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DAILY DEVOTIONAL
IF YOU WANT TO WRITE A
DEVOTIONAL PLEASE SEND IT
IN USING THE 'E-MAIL US' BUTTON.
__________________________________________________________
By Rev. Geoff Bone
Senior Pastor: Grace Cyber Church
www.ourchurch.com/member/c/cybachurch/
DAY 1
"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee; he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved".
(Psalm 55:22)
Perhaps the burden you are carrying today is a heavy one.
Are you in financial difficulties?
Are you going through a Divorce?
Are you bereaved?
Have you suffered an accident?
Have you been diagnosed with an incurable disease?
Many situations in life come suddenly to overwhelm us. One moment we are sailing along without a care in the world, and then something smacks us right between the eyes.
Our spirits are crushed as we struggle alone against things that seem impossible to overcome.
We have no one to turn to for help. God seems a million miles away.
Jesus said that if we have faith as a grain of mustard seed, we shall say to this mountain, “Be moved” and it will move.
There is power in our tongue. Jesus must have known about the power of positive affirmations.
The confession we make with our lips sets in motion a movement in the supernatual realm.
When we PRAISE HIM in the midst of our sufferings, fear and defeat has no room or place in our experience.
Never succumb to the pressures of life. Never imagine that you are alone.
Perhaps your family and friends have deserted you. Perhaps even your brothers and sisters in your faith community have rejected you. STAND FAST and see the salvation of your God!
You have a destiny to fulfill.
You have a purpose for living.
When you determine by God’s grace to make this day count for eternity, then you can proceed with confidence. Hold your head up high. Go into the future and know that he who holds the future is your deliverer.
The power of the Spirit within is yours today. Experience it's energy and power. Be thankful.
Never despair, for this day is the beginning of the rest of your life.
Take that burden right now and give it up. Feel the release as it rolls from your shoulders. Be carried in His arms today. Hold his hand and let Him lead you.
Go peacefully into this day. Go to victory. Go to succeed in the tasks that prepared for you, however menial or great those tasks may be and you will begin again to feel joy and the presence of His peace.
DAY 2
And God said, “Let there be light: and there was light.”
Genesis 1:3 Bible in Basic English
Light is a wonderful thing. For those of us who can see and have the privilege of eyes that work, light gives joy and happiness.
We usually wake in the morning to greet a new day at dawn. The light floods in through the windows and we sense a new beginning. In the darkness we stumble and fall over obstacles.
The light is a tool that gives us freedom to navigate around those obstacles that stand in our way. Until the invention of electric light bulbs, producing enough light when the natural light disappeared meant time consuming and costly efforts. And even our best efforts produced bad results.
Light enables us to enjoy color and artists give us the pleasure of seeing their work in everything we have. Look around you and see how many colours you can see.
The eye is a most complicated instrument with billions of rods and cones all connected to the brain, which translates what we see into useful or pleasurable subjects. A morning mist with the trees enveloped in a mysterious cloud is enchanting.
A full-orbed sunset brings colours to the evening sky that astounds us and brings us to a stop as we contemplate its glory.
Those simple words “Let there be light” have great significance to us as we go through life. Spiritually w
What a miracle follows the regaining of sight to one who was blind. Remember Blind Bartimaous, who once Jesus had touched him could say; “ Once I was blind but now I see” Thousands each day are regaining their spiritual sight as Jesus walks amongst us.
Light is also powerful, as scientists have discovered in recent years. Lasers cut through heavy metals in seconds like a knife through butter. Intricate and complex designs create amazing shapes. Laser weapons are being prepared to destroy enemy aircraft or missiles.
Yet this same substance can remove a cataract from a person’s eye, or correct their vision so that spectacles are no longer required. Light from millions of stars sparkle in the night sky. Light travels at tremendous speeds.
