Category: Devotion

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Devotion Inspiration Meditation

Grace and Salvation Misconception

In today’s Christianity, Grace is one of the most talked about subject. Pastors and preachers from around the world explain of the richness and importance it brings to our daily lives. I am sure many of the people who have been raised up in a Christian family have heard this term ‘grace’ being used in almost everything from getting up each day alive & well to achieving successful outcomes in various tasks.

This wonderful term ‘grace’ as one brother has put it is “God’s riches at Christ’s expense”. It has been given to us as a free gift just as our Salvation. It was not because we deserved it or because of our works in this world (Ephesians 2:8-10). It was purely God’s unmerited favor to mankind. In our quest to understand this term ‘grace’, it is important to realize that God’s grace is available to all men just as it says in Titus 2:11. Despite this, not all men have been saved. You see God gave people a choice to make for themselves.

He is not a God who forces people to do what his will is. Although, he knows very well that being submissive to Him will leads you to a life full of Joy and Peace. He took so much effort into making each one of us unique so much so that not one single finger print is same as another person who lived thousands of years ago. He did this to not make us robots controlled by what he likes and dislikes but that we would have a choice to come as we are and accept him to be our Lord and Saviour.

Grace on its own doesn’t redeem us of our sin, it is Jesus Christ who redeems us of our sin. It’s not there to forgive our sins since its Jesus Christ who forgives our sins and makes us new creatures in Him. The biggest misconception comes when ‘new-age’ preachers tell their congregation that where sin abounds, grace abounds even more. That sinning against God is ok as long as you ask for forgiveness.

Forgiveness comes only after true repentance from your sinful life. “True repentance is not only sorrow for sins and humble penitence and contrition before God, but it involves the necessity of turning away from them, a discontinuance of all evil practices and deeds, a thorough reformation of life, a vital change from evil to good, from vice to virtue, from darkness to light. Not only so, but to make restitution so far as is possible for all the wrongs that we have done, to pay our debts and restore to God and man their rights, that which is due them from us. This is true repentance and the exercise of the will and all the powers of body and mind is demanded to complete this glorious work of repentance” – President Joseph F. Smith.

Doesn’t sound like what your pastor has told you or your counselor? It may not be but it’s what God has said in the Bible according to Titus 2:11-12. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”.

How does Salvation fit into all this? Salvation is given to man as a gift from God by His grace. People are here to share the good news of Salvation and new life in Him but has no part in God’s salvation to people. You see that in Philippians 2:12 where Paul says, “work out your salvation with fear and trembling”. He did not say to work out God’s salvation but your own. No man or No minister can forgive your sins or give you salvation. It is Jesus Christ alone who can give you salvation. He is the only one who died on the cross and rose again to forgive our sins. Salvation is received not achieved.

Another biggest misconception is when preachers tell you that once you believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior, ask him to come into your heart and forgive you of your sins, and pray a simple prayer, you are saved. Not so, as this forgiveness of your sins depend on the topic we just explored. The topic of True repentance.”True repentance is not only sorrow for sins and humble penitence and contrition before God, but it involves the necessity of turning away from them, a discontinuance of all evil practices and deeds, a thorough reformation of life, a vital change from evil to good, from vice to virtue, from darkness to light. Not only so, but to make restitution so far as is possible for all the wrongs that we have done, to pay our debts and restore to God and man their rights, that which is due them from us…”

Are you ready to truly repent of your sins and ask God to come into your life. Do you want to be submissive to His will and plan for your life? Do you want to be assured that when you die, you will go to heaven? Do you want to have peace and rest in the midst of trouble and restless world? Do you want to have freedom and liberty from the bondages of this world? Do you want to live a life pleasing God’s sight and live to be all that God wants you to be? Do you want to have joy and peace that surpasses all understanding in your life?

If your answer is YES to all those questions above, pray this simple prayer and believe in God. You will surely experience a life of abundance, joy, peace and tranquility.

“Lord Jesus Christ,

I am sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. I ask your forgiveness and now turn from everything which I know is wrong. Thank you for dying on the cross for me to set me free from my sins. Please come into my life and fill me with your Holy Spirit and be with me forever.

