Promise for Today - A Clear Conscience

...Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

Philippians 2:15 (NLT).

Have you noticed that a jeweler will always put diamonds on black velvet when showing them to a customer? That’s because they shine brighter against a black backdrop. In the same way, as cultures crumble and the world becomes darker and darker, Christians can shine brighter and brighter. You’re made to live with such integrity and authenticity that when people look at you, they see a difference. They see a joy that comes from having a clear conscience.

You might say, “I’d like to be happy, but how do I keep my conscience clear when it’s not clear right now?” The Living Bible paraphrase gives the answer: “What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven! What joys when sins are covered over! What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared their record” (Psalm 32:1-2).

Happiness, joy, and relief are three things everybody’s looking for in life. We all want to be happy. We all want to enjoy life. We all want relief from our pain. The Bible says we get those things through purity, and purity comes from forgiveness through God’s grace.

So how do we keep a pure, clear conscience?

At the beginning and the end of every day, do a spiritual inventory. Talk to God about anything that is standing between you and him—and then deal with the junk from your day. Ask forgiveness. The Bible tells us when we confess our sins, “he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NIV).

Feeling guilty or ashamed can cause you to lose your happiness. So if you want to be happy, you’ve got to get rid of guilt and maintain a clear conscience—because you can’t feel guilty and be happy at the same time.

Talk It Over

What do you need to talk to God about today so that you can clear your conscience?

How can you restructure your life to make time each day for a spiritual inventory?

How are you living as a “bright light” in the world for Jesus Christ? What does your happiness in Christ say to the rest of the world?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father, 

         Create in us a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within us. Cleanse our hearts from all impurity, selfishness, deceit, and pride that may have taken root. Help us to delight in truth and to love others with a pure heart. Transform our minds to focus on what is good, and let our lives reflect Your love and grace. Let Your light so shine through us to those around us that they may see the good works and glorify You, according to Your Word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Promise for Today - Salt and Light

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.
Matthew 5:13 ESV

What does it mean to be "salt of the earth" in today's world? These are people who are honest and reliable, humble and genuine, hardworking and trustworthy. The kind of people you're glad to know. Oftentimes, someone who mentors others just by the way they live their day-to-day lives. That's who we're supposed to be. Jesus said so.

In biblical times, salt was used to preserve food and also to add flavor to it. Translated, that would mean that followers of Christ are meant to slow down moral and spiritual decay in society. The example we set as Christians adds richness and goodness to life, making things better.

But what happens if the salt has lost its taste? (In other words, what if there are lies and dishonesty? Betrayal? Moral failure?)
As Christ followers, verse 14 tells us we are the light of the world. A city set on a hill that cannot be hidden. Light to shine for all to see. In the same mode as salt of the earth. Verse 16 instructs us that "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

We are called to be salt and light, to be ambassadors above reproach to lead others to Christ.

Prayer:

Father,
           Help us to clearly understand Your directives for our lives so we may be a light that shines to show others the path to You. Keep us ever mindful of the responsibility to bring honor and glory to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - In Awe of Our Creator

NOTE: For the rest of November, I will share Thanksgiving moments written by other authors.
Today's devotional was written by Jordyn Juarez.
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O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
Psalm 8:1-4

When we pause long enough to look at the world around us – the stars scattered across the night sky, the rhythm of the ocean, the beauty in a sunrise – it is easy to feel small. David felt that too. He looked at God’s breathtaking creation and was amazed that the same God who spoke the universe into being knows and cares for us personally. This psalm is a reminder to slow down and be thankful for who God is and what He has done.

Gratitude grows when we recognize His greatness and our place in His story. We are not forgotten or overlooked; we are deeply loved by the Creator of everything. That truth should fill our hearts with worship and wonder.

When we choose to notice God’s majesty in creation, our worries shrink, and our praise grows. Gratitude begins with awe – seeing God for who He is and remembering that He has chosen to see us, too.

R E F L E C T I O N
When was the last time we slowed down to notice God’s glory in creation? How can awe lead us into deeper gratitude today?

Prayer:

Lord, 

        Your Name is majestic, and Your creation declares Your glory. Thank You for loving us, seeing us, and inviting us into Your care. Fill our hearts with wonder and thankfulness as we remember who You are. Amen.

Lent - Day Thirty - Unexpected Glory

 Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024 

27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 

John 12:27-28

Finally, the time has come for Jesus to be glorified. But, once again, God does not always work as we might expect.

There were many times when we might have expected to see Jesus receive the honor, status, and glory that he deserved. We might think of angelic birth announcements, miraculous feedings of thousands, blind men receiving their sight, or the dead brought back to life. In fact, we might prefer to jump from the cheers of Palm Sunday to the glory of Easter. God has a different plan.

To be lifted up connotes being raised to a higher status, held in great honor, high regard, or increased in power or position. But for our Lord, the lifting up – and the glory – comes when he is lifted up on the cross. (3:14, 8:28, 12:32). So, before we jump to Easter joy, it is important that we spend the next few weeks recalling the journey of those days that led to his being lifted up for our salvation. It is helpful to take in each conversation and event recorded in Scripture that walk us ever closer to his death. As Christians, we are called to see all things through his suffering and the cross. We must not look around it, over it, or beyond it because without it we are without hope, stuck in the mire of our sin. In Christ, the cross becomes hope, defeat is turned to triumph, and death becomes life.

Prayer: 

Father, 

         Draw me to Christ and his work accomplished on the cross, that I would view all things through it, including my own suffering, life, and salvation. Amen

Reading Further - John 12:20-36

20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. 34 So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them.

