Thursday, August 29, 2013

+DEV+ Go And Show Mercy

Date: August 29, 2013 11:03 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Go And Show Mercy

Go And Show Mercy


"'Which of these do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?' The expert in law replied, 'The one who had mercy on him.' Jesus told him, 'Go and do likewise.'" (Luke 10:36-37)

Scripture Focus: Luke 15


Jesus was a master teacher. Brilliantly He wove together stories and theology, custom and truth, heaven and earth. Our English word "parable" is formed from two Greek words: "para," beside, and "bole," to throw, and meant to put two things side by side and compare them. Using parables Jesus would take what His listeners were familiar with on earth and compare it to something about heaven with which they were unfamiliar.

Imagine being in the crowd, listening to Jesus, the Son of God, tell the story of the Lost Son or the Good Samaritan. Tax collectors, sinners, Pharisees, women, children and priests all were listening and responding to the truth in their own way. People today also have a myriad of responses to Jesus. Things haven't changed much! We read through the Gospels and we, too, can listen to Jesus as He unravels some of the mysteries of eternity for us. "Go and do likewise," He says to the lawyer after telling him the parable of the Good Samaritan. "Go and show mercy," He says to us now.

Insight: Not everything Jesus taught about was unfamiliar to His listeners. But understanding from God's perspective - through the filter of holiness - was.





Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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The First 500 will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

+DEV+ In the Desert

Date: August 28, 2013 10:22 PM
Topic: +DEV+  In the Desert

In the Desert

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. ...he will also provide a way out ...."  (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Scripture Focus: Luke 4:1-13, Matthew 4, Mark 1

Luke's account of Christ's temptation by Satan opens with these words: "Jesus ... was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil." The Judean wilderness where Jesus was taken is foreboding, hot and dangerous. Why would the Spirit bring Him there? And why should He be tempted?

In that desolate place Jesus faced Satan head-on without being able to find His strength in water or food, in others who'd rescue Him, or in His accomplishments (all things we value). However, where He did find His strength to overcome temptation was in listening to God's Truth.

God knew we would all face the same tempter and that he would entice us to follow him, rather than righteousness. If we were going to be able to know victory over Satan, Jesus would need to defeat him completely. By relying on and using the Truth of God's Word, He did. And we can, too! In any temptation we face, our strength comes by listening to God's voice of Truth through the Bible. No other voice will do.

Insight: By listening only to the Father's Truth, Jesus regained what Adam and Eve lost when they listened to Satan's lies: Life.




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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The First 500 will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

+DEV+ I Will Answer You

Date: August 27, 2013 10:15 PM
Topic: +DEV+  I Will Answer You

I Will Answer You

"This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth... 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'" (Jeremiah 33:2-3)

Scripture Focus: Colossians 1:15-23

During the time of the Old Testament kings, Israel was a mess. In ruins because of her sin, she was a people not enjoying God's best for her. Her rejection broke His heart, and He longed to restore her so they could be in relationship once again. Into this moment God speaks some of the most hope-filled verses in Scripture. Communicating through His prophet-spokesman, Jeremiah, the Creator of the universe said, "Call to me." These words are for us today, too! "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

Imagine, the Creator-God sharing His great and unsearchable mysteries with His creation. Why would we not want to step into that place of intimacy and trust with Him? Is it even still possible? Yes, because He has made us, has loved us, and has drawn our hearts to Him (see Romans 8:30). He urges us to call out to Him, and He lovingly shares the mysteries of His love with us through His Word and through His Son, Jesus. Will you call out to Him today?

Insight: In Jesus we find "all the fullness of the Deity" in a human body (Colossians 2:9). Call to Him, and you are calling to God.