Common sayings have woven their way into our everyday vocabulary. “She is the light of my life”. We even call an outstanding performer a ‘star’
Today, give thanks to God for His light both natural and spiritual. Live to be a light to another human being. Let your actions and deeds cause someone to experience a new dawning of a brighter tomorrow. They need light too. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world”. In our spiritual progress, we stumble and fall without Jesus, just as a blind person without the aid of a stick. Some say Jesus is just a crutch! Yes, and what a wonderful crutch He is too! Lean on Him and you will not fall.
DAY 3
"And the children of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and cried; and their cry came up to God because of the bondage; and God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob; and God looked upon the children of Israel, and God acknowledged them". Exodus 2:23-25 (The Darby Bible)
The famous story of the Jewish enslavement in Egypt has many parallels to modern life. This special people, who throughout history have been persecuted beyond reason, were at the end of their tether. Many people are in bondage today. To Drugs, Drink, Sex, Gambling and Violence. Perhaps you personally know something of the anguish that these people felt. There seemed no way out. All they knew was a long cycle of daily hard labour, with the hope that they might make it through one more day. Their hope for a better future pulled them through.
How many millions today experience that same despair? The agony of being in bondage is hard to bear. Prostitutes, sold by their pimps to the highest bidder, are violently dragged back by force to have their bodies abused again and again when they try to escape. This was not God’s plan for their life. It is the enemy of their souls, the Devil and his demons, who hold the strings and play them like puppets.
Matthew Henry says, “The Israelites' bondage in Egypt continued, though the murdering of their infants did not continue. Sometimes the Lord suffers the rod of the wicked to lie very long and very heavy on the lot of the righteous. At last they began to think of God under their troubles. It is a sign that the Lord is coming towards us with deliverance, when he inclines and enables us to cry to him for it. God heard their groaning; he made it to appear that he took notice of their complaints. He remembered his Covenant, of which he is ever mindful. He considered this, and not any merit of theirs. He looked upon the children of Israel. Moses looked upon them, and pitied them; but now God looked upon them, and helped them. He had respect unto them. His eyes are now fixed upon Israel, to show himself in their behalf. God is ever thus, a very present help in trouble. Take courage then, ye who, conscious of guilt and thraldom, are looking to Him for deliverance. God in Christ Jesus is also looking upon you. A call of love is joined with a promise of the Redeemer. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, (Mt 11:28).
Have you arrived at last to that place where you are looking to God for deliverance? If so, you can be sure that our merciful and gracious God has already heard your cry and seen your tears. He is ready and able to save you and bring you into a place of blessedness.
If this is the dark night of your soul and you feel that you cannot go further then look up, for your redemption is at hand. In the United Kingdom we have an organization called THE SAMARITANS. ((08457 90 90 90) They spend long hours talking to millions of desperate people on the verge of suicide. Many call in the middle of the night and these volunteers sit patiently waiting for their call. How like God! Picture a person sitting in their home, alone, feeling depressed and contemplating suicide. Next to them is a phone. Help is seconds away but until they decide to call for help, they remain in their state of despair. God does not have or need a phone line. He is ever aware of your need and instantly ready to comfort you. But you must draw near. You must initiate the conversation! He will not barge into your life and take from you the dignity of your free will. `Call on him today. Ask for His help and you will find He is there and prepared to rescue you. Right now, this very moment, if you are physically capable, drop to your knees and begin to weep. Your tears will reach the heavenly places and the angels of God will be dispatched to attend to you in your hour of need. God, like the Samaritans, is only a call away!
DAY 4
"You are out of your mind Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane". Acts 26:24
The Apostle Paul was in the presence of King Agrippa. Obviously this man had a great respect, even affection for Paul. What he said was something one friend would say to another. He even admitted to being strangely drawn to the gospel that Paul was preaching when he said, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian”. “Short time or long” replied Paul, “I pray God that not only you but also all who are listening today may become what I am, except for these chains”.
When they left the room, they discussed Paul’s position and came to the conclusion that, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment. He could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar”.
Today there are Christians in many lands who are being put to death and imprisoned for preaching the Gospel. They could be set free if they would simply change their religion but they choose to suffer because they know what Paul knew. Despite the chains, Paul was already free!