Thank you Lord Jesus, Amen.”

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Reference:

God’s Saving Grace

Have eternal life

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Devotion

Sweet Slumber

Photographer Anne Geddes has made an art form out of taking pictures of sleeping babies. Her photos evoke smiles. Nothing is a better image of peace than a sleeping child.

But between naps and nighttime, caring for children is an exhausting and relentless responsibility. In their innocence and enthusiasm, children can get themselves into life-threatening situations in no time. After a hectic day of chasing, entertaining, protecting, feeding, dressing, guarding, guiding, and making peace between squabbling siblings, parents are eager for bedtime. After the toys are put away and the pajamas are put on, the sleepy toddler slows down, cuddles with mom or dad for a bedtime story, and finally falls asleep. Later, before putting themselves to bed, parents check on their children one more time to make sure all is peaceful in dreamland. The serene beauty of a sleeping child makes all the day’s frustrations worthwhile.

Scripture indicates that God’s ideal condition for His children is peace (Lev. 26:6), but too often in our immaturity we get into trouble and cause conflict. Like parents of young children, God desires for us to become weary of wrongdoing and to rest in the safety and contentment of His loving ways.

Lord, help me not to squabble and cause friction with others about unimportant matters. May I instead find rest in Your love and wisdom, and seek peace. Amen.

In His will is our peace. —Dante

By Julie Ackerman Link

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Devotion

Every day is Christmas

I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. – Luke 2:10-11 (NRSV)

Every time I visit Martha at the assisted-living facility, she asks, “Are you getting ready for Christmas?” Dementia makes her unaware of the actual date. This reality does not trouble Martha, and over the years it has ceased to trouble me.

Some have said, “Correct her. Help her understand that Christmas is months away.” For a long time, I attempted to do this, but now I see the value of expecting the birth of Jesus every day. I watch Martha’s face light up with joy when she asks, “Are you getting ready for Christmas?” Her eyes dance, and her smile changes the mood in the room. She expects Christmas to come and for Jesus to be born today or maybe tomorrow — very soon. And this brings her joy that is contagious.

In the midst of all that could attempt to defeat the message of Christmas, Martha reminds all of us around her that Jesus is coming. Jesus is coming soon. Her simple question has changed me. I now leave a nativity set on a table in my office throughout the year to help me remember the truth, “to you is born a Savior.” I give thanks for the gift of Martha’s question and for its reminder to expect Jesus to come — today and every day.

Devotion by Karen Greenwaldt (Tennessee, USA)

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Devotion

Trust the Lord

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.    (Matthew 6:33)

Dearly beloved, the Lord promises to provide for those who trust in His goodness. He comforts them, “…Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink” (Matthew 6:25).

One day, I was going through all the letters that I received that day. A particular sister wrote, “Brother, I am weeping for the past 23 years. I have absolutely no peace in this world. I have four children. We have nothing to eat. We are shedding only tears.”

“My husband is addicted to alcohol. He is doing witchcraft against me and my children. On account of that, I am losing my memory quite often. Even if I try to love him, I am unable to do it. How long can I live like this? Please pray for me.”

The Bible says, “An anxious heart weighs a man down…” (Proverbs 12:25). Worry and anxiety cause depression. Worry is a tool used by the devil to torment people. But the Lord says, “Do not worry. I will make you a special person.”

The Bible recounts, “As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.”

“She came to Him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’”(Luke 10:38-42).

Even today, you must accept Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour. Leave all your burdens at His feet. Then He will transform you into a special person. The Lord Himself has said, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). Seek the Lord with wholehearted devotion and yield yourself to carry out His will in this world. Then He will generously provide all you need.

Prayer:

Loving Lord Jesus,

You are good. I seek You with wholehearted devotion. I leave all my burdens at your feet. I trust in your goodness. Bear my burdens and offer comfort to my weary soul. Fill my heart with your divine peace. I yield myself to carry out your will in this world. In your generosity, provide all my needs and make me glad.

In Your matchless name I pray.