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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The First 500 will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series

Monday, August 26, 2013

+DEV+ Seek His Face

Date: August 26, 2013 10:30 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Seek His Face

Seek His Face

"Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, 'Seek his face!' Your face, Lord, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me..." (Psalm 27:7-8)
Scripture Focus: Luke 10:38-42; Psalm 27

Chad's life was like a treadmill programmed to run faster than he could. A crash was imminent. In his early years he had rebelliously made choices that were far from wise. Then as life continued to speed out of control, everything careened off course and his wife divorced him. Quite literally, his life fell apart.

In the following months Chad made the drastic decision to walk away from his life as it existed, completely breaking the cycle. He chose to go the opposite direction, into the arms of Jesus who called him. He truly wanted to stop and listen to God speak to him, hearing His call to cast his burdens upon Him. Creating space for Him in his life became his passion and daily pursuit as he began reading the Bible, chapter by chapter, day after day. What a difference the stopping made for him! At the core of his decision was a longing to know God again like he had as a child. When he stopped long enough, he found himself face to face with Jesus once again. Could it be that we too need to stop in order to listen?

Insight: Remembering Mary and Martha, are you better at "doing" or "being"? Stopping and listening to God is all about "being".




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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The First 500 will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series

Sunday, August 25, 2013

+DEV+ Where Is Your Faith

Date: August 25, 2013 8:37 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Where Is Your Faith

Where Is Your Faith

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7)
Scripture Focus: Luke 8:22-25

As I listened during the night to the furious storm outside, I found myself thinking of the day the disciples made their way across the Sea of Galilee when a sudden squall came up, "swamping" the boat. This must have been quite a storm to churn the water so and put them in such danger. Where was Jesus? Asleep in that same boat! Did He not hear the wind and rain or feel the chilly water? Did He not sense the danger?

I love what happened after they frantically wakened Him: He simply got up, rebuked the wind and watched the raging waters settle. "The storm subsided, and all was calm" (Luke 8:24). But then Jesus asked the men this penetrating question: "Where is your faith?"

Life is filled with terrible storms and their raucous, howling, fearful noise. Sickness, rebellion, deceit, hurt, disappointment, failures, broken trust scream at us. But in the midst of life's storms, Jesus longs for us to have faith that believes He can and will rebuke them, bringing calm. Consider today, Where is your faith?

Insight: Squalls on the Sea of Galilee come up quickly, with little warning, like the storms in our lives. Be prepared to encounter them.




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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The First 500 will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series

Friday, August 23, 2013

+DEV+ Listening To God

Date: August 23, 2013 1:10 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Listening To God

Listening To God

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 78:1-8

When our three year old granddaughter awoke, she greeted her mommy with, "My have big listening ears today!" Happy words for a mother of young ones to hear!

I must confess, I don't always have "big listening ears" when it comes to God's voice. The tyranny of the urgent and the gratification of the immediate constantly tempt me to think about and do everything other than listen. Yet it is in that quiet place with God, away from all the distractions of life, where His transforming power often does its greatest work.

Isaiah 50:4b-5 says, "He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears...." Imagine the kind of impact we can have on the world if we engage in listening to God with "big ears" morning by morning. "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." (2 Peter 1:3). Let's listen for our Savior's call as we start the new day.

Insight: By His Spirit, God wants to transform us, using us to build Christ's Kingdom on earth. That is being a true disciple of Jesus!



Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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The First 500 will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

+DEV+ The Sound of Silence

Date: August 21, 2013 9:28 PM
Topic: +DEV+  The Sound of Silence

The Sound of Silence


"To you I call, O Lord my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit." (Psalm 28:1)
Scripture Focus: John 1:1-18

In 1964 Simon and Garfunkel recorded their blockbuster hit, "The Sound of Silence", catapulting their career into music history. Pure silence actually is deafening. It feels thick, heavy, even    disturbing. Imagine no humming refrigerator, no crickets, no traffic - just deep, penetrating    silence. Many of us are so numb to the constant noise around us that we feel uncomfortable with silence.

