+DEV+ A Transformed Mind

Date: February 13, 2015 2:17 AM

Topic: +DEV+  A Transformed Mind

A Transformed Mind

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."  Romans 12:2A

Scripture Focus: Philippians 4:4-9

The move from one culture to another involves many changes. In the spiritual realm, as new believers we welcome the transition from the kingdom of darkness to God's kingdom of light. We have stepped into an awesome new world. But, physically, we still live in this natural world where everything we're confronted with is definitely not of God. 

Though we're aware of what is happening around us, our focus needn't be on the bad news. The Apostle Paul told Jesus' followers to think about admirable, excellent, praiseworthy things. That requires a deliberate choice to look beyond our difficult circumstances, knowing that better things are coming in the future with Christ. Even now we have the power of God moving on our behalf. 

"Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think" (Romans 12:2, The New Living Translation). The way you think determines your actions. May your thoughts and actions spring from the goodness of Jesus who gave His admirable, excellent, praiseworthy life for you.

Insight:  "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)

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

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

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

+DEV+ Adoption

Date: February 12, 2015 1:25 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Adoption

Adoption

"He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will."  Ephesians 1:5

Scripture Focus: Ephesians 1:1-14

Think of an orphaned child welcomed into a caring family. The child may have survived alone for years. Now he is warm, fed, bathed, clothed, protected and loved. Before we receive Jesus as our Savior, spiritually we are orphaned. We're exposed to Satan's cruelty, buffeted by evil without defense. But after we've been adopted as sons of God through Jesus, Paul declares that we are redeemed, forgiven, blessed with every spiritual blessing, and guaranteed an inheritance. 

Like the child whose life has been altered so drastically he can scarcely fathom his new circumstances, the one newly received into the family of God faces a huge learning curve. To realize he has the full rights of a child of God is mind-boggling. One day at a time the mercies and privileges that are now his unfold. And what an exciting revelation it is! There's no trial period to see whether he will measure up. He is embraced by the household and, like every other member, has access to unlimited resources to meet his every need.

Insight: I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God. (William J. and Gloria Gaither, 1970)

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

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

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

+DEV+ Our Ultimate Make-Over!

Date: February 11, 2015 2:28 AM

Topic: +DEV+  Our Ultimate Make-Over! 

Our Ultimate Make-Over! 

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"  2 Corinthians 5:17

Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 5:17, 6:2

We've all seen pretty amazing before-and-after pictures in magazines or on television of people who've had a make-over of some kind. While usually striking, the changes only alter a person's outward appearance. When someone accepts Christ, he becomes a new person from the inside out. That has to be the ultimate make-over! 

Forgiveness replaces guilt and condemnation. Turmoil and confusion give way to peace. Rather than always searching for something we can't even define, we are satisfied and content. The Holy Spirit takes up residence within us, and the qualities He brings with Him include "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). As these attributes of the new man grow in us, the fears, anxiety and stress that could overtake us in the past lose their strength. What an exchange! It's one that surely is of more worth than what is available at a high-end boutique or salon. Besides, this new look will remain in style for eternity.

Insight: A new look for your clothing or hair could be great. But the transformation of a heart turned to Jesus is the ultimate!

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

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

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

+DEV+ God Is Faithful

Date: February 9, 2015 11:20 PM

Topic: +DEV+  God Is Faithful

God Is Faithful

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."  Hebrews 10:23 

Scripture Focus: Joshua 14:6-14

I love Caleb's declaration in Numbers 13:30: "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it”. While Moses' other scouts reported discouraging words about Canaan, Joshua and Caleb told the people not to fear. 

Israel would not face the strong people of Canaan alone. But if they ignored the power and victory God offered them, they would never defeat Canaan. 

Forty-five years later, Caleb still knew and stated that God brought the victory. He and his descendants were blessed to possess the Promised Land. The wait may have been longer than they'd envisioned, but God's purposes for His people prevailed. 

The long account of the Israelites' journey from Egypt and slavery into the Promised Land is more than just a good story. It is a picture for us not only of our own prolonged wanderings, but also of how the Lord continues faithfully with us, too. Year in and year out, whether our plans have come to be or not, our faithful God goes before us. Let's hold unswervingly to Him.

Insight:  "The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it." (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

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

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

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

+DEV+ You Are Our Father’s Delight

Date: February 9, 2015 2:31 AM

Topic: +DEV+  You Are Our Father’s Delight

You Are Our Father’s Delight

"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."   Zephaniah 3:17 

Scripture Focus: Numbers 13:17-33

The image of a little guy in my Sunday School class is embedded in my memory. To see the joy on his mom's face as he joined the others in our picnic game was grand. In spite of outgoing parents and siblings, he was uncomfortable in most social situations. On this occasion he was laughing and having fun. Although the shyness soon engulfed him again, I'd seen his mother delight in him at that moment. 

Regardless of age, we are God's kids. Like children we make mistakes when we try new things. We often fall short. We fail. But the Lord takes delight in us, rejoicing over us whether we are soaring in accomplishment or wallowing in despair. Our God loves us unconditionally, no matter what we do. 

Does your life feel like you're wasting 40 years circling the same mountain, Israelite style? Fears mounted as the Israelites learned the Promised Land was full of giants. Take a few steps, even if you stumble. Our Lord - greater than any giant and all our fears - will pick you up and take pleasure in you, His child.

Insight: The Lord of all creation will take great delight in you!

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

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

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

+DEV+ A New Thing

Date: February 3, 2015 10:14 PM

Topic: +DEV+  A New Thing

A New Thing

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:19

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 43:15-21

Sometimes it's hard to let go of the past and move forward. We want to grasp all the good things ahead of us without releasing what feels safe and familiar. Before long we'll find ourselves in a place of moldy manna, clinging too tightly to what we perceive brings us comfort. When we willingly move on with Jesus, we aren't losing what He has already given us. We're building on it and embracing a greater understanding of Him and His ways. 

With God, Israel moved out of the bondage in Egypt through desert trials into the land of promise. They often wished they could just forgo the adventure altogether and return to slavery. How life under such oppression could seem better than the future God planned baffles us. Yet is has a familiar ring to it. 

Our prospects take on a whole new dimension when we hang on to the One who knows the way, provides all we need and keeps us safe. Rather than a plunge into the frightening unknown, our journey becomes an adventure with our strong, loving Father.

Insight: My Lord knows the way through the wilderness. (Sidney E. Cox)

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

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

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

+DEV+ I Am Doing A New Thing

Date: February 3, 2015 12:19 AM

Topic: +DEV+  I Am Doing A New Thing

I Am Doing A New Thing

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:19

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 43:15-21

Sometimes it's hard to let go of the past and move forward. We want to grasp all the good things ahead of us without releasing what feels safe and familiar. Before long we'll find ourselves in a place of moldy manna, clinging too tightly to what we perceive brings us comfort. When we willingly move on with Jesus, we aren't losing what He has already given us. We're building on it and embracing a greater understanding of Him and His ways. 

With God, Israel moved out of the bondage in Egypt through desert trials into the land of promise. They often wished they could just forgo the adventure altogether and return to slavery. How life under such oppression could seem better than the future God planned baffles us. Yet is has a familiar ring to it. 

Our prospects take on a whole new dimension when we hang on to the One who knows the way, provides all we need and keeps us safe. Rather than a plunge into the frightening unknown, our journey becomes an adventure with our strong, loving Father.

Insight: My Lord knows the way through the wilderness. (Sidney E. Cox)

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

We are in urgent need of Prayer and financial partners,

If you would like to become a prayer partner and or a financial partner with monthly or one time gifts.

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