Praise and Peace

Philippians 4:6-7


New King James Version (NKJV)

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Throughout the Old Testament we see examples of this scripture being lived out. Moses was hesitant when God called him but once he accepted his commission he never doubted God's awesome power. Even when the Red Sea was before him and the Egyptian soldiers were behind him he knew God would deliver His people. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego showed the same resolve vowing not to ever bow to a man or his statue, praising God's power and glory no matter the out come. Daniel was just as courageous as he faced the lion's den because of his faith.

The New Testament records the same in steadfastness in Stephen, Peter, James, Paul, Silas and John as they faced death, persecution and imprisonment because of their faith.

How can anyone praise God when they are being stoned or are chained in a prison? It takes focus and resolve! I was reminded of the importance of focus as I was driving on a narrow mountain road with an S-curve. I have driven on that road many times. Sometimes I experience anxiety and hit the brakes and sometimes I have complete peace, leaving the cruise on. What makes the difference? It is my focus! If I allow my gaze to look too far into the distance I lose sight of where the road goes and become anxious about the size of the road and possible oncoming traffic, even if there is none. If I am looking to close to the front of my car I become anxious about the degree of the turn and decide the posted speed is not safe after all. But if I keep my focus where it should be I am not anxious or afraid. Peter had the same experience when he got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. As long as his focus was where it should be, on Jesus, he was fine. But as soon as he lost focus and looked at the storm he became anxious and started to sink.

We have the ability to praise God in good times and in storms if we do not take our eyes off of Jesus, then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus!

Father, Creator, You are my strength and my peace! Help me to keep my eyes firmly focused on You and too praise You no matter what! I would rather face any storm with Your peace than to receive any blessing without You in my life! Today I surrender all to be in Your presence! Thank You for calling me Yours! In Jesus powerful name, amen.

Today's Devotional brought to you by Prayer Warrior Michelle Simpson

Acts 15:7-11
New King James Version (NKJV)
7 And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ[a] we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”

I grew up in a Christian home and gave my life to Jesus at a young age. I knew He loved me, but growing up I believed the amount of love you received was dependent on who you were, how you looked or how you performed. Because I believed the love of important people in my life was based on these things I also, mistakenly believed God's love was as well.

In high school I took a Great Religions of the World class an decided in order for God to love me more I needed to convert to Judaism. After much research I was disappointed to learn you had to be born Jewish to actually be Jewish. God's chosen people will always be the Jewish people but how comforting these words from Acts are! They assure us that even though we were not born into the Jewish faith, God loves us too and wants us to be with Him for eternity! He makes no distinction between us and them! So deep is His love for us that He sent His only Begotten Son to pay our debt!

Father, how great is Your love for all of Your children whether Jew or Gentile! Thank You that reached down and touched my life! Thank You that You call me Yours! Help me to never forget that! In Jesus name, amen.

How Much Can YOU Handle? Devotion brought to you by Shelley Brandon. SCwSG Grief and Encouragement Coach

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18

¹⁰ God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

 ^13-18Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Thought for Today: I’ve got a few pet peeves.  Probably more than a few truth be told.  One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone says, “God will never give me more than I can handle.”  Says who?  It’s not in the Bible anywhere, so who decided that God will never give us more than we can handle?

There are people all over the world lying in hospital beds that are facing more than they can handle.  There are millions of people dying from the unsafe water sources they must rely on.  There are more people alive right now that are dealing with more than they can handle than the total population combined just a generation or two ago. 

Try telling an abused child that God will never give you more than you handle.  Tell a mother whose baby just died that God will never give her more than she can handle and I bet she won’t give you a smile back.

The promise of God is not that we will never be given more than we can handle.  Watching my beloved husband die one day at a time for 365 days from terminal brain cancer was more than I could handle…. Alone.

God’s promise is that He will help us handle whatever life gives us.  Ephesians 6:13 tells us exactly what life will give us.  ^“13Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own.”

The enemy spends endless energy trying to give us more than we can handle and his greatest desire is that we blame God when we get too much.  “Why did God do this to me?”  God didn’t do it to you.  The enemy is doing it to you so you will turn your back on the one true God.  We are also told what to do when life gives us too much.  We are to be prepared, we are to, “Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life.”

Where are we to find these tools?  “God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare.”  The Bible is where we find the strength God is offering to us to make it through this earthly life.  Life is hard, God is good.