Has it ever seemed to you as if God is silent? We're desperate for direction, or encouragement or just a sense that He is there. We long to hear from Him, but no sound makes its way to us. The Psalmist, David, cried to God to not be silent when all around him was in turmoil. He well knew how intimacy with God could steady his soul, so when his enemies pursued him, he longed to hear from the Almighty.

In John 1 we read, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." When Jesus came to earth, God's spoken word became His Living Word. Never again would there be silence, for His Word was and is with us.

Insight: Even when our spirits sense a deafening silence from God, we must not stop listening. It's His nature to communicate His love to us.




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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The First 500 will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

+DEV+ Distinguish The Shepherd's Voice

Date: August 20, 2013 10:59 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Distinguish The Shepherd's Voice

Distinguish The Shepherd's Voice

"All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Scripture Focus: Genesis 3

Sheep are fascinating animals. Non-aggressive and docile, they seem to be oblivious to everything around them. Yet, when surrounded by a cacophony of noise, they can distinguish their shepherd's voice and go to it. As we develop the skill of listening to God, we will learn to pay such careful attention to His voice that we will recognize it above the impostors - those voices that tempt us to follow sin instead of holiness.

In Genesis 3 we read of the disastrous entry of sin into creation. This world that God had fit   together so perfectly, that was meant for His pleasure and for relationship with Him, was now captive to the lies of a deceiver. Sadly, Eve listened to Satan; Adam listened to Eve; and then both had to listen to God's rebuke and the terrible consequences of their choices. There are times when wrong voices deceive us and tempt us to follow, too, but by pouring God's Word into our heart and minds, our spiritual ears will be trained to hear only His voice above all the rest.

Insight: The moment sin penetrated the world God's redemption plan was put into motion. Through Jesus, Satan was crushed and victory over sin made possible.





Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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The First 500 will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series

Monday, August 19, 2013

+DEV+ Give Your Pain To Jesus

Date: August 19, 2013 11:19 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Give Your Pain To Jesus

Give Your Pain To Jesus

"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." (1 Peter 2:24)

Scripture Focus: Psalm 55

In 1990 Barbara Johnson wrote a book titled, "Pain is Inevitable, But Misery is Optional, So Stick A Geranium In Your Hat and Be Happy!" It's a crazy title by a very funny woman, but this was, in actuality, an open window into her soul. She had encountered her share of pain and found she could survive in the midst of it through God's grace. There will always be pain, or the possibility of it, in our lives. This is the reality of our broken humanity. The Psalmist, David, often wrote about it as he tried to understand its purpose. In Psalm 55 alone he speaks of the enemy, the wicked, suffering, anger, anguish, death and storms.

However, equal reality is that we can give our pain to our Savior, Jesus. He is the One who carried our "wounds" on the Cross. And it is through His triumph over Satan that sin and death have been conquered! Let His words speak into your pain today: "I have come that they might have life and have it to the full" (John 10:10). His words hold true in the inevitable agonies of life, bringing hope into misery.

Insight: Written to believers being persecuted for their faith, Peter's words give us hope: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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The First 500 will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series

+DEV+ I Am Willing ... Be Clean

Date: August 18, 2013 11:50 PM
Topic: +DEV+  I Am Willing ... Be Clean

I Am Willing ... Be Clean

"...a man came along who was covered with leprosy.... Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. 'I am willing,' he said. 'Be clean!’ And immediately the leprosy left him." (Luke 5:12-13)
Scripture Focus: Mark 5:21-42

The musical genius embodied in Ludwig van Beethoven astounds me. When only 20 years old, he began going deaf, yet continued to compose some of the world's most magnificent classical works. It is understood he attached a wooden pole to his piano's soundboard so he could "listen" to the vibrations by clenching the rod with his teeth. He listened through touch.

One day, surrounded by a noisy crowd, Jesus "heard" the desperate touch of a very sick woman. She believed if she could just make contact with the miracle worker's cloak, she would be healed. At the very moment she did, Jesus "realized that power had gone out from him" (Mark 5:30) and did not disregard it. He knew her touch had been filled with both need and faith, so He pronounced complete healing over her. Over and over again we read in the Gospels of Jesus touching those in need, even the leprous "untouchables," and how their bodies responded to Him.

