Key Verse: " 1Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess." Hebrews 3:1
Comments: In this chapter, the writer of Hebrews exhorts us to fix our eyes upon Jesus. He is worthy of our praise above anything else that could grab our attention. God has a word for us in verses 7,8,10,12 and 13-14:
Don't Have a Hard Heart!
7So, as the Holy Spirit says:
"Today, if you hear his voice,
8do not harden your hearts
as you did in the rebellion,
during the time of testing in the desert,
Don't Have a Straying Heart!
10That is why I was angry with that generation,
and I said, 'Their hearts are always going astray,
and they have not known my ways."
Don't Have a Sinful- Unbelieving Heart!.
"12See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.
Encourage Each Other: Sin is Deceitful!
13But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
Hold on til the End!
14We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.
Prayer: Lord, Forgive me for the times when I have strayed away from you or have hardened by heart against your word. Forgive for the times when I have allowed a sinful unbelieving heart that turned away from you. Instead Lord, give me a soft heart that is open to your instructions. Give me a heart that stays focused on you. embraces your word, believes it and obeys you. Help me also encourage my brothers and sister as well and warn them about the decietfulness of sin.
In Jesus Name! Amen.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Fred's Devo # 69 " All of Our Blessings Come From You!"
Key verse: "Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand." I Chronicles 29:14b.
This is a part of a Prayer of Thanksgiving that David gave after God's people gave generously in preparation for the building of the temple.
Let's listen in on David's prayer beginning in verse 11:
11"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
12 Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.
13 Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.
14 "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. I Chronicles 29:11-14
Commentary: After giving this generous offering, David does not boast, but begins to give glory and honor to the Mighty, Awesome God that he serves. Then he acknowledges that the generous offering they just gave, came from Gods hand, so they really have no reason to boast. In fact, he is humbled by God's bountiful provision which allows them to give in this way.
Prayer: Lord I realize that everything I have came from your hand. Thank you for your awesome provision for me! Now Lord, help me to give even more generously than I have in the past and as I receive more, help me to give even more-understanding that it all came from your hand.
In Jesus Nmae! Amen!
This is a part of a Prayer of Thanksgiving that David gave after God's people gave generously in preparation for the building of the temple.
Let's listen in on David's prayer beginning in verse 11:
11"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
12 Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.
13 Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.
14 "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. I Chronicles 29:11-14
Commentary: After giving this generous offering, David does not boast, but begins to give glory and honor to the Mighty, Awesome God that he serves. Then he acknowledges that the generous offering they just gave, came from Gods hand, so they really have no reason to boast. In fact, he is humbled by God's bountiful provision which allows them to give in this way.
Prayer: Lord I realize that everything I have came from your hand. Thank you for your awesome provision for me! Now Lord, help me to give even more generously than I have in the past and as I receive more, help me to give even more-understanding that it all came from your hand.
In Jesus Nmae! Amen!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Fred's Devo # 68: It is Good to Give Thanks!
For Today's devotional, we will share scriptures on Thanksgiving
God Instructs Us to Give Thanks:
Give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! —Psalm 105:1-2
Make Your Requests to God with a Thankful Attitude:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will keep your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 4:6
Give Thanks with Your Whole Heart
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart;I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.—Psalm 9:1
Giving Thanks is a Good Thing!
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
—Psalm 92:1
Give Thanks to His Holy Name!
Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!
—Psalm 97:12 http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Come Into God's presence Thanking God!
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! —Psalm 100:4
Let's end with this Psalm of Praise found in Psalm 100 (KJV)
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving Holiday!
God Instructs Us to Give Thanks:
Give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! —Psalm 105:1-2
Make Your Requests to God with a Thankful Attitude:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will keep your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 4:6
Give Thanks with Your Whole Heart
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart;I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.—Psalm 9:1
Giving Thanks is a Good Thing!
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
—Psalm 92:1
Give Thanks to His Holy Name!
Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!
—Psalm 97:12 http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Come Into God's presence Thanking God!
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! —Psalm 100:4
Let's end with this Psalm of Praise found in Psalm 100 (KJV)
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving Holiday!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Fred's Devo # 67 Jesus Set Us Free From The Fear of Dying!!!