Prayer

Dearest Lord, Thank you for the weapons that You offer to us for our battles in this life.  We ask that you nudge us every day to spend time in Your word that we may learn how to apply Your armor and be prepared to enter the battle.  In Jesus’ name…. Amen

Today's Devotional brought to you by prayer warrior Michelle Simpson

Name Above All Names

Genesis 14:18  Common English Bible (CEB)

18 Now Melchizedek the king of Salem and the priest of El Elyon[a] had brought bread and wine,
 
 Genesis 16:13

13 Hagar named the LORD who spoke to her, “You are El Roi”[a] because she said, “Can I still see after he saw me?”[b]

Genesis 17:1
1 When Abram was 99 years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am El Shaddai.[a] Walk with me and be trustworthy.

Genesis 21:33
33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beer-sheba, and he worshipped there in the name of the LORD, El Olam.[a]

Genesis 22:14

Darby Translation (DARBY)
14And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh; as it is said at the present day, On the mount of Jehovah will be provided.


Genesis 33:20 (CEB)
20 Then he set up an altar there and named it El Elohe Israel.

Exodus 17:15  Darby Translation (DARBY)
15And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi.

Isaiah 9:6  New King James Version (NKJV)

6 For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

As we look forward to remembering the glorious, triumphant entry of our Saviour Jesus into Jerusalem take time to reflect upon His character. By what name(s) has He revealed Himself to you? If you have clothes to wear, a roof over your head, food to eat, an income or a means of transportation He has revealed Himself to you as Jehovah Jireh, the LORD Who Provides. If you have received salvation you know Him as your Kinsman Redeemer and Saviour. If He has ever led the way into a battle in your life you know Him as Jehovah Nissi, The LORD my Banner. Have you or a loved one experienced healing, then you know Him as Jehovah Raphe, the God Who Heals, the Great Physician.

Today take time to worship God by adding to this list. Write in a journal or share in a comment below how God has revealed Himself to you and by what Names you have come to know Him by! Not only will you be encouraged and rejuevenated but you will encourage others as they see our El Shaddai, Almighty God, at work!

El Shaddai, Abba, Alpha and Omega, You are El Roi, the God Who Sees, You reach down from heaven to earth to touch and enrich our lives. You keep our feet from stumbling. You renew our strength. Today we look forward to Your triumphant return with great anticipation. We want to pave the way, just as they did in Jerusalem so many years ago, with shouts of praise to You for You alone are worthy! In the Name above all names, Jesus, amen!

Today's Devotional brought to you courtesy of Prayer Warrior Laurie L. Thomas

John 3:16-17


New King James Version (NKJV)

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

For God so loved the world....the world, one of the meanings listed for the original Greek word meaning "world" is the inhabitants of the earth, men, the human family. Everyone reading this fits into that category! We are all inhabitants on this earth, members of the human family. That means For God so loved you, me, each of us! Not just those who love Him or those who are obedient to Him, but all of us right where we are today, this very minute! Whether we are struggling with a temptation, an addiction, an affliction, or on a mountain top doing well, God sees us and loves us! He loves us so very much He sacrificed His Only Begotten Son, and Jesus would not have had it any other way. When Jesus prayed in the Garden He asked for the cup to pass from Him, but knowing what had to be done He concluded with, "not My will but Thine be done."

God the Father and God the Son did this so you and I would not perish but have everlasting life. Ever have someone do something nice for you only to have them constantly remind you of what they did for you? That is not what Jesus will ever do! He did not come to point fingers and condemn but to offer us everlasting life with Him in His Kingdom! Wherever you find yourself today remember you are loved! You are worth more than gold or silver! You are worth more to God anything! After all He gave His Son for you!

Father, Redeemer You are God. You did not have to save me but because of Your great love for me You did! I love You LORD because You first loved me! I know that I stumble and fall often, forgive me for all of the times I fail You! Strengthen me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to be Your heart, hands and feet to someone today. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

Courage comes from Prayer

Esther 4:11-16
New King James Version (NKJV)
11 “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that any man or woman who goes into the inner court to the king, who has not been called, he has but one law: put all to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter, that he may live. Yet I myself have not been called to go in to the king these thirty days.” 12 So they told Mordecai Esther’s words.

