Category: Daily Devotions

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Daily Devotion – Celebrate!

“Moses and Aaron came and said to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, “Let My people go that they may celebrate a feast to Me in the wilderness.”’” – Exodus 5:1 NASB

God asked Moses to deliver a message to Pharaoh: He wanted His people to “celebrate a feast.” The desire to celebrate was emphasized often. Later, He instructed Moses that they were to celebrate a feast to the Lord. They were “to celebrate it as a permanent ordinance” (Exodus 12:14).

When they were freed from bondage, He told them, Three times a year you shall celebrate a feast to Me” (Exodus 23:14). The Hebrew word here describes moving in a circle, observing a festival, dancing, even being giddy. This was to be a real celebration!

This emphasis demonstrates clearly that celebration is important to God. There is a time for everything, including a time to celebrate (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4). Yet it can be easy to be overwhelmed with our problems. We tend to focus on obstacles and the troubles we face and feel discouraged.

But, as God reminded the Israelites, there are times to stop and celebrate. We need to remember the miracles we have experienced, think about how God has met our needs, reflect on His promises, and praise Him instead of complaining or worrying.

Are you burdened? Weary? Worried? For a moment set these thoughts aside. Just concentrate on God. Think about His goodness! His mercy! Salvation! Healing! Wisdom! And His promises! There may be problems in your life and the world. But remember. God is on the throne! He is sovereign! And He wants you to celebrate!

Prayer: Father, I worship You! Thank You that Your promises are true. I rejoice in Your faithfulness. I trust my life to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Extended Reading: Exodus 5		 
  
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Daily Devotion – Please Send Someone Else

“’O, Lord, please send someone else.’ Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses.” – Exodus 4:13-14 NIV

God told Moses He wanted him to leave the service of his father-in-law, Jethro, and return to Egypt to lead His people into freedom. God described the task and even the response he could expect. Moses reacted with a series of objections. He felt inadequate for the task: “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11).

He complained that he was not “eloquent” enough but was “slow of speech and tongue” (v. 10). He simply did not know what to say and wondered how he would respond to criticism or objections.

God answered every excuse until Moses asked him to send someone else. Suddenly God became furious. What was different? God demonstrated that He welcomed honest questions. But Moses crossed the line when he declared that he would not go. But, finally, he did agree to go – with his brother Aaron.

We may go through similar experiences. As we feel God’s call, we may have questions and concerns. As Paul discovered, all of us have weaknesses and need to depend on God (2 Corinthians 12:10). Remember, He has prepared us for His assignments. We need to trust Him and move forward in faith.

Be ready to respond to God’s call for you. Seek His answers for the strategies and wisdom you need. Ask Him for the necessary resources and abilities. Always trust Him. Move forward in faith.

PrayerFather, I am willing to do what You want me to do. I trust You to give me everything I need. I trust You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Extended: ReadingExodus 4		 
  
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Daily Devotion – Lighter Than Vapor

“Surely men of low degree are a vapor, men of high degree are a lie; if they are weighed on the scales, they are altogether lighter than vapor … if riches increase, do not set your heart on them … power belongs to God.” – Psalm 62:9-11 NKJV

Trusting in other people can seem so natural, so inevitable. We trust in banks and businesses, governments and experts, neighbors and relatives. But the Bible reminds us that even the most stable things and people can change. Even the smartest, best-intentioned people are imperfect.

David said that no one is immune. First, people “of low degree are a vapor.” Just like a vapor, they can vanish quickly. But people “of high degree” are no better. They “are a lie.” In fact, “they are altogether lighter than vapor.”

Many people react to this unstable world by throwing themselves into work. They seek to gain more power, possessions, and money. In this pursuit, some are willing to resort to stealing, cheating, or deception to get ahead.

But David reminded us not to “trust in oppression, nor vainly hope in robbery” (v. 10). Remember how quickly possessions and money fade away: “If riches increase, do not set your heart on them” (v. 10). David said that God told him repeatedly that power belongs only to Him.

In your life, remember that other people may disappoint you. But God never disappoints. The Bible encourages us to look at Him as our rock, our salvation, our stronghold. The things of this world may vanish like a vapor, but He is eternal. You can “trust in Him at all times” (v. 8).

Prayer

Father, give me Your perspective on my life and the things of this world. I trust in You. I commit my life to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Extended Reading

Psalm 62

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Daily Devotion – Pour Out Your Heart

“Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” – Psalm 62:8 NASB

Throughout his life, David developed relationships with various people whom he trusted. Sadly, there were times when these trusted people let him down. Some failed to keep their promises. Some betrayed him for personal gain. Some simply forgot their commitments.