Key Verse: "For only as a human being could he (Jesus) die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. 15 Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying." Hebrews 14:b-15, NLT
Amazing and Wonderful! Jesus sacrifice and death for us broke the power of the devil over our lives and took away from us the fear of dying! HALLELUJAH!
" 16 We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters,[h] so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. 18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested."
Commentary: As we see in the verses above, Jesus died for us, not angels! That's why he came as a man! Since he went through the same testing and suffering that we went through as humans, he is able to help us when we are tested!
Prayer: Jesus, thank you that though you were God, you came to earth as a man to live ,suffer and die as a sacrifice for our sins. I thank you that you understand our human temptations and trials because you yourself went through them. Lord give me the power and the strength to overcome my sins and resist the temptations that come my way. I thank you Lord that when I do sin, that you are faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and to cleanse me of all unrighteousness. (I Johnn 1:9)
In Jesus Name! Amen!
Amazing and Wonderful! Jesus sacrifice and death for us broke the power of the devil over our lives and took away from us the fear of dying! HALLELUJAH!
" 16 We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters,[h] so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. 18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested."
Commentary: As we see in the verses above, Jesus died for us, not angels! That's why he came as a man! Since he went through the same testing and suffering that we went through as humans, he is able to help us when we are tested!
Prayer: Jesus, thank you that though you were God, you came to earth as a man to live ,suffer and die as a sacrifice for our sins. I thank you that you understand our human temptations and trials because you yourself went through them. Lord give me the power and the strength to overcome my sins and resist the temptations that come my way. I thank you Lord that when I do sin, that you are faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and to cleanse me of all unrighteousness. (I Johnn 1:9)
In Jesus Name! Amen!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Fred's Devo # 66 " Jesus, Our Savior and Our Brother! Amazing!
Key Verse: So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. Hebrews 2:11
It is amazing that Jesus our Saviour and Creator, also calls himself our Brother!
The writer is marveling at God's amazing attention and care for us: He says in verse 6"-9: “What are mere mortals that you should think about them,
or a son of man[a] that you should care for him?
7 Yet you made them only a little lower than the angels
and crowned them with glory and honor.[b]
8 You gave them authority over all things.”[c]
Futhermore, in verses 9 - 10 the writer says: "...Jesus, who was given a position “a little lower than the angels”; and because he suffered death for us, he is now “crowned with glory and honor.” Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone. 10 God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.
Yet this great Jesus calls us His brother in verse 11: "So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.[d] 12 For he said to God, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people.”[e]
AMAZING LOVE!
In closing, let's meditate on the words of this Hymn:
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
In Jesus Name! Amen!
"And Can It Be That I Should Gain" words by Charles Wesley
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/c/acanitbe.htm
It is amazing that Jesus our Saviour and Creator, also calls himself our Brother!
The writer is marveling at God's amazing attention and care for us: He says in verse 6"-9: “What are mere mortals that you should think about them,
or a son of man[a] that you should care for him?
7 Yet you made them only a little lower than the angels
and crowned them with glory and honor.[b]
8 You gave them authority over all things.”[c]
Futhermore, in verses 9 - 10 the writer says: "...Jesus, who was given a position “a little lower than the angels”; and because he suffered death for us, he is now “crowned with glory and honor.” Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone. 10 God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.
Yet this great Jesus calls us His brother in verse 11: "So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.[d] 12 For he said to God, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people.”[e]
AMAZING LOVE!
In closing, let's meditate on the words of this Hymn:
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
In Jesus Name! Amen!
"And Can It Be That I Should Gain" words by Charles Wesley
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/c/acanitbe.htm
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Fred's Devo # 65: Do Not Drift Away From the Glorious Gospel!
"1 So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. 2 For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. 3 So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? 4 And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose."
In today's scripture, Paul warns Hebrew believers not to stray away from the Gospel of Jesus Christ that they have embraced! He makes the point that in the Old testament days, God set up the law and punished those who disobeyed it. It is also true that he rewarded those who followed it. (see Deutoronomy 28)
By the same token, if we reject or ignore the Gospel message, we have just rejected our escape route from eternal punishment in Hell! Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) Paul says in Romans 3:23 "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.
