Do Good...Today's Devo 5/30/2013

Do Good

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” (Acts 10:38, ASV)

The first thing Jesus did before healing, before ministering, before delivering is that He was good to people. Think about that for a moment. We all have an assignment. You could say that we all have a ministry. It may not be up in front of people. It may not be to go overseas and be a missionary. Our ministry starts by being good to people.

When goodness flows out of our hearts, it catches people’s attention. It causes them to want to know more about what we have. We can say all day long, “I love you,” but true love is seen in what we do. If I really love you, I’ll be good to you. I’ll prefer you. God said to Abraham, “I will bless you and you will be a blessing.” One key to being blessed is: are you willing to be a blessing? Are you willing to do good?

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, today I ask that You empower me to do good. Help me to love others. Use me to be a blessing and be a testimony of Your goodness so that others may come to know You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today's Devo 5/22

The Place of Blessing

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: ‘Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.’ ”

(1 Kings 17:2–4, NIV)

In scripture, God had a place of provision for Elijah. He gave specific instructions, and as long as Elijah obeyed, he would walk right in to His place of blessing.

Just as God directed Elijah to his place of blessing, God is directing you, too. He’s aligning the right opportunities for you and causing the right people to come along your path to help you get ahead. He’s constantly working behind the scenes on your behalf. But you have to do your part to keep your heart in the right place by following His Word. That means living in peace and unity. The Bible says that when we live in unity with other believers, there He has commanded the blessing. And when your heart is in the place of blessing, the rest of your life will be in the place of blessing, too!

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I come to You with a grateful heart. Thank You for leading me and directing my steps. Help me to see others the way You see them so I can honor You and live in unity all the days of my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today's Devo 5/21/2013

He Opens and Closes Doors

 TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.”

(Revelation 3:8, ESV)

God opens doors of opportunity before us that no one is able to shut. But we have to realize, sometimes He also closes doors because He has something better in store. We may see a logical opportunity, but just because it’s the logical way doesn’t mean that it’s God’s way. Just because it happened that way before doesn’t mean it’s going to happen that way next time. That’s why you have to stay open and keep trusting in God. If you’re narrow-minded and only look at the door that’s been closed, you may miss the door He has opened behind you!

Friend, when you are able to let go of your own agenda and trust God, He’ll make sure you see those open doors. Scripture says His Word is what lights our path. Our attitude should always be, “God, I surrender all to You. Have Your way in my life. I trust Your timing. God, I trust You to do it Your way.” Then, step back and see the open door He has prepared for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for ordering and directing my steps. I choose to trust You even when doors close before me. I believe that You have my best interest at heart. I am ready and available. I stand looking for the open door You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today's Devo 5/20

A Song for Today

May 20th, 2013 Rev. Daniel Forster

Music is an instrumental (no pun intended) part of our society today but we as believers often overlook its importance of it in our life in Christ Jesus.

King David was gifted with the talent of music. Undoubtedly, God enjoyed the music that David and others wrote and played for their songs are a part of the book of the bible called Psalms. God even had men assigned as musicians as we see in 1 Chronicles 6:31-32 (ESV): “These are the men whom David put in charge of the service of song in the house of the LORD after the ark rested there. They ministered with song before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting until Solomon built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem, and they performed their service according to their order.”

Music was not just a part of the Old Testament either. Following the last supper, Jesus and all the disciples come together and sang: “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” Matthew 26:30 (ESV)

Music can be a powerful act of worship and reverence to God when it sings of His living Word and Truth. Music is a tool in which to help us keep our mind and thoughts on our Lord.

Sadly, it can be hard for us to keep our mind on God throughout the day. Unless something triggers us to think of Him, we tend to go through our day without paying Him attention, let alone praising and worshiping Him and worshiping Him. Let us use music to remind us of His great truth and not neglect our God.

God, forgive me for not focusing on praising you as much as I should. I want to honor you with the music that I listen to. Help me to integrate worship into my life more. My desire is to praise you in truth and spirit.

Today's Devo 5/18/13

http://www.intouch.org/Resources/BibleStudies/Content.aspx?topic=The_Advantages_of_Goal_Setting_devotional

Put Your Faith into Action!

Posted on May 16, 2013

 

“If you know these things…do them.” Jn 13:17 NKJV

The Bible says, “Faith without works is dead” (Jas 2:20). Certain prayers only get answered when you take action. When the woman with the issue of blood took the initiative, pressed through the crowd and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, He told her, “You took a risk of faith…now you’re well” (Mt 9:22 TM). And on another occasion we read, “As He entered a certain village, there met Him ten…lepers…they lifted up their voices and said, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ So…He said to them, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests’” (Lk 17:12-14 NKJV). According to Jewish law, an unclean person discovered in the vicinity of the temple could be stoned to death. So by following Jesus’ instructions these guys were literally putting their lives on the line. But they did it, and “as they went they were cleansed” (v. 14 NKJV). Jesus said, “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” Your decisions and actions are based on what you believe. One teacher writes: “Anybody can believe sitting in church, or when all is right in their life. But when you get outside, you find out what you’ve really got. Healing power was obviously available, and these men believed Jesus could heal them. That’s why they came to him in the first place. They didn’t doubt His ability…The key was, as soon as they did what Jesus told them they were healed.” So the word for you today is: Put your faith into action.