The Bible says that if you draw near to God, He will draw near to you (James 4:8). This requires effort on our part. That’s the thing about relationships. Both parties must make an effort for it to work. In our relationship with God, surrender and obedience is necessary. This is what proper worship is … Continue reading Making the Effort
Tag: James 4:8
Cravings
We all have cravings. During the fall season, I crave pumpkin roll and pumpkin pie — two things I should not even eat because I’m not supposed to eat pumpkin. We also all have moments we give in to our cravings. Case in point: I just had pumpkin roll a few days ago. The Bible … Continue reading Cravings
A Foolish Turn
Galatians 3:3 says: “Your new life began when the Holy Spirit gave you a new birth. Why then would you so foolishly turn from living in the Spirit by trying to finish by your own works?” (TPT). This is a foolish turn we all make from time to time. Though we declare Jesus our Savior, … Continue reading A Foolish Turn
Secret
We read in Galatians about this big secret Paul kept. He heard about Jesus Christ, but he didn’t immediately consult humans. Instead, he spent more time with God. He wanted to hear from God above all else and went to Arabia. In some translations, we read the term “flesh and blood,” which contrasts the difference … Continue reading Secret
Continuous Revelation
Today’s verse aligns again with the last few devotions regarding our interconnectedness. In 1 Corinthians 12:7, we read: “Each believer is given continuous revelation by the Holy Spirit to benefit not just himself but all” (TPT). The continuous revelation we receive does not only benefit ourselves — it benefits all people. Why? We are all … Continue reading Continuous Revelation
Radiance of Your Presence
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who hear the joyful call to worship, who know the festal shout (NIV, NLT, ESV). The Passion Translation says it this way: “O Lord, how blessed are the people who experience the shout of worship, for they walk in the radiance of Your presence” (Psalm 89:15). … Continue reading Radiance of Your Presence
Restorer of Joy
Read Psalm 86. As we continue our study of Psalm 86, today we look at the Psalmist’s request: “Restore joy to your loving servant once again” (v. 4 TPT). When some people consider joy, there is this misconception that joy is happiness; however, the two are different. Happiness is something that is based on a … Continue reading Restorer of Joy
The Form of the Lord
Moses was very humble. He was more humble than anyone else. He was faithful. Moses was so faithful that God spoke to him “directly, openly, and not in riddles.” The Message says God spoke to Moses “intimately.” Moses was able to see “the form of the Lord.” Other translations say he was able to “behold” … Continue reading The Form of the Lord
Stop Testing God
Over the past few weeks, I have been saddened by pastors and churches ignoring the government recommendations to not gather in large groups and to practice social distancing. Pastors are holding worship services. Pastors are being arrested. All of this is because of the defiance to the government. There is separation of church and state. … Continue reading Stop Testing God
My Prayer, My Life
Consider how often you pray. Do you pray only when you are in church? Do you pray before meals? Do you pray only when you need something? Maybe you pray every morning or every evening. Consider your prayer life. The Psalmist speaks of prayer life as just that – his life. For some, this may … Continue reading My Prayer, My Life
Tania Gutekunst 