Prayer: Lord, in a world where people scoff at the message of the Gospel, let me never, ever reject the truth of the Glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is not only my escape route from Hell, but it also reconnects me with my creator and leads me to my true identity and purpose in Christ. Help me to live the life of a Christian and freely tell others about this Glorious News! In Jesus Name! Amen
In today's scripture, Paul warns Hebrew believers not to stray away from the Gospel of Jesus Christ that they have embraced! He makes the point that in the Old testament days, God set up the law and punished those who disobeyed it. It is also true that he rewarded those who followed it. (see Deutoronomy 28)
By the same token, if we reject or ignore the Gospel message, we have just rejected our escape route from eternal punishment in Hell! Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) Paul says in Romans 3:23 "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.
Prayer: Lord, in a world where people scoff at the message of the Gospel, let me never, ever reject the truth of the Glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is not only my escape route from Hell, but it also reconnects me with my creator and leads me to my true identity and purpose in Christ. Help me to live the life of a Christian and freely tell others about this Glorious News! In Jesus Name! Amen
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Fred's Devo # 64 :What to do When Trouble Comes!
Nobody likes trouble, problems difficulties. I know I don't; but they come anyway. The question is, how do we handle trouble when it comes. Do we put our heads in the sand until it passes? Do we put our lives on hold? Or do we figure a way to face our trials and to gain whatever lessons or benefits they may hold for us? I know sounds sort of crazy but stick with me.
Here's what the bible says about trouble or trials or difficulties.
"2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault...12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Are you kidding me? "Consider it pure joy when you face trials" That's not how most of us think. The first think I think is "Oh No!" Yet the writer James tells us to have joy. If that's the case, there must be some benefits to trials.
How to respond to trials:
First trials are an opportunity to stop,evaluate ourselves and ask God for wisdom. Are we living right? Have we strayed away from God? Have we done anything to create the mess we are in? Is God trying to speak to us? Use trouble as an opportunity to God in prayer, to renew your relationship with him and to ask him for wisdom and guidance.
Secondly, If the trial is coming because we have taken a righteous and right stand for Jesus - rejoice! Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:12: "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great"
Thirdly, trials and tests produce perseverance and character that cannot come any other way. An athlete only gets better when he or she is tested and tried in practice and competition.
Prayer: Lord, no one likes trouble but when it comes, help us to face it with prayer-spending time with you for renewal, evaluation and seeking wisdom. And Lord, give me the strength and the grace to make it through my battle with my faith intact. Lord if I am in trouble due to my own sin, show me what it is so I can confess and repent.
If I am facing trials because of my faith, I rejoice and glorify your name even more! Thank you for this privilege of being a witness for you!
Regardless, helps us to face trials with humility, trust and thanksgiving, knowing that all thinks work together for good, for those who love God. Romans 8:28
In Jesus Name, Amen
Here's what the bible says about trouble or trials or difficulties.
"2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault...12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Are you kidding me? "Consider it pure joy when you face trials" That's not how most of us think. The first think I think is "Oh No!" Yet the writer James tells us to have joy. If that's the case, there must be some benefits to trials.
How to respond to trials:
First trials are an opportunity to stop,evaluate ourselves and ask God for wisdom. Are we living right? Have we strayed away from God? Have we done anything to create the mess we are in? Is God trying to speak to us? Use trouble as an opportunity to God in prayer, to renew your relationship with him and to ask him for wisdom and guidance.
Secondly, If the trial is coming because we have taken a righteous and right stand for Jesus - rejoice! Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:12: "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great"
Thirdly, trials and tests produce perseverance and character that cannot come any other way. An athlete only gets better when he or she is tested and tried in practice and competition.
Prayer: Lord, no one likes trouble but when it comes, help us to face it with prayer-spending time with you for renewal, evaluation and seeking wisdom. And Lord, give me the strength and the grace to make it through my battle with my faith intact. Lord if I am in trouble due to my own sin, show me what it is so I can confess and repent.
If I am facing trials because of my faith, I rejoice and glorify your name even more! Thank you for this privilege of being a witness for you!
Regardless, helps us to face trials with humility, trust and thanksgiving, knowing that all thinks work together for good, for those who love God. Romans 8:28
In Jesus Name, Amen
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