Devotional Time with God

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

John 15:7

Every day is a struggle. It’s an all day struggle, starting with the morning to get up when my alarm clock goes off. It’s a struggle to keep motivated, as I get ready to go to work.  It’s a struggle to drive to work. It’s a struggle at work, with so many issues to tackle and so many people to help. It’s a struggle to keep my family happy. And in the end, it’s sometimes a struggle to even get to sleep!

So how do I keep up with this? God promised that He’ll be with me during my struggles. He promised to give me whatever I need.  However, I must realize I have to be WITH GOD before this can happen. God is always with me, not just during my prayers, or when I’m focused on Him. That’s why my actions have to be in realization that God is always next to me.

My first thought should always be with God.

The Son has set me free, I am free indeed! (John 8:36)

Jesus came to this earth to die for me, and rescued me from the bondage of sins. I’m no longer a slave to my sins – I am free!

I’ve been sworn to be a jury.  It’s my honor to serve as one: for the community – for the country.  I’m relieved the courts still swore us in  using the word “So help me God” at the end of the oath to tell the truth.

For indeed the truth shall set me free (John 8:32). It shall set all of us free!  If only everyone would tell the truth, we wouldn’t need lawyers, court systems, lawsuits, and the constant bickering who does what with whom at where and when.  We wouldn’t need to scrutinize every little details.

If only everyone would tell the truth and follow God’s commandments (Romans 13:9).  We’ll all be safe.

When I’m on the jury box, whenever I can, I prayed for the witness, victim, defendant, judge, my fellow jurors, and even the lawyers, that they open their heart and tell the truth.  Because I know the truth will eventually come out and justice will be served. So help us God!

These days, everything needs to be visualized or presented in-the-flesh for anyone to accept.  Even then, with advance editing tools, photos and videos can be altered to deceive the viewers.

Same thing with my belief.  I sometimes demand God to show me what I have to do. I demand God to present something, in front of my eyes, before I can believe it.  But the scripture tells me otherwise:

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

John 20:29

To have faith, I must start believing in order to start seeing.  I will be more blessed.

I lead a busy life. I’m a parent with a rambunctious daughter. I’m a husband with a strong minded wife.  I work in a company that demands attention, even when I’m sleeping (the joy of being a support personnel)!  Heck, I even hold myself to a higher standard, paying attention to every detail and worry about the little things.

But there’s one thing for sure, I have a God to serve.  His name is Jesus.  He guides my life.  He provides for me. He gave saved my life!  He was born from a humble beginning, lived a sinless life, and died of a gruesome death.  He took my sins away so I can be blameless.

This Christmas, I’m reminded I have to put away all of my busy-ness and worries.  Jesus is the reason for the season. He’s the prince of peace.  He’s the one I have to make room in my heart, mind, and soul.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:27

I listened to Greg Laurie’s service today on Harvest Christian Church, and he talked about the most difficult part of my Christian life: How to evangelize.  Sharing my faith can be tricky in this day and age.  He covered what I need to do:

I need to go to Samaria (John 4:4), which is practically everywhere, especially where no one wants to go and be with people no one wants to be associated with. The gospel is for everyone.  If they don’t hear about Jesus’ love, they’ll be going to hell.  I have to overcome my prejudices and biases.  Everyone’s the same in the eyes of the Lord.

I need to be tactful. Evangelism is about a dialogue, not a monologue. I have to do a lot of listening. Everyone’s favorite topic is himself or herself.  I must need to learn how to respond, with tact.  The objective is to win the soul, not the argument. For example, Jesus was using the well and its water as a metaphor for her life (John 4:13).

I need to adapt to the situation.  People might try to change the subject (John 4:20), but I have to keep trying to go back to the main issue.  There is no one way to evangelize. Sometimes I have to answer a question with a question – it’s for those who just want discredit what I know.  Asking questions engages the other person, creating a bridge to a dialogue.

I need to use my story.  It’s a way to preach to a person without actually preaching.  Many people will believe as a result of my testimony (John 4:39).  A real story is a powerful message, as real as I experienced it – not exaggerated.  It’s not about me, it’s about God.

I need to faithfully deliver the word of God, giving everyone the true gospel. The truth is, the way to heaven is through Jesus Christ.  Jesus died for my sins. He’s the way, the truth, and the life.

I need to let God work through me.  He’ll give me the strength to deliver the Good News to anyone – everyone.  I need to let God direct me.

There are many famous people in this world.  They’re rich, influential, charismatic, beautiful, persuasive, or even powerful in some ways.  People have a tendency to look at them as role models.

But are they suppose to be mine?

The bible tells me my father is suppose to be my role model:

Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”

John 5:19

I love my Dad and I look up to my biological father because he’s my closest example of what a man should be.  But I do have to remind myself that he’s only human, with all the fallacies of this world.

There is a heavenly Father.  God is my source of life and inspiration.  I need to fix my eye on Him.  He will show more greater and more amazing things (John 5:20).

God is my ultimate role model.

When my toddler got her first illustrated bible from the church, I thought it would make a good introduction for her.  I would read chapter by chapter each day (short ones), and she would get excited about looking at the pictures of Moses, Noah’s Ark, Jesus and His disciples.

When I get to the section called “The True King”, it illustrated a donkey and Jesus riding it during Passover Feast.  It’s outlined in the books of Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:29-42, and John 12:12-19.  The picture of the donkey is cute and we got a kick out of looking at it.  I said to myself, that’s odd why they would focus on this donkey.

As it turns out, the donkey (and the subsequent Jesus arrival to Jerusalem on it) was prophesied earlier in Isaiah 21:7.  Jesus had fulfilled that prophecy.

The Bible confirmed Jesus is the one true king, as shown by God’s vision.

When I wake up in the early morning, I always find myself feeling physically hungry for food, like a piece bacon, pancake, chicken nugget, or orange juice.  I need food to keep my energy up to cope through the day.

Similarly, this is exactly what my morning devotionals should start:  Hungry for God’s sustenance.  It includes the “pure milk of the word” (1 Peter 2:2) and daily “bread” (Matthew 6:11).  The word of God is my spiritual food for the day.  It will keep going strong, to cope with the stress of the day.

I’m leaving the tough decisions to God.  I’m giving all of my troubles on His feet.  I’m going to enjoy the feast that God has laid out in front of me, and enjoy His generous provision.

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

John 6:25-29

As I crossed into the new year, I’m yet again reminded what my priorities are.  My God is first.  My family is next.  My friends follow.  If I look at the order, it tells me the future:

• God is forever.
• Family is long lasting.
• Friends are fleeting.

Anything on this earth doesn’t last forever, including myself.  I have to bet my life on Jesus Christ, for He is the truth (John 14:6).   He is the only future I can rely on.

O Lord, thank you for what you’ve done for me in the year 2009.  You’ve given us plenty.  You’ve protected us.  You’ve taught and guided us through the minefields of this world.  I want to bear fruit in the coming new year 2010.  I still need your grace.  I still need your Holy Spirit to guide me further.  Further to the Kingdom of God.  I know my future is with you, Jesus.  Amen.