Short Devotions For Today's ChristianIf you don't mind, I would like to tell you a little bit about Danna... After Danna's mother had went home to be with the Lord... the lost would no doubt, be devastating to her family. And although the pain would ripple throughout, it would be Danna's sisters that really had a rough time dealing with the sudden loss of their mother.
And to make matters worse, Danna's sisters lived far apart from her. Because of this, Danna would constantly pray and ask God to help her to find a way to console her sisters. Needless-to-say being that they lived far apart, consoling them would prove to be extremely difficult. Eventually, Danna's prayers would be answered and because of this, the Lord revealed to her that she would be able to send her sisters Scriptures and words of encouragement, by way of text messaging. So immediately Danna would indeed, start texting her sisters. The improvement in them was noticeable from the very start. Eventually God would allow other people to come across Danna's path. For they too, were going through rough times as well. So Danna would begin sending the people who had crossed her path -- Scriptures and words of encouragement via text messaging as well. And they too, were blessed. The work that God had placed in Danna's hands would grow, and along with it, her desire to reach out and help more people. Personally I'm so glad and honored that Danna would choose this site "Christian Resources Today" as a way to reach more people around the world. I just want to take this moment, to say: Thank you Danna for sharing your God-given gifts and talents and short devotions from the Bible with us. This Short Bible Devotion deals with understanding that the strength to start over comes from having the knowledge of God's Word, and a constant, developing good relationship with the Lord. Knowing that you must pray and feed from the Word of the God daily. Knowing that the more time you spend alone with God - the more willing you will be, to learn how to have the Spirit of the Lord teaching and guiding you in your everyday life. This Short Bible Devotion deals with knowing that when God places us in the fire, while He watches silently, as the sinful dust of this world, and the lust of our eyes, and our prideful ways, melts off of us and fall into that "fire." That we should: "Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations." -- (James 1:2) And we must remember that God is that Refiner and Purifier within our life, and although He silently sits nearby, know that God is still working on our behalf. Enduring the Trials of Temptation This Short Bible Devotion deals with not losing hope by hanging our heads when we face tough challenges in our life, for we must know that the trials of temptation that we may face, is nothing but a readiness-test that should further prepare and equip us for the real purpose that the Lord has placed on our lives. These trials of temptation in which I'm referring to, should be looked at as a friendly reminder that God is in full control and that His prefect will for our lives will be done. This Short Bible Devotion deals with having an understanding that when we make statements about our faith, or when we are witnessing or just sharing, it's important that the statements we are making about Jesus Christ are biblical, searchable and clear, especially when we are sharing with non-believers. Let's make sure our statements are not our opinion, rather documented facts that we can point to in the Word of God. C.U.T.S - Christians United To Serve This Short Bible Devotion deals with being aware that there are many of us who know they have been given a task by God to fulfill, and rest assured that nothing has been written down to tell them of this mission, nothing has been spoken to them by any person or angelic being, and yet, we find that they have a thirst and hunger on the inside, that's driving them to complete the work that the Lord has called them out to do. This Short Bible Devotion deals with having the understanding that when we stray from the voice of Jesus Christ, His rod and staff will make our crocked paths straight, our lofty behavior will be humbled, and the pride of our eyes will be closed. All of this takes place, so we may be reined back into the sheepfold and be reminded through instructions about the importance of righteousness. This Short Bible Devotion deals with knowing that when we here the word "give" one might think about the practice of one giving their "tithes and offerings." However to give means so much more... Know that the Lord gave to us first, in order to show us how to give. And make no mistake, this "example of giving" in which God gave to us... is perfect. Bringing God Back to Number One This Short Bible Devotion deals with trusting God and making Him once again, number one in your life. Also know that God will never mandate this, being that this is ultimately your decision. But know that the Word of God, declares that if one were to stay focus on the Heavenly Father and not their problems, if one were to rest in God's shadow, and not the shadows of the dark valleys they may find themselves journeying through - then God will be your fortress, your provider, the One in whom you can absolutely trust, to make everything okay. This Short Bible Devotion deals with not being afraid to put your sins on the table, for some may see this