Amen.

Daily Devotion by Dr. Paul Dhinakaran

 

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Devotion Meditation

God’s Jewels are Crystallized Tears

“He hath made me a polished shaft.” – Isaiah 49:2

There is a very famous “Pebble Beach” at Pescadero, on the California coast. The long line of white surf comes up with its everlasting roar, and rattles and thunders among the stones on the shore. They are caught in the arms of the pitiless waves and tossed and rolled and rubbed together, and grounded against the sharp-grained cliffs. Day and night forever the ceaseless attrition goes on – never any rest. And the result?

Tourists from all the world flock thither to gather the round and beautiful stones. They are laid up in cabinets; they ornament the parlor mantels. But go yonder, around the point of the cliff that breaks off the force of the sea; and up in that quiet cove, sheltered from the storms, and lying ever in the sun, you shall find abundance of pebbles that have never been chosen by the traveler.

Why are these left all the years through unsought? For the simple reason that they have escaped all the turmoil and attrition of the waves, and the quiet and peace have left them as they found them, rough and angular and devoid of beauty. Polish comes through trouble.

Since God knows that what niche we are to fill, let us trust Him to shape us to it. Since He knows what work we are to do, let us trust Him to drill us to the proper preparation.

“O blow that smite! O hurts that pierce, This shrinking heart of mine! What are ye but Master’s tools Forming a work Divine?”

“Nearly all God’s jewels are crystalized tears.“

From the book – Streams in the Desert (Volume one) by Mrs. Cowman

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Devotion Inspiration Meditation Message

Which stage have you stopped at?

God anointed Elisha with a double portion of the anointing that Elijah had. This was God’s seal of approval on Elisha’s life. But before God anointed him thus, he had been tested.

As in the case of all true servants of God, Elisha too was called to the ministry while he was faithfully doing his secular duties.

“Elijah found Elisha the son of Shaphat, while he was plowing with twelve pairs of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth. And Elijah passed over to him and threw his mantle on him.”(1 Kings 19:19).

Thereafter, Elisha spent many years doing menial jobs for the prophet Elijah. He was known as the one “who used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.”(2 Kings 3:11b).

He did not seek great things for himself, but God had great plans for that young man.

Before Elijah went up to heaven, Elisha had to be tested. And so Elijah told Elisha to stay on in Gilgal, while he himself went on to Bethel. Elisha refused to stay back and was determined to go with Elijah. At Bethel, Elijah again tried to shake off Elisha by saying that he had to go to Jericho; but Elisha stuck on like a leech. Finally, at Jericho, Elisha was tested once more in a similar way. Again, Elisha passed the test of persistence and accompanied Elijah to Jordan. It was thus that he got the double portion of the anointing – God’s best for his life (2 Ki.2:1-14).

What is the message here for us? There are various stages in our spiritual development at which God tests us to see whether we are satisfied with what we have already received or whether we will press on to God’s highest.

Gilgal stands for the place where our sins are forgiven.

“The Lord said to Joshua, `Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.’ So the name of that place is called Gilgal to this day.”(Josh. 5:8-9).

Many Christians get thus far and stop there.

Some press on till Bethel (meaning ‘the house of God’) – which stands for fellowship with believers in the family of God.

“And Jacob called the name of that place Bethel. Then Jacob said, `This stone, which I have set up as a pillar, will be God’s house.'” (Gen. 28:19,22).

Some stop here.

But a few go still further to Jericho – which stands for the manifestation of the supernatural power of God.

“The people shouted with a great shout and the wall fell down flat…..and they took the city (of Jericho).”(Josh. 6:20).

This is as far as most Christians ever go.

Very, very few go all the way to Jordan – which stands for identification with Christ in His death, as symbolised in baptism.

“Then Jesus arrived at the Jordan, coming to John, to be baptized by him.”(Mt. 3:13).

Very, very few are willing to walk the way of the cross – “the new and living way that Jesus has inaugurated for us through His flesh.” (Heb. 10:20).

But it is these few, who are wholehearted enough to press on to total death to self, who receive the double portion – God’s best.