13 And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”

Esther, and orphan who had been crowned queen, has been called to a task that could cost her her life. Her cousin Mordecai has just disclosed the evil plot to annihilate all of the Jews from the Mede-Persian Empire and asked her to plead their case before the king. Esther had some real fears to contend with. She had become queen because the first queen, Vashti, had refused to obey the king, she knew first-hand the cost of disobedience. She had hidden her Jewish heritage from everyone when she had been taken as a candidate for queen and now she had not been called into the king's presence for 30 days and it would violate the law to go before the king without being called. The task itself seemed fruitless as Persian law stated that an edict from the king could not be overturned even by the king himself.
The fears were real, the task seemed hopeless yet her cousin reminded her that she may have been called "for such a time as this." Esther asks for fasting from everyone. Fasting in the Jewish culture was a time of intimate prayer and fellowship with God. Esther needed courage to do what God had called her to do, so she prayed. Not only did she pray but she enlisted an entire people group of believers to prayer with her and for her and then she resolved that God's will be done in her life. She would do what she was called to do no matter the cost.

Today what has called called you to do. Perhaps, like Esther, you have been called to such a time as this! You may feel insignificant, invisible, unworthy or ill-equipped. Drop to your knees and pray and enlist prayer warriors to pray for you and with you! Then, like Esther, confidently do what God has called you to do. He will equip you and go with you!

Father, Creator, Sustainer, Provider, Thank You for the power we have in prayer. Thank You for friends and family that You have given us who will pray with us and for us! Thank You for going with us into every situation and equipping us for the tasks You have created us for! Father I pray that You would be with me and each one that feels they are not ready, worthy, equipped or fearful of what might come from obedience to You. Give us Your courage and strength to be obedient and do all that You have created us to do. Thank You for Prayer! In Jesus powerful name, amen!

Today's Devotional

Brought to you by Prayer Team member Bobbi Heffel

Colossians 3

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984) biblegateway.com

Rules for Holy Living

 ¹ Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. ³ For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Prayer

Lord, help us to set our minds on those things that will draw us closer to you. May our hearts, minds, attitudes and actions reflect our love for you in everything we do today. Your word tells us in Matthew 6:33-34 ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (NIV1984) So we simply ask that you will help us to stay our hearts and minds on you today. In Jesus’ precious name we pray. Amen

 

Today's Devotional brought to you by prayer warrior Michelle Simpson

Hosea 7:8

Amplified Bible (AMP)

⁸Ephraim mixes himself among the peoples [courting the favor of first one country, then another]; Ephraim is a cake not turned.

 

What kind of cake gets turned? A pancake! If it is not turned over one side gets done but the other side does not. So it is with our lives, if we only allow God access to certain areas of our lives. Ephraim, wanting to ensure safety, had sought treaties with one country after another. Throughout Israel's history God had instructed Israel to trust God for victory over her enemies and not to make treaties. Ephraim professed to belong to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob but put its faith in trust in treaties with its enemies. Because of the close association with her enemies, Ephraim was practicing idolatry, setting up places of worship to the Gods of their enemies. A half-baked hot cake is not good for eating and a lukewarm believer is of no use to God. According to Revelation 3:15-16 God would rather have us cold than lukewarm. We all have areas of our lives that we are afraid to turn over to God. Ask God to reveal those ares to you today. Ask Him to "turn you over" and allow Him to complete the good work He has begun in you. Surrender all of yourselg to Him today. Allow Him to transform you into the image of Christ Jesus by the renewing of your mind.

 

Father, Creator, You have begun a good work in me and promise to see it through to completion until Jesus returns or You call me home. But there are areas I have tried to hide from You and not given You access to. Forgive me Father! You already know everything about me and You still love me! There is no area of my life that is so ugly that You don't wish to clean up and make beautiful. Today I surrender all of me to You. Today I trust You to take every part of my life and turn the ashes in to beauty through Your Son Jesus! In Jesus name I pray, amen!

 

 

Today's Devotional brought to you by Prayer Warrior Michelle Simpson

Matthew 22:39

New King James Version (NKJV)

³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’^[a]

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 22:39 Leviticus 19:18

Matthew 5:43-44

New King James Version (NKJV)

Love Your Enemies

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor^[a] and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,^[b]

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 5:43 Compare Leviticus 19:18
2. Matthew 5:44 NU-Text omits three clauses from this verse, leaving, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

John 15:13

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹³ Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

Genesis 43:8-9

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁸ Then Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones. ⁹ I myself will be surety for him; from my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever.

"Love your neighbor as yourself." Sounds easy doesn't it! The key is in the second half of this verse, "as yourself." Do you...love yourself. Some may say, "Sure" or "I think so". Some may respond with "You don't know me. I am not worth loving." God calls us to love ourselves and then toove our neighbors in the same manner as we love ourselves. The problem is we know all about ourselves. We know our temptaions and how we have given in to them. We know every failure we have ever had and continue to struggle with. We have such a close relationship with ourselves that we know the dark secrets about ourselves no one else does. If we can't tolerate or forgive ourselves how can possibly tolerate or forgive others especially those we perceive as enemies.

