Ephesians

November 1st – Ephesians 5:20

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Ephesians 5:20

Dr. Charles Stanley once said, “Earthly wisdom is doing what comes naturally. Godly wisdom is doing what the Holy Spirit compels us to do.” The apostle Paul repeatedly instructs believers to live our lives through the guiding of the Holy Spirit. Because if we do, the pull of a worldly, sinful, life is one we can claim victory over. But this only happens when we have hearts of gratitude in all things. For a Spirit led believer is one who thanks God for everything He does in our lives, good and bad. And because we trust that God uses it all for our benefit, (Romans 8:28) we thank Him always in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. God knows us better than we know ourselves, and is the ultimate authority over what we need to become fruitful, mature Christians. So through the highs and lows of life, we can praise Him and sing songs of thanks from hearts filled with melodies of gratitude!

November 1st – Ephesians 5:20 Read More »

October 26th – 1 John 5:19

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

1 John 5:19

Even though God is sovereign, Satan is the current ruler over the world. Meaning his hand is in every wickedness which permeates the earth. His lies and deception never miss a chance to pollute and corrupt everything good, taking pleasure in seeing us fall. But as children of the most high God, we are far from helpless against his machinations. For we as Christian’s have the power of God inside of us through the Holy Spirit. And God’s Spirit equips us for war, as He gives us the strength to turn aside from worldly temptations. For as John tells us, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) Satan will never stop trying to destroy us, and will do all he can to try and undermine our faith. But by putting on the armor of God, as told in Ephesians 6:11, we have everything we need to not only stand up against any and all enemies, but to live a life of victory through our Savior, Jesus Christ.

October 26th – 1 John 5:19 Read More »

October 18th – Ephesians 6:10

1 Comment / Daily Devotional /

Ephesians 6:10

One of my very favorite quotes comes from Abraham Lincoln. He famously said, “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.” This world is filled with troubles, and being a Christian doesn’t make us exempt. In fact it may mean even more trials, suffering, and persecution. But unlike the rest of the world, we don’t fight the battles of life in our power. Instead, we stand in the power and might of God. As Ruler and Creator of all, there is nothing that can overcome God. And nothing that can overcome us when we abide and trust in Him. Each day we need to begin by putting on the armor of God. That way, we can stand strong against the Enemy and victoriously live out God’s will.

October 18th – Ephesians 6:10 Read More »

October 7th – Ephesians 5:1

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Ephesians 5:1

When my son was little he used to love to imitate everything my husband did. From stomping around in his work boots, to pretending he was drinking coffee before going to work. He was always trying to be just like his daddy. And as Christians, we too should be imitators of our Father in heaven. Living lives that reflect the grace, kindness, mercy, and love of Jesus. For the Lord is our perfect example in all things. And with hearts and attitudes of thankfulness, each day we should be striving to grow more into the beautiful likeness of our Savior. That means casting aside our fleshly living with it’s lustful desires, and “me first” attitude. And instead imitating the life of Jesus by walking in truth, obedience, humility, and love. So whoever sees us knows by our actions, to whom we belong. That we are the children of the most high God, and a fragrant aroma to the world!

October 7th – Ephesians 5:1 Read More »

August 20th – Matthew 4:1

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Matthew 4:1

Temptation is everywhere. And I don’t know about you, but more than not, in my fleshly weakness I fall to those temptations. Then it becomes a vicious cycle. I sin, regret it, pray for forgiveness, feel bad for giving in to the temptation, and to numb the pain of failing, I sin again. But thankfully, God’s forgiveness is unending, and His patience inexhaustible. Because He too faced temptation. The Lord knows the struggle of fighting the Tempter, a relentless enemy who longs for our destruction. Yet in the desert facing down Satan, Jesus was victorious. With each temptation the Lord fought back with the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Eph. 6:17) A mighty weapon available to each of us, and one that stops evil in its tracks. So when temptation rears it’s ugly head, I can rejoice knowing that God won’t let me be tempted beyond what I can bear. (1 Cor. 10:13), forgives me when I fail, and provides the path of victory through His precious Word!

August 20th – Matthew 4:1 Read More »

July 28th – Ephesians 2:8

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Ephesians 2:8

We’ve all heard the phrase, nothing in life is free. And it’s true. Everything must be paid for. And so it is with salvation. Eternal life is a gift from God, and one He offers freely to all. Yet although this gift costs us nothing, God paid the bill with His own blood. He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die on a Cross of wood to provide to us His gift of love. A gift we ourselves can never  purchase nor earn, and one more precious than silver or gold. And all we have to do to get this gift is simply to believe. For when we truly believe that Jesus is Lord, and receive Him as our Savior, because our faith, through the amazing grace of God, He extends to us His gift of everlasting life. That’s how much God loves us! And because He wants us with Him for eternity, He gave everything to make it happen. So if you haven’t yet, I urge you to open your heart to Him, and receive the greatest gift you will ever be offered!

July 28th – Ephesians 2:8 Read More »

July 16th – Ephesians 2:18

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Ephesians 2:18

As fallen beings, we are all born into bondage. Our sin nature makes us spiritually dead in our transgressions, slaves to unrighteousness, and separated from God. This causes us to live in darkness and shame, unable to behold His Shekinah glory. But the moment we receive Jesus as our Savior, the darkness is lifted, our shackles broken, and are hearts reborn. Through His precious shed blood, Jesus provides the path to freedom for all. Freedom from sin, death, and most wonderful of all, separation from our Heavenly Father. Now we are free not only to fellowship with the Lord, but to approach God’s throne of grace boldly and with confidence to receive His mercy and grace. (Heb. 4:16) And through this grace, together we are made alive with Christ, raised up, and seated with Him in heavenly places. (Eph. 2:5-6)

July 16th – Ephesians 2:18 Read More »

June 6th – Psalm 118:5

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Psalm 118:5

Although we may not find ourselves on a physical battlefield surround by enemies, we are in a real war for our very souls. For as Paul warns us, “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephs. 6:12) The battle is real, and against the ruler of this world, Satan, we need all the help we can get. We need the protection of almighty God. For we cannot win the war on our own. And crying out to God in our distress is our greatest weapon. Because the Lord answers the pleas of His children, and like He did with the psalmist, God will set us on a high place. A place of freedom on all sides for our hearts and minds. And a freedom no enemy can take away.

June 6th – Psalm 118:5 Read More »

June 19th – Jude 1:21

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Jude 1:21

As the days grow closer to the Lord’s return, Jude warned that Christians need to closely guard our hearts. With the increase of false prophets, false doctrine, and the ridicule of our faith, it’s easy to see why Jude issued his warning. So how do protect ourselves from the attacks of the Enemy and the wickedness of the world? By keeping ourselves in the love of God. When we abide in Him, and He in us, are hearts become fully connected to the Lord, which no scheme of Satan can penetrate. And we are to follow the advice of the apostle Paul who tells us to each morning put on the full armor of God. (Eph. 6:11). For when we do, we can face each day wrapped in His divine protection as we wait in fervent hope for the mercy of our Lord and His soon return.

June 19th – Jude 1:21 Read More »

It Isn’t Fair – Matthew 19-20

Leave a Comment / Bible Study /

 

Matthew 19-20

During His time on earth, Jesus taught about the kingdom of heaven using parables. In chapter 20 we learn the story of the workers in the vineyard. At first glance it seems a tale about an unjust landowner who pays his workers unfairly. But in actuality it’s a lesson on grace and how “the last shall be first, and the first last”. …

It Isn’t Fair – Matthew 19-20Read More »

It Isn’t Fair – Matthew 19-20 Read More »