Jesus touches our deepest need, too. Trust Him, and know the healing of His touch.

Insight: When Jesus passed a leper colony, He heard them shout, "Unclean, unclean!" His righteous life and payment on the cross wiped them - and us - clean!





Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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The First 500 will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series

Thursday, August 15, 2013

+DEV+ The Hope Of Glory

Date: August 15, 2013 9:18 PM
Topic: +DEV+  The Hope Of Glory

The Hope Of Glory

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." (Psalm 42:5)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 42

I recently attended the funeral of a young mother who died in a tragic car accident. The grief of her husband, children, family and friends was intensely deep. My heart ached as I watched their little five year old daughter climb up onto daddy's lap, and the way their eight year old son tenderly reached up to comfort him. The large assembly of people gathered was hushed    throughout much of the service, but in the stillness - in spite of the depth of grief - a profound and radical hope was present. Hope, knowing their friend, wife, mother was safe with Jesus. Hope, that one day there will be a grand reunion in heaven. Hope, because God knows and is in  control.

We've all been in those dark places where we longed to know that we will get through; that we are not alone; that joy will come again. Whatever our hurt, whatever our pain, our raw wounds desperately need the tender healing of Jesus. He is our only Hope-Giver, for He is the One who has crushed Satan. He's the One who whispers true hope to our grieving hearts.

Insight:  "Christ in you, the hope of glory," Paul writes (Colossians 1:27). Amazing! Christ is our source of hope for today and eternity.




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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The First 500 will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

+DEV+ Jesus can Restore You

Date: August 14, 2013 10:12 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Jesus can Restore You

Jesus can Restore You

The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will bring my people Israel and Judah back from captivity and restore them to the land I gave their forefathers to possess, says the Lord. (Jeremiah 30:3)
Scripture Focus: II Kings 25:1-21

God's chosen people, His beloved Israel, were split in two. In both Israel (to the north) and Judah (to the south), sin was rampant and, as a result, both ended up exiled in captivity. During this  horrible time God sent prophets to speak His words, His truth, His warnings to the people. These were men and women whose hearts were tuned in to hear God speak to them and then obediently pass those messages on.

Jeremiah was a prophet to Judah. He spoke of their destruction, but he also spoke God's words of hope: "I will bring my people back from captivity." Restoration... was it really possible? Is it possible for me? Is there a chance to start again after I have sinned? Absolutely yes, for God is in the business of rebuilding and restoring. That's why He sent His Son, Jesus, the One who brought us back from captivity. Through faith in His life, death and resurrection, our relationship with God can be restored and eternal life given! That's a message worth listening to over and over again.

Insight: "Restore to me the joy of my salvation," David cries out in Psalm 51. He knew that confession, forgiveness and restoration go together.




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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The First 500 will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

+DEV+ Quietness And Trust

Date: August 13, 2013 11:43 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Quietness And Trust

Quietness And Trust

"This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: 'In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.'" (Isaiah 30:15)
Scripture Focus: I Kings 19

Elijah had some very intimate, personal encounters with God. Once, when Queen Jezebel threatened to kill him, Elijah ran for his life, enduring alone a forty days' journey through the  desert. As his epic sojourn ended, he climbed into a cave on Mt. Horeb, and there, God spoke: "What are you doing here, Elijah?" There followed a blasting wind, a violent earthquake and a  raging fire. Imagine the deafening, frightening noise! But then we read, "after the fire came a gentle whisper... " (1 Kings 19:12). Into Elijah's deepest place of absolute solitude came this intimate moment with deity. God whispered, and they communed together.

It's God's nature to communicate with us, to be in relationship with us. That's precisely and wondrously why He sent His Son, Jesus - to show us the Father and to provide an eternal relationship with Him. Our lives are filled with distractions, the deafening noises of diversions. Perhaps today could be the day when we step into the quiet and listen for that gentle whisper from Him.