The Test of Perseverance by Zac Poonen

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Devotion Inspiration Meditation Message

LEARNING NOT TO DESPISE PEOPLE

“Jesus spoke this parable to some people who viewed others with contempt” (Lk.18:9).

There are various reasons why people view others with contempt. They may have been taught by their parents from childhood to look down on others who are inferior in social status, or wealth, or education, etc. Or, if you are very intelligent and top your class in school, you can begin to view others in your class with contempt. If, in addition, you are unfortunate enough to have foolish parents who make you imagine that you are a genius, then matters could be even worse.

Let me plead with all parents: If your children are intelligent, please don’t ruin them by boasting about them. I made it a rule in my house that my sons were never to tell anyone about their rank in class or the prizes they got anywhere. I knew that if they became proud, they would lose the grace of God immediately. Then they would fall into sin, and never be able to fellowship with ordinary brothers. I fear that many parents have ruined their children thus.

It is a common habit among children to make fun of someone who cannot speak English (or whatever their mother-tongue is) with a good accent. Beware of encouraging that in your home. Did any of us come out of our mother’s wombs speaking with a good accent? We should thank God for any ability that we have. But we should never be proud of it. Do you know what accent they speak with in heaven? The accents of humility and love. Let us learn those accents clearly.

Perhaps you are a woman who keeps your house spotlessly clean, with everything in its proper place. Then you see someone else’s home untidy and slipshod – and you despise her. You are then a Pharisee; while the person whose house is untidy may be a godly person.

Some brothers have very poor music sense, and if they start singing a chorus in an open time of praise in the church, they will invariably sing totally off tune. Don’t despise them, because God doesn’t listen to the music; he listens to the words. And that brother singing the wrong tune may be more sincere than you, who can sing the right tune. Personally, I have thanked God for such brothers, because they humble all the clever musicians in the church. It is Pharisee musicians who destroy the church, not the non-musical brothers. God loves non-musical brothers just as much as anyone else – but He rejects Pharisees. Many a surprise awaits such Pharisees when the Lord returns.

I am not saying that you shouldn’t come first in your class, or that you shouldn’t keep your house tidy, or that you shouldn’t sing in tune-Not at all. By all means let us do all these. But let us be humble about them – and not despise anyone else who cannot do what we can.

There are many areas like this where we can despise others quite easily. It says in Job 36:5 that “God is almighty, but He doesn’t despise anyone”. The more we become like God, the more we will value people and never despise anyone – for anything.

So let us cleanse ourselves and learn to look at people as God looks at them. “What do you have that you did not receive from God? How can you boast then about anything or despise anyone else?” (1 Cor.4:7).

– By Zac Poonen (Christian Fellowship Church)

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Devotion Inspiration

Weekly Devotion (24/09/2010)

Deuteronomy 31:8
Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.

Cling To Jesus When you have a serious decision to make and aren’t sure which option to choose, cling to Jesus.When you go to church every week, but don’t seem to get anything out of it at all, cling to Jesus.

When your bills are coming in faster than your paychecks do, cling to Jesus.When your children make decisions that contradict everything you’ve taught them their whole lives, cling to Jesus.When the doctor gives the diagnosis you most feared to hear, cling to Jesus.When you aren’t sure which church is teaching truth and which is teaching error, cling to Jesus. When grace is a subject you believe, but wonder how to move it from your head to your experience, cling to Jesus.

When your heart has grown cold and you haven’t felt God’s presence in a very long time, cling to Jesus.When a friend betrays you in a way you never would have expected, cling to Jesus.Cling to Jesus. He will guide you through His Spirit. He will nurture you by His love. He will provide for you through His generosity. He will comfort you through His tender compassion. He will heal you by His stripes. He will reveal truth to you through His Word. He will transform you by His power. He will touch you by His presence. He will sustain you by His faithfulness.

Cling to Jesus. He holds you in His arms at this very moment and will never let you go.You have been bought with a price and will display the glory of His grace throughout eternity.Cling to Jesus and know this for sure – He will eternally cling to you.

– Steve McVey