God loves us and He believes we are worthy of His love. He loves us so much that He gave His Only Begotten Son for us. Jesus loves us so much that when the time came for Him to be crucified He asked His Father to remove the cup from Him, and then declared, "not my will but thine be done." God loves us so much that He rejoices over us with singing Zeph. 3:17. Imagine God is so delighted with you, He loves you so much He has a song just for you, that He sings over you.

My oldest son gave me great insight into this not long ago. We had been in church and a member had been asked to pray.  As the gentleman prayed he continually talked about undeserving he was. Those words disturbed my son. So after church he approached the gentleman to assure him that God loved him and he deserved God's love because God said he did. Then my son asked me why anyone would pray that way. I explained to Him it was because there is nothing we can do to earn God's love. My son understood that but he explained, "If God says you are desrving of a gift, a blessing, and His love you need to say 'Thank You Lord for loving me' and believe you deserve it or it is like not accepting God's gift at all!" Wow!!! Today thank your Heavenly Father for His gift of love and the gifts and blessings He has given you. Love yourself and believe you deserve it then use those gifts to bring glory to Him. Forgive yourself for your failures, God already has! Like my son pointed out "If God says you deserve it, then you desrve it!" Then see the difference it makes in all of your relationships!

Father, thank You for loving us before we loved you! Thank You for loving us when we are unloveable or unlovely! Help us to love ourselves like You love us so we can then love other as You love them. In Jesus name, amen.

Today's Devotional brought to you by Prayer Warrior Michelle Simpson

Love Requires Sacrifice

John 15:12-14

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹² This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. ¹⁴ You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.

Love one another as Jesus loved us. What does that look like? Jesus gave up everything that we may have an opportunity to have eternal life in heaven. He enjoyed unbroken fellowship with His Father in heaven, He walked streets of gold, could be everywhere and knew everything, nothing was beyond His reach. In heaven Jesus never knew want or need, never knew physical pain or dependency. He was not confined to a physical body. He gave up all of that to come to earth, be confined to flesh, know what it means to hunger and thirst, know the pain of scrapes and cuts and knew the pain that could be inflicted by one person on another. He experienced the pain of separation that death causes, the pain of betrayal of a friend, the deep love of family and the hurt when family doesn't understand you. Jesus came to earth to lay down His life that we might have life. When He did that He experienced something that He had never experienced, the pain of separation from His Father, God. 


Jesus understands the sacrifice of love. This command that He gave us was not given without understanding what it could cost each individual person. This kind of love we are incapable of achieving on our own. We must be willing to put others needs ahead of our own (Romans 12:10), instead of looking for ways to benefit ourselves. God asked Abram to sacrifice his son of promise, the son of his old age as a demonstration of his faith. Abram was willing to do this trusting all the while that God would provide (Gen. 22:1-8). What have you been asked to give up in the name of love? If God is the One asking you to give it up He will give you the strength to do it. The person you give it up to or for may draw closer to God because of your obedience and God will bless your obedience as well!


Father, Creator, Savior, Lover of my soul, thank You for loving me so sacrificially! Teach me to love others like You love! Help me to love sacrificially, compassionately and forgivingly! In Jesus loving name, amen.

Today's Devotional

Brought to you by Prayer Team member Bobbi Heffel

                                                                                              Morning by Morning

Psalm 5:2-4
² Listen to my cry for help,
   my King and my God,
   for to you I pray.
³ In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;
   in the morning I lay my requests before you
   and wait in expectation.

 ⁴ You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil;
   with you the wicked cannot dwell.

Psalm 30:4-6

 ⁴ Sing to the LORD, you saints of his;
   praise his holy name.
⁵ For his anger lasts only a moment,
   but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night,
   but rejoicing comes in the morning.

 ⁶ When I felt secure, I said,
   “I will never be shaken.”

Psalm 59:15-17
¹⁵ They wander about for food
   and howl if not satisfied.
¹⁶ But I will sing of your strength,
   in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
   my refuge in times of trouble.

 ¹⁷ O my Strength, I sing praise to you;
   you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.

Psalm 92

 ¹ It is good to praise the LORD
   and make music to your name, O Most High,
² to proclaim your love in the morning
   and your faithfulness at night,
³ to the music of the ten-stringed lyre
   and the melody of the harp.

