Tag: Devotionals

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Detestable Practices

7 When you brought in foreigners, uncircumcised in both heart and flesh, to occupy my sanctuary, you defiled my temple while you offered my food—the fat and the blood. You broke my covenant by all your detestable practices. 8 You have not kept charge of my holy things but have appointed others to keep charge of my sanctuary for you.’CSB (Ezekiel 44:7).

This is an Old Testament law for sure, but it has a New Testament application. It is referring to the physical temple first built by Solomon, then destroyed by the Babylonians, rebuild by Nehemiah, refurbished by Herod, and later destroyed again by the Romans in AD 70. This verse is God Himself speaking to His people, the Israelites. They were allowing, but not just allowing, they were actually bringing uncircumcised, non-Jews into the Temple. The law only made allowances for circumcised Jews to come into the Temple. So, when they did that, they broke God’s covenant with them, because they defiled the holy Temple, where the presence of God aboded.

The Scriptures state that we are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is, Himself, God. So, when we apply this law to our day, it looks like this. When you watch unwholesome movies with cussing, and excessive violence, nudity, and other ungodly stuff in it, or when you tell crude jokes, or partake in other unwholesome activities you are bringing uncircumcised things into the sanctuary. In so doing, you are in fact defining God’s sanctuary, which is us, our hearts, our minds, our body. We defile God’s temple while saying that we are worshiping God. We offer praise with defiled minds, and lift up defiled hands. Our worship is defiled when we watch porn on our computers, cellphones, or on TV.

Here is the problem. When we partake in such things, it is not just a one time thing. That thing comes in and occupies the sanctuary. It takes up residence in our minds, and in our imaginations, and they become corrupted. It will take only God and the blood of Jesus to sanctify them again. Therefore, God is not pleased with this type of detestable practices. He commanded us to be holy just as He is holy.

So, let us determine that this New Year we will seek Him with everything in us, and live holy, righteous lives. Let us forsake the detestable practices and seek the face of God, so that we might live and not die.

Heavenly Father, please help me to live righteously for You. Strengthen me when I’m weak as You lead me in the path of righteousness. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.

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Stay In The House

Proverbs 21:9, 19 CSB
[9] Better to live on the corner of a roof than to share a house with a nagging wife.
[19] Better to live in a wilderness than with a nagging and hot-tempered wife.

I saw a short (a video that lasts a minute or less) the other day with a woman saying that one of the most demonic phrases we have today is “happy wife, happy life.” Now, personally, when I heard that, I thought that was an odd phrase to choose as the most demonic, but I tried to hear her out. She went on to say that you’re speaking things over your life, and now you’re walking on eggshells around your wife. And I thought, that’s not at all what that saying or phrase means.

“Happy wife, happy life” means that as a husband, if you take care of your wife, she will take care of you. I heard a man put it this way “Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she’ll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she’ll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she’ll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she’ll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her. So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of [poop]!”

In other words, if you have a happy wife, then you will have a happy life. The Bible confirms this by saying that a man who finds a wife finds a good thing. But it doesn’t just stop there because it clarifies what kind of wife. A happy wife because a grumpy, nagging, angry wife is worse than living alone in the wilderness. What’s Solomon saying? I believe he’s saying happy wife, happy life. That encompasses different things.

You and your wife have to be in love. Today, love is defined by saying “love is love” therefore, we never truly know what love is. We can’t define it. We can’t explain it. We don’t truly know what it is. We believe it’s something we can fall in and out of, when in actuality love is a house you enter in and then commit to never leave.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Stay In The House.

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God’s Promises Are Trustworthy

14 “And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the LORD your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed. 15 But just as all the good things that the LORD your God promised concerning you have been fulfilled for you, so the LORD will bring upon you all the evil things, until He has destroyed you from off this good land that the LORD your God has given you, 16 if you transgress the covenant of the LORD your God, which He commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them. Then the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you, and you shall perish quickly from off the good land that He has given to you.” ~ Joshua 23:14-16

By now, Joshua is old and advanced in years. He had led Israel for many years. He is now 110 years old, and the time of his death has come. He and Caleb were the only two men of fighting age who came up out of the land of Egypt during God’s great deliverance of the Israelites out of the land of slavery to enter the Promised Land. All the other men of fighting age perished in the desert because of unbelief. He knows how fickle these people are. So, he gathers the whole assembly of people, all the tribes of Israel, he calls them to Shechem and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers, and there he presented them before God.

Joshua reminded them of where they came from and what God had done for them, and what He was still doing for them. He knew that they were prune to stray from their God, so he warned them to fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and in faithfulness. He also told them, “Look, you yourselves know that all of God’s good promises have been fulfilled for you.” Not one of His good promises has failed.

