Asking For The Right Thing

Many believers today are asking God for healing, prosperity, a better future, a better working place and the list can go on and on. It’s not necessarily wrong though. But, wouldn’t it be wonderful if more time were spent asking for elements with eternal value in nature instead, such as “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” ( Psalm 51:10 - King James Bible). Asking for what is right, or most important, is a sign of spiritual maturity as well.

Pray today for an eager desire for possessions that have eternal value.

He is Dependable

Don’t you agree that it is extremely gratifying to receive help when you have asked for it? Nevertheless, the timing for asking, and to whom you ask for help, are crucial. That is why King David in Psalm 5.2 says,
“Listen to the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for to you will I pray.” (American King James Version)

As David, you should also be aware to direct your prayers to the only One who is really able to help. That is God!

As you pray today, reaffirm to God your reliance on Him and your total confidence that He is the only source that you have in times of need.

In the Same Boat

There are things in life that you have because you worked for it, others, because somehow, you deserve it. But in reference to God’s favor, you have it because of His mercies. ‘Mercy’ is when you are granted a favor based on somebody else’s kindness to you.

King David understood this principle. That is why he prayed, “Let your tender mercies come to me, that I may live: for your law is my delight.” (Psalm 119:77- American King James Version)

King David knew that without God’s mercies he wouldn’t be able to live. Actually we are in the same boat!

Pray today that by His mercies your sins may be forgiven so that you can fully experience life at its best.

Leave It Up To God

You may find it hard. But no matter how you do it, if the matter is spiritual in nature, there is no chance for success if you are planning to do it with your own strength. You need to depend on God’s grace alone. The Apostle James explains it, this way, “For human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.’ (James 1.20 International Standard Version ©2008).

Believers in Jesus Christ must understand that only the Holy Spirit knows well how to implement God’s justice in any situation. So, do your part, don’t kill yourself trying to achieve the impossible. Instead, leave it up to God.

Pray today over James’ advice, understanding that His justice is the one that prevails.

Free To Live

Wars have been fought over it. Constitutions have been written to uphold it. Lives have been lived promoting it. But 'freedom' is still to be fully understood by many. What is freedom, anyway? What is it good for?

In Galatians 5:1, the Apostle Paul teaches “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” (New American Standard Bible ©1995)

Above all the other 'freedoms' that we're entitled to have as human beings, such as being a citizen of a nation or the freedom of speech and religion, etc… The one that truly FREES you from everything else, is that
one received when you ask the Lord Jesus Christ to be the Master and Savior of your life.

This freedom is felt down in your innermost life and there is no need to be further explained or affirmed to you by documents or lawyers. You know it when you have it because you feel free to live.

Thank God today for making available to you this freedom.

Attention Please!

Can you remember how many times you have heard or said to someone the phrase: "Please, could you pay attention?"

It's a simple phrase but it brings with it a warning, a reminder about something that is worth listening to.

Regarding our relationship with God, the writer of the book of Proverbs couldn't have said it better, “Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. (Proverbs 22:17-18 NIV 1984)

The hidden truth in 'paying attention to', if you may, is the very action that follows it, which is the application of what has been learned. So much pain could have been avoided in our lives if, when warned by the Scriptures, we had just applied and practiced that very truth in our hearts.

Pray today to be willing to listen and to apply God's truth in your life.

Facing It As It Is

The problems most nonbelievers have towards believing is anchored in the principles that they don't accept to be wrong in the first place and are unwilling to truly check the possibility of where they might be wrong. The Apostles Peter and John faced such an unbeliever and challenged him to do just that.

“Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart” (Acts 8:22 NIV)

There is no better cure to sin than to face it as it is. No shortcuts, no excuses. If you know there is sin in your life ‘Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord’. By doing this, God's forgiveness will be in your life.

Pray today to find hidden sins in your life or areas that need God's touch. Pray for the courage to face it and to leave it behind.

