We are not to focus upon the temporal things of this world, but rather on the lasting Kingdom of God. This faith we have in the eternal, is built up daily as our walk with the Lord becomes stronger and stronger. As we trust the Lord more, we will cast only a fleeting glance at the world and its temporary pleasures, knowing with certainty where our everlasting home is.
Category: Daily Inspirational Devotional
Proverbs 29:11 ” A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.”
When we allow the flesh to take over, a simple irritation can quickly snowball into a raging outburst that can cause irreparable damage to all parties involved. When an unwise person allows their anger out in inappropriate ways, it can escalate and lead to major problems. A wise man keeps himself under control…he keeps himself still and restrained…and at all times, in command of his flesh.
Matthew 22:21 ” Then He said to them, ‘Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.’ “
Jesus had just asked the Pharisees whose portrait was on the denarius, and they had replied Caesar. He then had instructed them to give to Caesar that was his, and to give to God what was God’s. Interestingly enough, if you look on any American currency you will see the little phrase “In God We Trust”. Our Lord’s name may have been taken and banned from many places and things over the years, but it still remains on our currency as a silent reminder of what our forefathers fought for to establish this great nation. As it says in Romans 13:7, “Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes, if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” Today, when you reach in your pocket or wallet, take a moment to glance at that great statement of Faith, and give honor to Him where honor is due.
Psalm 119:59 ” I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to Your statutes.”
The Lord is forever wanting us to think about our actions and behaviors. Are they righteous or wicked…good or bad…helpful or harmful? God’s precepts are the standard by which we should focus our Way in this world, but the decision to do so is entirely up to us. As it says in Joshua 24:14, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.”
Luke 12:49 ” I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled.”
Jesus said He had come to cast His refining fire of purification on the world and all mankind. Elsewhere, in Matthew, He said,” I did not come to bring peace to the earth, but a sword.” Welding the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, Jesus brought forth the cleansing and purifying Way. And this Way is still available today…to anyone.
Titus 3: 4-5 “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.”
The grace and love of our Lord brings salvation to sinful mankind. Jesus came to deliver us from Spiritual death, not from anything we had done, but entirely by His loving compassion towards us. The incomparable riches of God’s grace was expressed in His kindness to us in the form of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Proverbs 20:11 ” Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.”
My poor, longsuffering, Father had no sons…just daughters, so I became the unofficial “son” of the family. I was quite the Tomboy growing up, from breaking bones climbing trees, to driving tractors, to working with livestock…I did it all. Frankly, I preferred being outside working in the fresh air and sunshine, rather than helping Mom in the house. I also really enjoyed working side by side with Dad, listening as he would tell me about how to plant corn, or work on equipment, or doctor the farm animals. Many years later, I may not be the Tomboy I once was, but I wouldn’t trade those precious times with my Dad for anything.
Acts 17: 23 ” For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.”
As Paul walked around Athens, he saw thousands of idols and shrines decorating the landscape. He came upon an altar that was designed to appease some unknown god. So when he met with the learned men in the Areopagus, he informed them that he could not only put a name to that particular God, but tell them all about Him. The idolatrous worship they had been taking part in was due to their lack of revelation of this unknown god, and Paul was more than happy to declare to them very plainly everything about Him. The unknown god, was now the Known Lord and Savior.
Psalm 18: 12 ” Out of the brightness of His presence clouds advanced, with hailstones and bolts of lightning.”
I have not lived in a part of the USA for a long time that has a lot of thunderstorms, so this past week has been quite an adventure for me! Just about 4PM every afternoon the sky turns dark and the rumbles of thunder roll in…followed by flashes of lightning cutting through the sky in a crazy zigzag pattern. Finally the rain comes in torrents, to end as quickly as it started. I sit outside under a eave, watching God’s handiwork and marveling at the awesome power of a thunderstorm with all its might and force. The Lord’s power shown in the fury of the storm.
Luke 6:37 ” Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
The premise is so simple, the impending possible result… eternal. The Lord doesn’t want us doing His job…judging and condemning are His work, not ours. Every time we pass judgment on someone, we take on God’s mantel…which doesn’t fit us at all. Every time we judge, it may make us feel better about ourselves for a moment, but the Lord is grieved for our actions. Let God do His job…judging, and you do yours…forgiving.
Safetypinlove 