GROW UP: Devotion for Tuesday December 8, 2015

GROW UP      Tuesday December 8, 2015

Text: Ephesians 4:11 – 16    Memory verse: v 15

We ended our devotion yesterday with the admonition to grow up which is our topic for today. This is necessary because it is expected that at a point, a child should grow. Paul exhorts the Ephesians to take advantage of the gifts God has bestowed on them (4:11, 12) aimed at “The unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” This will make them not to behave like babes without proper understanding rather they will grow up.

This admonition is good for Christians of today. Many Christians are still tossed, to and fro. They don’t know what salvation is all about. Today they believe this and tomorrow, they throw it aside. As Christians, we must be committed to the truth. Our words should be honest and our actions should reflect Christ’s integrity. Speaking the truth in love is not always easy, convenient, or pleasant, but it is necessary if we will do Christ’s work effectively. Stand by and for the truth now and always.

Food for Thought: Truth, honesty and integrity are essentials for spiritual growth.

Prayer: Lord, grant to me these essentials for growth in Jesus name.

THAT YOU MAY HAVE PEACE: Devotion for Monday September 21, 2015

THAT YOU MAY HAVE PEACE   Monday September 21, 2015

Text: John 16:28 – 33a              Memory verse: v 33a

In our bible reading, Jesus plainly described His entire mission – He was incarnated (came from the Father), He was made a human being in order to secure the salvation of human beings (into the world), and He would be resurrected from death and ascend back to the glory from which He came (return to the Father). The disciples finally realized that Jesus had been speaking of His departure to the Father which led to John 16:29. Jesus’ repeated predictions of his imminent death, resurrection, and ascension (7:33; 10:11 – 18; 12:23 – 24, 30 – 36; 14:1 – 5, 15 - 31; 16:5 – 7) finally left their mark on the disciples. Now they were convinced that Jesus’ knowledge about future events marked Him unquestionably as the Son of God.

The disciples believed Jesus’ words because they were convinced that He knew everything. He even knew the questions on their minds before they asked them (16:19). Their belief was only a first step toward the enduring faith they would receive when the Holy Spirit came to live in them. Jesus said all these for them to have peace when they start happening. The essence of the Bible is to build our faith that we might have peace in this evil world. Therefore make the bible your best companion.

Food for Thought: John 14:27

Prayer: Lord, may your word be well rooted in me so that I will not be troubled by the problems of life in Jesus name. 

THE SPIRIT LED HIM TO BE TEMPTED

SPIRIT LED HIM TO BE TEMPTED                    Saturday June 13, 2015

Text: Matthew 4:1 – 11                                    Memory verse: v 1  

God does and allows everything for a purpose. Deuteronomy 8:2 says that God led Israel into the wilderness to humble and test them; to see whether or not His people would really obey Him. A person has not shown true obedience if he or she has never had an opportunity to disobey but didn’t. This temptation of Jesus really showed that He is the Son of God. He was able to overcome the devil and his temptations. Jesus was led by the Spirit to be tempted because that is the way to prove that He is the Son of God. Most temptations are allowed by the Spirit to see how much we love God. Your ability to resist temptations of the devil is determined by the level of the word of God in you.  

When temptations seem especially strong, or when you think you can rationalize giving in, consider whether Satan may be trying to block God’s purposes for your life or for someone else’s life. Jesus wasn’t tempted inside the Temple or at his baptism but in the wilderness, where he was tired, alone, and hungry, and thus most vulnerable. The devil often tempts us when we are vulnerable—when we are under physical or emotional stress (for example, lonely, tired, weighing big decisions, or faced with uncertainty). He also likes to tempt us through our strengths, where we are most susceptible to pride.  We must guard at all times against his attacks by watching and praying.

Food for Thought: 1 Peter 5:9.

Prayer: God, I know that when I overcome temptation, there is a reward for me. Grant me the grace never to yield into any temptation.