Devotional Time with God

That is the question I need to ask myself with every thought that comes across my mind. I don’t always think about good thoughts. There are plenty of temptations and evil thoughts that I’m bombarded with, either on the movies, or the people around me.  But I have to find that peace that only comes from knowing God and His word.  I can no longer be influenced by this world:

Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him.

Romans 12:2

I have to know Jesus. I have to know what He has to say (and do) about everything in my life – from what I eat, speak, think, or look at. I have to constantly test what I’ve encountered:

Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.

Philippians 4:8-9

I must look for what is pure, noble, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Another words, a higher standard!  My mind has to be filled with God’s standard of living. My thoughts will shape my mind, and my mind will shape my character.

And my character needs to be like Jesus!

The Scriptures ask, “Has anyone ever known the thoughts of the Lord or given him advice?”  But we understand what Christ is thinking.

1 Corinthians 2:16

Don’t ever think that you are wise enough, but respect the Lord and stay away from evil. This will make you healthy, and you will feel strong.

Proverbs 3:7-8

I’m not that smart. In fact, I can do some stupid things. Like forgetting where I put my keys, or eating way too much junk food.  I do all the dumb things because I always think about pleasing myself. I always feel I deserve rewards.

The problem is I look for worldly rewards. Those don’t last long. What does last is the heavenly rewards. Only God can provide that. I have to respect God’s guidance and will, in order for me to get that reward. I have to look for Him.

I have to rely on God!  For He will help me finish this race called life. It’s all temporary here on this earth.  I’m looking forward to finishing with Jesus!

God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won’t stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns.

Philippians 1:6

But he replied, “My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am.

2 Corinthians 12:9

The Lord gives strength to those who are weary.Even young people get tired, then stumble and fall. But those who trust the Lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.

Isaiah 40:29-31

Christ gives me the strength to face anything.

Philippians 4:13

Many times I’ve wondered, how am I going to go through this problem at work? When am I going to resolve these marriage issues? How am I suppose to be a good dad and husband? How can I help when I need help myself?  These are my moments of weakness. My self-doubt. My pity-party.  There were times that I felt I couldn’t do anything, at all!

But the bible teaches one important lesson:  Go with Christ!  When I go through trouble, with Jesus, I’m safe!  I’m able! I will reach my goal.  I will have confidence.  That is His promise. That’s what I’m holding on to!

Jesus is the source of my strength.  I shall depend on Him in all the things I do, because I can’t do it all by myself!

I admit I don’t have many friends. I don’t have many because I always thought people just don’t understand me.  I have idiosyncrasies that people just can’t stand, nor can they respect me.  At least that’s how I felt.

But now I know better – the common denominator is me. I have to ask myself, is it them, or is it me that has to change? Most likely, it’s me.  As a human being, my very nature is self-centered. I only want to look out for myself. I’m only interested on what’s best – for me!

Thankfully, Jesus has a different model for me.  Jesus forgave, repeatedly. Jesus spent time with others, looking after their needs and hurts.  Jesus died for our sins!  Jesus sacrificed Himself for the sake of the world.

So, I must be like Jesus.  I must show His love for others, spend time with others, and think of others’ needs. I must show grace, even when I think it’s not deserved!  I must build deep relationships.  That’s what the time spent on this earth for.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:3-4

Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.

Philippians 4:6-7

There are challenges in my life.  Difficult people to deal with. Tough tasks to complete. Financial issues to deal with. Family to take care of. Relationships to maintain.  Nothing is ever easy. Not everything ever goes according to plan.

But I learn, over the years walking with God, is to trust everything in Him.  Bring my concerns to His feet. I look at God and wonder, why am I fretting over little things? God is the master of the universe, the creator of everything.  Why am I worried?  All I need to do is bring up my issues in prayer. According to His design, it will be done.  I just have to know what He wants me to do – and be obedient.

Lord Jesus, I thank you for being here for me.  I don’t know much about everything, but I know this: You know everything! This is why I depend on you. I can’t do this alone.  I can’t handle everything on my own. Please Lord, give me the strength and wisdom to handle the problems of my life, with dignity and grace that only you can provide.  Don’t let me worry. Guide me all the way!  Thanks you, Jesus.  In your name. Amen.

My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus

Philippians 4:19

God’s the creator of all things. He is limitless. He is everything. So when God promised His riches, is there anything I can’t ask for?  Will be short of anything?

It’s mind boggling. I’m just amazed and awed by His benevolence.

Lord Jesus, you are the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. You are everything, everywhere, at anytime. If you’re with me, who can be against me? I thank you Lord, for all of your riches that you bestowed on me. I’m forever grateful. I’m forever yours. Amen.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

When I focus on Jesus, there’s nothing I can’t accomplish. Jesus gives me the power and knowledge to handle any situations. I draw my strength from Him, to guide me through this treacherous and unforgiving life.  I know there’s hope.  I know there’s hope.  I know there’s Jesus who enables me.

Thank you Jesus, for providing me strength when I need it.  You’re the cornerstone. You’re the rock. You’re the foundation of my life. I believe you when you said this because it is written.  I take in your word and I take you into my life. Dwell in me, O Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6–7

God is a giver. He will give me what I need, if I only ask for it.  Most of the time, God gives without even me asking for it!  He makes miracles happen every day for me.  I don’t understand how He knows, but He knows!  He knows what’s in my heart. He knows what’s in my mind.

So I need to be careful what I put in my mind and heart. Filthy things cloud my connection with God. Obscene things hinder God’s blessings.  Pride and anger deviate my walk with God.  I have to be right, according to God’s laws.

I’ll feed on God’s word, every day, so I’ll know what He has in store for me, and I don’t have to worry about anything.

Lord Jesus, thank you for the provisions you have given me. Thank you for the ones will you give, because I know you’re a benevolent God. You know what I need before I even know!  I love you during my ups and downs, and I can always rely on you.  I give this time, this life, this resource that I have, all to you – so you may do as you please, according to your will. Amen.

. . . I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Philippians 3:12b

God has taken a hold of my life. He has grabbed my attention.

And now He’s in the process of shaping me. I let Him. I let Him guide and mold me to His image. That’s all I have to look forward to – to be with Him.

So I press on, living in this world, with only His purpose for my life.

God, please continue to use me for your glory. Continue to take a hold of me. I stray quite often and I deviate from your path frequently. I want to stay on course. I want to reach heaven where you are. Hold me steadfast, Lord. I will continue to read your word, listen to you, and pray to you, throughout my life, to receive and do your instructions. Amen.

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Philippians 1:27a

Everyday, I need to conduct myself in a manner that is consistent and worth of Jesus. When Jesus said, love others, I must do that to all of my co-workers, neighbors, and even my so-called enemies!  When Jesus said “follow me”, I must put Him as a priority in my life above all others, including my own family!

Lord, please help me be do’er of your word. Let me be the light that shines for you. I’m building this lighthouse on a solid foundation of Jesus Christ, the maker of all things right. Thank you for your guidance and strength. Amen.