Lord, Thank you for today! Thank you for all the challenges, opportunities, hurdles, adventure and fellowship that today holds! It is exciting just to draw breath today because you are near. May my focus be on you today. Please season my words as I speak to any and all that I greet today.In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984) Biblegateway.com

Today's Devotional brought to you by prayer warrior Michelle Simpson

Psalm 121

God the Help of Those Who Seek Him

A Song of Ascents.
¹ I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
² My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
³ He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
⁴ Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
⁵ The LORD is your keeper;
The LORD is your shade at your right hand.
⁶ The sun shall not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
⁷ The LORD shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
⁸ The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.
This is one of the many songs of ascents in the Psalms. These were songs sung by the Israelites as they made their journeys to Jerusalem to worship God in the Temple. They were required to travel to Jerusalem three times a year for the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles. These feasts were known as the Pilgrimage Feasts (Deuteronomy 16:16-17). The journey was long and dangerous for many of the people. They sang these songs to remind themselves of the greatness of God and to stay focused on the pilgrimage rather than the circumstances of the journey. These songs were also sung by the exiles as they returned from Babylonian captivity.

Psalm 121 speaks of God's faithfulness to protect them from the elements. He is there shade from the sun and their protection from becoming moonstruck (a very real fear in those days). They remind each other that God does not slumber or sleep. Night time was particularly hazardous for the travelers. Not only were theives on the road but there was also the threat of wild animals, so it was great comfort to know that God did not sleep but kept a constant vigil over His people. The road was steep, often the trail was narrow with ledges, so again there would have been great comfort in knowing that God would not allow their feet to slip.

God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Do you feel like an exile? Has your journey been trecherous? Sing Psalm 121 today. Claim His awesome protection for you, your family and your situation. He does not slumber or sleep. You are his child! Call out to Abba, Father! He hears and will answer!

Abba, Father, Protector, Mighty God, be with me now! I am like a child frightened by a nightmare. My situation seems impossible and daunting! But this I know, You are God and what seems impossible with man is possible with You!! So I come into Your sanctuary, knowing You are awesome in this place! I cast all of my fears and cares on You Abba, Father and give You praise for what You are doing and for what You are going to do! Thank You Father for everything You have done! In Jesus name, amen.

Devotional

Today's Devotional brought to you by prayer warrior Michelle Simpson
2 Corinthians 5:17 New King James Version (NKJV)

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

What an exciting time of year this is! We have just celebrated the birth of a New Baby, Jesus, who brought the promise of new life in Him. We have new toys, new tools, new appliances, and new clothes. We are looking at putting behind us an old year with all of its triumphs and tragedies and looking forward to a new year full of promise. Because of the hope we feel we are once again ready to make new resolutions on being healthier, kinder, losing weight and a number of other things. Instead of making a new resolution and depending on ourselves why not renew your covenenat with God and ask Him to help you keept. Seek Him first, He is faithful! He keeps His covenant with you and will help you to keep yours with Him!

Prayer Father, thank You for Your faithfulness! Today I give all of myself to You! I ask for your help as I come to You just as I am, broken, dirty in need of You and Your cleansing! Make me a new creation today! in Jesus name, amen.

Devotional

Today's Devotional brought to you by prayer warrior Michelle Simpson
^{Luke 2:7-14
7} And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Glory in the Highest

    ⁸ Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And behold,  an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. ¹⁰ Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
¹⁴“ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Anyone that has ever gone into a stable, unless it was a show barn, noticed several things. First, probably before even entering, would be the stench of animal waste and maybe the smell of fresh hay. Second would have been the filth of the stable, dirt floor. animal waste, leftover feed and possible puddles of water. This is our Savior's first bedroom and this is how our sinful lives appear to God, filthy and bad smelling. Jesus was not afraid to come into that atmosphere then and He isn't now. He waits for us to invite Him into the filth of our lives and allow Him to make it beautiful, clean and new.

The first announcement of the Saviour's birth is to the shepherds abiding in the field. They were probably the poorest of the comunity but they also seem to be the only ones watching and quiet enough to hear. Wise men in another country were also watching and did not miss the Star in the sky and began their journey. God came for all; the poor, the rich, those near, those far and especially for those who lives are not clean and perfect! As we look forward to a New Year, new beginnings and new commitments, why not renew your commitment to Him!