as a mistake. But God (our saving grace) sees this as an act of obedience, which is a testament to your unwavering faith. Let's not forget that God promised to sustain and to supply all our needs. This Short Bible Devotion deals with being challenged when it comes to having enough faith and trust in the Lord, so much so, that we may begin asking God for an official new start in life. And by doing so, we can be direct daily beneficiaries of God's continuous gift of mercy and grace. Tienes Fe - Do You Have Faith? This Short Bible Devotion deals with bringing forth the question: "Do you have faith?" Focusing on the time that Jesus wanted the disciples to know more when it came to their ministry. This devotion reminds us that the intensity and the difficulty of the fight don't matter and that the fighter must use the same weapon of faith at all times. This Short Bible Devotion deals with recognizing the daily examples that God constantly use to bless us with and knowing that these examples are apart of the One thousand things a day that He provides for us. For it shows just how much He loves us. This Short Bible Devotion deals with those who aren't sure of their faith and trust, when it comes to the Lord Jesus Christ? And now they're thinking about another way to live, instead of accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior and also as the head of their life? For they must know that Satan will ask for them, so he may shift them like wheat. This devotion reminds them about the importance of learning how to let the Lord fight their battles and how to take everything that concerns them to God in prayer. This Short Bible Devotion deals with being prepared to answer the door when Jesus comes a knocking. Make sure you've prepared yourself to humble your heart and please answer the door and let the Lord into your life. And when you do, again, make sure you tell Him about all of your troubles. And know that while you're telling Him about your problems, know that He's forever faithful to resolve them for us, one by one. This Short Bible Devotion is a reminder that suggests to us that today now that we have been sanctified and now that we strive to live the life of Christ, now that we are the center-cuts of God's creation, it's time to face the fires of this world, boldly and courageously. For we must know that we have been seasoned for this very reason. And this is why we must give our best offering to those around us for God. And beginning today, say no to temptation for the sake of the Eternal Kingdom, and again today, remembering that Jesus has already paid the price for our sins. This Short Bible Devotion is a reminder that when it comes to us as Christians, we must remember that it's only after we are saved, when we should expect that Satan will send towards us his "fiery darts" that's poisoned with persecution and affliction. And the reason why we should expect this type of attack is because he knows we now belong to God. This is why I believe that these "fiery darts" are actually a plea by the devil...? This Short Devotion from the Bible deals with recognizing the example that Ruth had set within the Sacred Record. Being that Ruth could somehow find a way to go beyond what she knew at that time in her life, in order to be closer to God. Then one could wonder, how much further can we go with all the knowledge we have in today's time? Foretasting through the Holy Spirit This Short Devotion from the Bible deals with recognizing that the gift of the Holy Spirit is a sampling, or foretaste of what's to come when it comes to inheriting the Kingdom of God. This Short Devotion from the Bible deals with having the understanding that when it comes to the process that makes a garden flourish - pruning is a major piece of that process. For we find that when it comes to pruning, it deals simply with the cutting away of anything that's going to stop the abundance of growth from happening from within the garden. This Short Devotion from the Bible deals with knowing that when you see one, the other one is not far behind - for when you doubt, by default - you call "worry" to tag along. This dysfunctional team duet that consists of "doubt" and "worry" - was forged together to wreak havoc upon the life of the believer. This is why one must be careful, for if you don't, this dangerous duet will tear down your belief system, and will eventually cut through the foundation of who you truly are, when it comes to Christ Jesus. This Short Devotion from the Bible deals with knowing that the law is spiritual, and that we are carnal creatures that are sold under to our sinfulness. And that we don't understand the things that we do, and why we do them. And even though we wish to do better, we constantly fail at trying to achieve. And it gets confusing because we continue to do the things we claim that we hate. This is why we must press forth when it comes to our prayer life, and continue to cry to our almighty heavenly Father for assistance when it comes to doing what's right when it comes to His eyes. Acts 13:44-48 states: "On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. "Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, 'It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us: "I have set you as a light to the Gentiles that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth."' "Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed."