Freedom is something that a person knows in their innermost being. Others can rob them of the freedom of movement. They can even torture them and kill them, but a person who knows the freedom that comes through knowing Christ is one who can never be silenced. The blood of the Martyr’s is the seed of the Church. These who suffer for Christ will reap a rich reward in heaven.
In today’s Church in the West, we have forgotten that to be a Christian can cost dearly. In our ‘comfort zone’ we escape the traumas that others have to face. We need to have holy boldness to confront people with the gospel today. Preachers who dare to preach in the open air are being persecuted in subtle ways, even in so-called “Christian England”.
Today think about when you were last persecuted for being a Christian. When were you even laughed at? Have you ever spoken to strangers about the Lord Jesus Christ. If not, why not? Being in the world for the Christian means speaking out.
Jesus gave a last command to the Church and it was, “Go into all the world, preaching the gospel, making disciples of all men”. Are you obeying that command? Will you hear Him say, “Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord?” If you confess Christ before man, He will confess you before His Father.
A silent Christian is no Christian at all! Today, determine to seek out the lost and introduce them to Jesus. Millions in our land have never heard the good news. It’s our job to tell them. Learn how to give your testimony. Give out tracts. Use all the means at your disposal to reach the lost. Pray, Plan and Propagate! The thrill of leading someone to the Lord is something many Christians have never known.
That’s why the Church is in decline. Evangelism is the lifeblood of the Church. If every member of the Body of Christ were on duty 24/7 then we would see results. People would be saved, healed, baptized and discipled. Don’t leave it to the few. Let’s be busy till the Lord returns!
Be ENTHUSIASTIC! That word means, in God, from the Greek ‘en theos’ Go forth, IN GOD!
DAY 5
"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, if any will not work, neither let him eat. For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing". (2 Thessalonians 3:10-13)
This passage was obviously written before the creation of the Welfare State with its benefits to those who cannot work due to lack of opportunity. Un-employment benefit has been a blessing to many millions of families during periods of recession and unemployment.
Yet we all know that this blessing has been abused by some, who simply have no intention of working, even though they are fit and able-bodied. They use the system to enable them to live idle lives, accomplishing nothing. For those who have received the gospel and been born again by the Spirit of God, this passage is still relevant. The Apostle was here addressing an issue that will be with us to the end of the age. When we are born again we should be enthusiastic about the whole of life. We should be motivated to make our life count. Without laying down laws and rules, we should aim to make each day valuable. Somehow every hour that passes can be used to reach our destiny.
When Jesus was scolded by his parents for staying in the Temple, answering the questions of the wise men of the city, he replied, respectfully I’m sure, “I must be about my Father’s business”.
Are you ‘about your Father’s business’? That could be some kind of ministry in the Church or it could be an act of kindness to a friend or neighbour. As you listen to the instructions of the Holy Spirit you will fulfill His will in your life.
Always be on the lookout for the next thing He wants you to do. Be where He wants you to be. It’s so easy to become like the people Paul was referring to. Doing nothing but prying into others affairs. Becoming gossips. Stirring up strife. It is people like this that the Apostle rightly warns about, giving the instruction to stay away from them. Avoid them.
During my life there have been some respected men in leadership that I have had to ‘avoid’ simply because of this type of activity.
In today’s society work is often not physical but mental. What we call work would not have been recognized as such even 100 years ago. Manual work has been replaced by a mental effort, using Computers and other machinery. So it’s much more difficult to judge whether someone is ‘not working’ than when these words were written.
People with disabilities need to be given time to heal.
They are not always capable of making a useful contribution to the wealth of the country. It is for those that the Welfare State exists. It is the job of the politicians to decide how much is given and to whom. What WE can do is make sure that we live our lives as usefully as we know how. Being a blessing to others and sharing our talents, gifts and time. We must never give up or tire in our work.
There will be plenty of time to rest when this short life is over and we come to heaven. After renewing our strength then even there I am sure work will have its place and purpose.
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