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Devotional – January 12, 2012
VERSE: Luke 20:25–And He said to then, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Casear’s and to God the things that are God’s.” TRUTH: How do we decide ownership? As we are looking at items in our lives, we are to remember that God owns everything that we have. We are to allow Him to direct us in how we use the things He’s allowed us to have. Are we following God’s directions in how to exactly use the things that belong to Him? RESPONSE: Lord, everything I have, including my life, belongs to You. Direct my steps in everything I do so that I may please You, the…
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Devotional – January 11, 2012
VERSE: Luke 19:10–For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. TRUTH: The Lord Jesus came with a purpose. He had a plan and a goal for leaving heaven, coming to earth, and eventually enduring death on the cross. He was to rise victorious so that we, too, could be victorious through Him. When we accept Jesus, our purpose becomes His purpose. We are to be focused on His goals and His plan: to seek and save the lost. What are we seeking today? RESPONSE: Lord, it becomes so easy to seek after so many other things, yet You are seeking the lost.…
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Devotional – January 10, 2012
VERSE: Luke 18:27–But He said, “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.” TRUTH: If you’ve been around church for any length of time, it’s possible you’ve heard this statement before. This is a popular verse and an excellent reminder of God’s power. The question today is, do we live like we believe this is true? It is certainly true, but do we live each day of our live believing it to be true and acting in such a way that it is reflected in our lives? With God, all things are possible. RESPONSE: Lord, it’s easy to read that statement and not know or apply what…
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Book Review – The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
I received this book as a Christmas present. I had never even heard of the book, but noticed that there is a movie coming out this year. I started reading it that evening before bed and told myself that I’d stop at the first good stopping place. Six hours later I finally found the last page of the book and decided that was the best stopping point I could find. This book was intriguing. I can see why this was picked up as a movie. The story line is engaging and moves quickly. There is a lot of drama and action. Katniss is a 16 year old who grows up…
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Devotional – January 9, 2012
VERSE: Luke 17:15–Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back glorifying God with a loud voice. TRUTH: This man, along with 9 others, had come to Jesus asking to be healed. Jesus did not heal them immediately, but instead gave them instructions and sent them on their way. As they went, they were healed, but only this one turned back and praised God. We ask God for things and often God does not answer immediately, However, do we still praise Him when He does answer, even if it’s not when or how we would expect? RESPONSE: Lord, You have done so much for me…
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Devotional – January 8, 2012
VERSE: Luke 16:10–He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. TRUTH: So many people today wish they had more material possessions or money than they do. God’s question to us is not what would we do if we had a lot of money, but instead, how do we use the money and possessions He’s already given us? The way we view and treat money will not change just because we have more of it. We are called to be grateful and faithful with what God has placed in our…
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Devotional – January 7, 2012
VERSE: Luke 15:24–‘for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate. TRUTH: This story is well-known and gives such great hope to people. No matter where we have been or what we have been through, God is waiting for us to return to Him. He is anticipating the return of His children, ready to throw a celebration. Have we come back to the father and received life from Him? Without the Father we are lost, have we returned to Him to be found? RESPONSE: Lord, I am so excited that I have returned to…
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Devotional – January 6, 2012
VERSE: Luke 14:11–“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”TRUTH: What is our goal? Most of the time it is to be successful or well-known, or happy. Yet here Jesus says that if we want to be exalted or lifted up, then we should strive to be humble. The idea is not that we put ourselves down, but rather that we spend our time and energy lifting others up. Who have you lifted up today? RESPONSE: Lord, this can be contrary to our very nature. I pray that You will help me to see and exalt others and not focus or worry about…
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Devotional – January 5, 2012
VERSE: Luke 13:5–I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. TRUTH: Often we think there is a scale by which we measure the wrongs that we do. “Well that was worse than Jane’s, but not nearly as bad as what Sarah did.” Sin does not work that way. There is not a scale, there is only a yes or no question. “Have we done anything wrong?” We all have to answer that with a yes, so we all need to come to Jesus Christ for forgiveness or we will perish. Jesus uses this opportunity to make this very clear to His audience. RESPONSE: Lord, as I…
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Devotional – January 4, 2012
VERSE: Luke 12:31–But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. TRUTH: How often do we find what we are looking for? The answer is that it depends on what we are seeking. We are told to seek after God’s kingdom. The result is that we will find it, plus many other things as well. What things? In the surrounding verses, Jesus touches on having peace from worry, no fear, and physical needs met. If we are seeking God and His kingdom, then He will give us, not necessarily riches or wealth, but peace and security in Him.RESPONSE: Lord, I only want to seek after You. Lord,…