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Christian Devotional – January 31, 2013
VERSE: John 21:21–When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” TRUTH: Jesus had pulled Peter aside to speak with him and give insights into his life, yet Peter’s response is to ask what God’s going to do with another person. Are we focused on what God has for us to do, or do we get distracted wondering what God has for another person? God wants to deal with us specifically; we need to be focused on what God has for us specifically. RESPONSE: Father, I want to follow You no matter what others do or what You have for others. You are worthy of my praise and devotion…
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Christian Devotional – January 30, 2013
VERSE: John 20:21–Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” TRUTH: Jesus came with a purpose. The Father sent Jesus to the world with a message of hope and peace, but also with the purpose of sacrifice. We also have the same purpose. We are to bring the message of hope and peace into the world. We will have to sacrifice in order to be able to do that. Are we willing to be sent in the world just as Christ was sent? RESPONSE: Father, Your message is one of hope and life. You sent Jesus to make that possible through…
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Christian Devotional – January 29, 2013
VERSE: John 19:38–Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. TRUTH: Joseph was a disciple in secret, but when Jesus was crucified, he stepped out of the shadows and conquered his fear. He took a stand and made his allegiance with Jesus very public by asking for Jesus’ body. Are we a disciple in secret and fear or are we a disciple of Jesus for all to see? RESPONSE: Father, I desire the boldness to follow You openly and wholeheartedly today. You are…
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Christian Devotional – January 28, 2013
VERSE: John 18:11–Jesus commanded Peter, “Put the sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” TRUTH: How many of us would have interpreted Peter’s actions as wrong if this situation? After all, Jesus had just prayed to God to find some way out of the path that was coming. It would have been easy for Jesus to see Peter’s actions and think, “Oh, they’re going to fight for me, that is how God is going to change the plan so I don’t have to go through suffering and death. Yea, Peter! Fight!” Instead, Jesus knew what God’s plan for Him was and he had prayed…
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Christian Devotional – January 27, 2013
VERSE: John 17:15–My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. TRUTH: There may be times when we have looked at our situation or circumstances and wished that we could just escape and go home to glory. Yet that is not what Jesus prayed for His disciples. He didn’t ask the Father to take them to heaven to escape the hardships and temptations of this world. Instead, He prayed that they would remain and be protected from evil. God has a plan and purpose for us and as long as He leaves us in the world we have…
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Christian Devotional – January 26, 2013
VERSE: John 16:33–I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. TRUTH: Following Jesus is no guarantee of a happy, worry-free life. In fact, Jesus promises us the opposite. In this world we will have trouble. In this world there will be problems and difficulties and things that cause us to lose heart. But Jesus tells us we are to take heart for two reasons. First, in Jesus we have peace. Second, Jesus has overcome the world. Even in the midst of troubles and problems we can have peace and…
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Christian Devotional – January 25, 2013
VERSE: John 15:1–I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine gardener. TRUTH: If Jesus is the true vine then there are false vines out there we must be on guard against. We must only choose to attach ourselves to the true vine and be nourished only by the true vine, Jesus Christ. He is the one who supplies our needs and keeps us going. Are we a part of the true vine? RESPONSE: Father, I pray that You will show Yourself to me today. I don’t want to rely on anything but You. Help me see the false vines in my life so that I can steer…