But through every circumstance, he realized that God always was faithful. He wrote, “My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him” (v. 5). God provided stability and a sure foundation: “He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken” (v. 6). He was his “refuge” and “the rock of [his] strength” (v. 7).

The Bible reminds us that we can trust God no matter what others do or say! It can be beneficial to confide in friends or family members, but it is most important to pour out our hearts before God.

This involves spending time with Him, confident in our relationship. It means being willing to share every detail of our needs – every thought, every feeling, every concern. Part of that process involves waiting before Him. David commanded his soul to “wait in silence for God only” (v. 5).

Pour out your heart to God. Release every concern to Him. Tell Him every detail of your needs. Receive His peace. Make Him your rock, your salvation, your stronghold. He is waiting, ready to hear from You. You can trust Him.

Prayer

Father, here are things I am concerned about: ______. I depend on You for answers. Take away my worries. Give me Your peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Extended Reading

Psalm 62

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Daily Devotion – Rest in His Love

“You have rejected us. You have broken us … You have made Your people experience hardship … God has spoken in His holiness … Through God we shall do valiantly, and it is He who will tread down our adversaries.” – Psalm 60:1, 3, 6, 12 NASB

As happened often, David had to work through the crises he faced. He had to figure out what they meant and what to do.

In this psalm, he began by expressing his honest thoughts toward God – His sense that God had rejected them and even made them “experience hardship.” He reminded God that Israel was His “beloved” (v. 5); he prayed for His help.

David might have thought of God as being distant and separate, but He reminded David that they were completely connected. God saw everything from the perspective of His ownership – they were His people, and He knew everything about their situation. And He reminded David that He was holy and sovereign.

In the end, David declared His confidence in God. He was certain that through Him, they would “do valiantly.” God Himself would defeat their adversaries.

This perspective still is true. God still is holy. He cannot change. He always does what is right. As we pray, we can be reminded of His love for us and the fact that we are His people. We also must remember that God is sovereign. He has a plan for the world, for each nation, and for each of us.

As you think about the challenges you face, remember that God is sovereign and holy. And He loves you. Rest in His love. Think about His faithfulness. Remember, you can depend on Him and trust Him unconditionally.

Prayer: Father, thank You for knowing the situations I face. Thank You for Your help. I trust in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Extended Reading: Psalm 60

//Inspiration Ministeries//

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Daily Devotion – Wanderings

“You number and record my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle – are they not in Your book … This I know, for God is for me … In God have I put my trust and confident reliance; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? – Psalm 56:8-11 AMPC

The psalmist David admitted that there were times when he wandered. He also realized that God would “number and record [his] wanderings.” These were times when he failed God and strayed from the right path. He made mistakes and doubted God many times.

Perhaps David was disappointed that his efforts fell short of his expectations. He was disappointed when he sinned against God. Perhaps he did not receive the answers he expected or failed to experience God’s blessing.

In every situation, God knew his actions. He had numbered and recorded everything before he even did it. When the psalmist cried out because of his pain and failures, he knew that God was prepared to forgive and restore him. If he genuinely repented, God was ready to put his tears into a bottle (v. 8).

His experience reminds us that even our closest friends have limited understanding, and the smartest person only has limited wisdom. How much better it is for us to trust in God!

Right now, no matter what you face, remember that you can trust Him. Be honest with Him. Tell Him every need, worry, and fear. Admit your failings, wanderings, and sins. Accept His forgiveness and restoration. Let Him give you a fresh start.

Be so confident that you can say, “I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Remember, God is for you in every situation!

Prayer: Father, I need Your help in this situation: _________. I will not be afraid no matter what others do or say. I trust You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Extended Reading: Psalm 56

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Daily Devotion – Reconciled to God

“We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 ESV

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Traditionally, this was the time each year when Christians set aside the forty days (not including Sundays) that lead up to Easter for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal. Ash Wednesday gets its name from the practice of putting ashes on the forehead to remind Christians of the importance of humility, that we are but dust.

Forty days symbolizes the time Jesus spent fasting and seeking God in the wilderness. Following His example, Christians were to dedicate this time to search their hearts, purify themselves, and seek God in a fresh way. Instead of focusing on spiritual renewal, many use this as an excuse for hedonistic revelry through events like Mardi Gras.

How much more important to remember all that Jesus did for us and reflect on our lives. We need to humble ourselves, be forgiven, and be reconciled to God.