Insight: In the union of quietness and trust we find strength. In the union of repentance and God's love through Jesus we find forgiveness and eternal life.




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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The First 500 will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series

Monday, August 12, 2013

+DEV+ Your Will, Not Mine

Date: August 12, 2013 11:03 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Your Will, Not Mine

Your Will, Not Mine

"The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' Then Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant is listening.'" (1 Samuel 3:10)
Scripture Focus: 1 Samuel 3

God places such value on children. Jesus clearly spoke of this when He said, "whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me" (Matthew 18:5). There was a time in Israel's history when God was silent to His disobedient, faltering people. Silent, that is, until the night we read of in 1 Samuel 3. God had an urgent message to deliver, and the one He chose to deliver it to was the child Samuel. In him God found something rare: a heart that loved Him wholly and obeyed Him completely.

"Samuel," God called. Samuel had never experienced anything like this before and thought it was the old priest, Eli, calling him. Three times he went to see what he wanted. Finally, with Eli's prompting, Samuel answered the divine call of his name with, "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening." In that moment, Samuel learned the interweaving of listening and obedience and its impact on our lives. Oh, to have a heart so eager for God. Praise God that our hearts are drawn to Him through Jesus!

Insight: Both Moses and Samuel listened to God's call and responded with "Here I am." Jesus responded with, "Your will, not mine" (Luke 22:42).



Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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The First 500 will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series

+DEV+ This Is Most Important!

Date: August 11, 2013 5:35 PM
Topic: +DEV+  This Is Most Important!

This Is Most Important!


"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)
Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 6

The Hebrew language is rich in its clarity of meaning. One important Old Testament verb is "shama," found 1,160 times in the Bible. We translate it as "listen" or "hear", its use implying that the speaker wants the hearer to listen carefully. In other words, pay attention; this is important!

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 is called the shama because it begins with, "Hear, O Israel". After leading the Hebrew nation for 40 years, Moses was soon to die. During those years he had taught them all he knew about God and now was delivering his final speech. Can you hear his passion for them to follow God completely? "Listen up, people," he says. "Pay attention! This is most important!"

God longs for us today to pay attention to the importance of His commands and blessings. "Do what is right and good in the Lord's sight," He says "so that it may go well with you ...."  (Deuteronomy 6:18). Today's troubles may convince you that life is not going well at all. Stand firm in the Lord your God; He will see you through.

Insight: The child Jesus would have been taught the shama. Not surprising, then, that when asked what the greatest commandment was, He quoted it (Mark 12:30).



Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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The First 500 will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series

Thursday, August 8, 2013

+DEV+ I Will Teach You What To Say

Date: August 8, 2013 9:47 PM
Topic: +DEV+  I Will Teach You What To Say

I Will Teach You What To Say


"The Lord said to him, 'Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? ... Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.'" (Exodus 4:11-12)
Scripture Focus: Exodus 4:1-17

Poor Moses. Though he was born a Hebrew, he was uniquely adopted into the Pharaoh's family. Every privilege of Egypt was known to him, but here he was an exiled prince, wanted for murder, living on the backside of the desert herding his father-in-law's sheep. Then, one ordinary day, Yahweh, the great and mighty unseen God, speaks to him (Exodus 3). He instructs him to return to Egypt and demand that Pharaoh let God's people - this growing Hebrew nation of slaves - go free. God tells Moses he will lead this nation. No wonder he responds, "But, but, but - I stutter. I can't possibly do this!"

God's response was, "Who gave you your mouth? Your ears? Your speech? I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." To fulfill His purposes, God met Moses' needs and fears head-on. That's the greatness of God. He knows our needs. He knows our fears. Nothing can prevent Him from setting us free. God gave Moses exactly what he needed: speech. Jesus gives us exactly what we need: forgiveness.