Believing in a faithful God, should be without effort and without doubting. Believing in the God of the universe should place us in a state of undeniable awe. Believing should feel like breathing. Instead for most, believing requires a sign, a miracle, or some radical faith. Today let's just believe God at His Word -- Amen. Jeremiah 20:7-9 states: "O Lord, You induced me, and I was persuaded; You are stronger than I, and have prevailed. I am in derision daily; everyone mocks me. For when I spoke, I cried out; I shouted, 'Violence and plunder!' "Because the word of the Lord was made to me, a reproach and a derision daily. Then I said, 'I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name.' But His word was in my heart like a burning fire, shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not." There's no one left who needs to hear your story. There's no one left who needs to hear how much God loves you. That word God gave you; you know the one that keeps you running for Jesus, It no longer needs to be shared. That miracle baby. That near lost of life. That restored relationship. Please keep that to yourself. That's what Jeremiah wanted to do. That's what most Christians are doing today. We have been given a word, a testimony to speak in the name of the Lord. We have been given instructions to "Go and make disciples of all men" The fire you won't speak about. The fire that's shut up in your bones. That's the very thing this dying world is waiting to hear about today. I ask you, has your fire been quenched? The four plus billion people who don't know Jesus, won't know Jesus unless we share Jesus with them, in our words to them and in our actions toward them -- Amen. John 1:19-23 states: "Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, 'Who are you?' He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, 'I am not the Christ.' And they asked him, 'What then? Are you Elijah?' He said, 'I am not.' "Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, 'No.' "Then they said to him, 'Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?' He said: 'I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord, as the prophet Isaiah said.'"
Now we must not only say it in words, but in our actions as well. Remember we are the ambassadors for Christ. It is up to us to make straight the way of the Lord.
Today let the voice of one, turn the hearts of many, to Jesus Christ -- Amen. Psalms 116:8-14 states: "For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living. I believed, therefore I spoke, 'I am greatly afflicted.' I said in my haste, 'All men are liars.' "What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord, now in the presence of all His people."
Whatever else you do today, don't let the sun go down before you render to the Lord thanksgiving praises -- Amen. Luke 16:19-24 states: "There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. "The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades [hell], he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.'"
Remember we live in a dying world and for many our light (from Jesus), may be the only example of Jesus that many people will see today. Share the words of Jesus Christ today, tell people that He saves; and tell someone about the goodness of God -- Amen. Psalms 34:1-4 states: "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." David believed with every fiber of his being, that God controlled the universe and his life. David knew that nothing he asked of God was too hard for the Almighty. David's faith, lead him to always take everything to God in prayer. When David was thirsty he prayed to God. When David wanted to know why he was so blessed, he prayed to God. David's faith drew him to God when he prayed for his enemies. David's faith drew him to God when his life was in danger. David's faith drew him to God even when he cried out for forgiveness. What draws you to God? What causes you to say LORD HELP? When we think of how faithful David was to seek the Lord in all things, let's remember to use that same measure of faith in our own lives to seek God, regardless if it's because we thirst, or if we are afraid. Let your faith draw you to the Lord today and start blessing the Lord at all times. And let His praise continually be in your mouth -- Amen. Isaiah 45:18-19 states: "For thus says the Lord, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: "I am the Lord, and there is no other. I have not spoken in secret, In a dark place of the earth; I did not say to the seed of Jacob, 'Seek Me in vain'; I, the Lord, speak righteousness, I declare things that are right." Abraham was already wealthy when God told him to go out from his country. Abraham had already lived a long full life, when God gave him the promise of a son. So why go? Hannah was already married to a man that loved her in spite of no children. Hannah was already blessed by her husband, with a double portion of all his sacrifices. So why cry out? The woman at the well had already accepted the fact, that she was considered unclean. The woman at the well had already learned how to avoid, the scornful eyes of the towns' people. So why ask for water?
But there is a purpose that God has created us for and only God can reveal this purpose to us, and it's this purpose that keeps us, from living empty lives. Today, let God show you your purpose, by calling on Jesus Christ -- He knows who you are and what you stand in need of -- Amen. Jeremiah 1:5 states: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you..." Matthew 28:19 states: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." When Jesus was about to ascend into Heaven, He gave his disciples the B.I.B.L.E.