We can rejoice that He remembers that “we are dust” (Psalm 103:14). “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Allow God to search your heart and reveal any sin. If you have confessed your sins, you can be confident that you have been forgiven. How wonderful to be able to approach Him with a clean heart, freed from the burdens of sin and reconciled to Him!

Prayer

Father, search my mind and heart. Reveal any sins in my life. Forgive my sins. And help me to please You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Extended Reading

2 Corinthians 5

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Daily Devotion – The Focus of Our Faith

Let us take to ourselves from Shiloh the ark of the covenant of the Lord, that it may come among us and deliver us from the power of our enemies.” – 1 Samuel 4:3 NASB

As a nation, Israel had defied God and disobeyed His Word. But, when facing strong opposition from the Philistines, they seemed to forget these past mistakes.

They didn’t feel it was necessary to admit their sins, to repent, or to get their lives right with God. Instead, they concluded that they just needed to have the Ark with them when they went into battle. Then, they felt invincible.

Going into battle, they had complete confidence. They were so confident that they shouted so loudly that “the earth resounded” (v. 5). In the face of this superficial confidence, the Philistines initially reacted with fear but recovered to achieve victory in the ensuing battle. They realized that the Israelites just were operating on emotions.

And they experienced a horrible defeat. All the Israelites fled and “the slaughter was very great” (v. 10). Most devastating, the Ark itself was captured.

Israel had received an emotional boost from the presence of the Ark. But their lives hadn’t changed. They failed to realize that God was more concerned about their relationship with Him, their attitudes, the things they had done, and the condition of their heart.

Seek to be clean in God’s sight. Be honest with Him and allow Him to convict you of any sin. Humble yourself before Him, and accept His forgiveness. Faithfully seek to keep His Word to be sure that you have His blessing.

Prayer

Father, give me a sensitivity to know Your Word. I focus on You. Help me to be clean and pure in Your sight. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Extended Reading

1 Samuel 4

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Daily Devotion – Beyond Words

“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago – whether in the body … or out of the body I do not know … [who] heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.” – 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 NASB

Paul described how an unnamed man (whom many believe was Paul himself) was “caught up to the third heaven” (v. 2). This must have been amazing!

Paul’s account is filled with mystery. He did not know how this had happened, or if the man was in or out of his body. He could not describe what Heaven was like. What he saw was “inexpressible” and could not be repeated.

Certainly Paul realized that Heaven is a place of the extraordinary, the indescribable, and the overwhelming. Pondering this experience, he realized how often people boast about themselves or their abilities. But after seeing Heaven, he became keenly aware of his own limitations versus God’s greatness.

Paul realized that no one could boast about anything except our own weaknesses. Everything we have is a gift from God. We owe everything to Him.

Let this glimpse of Heaven encourage you! Remember, Jesus said He was going to “prepare a place for you.” He “will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3).

If Jesus is your Lord, you will spend eternity with Him. You will see that indescribable place and hear those inexpressible words.

You can prepare for that glorious day right now. Humble yourself before God. Seek Him. Worship Him. Don’t boast in yourself, but rather dedicate your life to serving Him.

Prayer

Father, thank You that I will spend eternity with You! I humble myself before You. Use me for Your kingdom and glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Extended Reading

2 Corinthians 12

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Daily Devotion – Partnership

“As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brethren, they are messengers of the churches, a glory to Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 8:23 NASB

Paul knew that his ministry was a partnership. He couldn’t do the work alone. He needed others. Writing to Christians in Corinth, he described Titus as his “fellow worker.” Titus merited this position because he had been “tested and found diligent” and proven trustworthy (v. 22).

Paul stressed partnership in an earlier letter to this same church where there were divisions. Some were loyal to Apollos while others favored Paul. But Paul said divided loyalties must be eliminated. Everyone needed to work together.

Using the analogy of crops, Paul described how some watered while others planted. But it was God who caused the growth. Using the same word he used to describe Titus, Paul said that we are God’s “fellow workers” (1 Corinthians 3:4-9).

Paul was reinforcing the principles Jesus taught. The world may urge us to think first about ourselves but, in God’s Kingdom, rewards are given to everyone who contributes in any way. As Jesus said, “He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward” (Matthew 10:41).

Each believer is important. Each believer has unique gifts. And we are to work together in harmony as fellow workers and partners.

Seek to fulfill God’s call on your life. Seek to serve Him and the body of Christ. Invest the resources God has given you. He knows your heart and what you do. And He will reward you based on your faithfulness.

PrayerFather, use me to impact lives for Your Kingdom. Help me to be a faithful servant and a trustworthy partner. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Extended Reading: 2 Corinthians 8
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