Advent - Day Fifteen

From 21 Gifts of Advent by Janelle Keith

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

Luke 1:8-20 NLT

The Gift of Glory

The shepherds were so intrigued by the angelic announcement that they abandoned their sheep and went to see the Christ child. As they made their way into Bethlehem, they noticed a bright star lighting the dark streets. It was as if a spotlight illuminated the place where the baby lay sleeping.

The village was still. They saw their own breath hang in the cold night air. Drawn by the beam from Heaven, they instinctively headed towards the barn. There was no one around, and they arrived first. Funny, they were usually the last to hear any news from their community.

The dusty boys slowly approached the stable where a warm light glowed. They stood silently and ever so slowly. Joseph looked up and greeted them kindly. “We have come to worship a Child,” one of the boys explained. Another added, “Angels told us about His birth while we were in the field.” And the third asked, “Is this the Messiah we have all waited for?” They held their breath for Joseph’s reply. Joseph and Mary exchanged a knowing glance. “God has revealed this news to you. Come in and see the King.”

They knelt in silence, gazing at the tiny baby. It was more than bowing out of reverence. Now in His presence they suddenly lay prostrate at the sight of God. Breathless shepherds worshipping in awe and wonder. Both new mom and dad looked lovingly on the scene and knew in their hearts the special favor of God and His holiness. The glory of God silently fell on the stable.

Tears of joy and peace flowed down the shepherds’ rugged cheeks and praise welled up in everyone’s hearts, so much so that they could not contain it. It overflowed from their chapped lips, with ever-increasing waves of joy. Heaven and earth were in agreement! As "Hallelujah" shouted from Heaven and worshiping voices came from the earth, praises exchanged loudly and each chorus resounded as the angels joined in.

“Glory to God in the Highest, peace on earth, good will toward men.” Were they the same rugged outcasts who watched sheep earlier that night? No, these men had seen and touched the face of God. They were forever changed.

Advent reflection: Worshipping is releasing to receive God’s presence. Imagine touching His face and seeing His smile. Touch His glory, you will be forever changed.

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Prayer:

Father,

           How wondrous that night must have been! We can only imagine and yet it's overwhelming - the Glory of God Incarnate! Birth within us a fresh desire and anointing to seek Your face, to be in Your presence. Show us Your Glory, O Lord, so that we are forever changed. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

From His Word

Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.

1st Peter 4:1-2 The Message

You've already put in your time in that God-ignorant way of life, partying night after night, a drunken and profligate life. Now it's time to be done with it for good. Of course, your old friends don't understand why you don't join in with the old gang anymore. But you don't have to give an account to them. They're the ones who will be called on the carpet—and before God himself.

Listen to the Message. It was preached to those believers who are now dead, and yet even though they died (just as all people must), they will still get in on the life that God has given in Jesus.

Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully.

Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!

Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.

If you're abused [criticized] because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It's the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they're on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that's a different matter. But if it's because you're a Christian, don't give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!

It's judgment time for God's own family. We're first in line. If it starts with us, think what it's going to be like for those who refuse God's Message! If good people barely make it, what's in store for the bad?

So if you find life difficult because you're doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he's doing, and he'll keep on doing it. 

1st Peter 4:3-19 The Message

Prayer:

Father,
          You never promised us it would be easy. You promised that You would never leave us or forsake us. We know You're as good as Your Word, and we trust You. Manifest Your Glory, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Advent - Day Twelve

 For Advent this year, we are reading A Weary World Rejoices written by Brittany Rust  
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The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

He came into the very world He created, but the world didn’t recognize Him. He came to His own people, and even they rejected Him. But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
John 1:9-14 NKJV

We are reminded of two things about Jesus in this passage: He is the light of the world and the Word made flesh. He is, inherently, a gift to us all. Because by His light, we have life (John 1:4). And because He is the Word, He is the personal wisdom of God. Through Christ, we have both life and truth. And yet, so many have and continue to deny both, sadly.

This holiday season, remember that when Jesus came, He came in life, truth, and grace to save you from your sins. That's something to celebrate!

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Prayer:

Father,
            Thank You for Life, for Truth, and for Your Grace, without which we would be eternally lost. Thank You for Your Word made flesh to teach us how to live and grow in right relationship with You. Thank You that every day You give us is a reason to celebrate - even those days that are hard. We especially thank You for who You are to us on those days. Saviour. Friend. Redeemer. Counselor. Father... Help us to remember to give thanks in all things on all days. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Something Different for May - Day 17 - Nothing Can Separate Us

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Prayer - Day 17

God, 

        In all things You work for the good of those who love You—that’s what Your Scripture says. If You’re for me, who can be against me? What possible thing could ever separate me from You? Hardship? Poverty? Death or life? No, nothing in all creation can ever separate me from Your love in Christ Jesus! I need Your help to remember that today. Thank You, amen.

Praying Through Romans     www.crosswalk.com

* Praise as One

- indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying:

“For He is good,
For His mercy endures forever,”

that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.

2nd Chronicles 5:13-14 NKJV

Oh, that our hearts would become one in purpose to praise and thank our God, glorifying His Name till His presence filled the house! Oh, Saints, that we would acknowledge everything we have is only by His mercy and grace - everything we've accomplished is only what He's allowed and empowered us to do. Everyone we love - ours to hold only because He gave them to us. Let us lift our hearts and voices as one to thank and praise our Lord - for He IS good, and His mercy endures forever!

Prayer:

Father, 

          We pray as David prayed, Blessed are you, God of Israel, our father from of old and forever. To you, O God, belong the greatness and the might, the glory, the victory, the majesty, the splendor; Yes! Everything in heaven, everything on earth; the kingdom all yours! You've raised yourself high over all. Riches and glory come from you, you’re ruler over all; You hold strength and power in the palm of your hand to build up and strengthen all. And here we are, O God, our God, giving thanks to you, praising your splendid Name. Amen