Now, here is the kicker. Now, in verse 15, Joshua begins to explain to the people saying, Look, The LORD your God has fulfilled all of the good things that He promised concerning you, but please understand that just like He fulfilled the good things, He will also bring upon you all the evil things that He has promised, until He has destroyed you from off this good land that He has given you.

Therefore, the LORD our God is a promise keeper. Whether the promise is good or whether it is for evil, as long as the requirements are fulfilled, God will bring that promise to pass. Now, understand this, God has given us great and awesome promises. Some are great blessings, and others are not so great.

For instance, Jesus promised that He will be back to get all of us who love Him and are waiting for His appearing. He also promised that if you are not waiting or do not desire Him, you will be left behind. So, just like God fulfilled all of His promises to ancient Israel, so will He fulfill all of His modern promises to us.

Therefore, stay awake, pay attention, and watch and pray so that you will not be left behind. Jesus is coming back real soon.

Heavenly Father, thank You that You are a promise keeper, and You will fulfill everyone of Your good promises to me, good or bad. Help me to be obedient so that You can fulfill Your great and awesome promises to me, and that I might reap the fat of the land, and live in your abundance. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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The First Christmas Morning

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. ~ Luke 2:1-7

This is the story of the first real and true Christmas. For in the fullness of time, God sent His only begotten Son, loved and adored by all of heaven and by the Father. Prized among the believers, rejected by men, and despised by the nations. But yet He came that we might have the promise of Christmas, and this was the very first Christmas morning. But many things had to all happen in sync, and in order, and everything had to be in harmony with each other and with Scriptural prophecy.

Caesar Augustus sent out a decree ordering all people in the Roman Empire to go to their own place of ancestral heritage to be registered for tax purposes. Mary and Joseph also went from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea to be registered. Although Mary was so far along in her pregnancy, still, she and Joseph had to travel to the City of David to be registered just in time for Mary to give birth to her firstborn Son, our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. If it was not for the decree Mary and Joseph would not have a reason to be in Bethlehem, and Jesus would be born in the town of Nazareth. But God, in His omnipotence, looked down the corridors of time and saw and predicted what must take place.

Therefore, without even knowing it, by sending out that decree, Caesar ensured that God’s prophecy, which declared that the Messiah shall be born in Bethlehem, would come to pass. The Proverb, (Proverbs 19:21), that says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails” NIV is proved true. Many things had to happen all in sync and all in harmony as per Scripture. That is why we have Christmas, because God loved us so that He gave Jesus on that very first Christmas morning that whosoever believes and accepts Him shall live forever with Him.

Thank You, Father, that You gave us Your only begotten Son, our LORD, and Savior Jesus Christ, that we might live through His sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. May we always honor Your birth, LORD Jesus, on that very first Christmas morning. And may we always value and appreciate Your sacrifice, and may we love and wait patiently for the hope of Your appearing. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Keep Watch By Night

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and 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 among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. ~ Luke 2:8-18

The shepherds were in the fields watching their flock by night. They were right where they needed to be. They were doing their job as they were supposed to. They could’ve called it a night and ended their day early. Instead, they stayed at their post. They stayed where they were supposed to be, and God honored their dedication by sending an angel to them. When the angel appeared, they were terrified. They didn’t know what to do. They were in the fields, so there was nowhere to run or even hide. Little did they know that great fear would soon turn to great joy, for the Messiah had come to redeem all peoples.

Sometimes, good news and God’s plan for your life are initially scary, but if you remain in His path and put your trust in Him, God will reward that faithfulness with the fulfillment of that Good News. This Christmas, continue in your call, regardless of what you have going on. Continue in your race regardless of how tiring it may be. The LORD will honor your diligence. Then, when the opportunity for your reward comes, don’t allow fear to keep you from it. The Devil will always try to strike fear into your heart before the LORD rewards you and blesses you with a harvest you were not even expecting.

I doubt the shepherds went out the night expecting to see the newborn savior of the world. How amazing of a gift. You started the night with work and ended it with rejoicing and witnessing the greatest prophecy being fulfilled right before their eyes. Continue in your call; you never know how the LORD will reward you for your dedication.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Keep Watch By Night.

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Let It Be Done

35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. ~ Luke 2:10-11

I want you to really think about what Mary was going through when the angel came to her. She was an unmarried woman. She was betrothed to a man, and now she was pregnant. She had to convince not just her family but her fiancé that she had not been unfaithful to him. This wasn’t like today, either. During Mary’s day and age, this offense that she seemed to be guilty of was punishable by death. Not a quick death either, but being stoned to death. How terrifying. No evidence or proof did she have that could keep her safe from man’s judgment, yet she didn’t give into fear. She boldly told the angel, “Let it be done to me as you have said.”

