Devotional Time with God

Therefore,  there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:1

In Christ, I am forgiven. That’s the promise that God gave me when I confess my sins and give my life to Jesus.  God chooses to look at Christ instead of my sins.  I don’t have to feel guilty anymore, for my guilt has been paid for by Jesus’ blood.

When I walk with Christ, God will always be with me.  I shall fear nothing, not even death (Psalm 23:1-4).  I’m not alone.  God will be there.  He will give me peace that only comes from the grace of God.  I don’t deserve it, but I have it, as long as I take Jesus as my personal Lord and savior!  I’m no longer in control, I take on Jesus’ yoke because He makes things easier (Matthew 11:28-30).  He makes all things bearable.  He makes all things good.

I will always seek God, to walk with Him, to be in His refuge, and to have His forever-peace.

I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.

John 14:27

We live in this world, but we don’t act like its people or fight our battles with the weapons of this world. Instead, we use God’s power that can destroy fortresses. We destroy arguments and every bit of pride that keeps anyone from knowing God. We capture people’s thoughts and make them obey Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

The world’s media bombard us with junk, every day. They made us selfish, arrogant, scared, worry, and hateful.  It’s a nasty world. It’s an unforgiving world.

I can’t fix my mind on this world!

I have a perfect God. I have an awesome model for peace: Jesus. If I want calm and love, I have to fix my thoughts on Jesus.  He’s the perfect peace.  Trusting God is my first priority.

I can’t let my imagination wander anywhere else, except to heaven – towards God.

In the past few years, after listening to God’s word about restoring relationships, I have been making the conscious effort of ensuring my relationships with family, friends, and others intact. It’s much easier to speak of the Gospel when I’m at peace with people – and myself.

If people don’t like me, I just have one question for them: If God loves me and I have no quarrel with you, then what’s the problem?

Focus on the relationships is always the key.

God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways.

Galatians 5:22-23

I’ve worked all my life to achieve the level of “joy” that is both fulfilling and sustainable. Can I really be happy all the time?  Can I really be joyful in other days other than Christmas?

Apparently, the bible says I can!  I have to know God and His spirit will give me that joy, peace, and happiness. Knowing God is knowing how to live life according to His design. I’m meant to be with the creator of this universe. Thus, I can only live under God’s rule.  I can only live by His purpose. I have to live up to my purpose, as He made me to be.  It’s extraordinary for me to know God’s with me – and He always want to be with me.

It’s a joy to know you, God!

Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 13:10

It is stupid for me to be driven by pride. Pleasing people I don’t like. Accumulating wealth to impress others. People’s attention is short. People also get envious – and most of the time, devious. They’ll try to bring me down. They’ll try to put me down.

I must realize it’s godly wisdom that will save me. God’s words will lead me the correct way to live. Jesus is a perfect example of humility and strength. The righteous will remain standing, and the meek shall inherit the earth. (Psalm 37:10-11)

That’s God’s honest truth.

Many times, I see celebrities declare what they want is simply “world peace”. Of course, that’s a nice sentiment, but hardly ever attainable because the world is inherently broken. People are born selfish. We always want our needs fulfilled first before thinking of others.

So how can we ever get any peace?

There is only one kind.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:15

In Christ alone, I can attain the peace that is badly needed. His grace and mercy lift up my hearts, being called upon to serve others – not to be selfish. Not to be like this world. But only to heavenly purpose.

I am forever thankful for Christ’s love, and the peace that follows Him.

Hot tempers start fights; a calm, cool spirit keeps the peace.

Proverbs 15:18

I often struggle with this verse.  I’m hot tempered, by nature. I was brought up in a family that yells and screams. Consequently, I yell and scream when I fight with my wife – and, unfortunately, I do tend to yell at my child, too.  A hot temper is not a good character trait. It’s not a Christian thing to do. It’s definitely not a good mark of leadership.

I need the spirit to cool me down.  I need God’s grace to bring peace to my heart. I can only pray that Jesus fills my spirit, to control my mind, and keep my body in check.

I need to calm down.

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

It’s so easy to stray from the Lord.  This world facilitates the way to hell.  People tend to sin, and most of the time, they want to take me with them!

In dark times like this is when I really need to guard my heart.  Only Jesus can give me that peace of mind (Philippians 4:7).  Only God can protect me from the dangers that my dark heart desires.  I need the Lord to cleanse my heart and let Him be the ruler of my life (1 Peter 3:15).

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

Lord, I give thanks to you.   I lift my praise to you.  In my time of trouble, in my time of darkness, in my time of sin – I want  you to get me out of there!  Help me, God.  I can’t do this on my own.  Cleanse me.  Fill me with your spirit.  Make me be right again in your eyes.  Give me the strength to go on.  Amen.

It’s essential for me to forgive others, just as God has forgiven me. It’s not an easy task, but it can be done, with God’s help.  Here are some of the steps I can take:

1. Reveal my hurt.
2. Release the offender.
3. Replace my hurt with God’s peace.

A hurt is no good if I keep it buried in my mind.  I must speak it out to the offender – if not possible, to someone I trust, or write it on a piece of paper.  Bring it out in the open.

Then just simply release the persons who offended me.  I need to tell them I’m hurting because of them, and that I’ve forgiven them.  One suggested way:

You hurt me this way, this way, and this way.  But I want you to know I forgive you because God has forgiven me, because resentment doesn’t work.  I will need forgiveness in the future.  I am releasing you.

And I need to forgive all the time! (Matthew 18:21-22)  When I think about them and they don’t hurt, that’s when I know I’ve released them.

Finally, God’s power is more abundance and effective than mine.  I need to tap into it.  My sheer willpower won’t do it.  Only God can change hearts.  I’ll do my part to forgive and release.  God will work on my heart and those who offended me.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.

Colossians 3:15