THE FORM OF A SERVANT

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2012

THE FORM OF A SERVANT


  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2: 5-8

Are you ready to serve God, or do you still want God to serve you?  Let us think of God's needs and let us desire His desires.  Let us listen for His call and work in His service.  Let us not be so consumed with ourselves.  In fact, let us be emptied of ourselves and put on Christ whose form is a servant.  For Christ has  showed us humility, even the death of the cross.  

Today, let us be transformed.

PRAYING FOR YOU

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

PRAYING FOR YOU


Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
  Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
  To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
  In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
  Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
  Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
  That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
  In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
  That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
  Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
  Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
  That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
  The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
  Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.  Ephesians 1:3-23

Today, let us cease not to give thanks, and let us pray for one another.

OUR HEART IS ENLARGED

IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2012

 OUR HEART IS ENLARGED

O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. 2 Corinthians 6:11

Just as the Apostles of Jesus Christ cared deeply for the churches under their care, we must care deeply for one another.  We must want the very best for one another.  We must pray for each other’s well-being, as we hope for good to come.  We must actively serve one another, committing ourselves to a lifetime of love. 

Our mouth must stay open to one another to share freely our thoughts, our fears, our loves, our dreams, our plans and our pains.  Our heart must be enlarged to hold more, and more, and more of one another.   

Today, let us  enlarge our hearts as we love one another.

SEPARATED

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2012

SEPARATED

  And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 

  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 

 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 

 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 

2Corinthians 6:15-18

What is your relationship with Belial?  The wicked man of unbelief, lawlessness and uncleanness desires to walk in agreement with you.  Perhaps you have a classmate who is befriending you and bringing you down with dirty language, or dirty jokes, or introducing you to dirty internet activity.  Or maybe you have an inappropriate co-worker whose pulling you into that private office and closing the door to discuss "business."  Or is it the ungodly television and music that you have settled into and allowed  to take control.  

God is calling us out of every unclean thing.  He is calling us to be separated from Belial.  He is calling us to Christ Jesus and to the peace Christ brings.

Today, let us be through with Belial!

THE SERVANT

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY...SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

THE SERVANT

Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.  Revelations 22:14

God is looking for servants--men and women who will die to self to serve Him.  So why would anyone be offended by serving?  We live in a culture where we are offended by taking orders.  Leadership is promoted instead of submission.  The last day spirit refuses to bow the knee...in prayer to God or in honor of Jesus Christ. 

Christianity is not about finding your best life now.  Christinity is about losing your life to take up the cross, to take up the work of the Father.  Jesus is our best example of a servant.  He came to earth to do His Father's command.  When Jesus became clear of the pain and the suffering that was set for him he went through the passion. 

Yes, we must desire to serve God.  We must walk closely with him so that we can quickly engage in his commands.  Let us not walk according to our own rule, but let us walk according to the rule of God.

Today, let us love serving God and let us love doing his commandments. 

LISTEN TO ME, AND UNDERSTAND

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2012

LISTEN TO ME, AND UNDERSTAND


And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.  And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. Mark 7:14-23

God does not want his children defiled.  We must be so careful with our words and our thoughts.  Our prayer must always be: Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 14:19

Today, let us listen to the word of God...and watch our words!

ARISE

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

ARISE

Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion:  for I will make thine horn iron,  and I will make thine hoofs brass; and thou shalt beat in pieces many people:  and I will consecrate their gain unto the Lord, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth. Micah 4:13

Today, let us trust in the God of Israel.

HE LOVES HER

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

HE LOVES HER:  ISRAEL


 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.
  For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me.
  Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.
  And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.
  And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again.
  Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation. Zechariah 2:8-13


And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.  Romans 11:26-28

Today, let us love Israel!

ARE YOU JUST ACTING?

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2012

ARE YOU JUST ACTING?

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23

  Many parents encourage their children to "act right."  While growing up we often attempt to assume the proper attitude and proper mode of behavior.  As we move into adulthood, unless we are spiritually instructed, we continue this "act."  As children of God we are not acting at all; we are genuinely engaged in the fullness of life.  A carnal person may act kindly.  He may feverishly perform several actions that are extraordinary and even time consuming.  Though these actions may look to be out of a heart of goodness and love, they may actually be motivated for self.  Someone may do good works to be seen, or to compete against another, or to build a good reputation for personal advancement.  If our motivation is self, the act is never an act of love, or kindness, or goodness.

We must genuinely love others and seek to serve their needs by being motivated for their good.  Naturally, this will always involve sacrifice as we are  putting our needs in subjection for the good of the other.  We do this out of genuine love that comes from our Father's heart in the matter. Indeed, we must keep our hearts connected to God's heart so that we can serve Him in the earth.  How do we keep our hearts connected to the heart of God?  First, we must pray to see the needs of those around us and pray for the resources to meet those needs.  This may be your husband, your wife, your sister or brother, your friend, your child, your neighbor, your enemy.  Furthermore, we must confess our sins to the Father, who is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Moreover, we must love out of a new heart, made in the likeness of Christ Jesus. 

Today, let us be real.  

RENEWED STRENGTH

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2012

RENEWED STRENGTH


Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:28-31

Praise God for the power that is in Christ Jesus, our Lord.  As we trust in Christ for healing, restoration, and renewal, Christ is faithful to heal, restore, and renew us.  At times we will suffer so that Christ can teach us, shape us, comfort us, or just have time to show us something new.

I hope you are not suffering today, but if you are...just wait.

Today, let us praise our faithful, strength renewing LORD!

STRAIGHTWAY

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2012

STRAIGHTWAY

And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. Mark 1:18

God gives us the secret to doing anything and everything for him in the word straightway.  As we go about God's business we must go directly, go immediately, do it without delay, do it next, orderly, now.

Today, let us stay on course--straightway!

SPEAKING OF HIS GREATNESS

IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2012

SPEAKING OF HIS GREATNESS
I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever. Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.  Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. Psalm 145 1-5.

God is so wonderful!  He is merciful, kind, and forgiving. God continually fills our hearts with love and prevents evil. Yes, God is great!

Today, and every day, let us speak of the greatness of our God.