Prayer Father, Saviour, thank You for coming into less than perfect conditions as a reminder that there is nothing to dirty for You to clean up in our lives! There is room in my life for You! Come clean out the dirt and make me new today! In Jesus Cleansing Name I pray, Amen!

This week's Devotionals brought to you by prayer warrior Michelle Simpson

Luke 2:27-33

New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁷ So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, ²⁸ he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
²⁹“ Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
³⁰ For my eyes have seen Your salvation
³¹ Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
³² A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”

³³ And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him.

Simeon had waited his entire life for God's promised Messiah to come to earth. The Bible records that Simeon was very devout and the Holy Spirit was upon Him. God had promised that Simeon would not see death until he saw Jesus. Many in this world are waiting for something in their lives. Some are waiting for jobs, some are looking for basic needs, some for children or grandchildren in their homes, and some are looking for love. I can't promise the answers you are seeking to things like jobs, finances, basic needs, children or grandchildren, but I can promise you can find the love and peace you are loking for! The birthday we celebrated yesterday is conformation of that promise! God sent His only begotten Son because of His great love for us! That baby born more than two thousand years ago changed everything! We have been offered adoption into God's eternal family. We can now approach the throne of grace with boldness and confidence. We can receive forgiveness for our sins and we can receive His Spirit and strength to help us to become all God created us to be!

Thank You Father for the greatest gift I have ever received, the gift of salvation through Your Son Jesus! The gift of Jesus was and still is free for all who choose to receive and unwrap it! Thank You Jesus for leaving all of the riches of heaven and coming to earth, taking on the confines of human flesh and pouring out the love of the Father on the world! Father I pray that I will continue to share the gift of Your love all year long by sharing the changes a Baby, Jesus has made in my life! In Jesus loving, feeing name I pray, amen!

Today's Daily Devotion

Today's Devotion is brought to you by prayer team member Bobbi Heffel

From Trial to Triumph

Luke 23:26-43

The Crucifixion

 ²⁶ As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. ²⁷ A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. ²⁸ Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. ²⁹ For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ ³⁰ Then “‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’

   ³¹ For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

 ³² Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. ³³ When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. ³⁴ Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.  And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

 ³⁵ The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.”

 ³⁶ The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar ³⁷ and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”

 ³⁸ There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

 ³⁹ One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”

 ⁴⁰ But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? ⁴¹ We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

 ⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

 ⁴³ Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

John 19:25-27

Behold Your Mother

 ²⁵ Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶ When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” ²⁷ and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

Matthew 27:45-50

The Death of Jesus

 ⁴⁵ From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. ⁴⁶ About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi    lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

 ⁴⁷ When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”

 ⁴⁸ Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. ⁴⁹ The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”

 ⁵⁰ And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 

Sometimes we find ourselves in a situation that is out of control, unbearable, painful.  Sometimes we feel beat down and ready to give up. We have been hanging on to the last knot in our rope and Friday just won’t get here soon enough. What do we do? How do we go on? 

We follow the example of Jesus. The pain he endured on the cross was unbearable but he knew the Father had a purpose in it. Jesus endured the pain while still thinking of his mother’s needs and making arrangements for her future needs. He had physically been beaten to beyond recognition yet he didn’t hold malice toward the ones who attacked him. Better yet, he asked for forgiveness for the ones that had abused him. While hanging on to humanity and the life left in his body he never called upon the armies of angles at his disposal to rescue him. He lived out that situation knowing that was what he was born for and, that there was a great purpose in it. 

Whatever you are going through God is there with you in the midst of it. As out of control as it seems, he knows about it and he is in control of it. He will use it to refine you and bring you closer to him, if you allow him to. Remember that you aren’t the only one hurting. Reach out to others and help them however you can. Forgive the ones that have hurt you and are currently hurting you. Hang on until God tells you otherwise. We don’t always know why he created us, the task he has for us, or the prosperity he has for us around the next corner. We do know he loves us and we can trust him. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:10-12)

Today’s Prayer

Father, here we are at the holiday season. Everything is decked out for Christmas and everywhere we look hearts and faces are aglow. As wonderful as this time of the year is it can leave us feeling lonely and filled with pain. Lord I pray for those of us who need your loving touch, a fresh filling of your joy, that we would experience your presence anew. Lord, take these things that grab us, hold us or bind us and put them in perspective so that we may leave them at your feet. Holy is you name! You are worthy to receive all glory, power and honor! Thank you for all you have done on our behalf and all you are still doing. Merry Christmas! We love you too! Amen

All scripture used today is from the New International Version 1984 (NIV1984) http://www.biblegateway.com/