Insight: Moses led God's people to freedom from slavery in Egypt. Jesus, the great Life Giver, leads all who believe to freedom from sin and death.



Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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The First 500 will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

+DEV+ Here Am I

Date: August 7, 2013 10:00 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Here Am I

Here Am I


"When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, 'Moses! Moses!' And Moses said, 'Here I am.'" (Exodus 3:4)
Scripture Focus: Exodus 3

Imagine being alone in the desert and suddenly seeing a bush in flames but not burning up. No wonder Moses thought he'd check it out! What happens next is a pivotal moment in Moses' life, a turning point. As Moses turned to see this bush, God, our Creator-sustainer, holy, omnipresent and omniscient, called to Moses by name. When someone calls my name, he is being familiar by personalizing his call to me. That's a far different expression than just, "hey you!"

The English word "called" in Exodus 3:4 is from the Hebrew word "qara", meaning "to summon for a specific task." This was not a "hey you" kind of call. It was a specific message to a specific recipient. Moses knew this! He understood when he heard his name that God was speaking only to him and expecting a response. His response, fittingly, was: "Here I am."

Speaking of Himself as our Shepherd, Jesus said, "...the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out" (John 10:3). He intimately knows your name!

Insight: God knows us as thoroughly as He knew Moses. When He calls your name, be ready to answer, "Here I am!"




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The First 500 will receive a copy of both complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series and the "Grace" Series

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

+DEV+ God Chose Us

Date: March 3, 2012 1:03 PM
Topic: +DEV+  God Chose Us

God Chose Us


"The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.'" (Jeremiah 1:4-5)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 139:13-18

I used to dread team games in school. The best athletes were always chosen to be the captains and their task was to pick their team from the rest of us. Naturally they would begin with those they were confident would help them win. I was always at the end, desperately wondering who would have pity and choose me.

How deeply grateful I am that God isn't like that! His love for us is simply too great to cause us such shame. Throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, we read the life stories of ordinary men and women God chose and gifted for specific purposes: prophets, priests, kings, leaders, disciples, teachers, evangelists.  They were ordinary, that is, until they listened to God's call. "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit," Jesus said in John 15:16. God is writing us, ordinary and sinful as we are, into His story, too. As we listen to His call, we can have hope and confidence that what He asks us to do, He will gift us to accomplish.

Insight: Ephesians 1:4 says God chose us "before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight". We are His chosen!



Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

 A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm


First 500 can receive by e-mail a copy of ether of two complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series or the "Grace" Series

+DEV+ Be The Listener

Date: August 6, 2013 12:33 AM
Topic: +DEV+  Be The Listener

Be The Listener

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven ... a time to be silent and a time to speak." (Ecclesiastes 3:1,7b)
Scripture Focus: John 4

We all know someone who loves to talk, someone with whom conversation is never a problem. But there is also a time to be the listener. In her book, The Sacred Art of Listening, Kay Lindahl writes:
"... a business executive reflected: 'I just realized that I spend a great deal of time preparing myself to speak. I don't think I have ever prepared myself to listen.' Deep listening is a forgotten art." Yes, it's a skill many of us need help with.

In our relationship with God, we can also be quick to do the talking. We'll tell Him about our needs, concerns, grief and hurts. We'll complain or ask or maybe even praise, but in the end, we are doing the talking. Some of us are not accustomed at all to being the one who is listening rather than speaking.

The writer of Ecclesiastes, assumed to be the wise King Solomon, surmised that in the grand picture of life there is also a time to be silent, to listen. Through His grace and love for us, God has provided His Word and His Spirit to speak to us, and His Son who lived it out. Shall we take some quiet moments today to practice the art of listening?

Insight: Like those who first listened to Jesus, we can hear Him speak comfort for our greatest needs, both physical and spiritual.



Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

 A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm


First 500 can receive by e-mail a copy of ether of two complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series or the "Grace" Series

Sunday, August 4, 2013

+DEV+ Let The Wise Listen

Date: August 4, 2013 8:29 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Let The Wise Listen

Let The Wise Listen

"Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance...." (Proverbs 1:5)
Scripture Focus: Luke 2:41-52

A young boy was exerting his new found independence through choosing to listen when he wanted and to what he thought he needed to hear. His mother's wise response: "If I can't trust you to listen in the small things, how can I be sure you'll listen to my voice when I sense there's danger? Until I'm confident in that, we'll just stay home."

When it comes to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, I'm not so different from that child! I want to exert my independence from God's clear instructions and do what I think is right, listening only when I think it is necessary. But when we are independent from God, what happens the moment we're confronted with temptation, fear, doubt or trouble? We crumble. We don't know where to turn or what to do.

Even as a child, Jesus knew the importance of listening, especially to His Heavenly Father. For us, listening to God speak through His Word and His Spirit takes a life-time of practice and persistence. It's not natural or easy, but it is for our own good!

Insight: If we have not learned to listen to the Spirit, will we hear the voice of Jesus saying, "Follow me"?




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.


 A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:  http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm


First 500 can receive by e-mail a copy of ether of two complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series or the "Grace" Series


Friday, August 2, 2013

+DEV+ They Were All Filled With The Holy Spirit

Date: February 28, 2012 12:57 PM
Topic: +DEV+  They Were All Filled With The Holy Spirit

They Were All Filled With The Holy Spirit

"After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly." (Acts 4:31)

Scripture Focus: Acts 4:23-31

Imagine the scene: Peter and John have recently been arrested, reprimanded and threatened for proclaiming the good news of salvation through Jesus. As the church regroups and prays, they recognize that this resistance to the preached Word of God is to be expected. The task Jesus left them, to go into the world and make disciples of all nations, would not be easy.

Still they are rejoicing that their faith is built upon the Rock who is Christ and that their name is on the Roll! They are pleading for boldness to preach the Word of God with power and courage. In one of those supernatural moments, the place where they were gathered rocked, and the Word of God rolled off their lips as they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

The Rock and Roll songs we've heard through the decades often sing of what this world needs. What we really need are more prayer meetings like this New Testament one where we plead for Gospel boldness. What the people of God need is more of this kind of Rock 'n Roll! We need Jesus.

Insight:
When the Spirit rocks our world, the Word of God rolls into the lives of those in need.




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

 A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:    http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm


First 500 can receive by e-mail a copy of ether of two complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series or the "Grace" Series


Thursday, August 1, 2013

+DEV+ A Throne In Heaven

Date: August 1, 2013 12:15 AM
Topic: +DEV+  A Throne In Heaven

A Throne In Heaven

"... there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne." (Revelation 4:2-3)
Scripture Focus: Revelation 4:1-6

When we enter a room, there is usually one thing that captures our attention. As John the Apostle enters the open door of heaven, what is it that catches his eye? He is "in the Spirit", there at the doorway, and behold! There is a throne and ONE who sat on it!

John is drawn to the brilliance and glory of God Almighty in all His splendor and wonder. Surrounding this glorious throne is layer after layer of worshipers. John describes the 24 elders, the four living creatures, the innumerable angelic host, and all the saints who've gone before us. What a crowd! Everyone in heaven views God as the center of it all; everyone is joyfully enraptured in Him.

Whenever I am discouraged, I read Revelation 4 and 5. What an encouragement this passage was to me during my years in the Army. I would imagine walking not through the barracks doors, but through the door of heaven, blown away by the majesty, glory and brilliance of God. Speechless, I would kneel with all creation to remember who is at the center of it all.

Insight: Surprise, Surprise... I am NOT the center of it all!



Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.


 A freewill offering to Restoration Ministry may be made via PayPal at our web site:  http://www.rollanet.org/~restore/donations.htm


First 500 can receive by e-mail a copy of ether of two complete sets of devotionals series: "Forgiveness" Series or the "Grace" Series