Mary could have easily said this burden is to heavy for me to hold. My shoulders aren’t strong enough. I can’t do this. This is too much for me. And God, being the free-will God He is, would have accepted her refusal and used someone else. Mary didn’t have to accept this frightening task from God, but she did. She chose to accept this terrifying call of giving birth to the Messiah. The Son of the Living God.

Dear LORD, please help me to accept the call You have for my life, regardless of what it is. Regardless of how hard, dangerous, terrifying, or too heavy it may seem to me. Teach me to trust You enough that I might follow the path You have laid before me. Help me to have faith and dwell in Your perfect love that casts out all fear. Please, LORD, don’t allow me to miss out on what You have for me because of fear. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Look To The True Light

2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. ~ Isaiah 9:2

During this Christmas season, when we are surrounded by the lights on the trees, homes, and bushes, let us not forget the true Light of Christmas. Jesus came to earth to be the Light of the World. He came first to the Jews to honor His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Then, He shone His light into the entire world. His coming wasn’t just for the Jews but for all of mankind. All of us were once walking in darkness, but now, all of us have been given the opportunity to see the Light of Christ.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Look To The True Light.

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Take Some Time

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). — Matthew 1:23 (NIV)

As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded of the most beautiful and profound truth: God chose to be with us. The name “Immanuel” captures the heart of the Christmas story: God with us. This simple yet powerful name declares that the Creator of the universe came to dwell among us in the person of Jesus Christ. That we, though unworthy, are loved by God, and He desires to have us with Him.

Jesus’ birth was not just a historical event; it was the fulfillment of God’s promise to be with His people. For generations, the people of Israel longed for the Messiah. They hoped for a Savior who would deliver them from oppression, bring peace, and restore the kingdom of Israel. Little did they know that this Savior would come to parents of no esteem or valor but regular, common people.

When God chose to send Jesus, He didn’t come in glory or might. He came in humility and simplicity. He wasn’t born to nobles in a palace or scholars in the temple but to two commoners. Why? Because their hearts were willing to follow the LORD and be used by Him, however He saw fit. In the midst of our busyness and distractions during this Christmas season, I want you to take some time and think about what it means that God chose to come near to us in such an intimate and personal way. How, unlike many other religions, ours has a savior that is near and not far off. A savior who dwells with us, in us, and through us.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Take Some Time.

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Let’s Celebrate Christmas

17 For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. ~ 2 Corinthians 2:17

Christmas is the epitome of gift exchange. I’m not sure why Christians are so up in arms over the commercialization of Christmas. Yes, Christmas is exploited. Yes, Christmas has become commercialized. Yes, Christmas has become consumer-driven. Yes, Christmas is all of these things. But I want to bring this to your attention what Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church.

See, what was happening was that men began to preach the message of the Cross for a profit. But that did not stop Paul from preaching, nor did it knock him off his commission, like it does us today. We have a huge opportunity to preach Jesus because of Christmas. Because Christmas is celebrated by believers as well as nonbelievers alike. Why would we miss out on such a huge opportunity?

Then, later, they preached the Good News to bring more trouble down upon Paul. But Paul did not become disillusioned with the insincerity. He actually rejoiced. Paul rejoiced that no matter what, no matter how the Gospel was being preached. But Christians can’t seem to see the good in things. Everything does not need to be negative. Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.”

Let’s Celebrate Christmas. Let’s not look at the overindulgence and criticize, but rather, let us say, as Paul said, “…at least the Gospel of Jesus is being preached.” Understand this, no matter what, Jesus is the reason for the season, and they can’t take that away from us. So, rejoice; Jesus came to earth for our benefit. He came for you and for me. He came for your family and for my family.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Let’s Celebrate Christmas.

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Seek Til Faith

“Where is He who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him” (Matthew 2:2).Th

ese wise men were not Christians. They were not Jewish people; they came from a pagan society. They were star gazers. Yet they were seeking the Messiah, and therefore, saw and recognized His star when it rose.

For the ancients, they actually believed in the literalness and the reliability of Scripture. They believed that stars are what we call planets and what we call stars are actually lights in the heavens (Genesis 1:14–19). Just like God declared in Genesis chapter one.

These were pagans but they believed in the promised Messiah. We’re not told whether they converted to Christianity after seeing and worshiping baby Jesus or not, but they set out to seek and to find Him.

Today, if only we had an ounce of faith as these pagan men did, I can only imagine what we would see in our lifetimes. This Christmas, take the time to truly search the Scriptures for Truth and have faith that it is intact, true. Let the LORD build your faith through the hearing and reading of His Word.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Seek Til Faith.

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