is our mission here on earth – to take the name of Jesus to the nations.
Luke 22:32 ” But I have prayed for you, Simon Peter, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Jesus knew that Peter would betray Him. But He also knew that Peter would later seek forgiveness and restoration of their relationship…and in doing so, become a spiritually stronger man. Each one of us carry around times when we ourselves failed the Lord miserably, only to have Him mercifully forgive and restore us back to that right relationship with Him. Those failings have now become unique teaching opportunities in which we can build up and strengthen others we see wavering.
Hebrews 10:25 ” Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the day approaching.”
Even back in Biblical times people didn’t want to get up and go to Church! But it’s very important to meet together as a Body. Your Emotional/Spiritual gas tank needs to be filled by the encouragement from other Believers . By gathering as one, it allows us to worship and praise our God together… in order to take that renewed strength into the next week.
Hebrews 3:13 ” But exhort one another daily…”
There comes a time in a Believers life when we get lazy and apathetic about our Faith. We start thinking, “I’m saved, and that’s all that matters…” But the Lord doesn’t want us sitting back on our laurels, waiting to go to Heaven. We are to spur, implore, and occasionally give each other a pep talk to keep us all involved in the Lord’s work .
Colossians 3:16 ” Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom.”
Admonishment needs to be done carefully and only after you’ve gained the right to do so. When we see someone going down the wrong path, we want to warn them, to alert them to possible consequences. But more importantly, we need to show them ways of correction. Because, admonishment just for the sake of lam-blasting someone is wrong if we can’t supply practical, sound judgment … wise words of correction…and hope.
I Thessalonians 2:12 “…encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory.”
Speaking comforting words to someone is much more than just consoling them with platitudes. Sometimes we need to be cheerleaders for God…reassuring and quieting fears – letting them know , “You can do this!” But also gently reminding them, that God is still in control and not to give up.
Safetypinlove 