To Care Is Not Easy

Are your parents alive? If so, take the opportunity, while you have it, to fulfill your duties as described in Ephesians 6:2-3, “'Honor your father and mother.’ This is the first of the Ten Commandments that ends with a promise. And this is the promise: 'If you honor your father and mother, you will live a long life, full of blessing.’” (New Living Translation)

If for some reason you find it difficult to care for your parents, remember that early on in life they first cared for you. They sacrificed their time and resources to raise you. Now, as an adult child, you too need to do your part.

Source: ICA Weekly Devotional #33

A Far Better Experience

The Scripture teaches us that it is far more gratifying to give than to receive. In Acts 20:35b we are reminded of that: "...And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Now, in a needy world like the one we are living in today, for sure it is something to really think about. You and I, as everybody else, have needs to be addressed. But still, the great challenge is to act upon Jesus' promises that the reward of giving is far greater than receiving.

Pray today for opportunities to give.

Source: ICA Weekly Devotional #33

Wash Your Mouth

I remember in my childhood hearing adults telling us kids that if they heard us using coarse language they would 'wash out our mouths'. As Christians, we should be very careful about the practice of dirty talk, coarse language, and obscenity in general. The use of it reveals an unclean heart and mind, and the absence of total reverence to God. The Word of God teaches us that “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” – Ephesians 5:4 (New International Version).

Pray today for God's help in order to avoid unclean talk, and refrain from indecent words and expressions in your speech.

Source: ICA Weekly Devotional #33

How Forgiving Are You?

“Do not judge others, and God will not judge you; do not condemn others, and God will not condemn you; forgive others, and God will forgive you.” – Luke 6:37 (Good News Translation)

It's very simple to read and to say it, but it's a different story to do it. Quite often those who find it hard to forgive, actually may also keep a judgmental and critical attitude. There is a need for caution about the personal reasons behind some of the critics of judgment done to others.

Pray today, to be more gracious to others, to learn patience and to overlook faults in order to increase self-awareness in others.

Source: ICA Weekly Devotional #33

Free From Blame

Do you know someone who fits the stereotype of a proud person? Pride doesn't come at once. It builds up in one's life as one allows the feeling of being special, in one or many areas, to grow quietly in their spirit and eventually start to show forth in daily routines and inter-personal relationships. What a tragedy! There was a King named Uzziah who acted liked that. “But then the strength and success went to his head. Arrogant and proud, he fell. One day, contemptuous of God, he walked into the Temple of God like he owned it and took over, burning incense on the incense altar.” – 2 Chronicles 26:16

The Bible teaches us in Psalm 31:23 - "Love the Lord, all you godly ones! For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him, but he harshly punishes the arrogant"

Pray today to have an honest look at yourself and see if there is any root of pride in you. Then, ask for God's mercies and be free of it.

Source: ICA Weekly Devotional #33

Free From Blame

Non-Christians are often pointing fingers at Christians to criticize our way of living and/or our moral standards.

"People who do not believe are living all around you and might say that you are doing wrong." (1 Peter 2:12A)

"Live such good lives that they will see the good things you do and will give glory to God on the day when Christ comes again.” – 1 Peter 2:12 (New Century Version)

Actually, I don't think it will ever end, because it is human nature to criticize and there are many Christians out there who are living below the Biblical standards. What can you do? To follow part B of the above verse: "Live such good lives that they will see the good things you do and will give glory to God on the day when Christ comes again.”

The best way to face it is to live a life that's free from blame. When you live God's way, real love and care are going to be shown to those around you.

Pray today that the Lord will help you to be a good example, which will build bridges to non-believers.

Source: ICA Weekly Devotional #33

Do You Care For Those In Authority?

The Bible teaches us in 1 Timothy 2:2-4 "Pray for rulers and for all who have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to know the truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:2-4 (New Century Version).

The exhortation is very inclusive in nature. You and I, as believers, must pray for the leaders of our nations and for those in leadership worldwide. The reasons are clearly explained in the text. No matter what is your personal political viewpoint you should uphold your nation's leaders in prayer.

Source: ICA Weekly Devotional #33