(Basic Instructions Before you Leave Earth). Have you decided to follow Jesus? Can you say no, to turning back to your sinful ways? What if none go with you, when you choose to follow the Lord -- will you still follow Him? Today if you should choose to accept this mission, here arethe B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before you Leave Earth) -- you will need. Go and make disciples of all the nations. Go and live your life, according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Go and let your light, shine throughout the darkness of this cold and corrupted world, so that mankind will be inspired and led, when it comes to glorifying, and calling on the name of the Heavenly Father -- Amen. Galatians 5:9 states: "A little leaven, leavens the hold lump." In Rome during the rein of Caesar, Christians were persecuted for their faith in many ways, some were stoned to death, tortured to death, fed to lions and some were set on fire. But each time, before they were persecuted, Christians were given a chance at redemption, they just had to take a pinch of incense and place it on the coals and say that Caesar was God and they would be freed. When ever a recipe calls for just a pinch of an ingredient, that's says to me, that this ingredient has enough power to change the entire essence of the recipe with just a pinch. If you are a little angry, then you are angry. If you are a little hurt, then you are hurt. If you are a little lost, then you are lost. But if you share a little bit of Jesus today, then you might help, save a life. Remember, a little goes a long way -- Amen Romans 6:23 states: "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Roman 8:32 states: "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" Matt 20:28 states: "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." How much does sin cost? Everything! How much does sin take? Everything! Who has the power to remove sin? Jesus Christ! We have been justified, sanctified, and glorified by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who gave everything to save us -- even His life. So I ask you, what do you plan to give Jesus today? Will it be strife with others, conflict, or bitterness and resentment? What about your hopes and dreams, or your plans and desires? Whatever you decide to give Jesus today, make sure to leave it with Him, so He can work it out and rule in your favor -- Amen. Genesis 1:26 states: "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.'" Having dominion means to rule as God's agent, as God's elect, as God's person in charge, and if people are going to rule as God rules, they would need to rule wisely and prudently. When we look at the greatness in nature: We see that the crab can live on land or under the sea. The brown bear can sleep for four months uninterrupted. The hammerhead shark can smell a drop of blood among a million drops of water. God's most glorious passion is you and I, and we are the only creation He requires a personal relationship with daily. Not birds or bear or rabbits. So today, let's renew our relationship with the Lord and make God the Greatest of all our obsessions -- Amen. In ancient times, animals especially sheep were used for many things, like temple sacrifices, for food, for cover, and most of all for profit. Many times sheep were left unattended by the hirelings, and the wolves would come and eat the sheep. Sometimes people are treated the same way: they are sacrificed for someone else' good time, used for the desires of others, and several have been used for a profit. Take note on what Jesus said... John 10:11-16 states: "I am the good shepherd and the good shepherd gives His life for the sheep, but a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. "The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd." Can you hear the voice of the Lord in your struggles saying: "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." Can you hear the voice of the Lord, when you feel alone and abandon saying: "I will never leave you nor forsake you." And this also tells us, so we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" Today remember Jesus will protect and guide us always, for you see, He knows the way we must go -- Amen. Proverbs 22:6 states: "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it." Romans 8:26-28 states: "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. "Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." The patterns of the Christian life run from suffering to glory. We fall down, and then we walk. We get tired, and then we run. We can't finish the race, and then we are mounted up on wings of eagles. For you see, we do not walk or run alone, there is one who is with us at all times -- The Holy Spirit, whom God sent to dwell within us. The Holy Spirit is willing to carry you today, so that you may soar over troubled waters and fly passed heavy burdens. So that our Christian life patterns, can move from defeated lives, to purpose filled living. So that we can go from listening for Jesus, to knowing you hear Him when he calls, and from calling on Jesus -- to Jesus calling on you. So today, let's complete the pattern and finish the race -- Amen. Proverbs 27:17 states: "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." 2 Kings 6:4-7 states: "So he went with them, And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water and he cried out and said 'Alas, master! For it was borrowed.' "So the man of God said "Where did it fall?" And he showed him the place. So he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float. Therefore he said, 'Pick it up for yourself.' So he reached out his hand and took it." Jesus is the friend who sharpens us to look more like him. Jesus is the one we cry out to, to make it right and fix us. Jesus is the one who stirs the waters of healing on our behalf. Today remember Jesus has finished the work when he was nailed to the cross and now salvation has been laid before us. So if we are going to live the life of Jesus If we are going to live free If we have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us, then we have to pick if up for ourselves -- Amen. Ezekiel 30:13-16 states: "Thus says the Lord God: 'I will also destroy the idols, And cause the images to cease from Noph; There shall no longer be princes from the land of Egypt; I will put fear in the land of Egypt. "I will make Pathros desolate, Set fire to Zoan, And execute judgments in No. I will pour My fury on Sin, the strength of Egypt; I will cut off the multitude of No, And set a fire in Egypt; Sin shall have great pain, No shall be split open, And Noph shall be in distress daily.'" Temporal Things Never Last: For they were great cities, yes indeed they were adorned. Temples and monuments were built within these cities, but not for the God of the universe, but for themselves to say how great they were, not for the Great "I AM" These were the greatest cities of the ancient world, today they lay in ruins and forgotten. Let's build for the kingdom of God today, and not for ourselves. For we know what we build for ourselves, may one day; lay in ruins, but what we build for the glory of God (you know a life, a family, a career, a ministry), these things will stand the test of time -- Amen.
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