"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." - I Corinthians 13:6-7
A love that perseveres is the kind of love that is out of this world. God is love and He helps us to love others who are unlovable or are difficult to love.
We love each other without the delight of evil and walk in love, showing the character God is building in us that protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. 1
1-Life Application Bible. (1984). Notes and Commentary. Tyndale House Publishers Inc. Wheaton, Ill.
©2012 MLMichaels
Showing posts with label Devotions January. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Devotions January. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Rejoice
"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." -- Romans 5:3 NIV
Sometimes it is a harsh word spoken against you or gossip and lies that are truly false that make us wonder why suffering is necessary. God uses difficult times in our lives to produce perseverance. But through perseverance the Lord wants to build character in us. We are -through time- becoming more like Christ.
Psalm 33:4 describes His character saying "For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does."
As we are building a strong character, it will help us to have hope for the future even when the future doesn't seem very bright.1
"Life Application Study Bible. (1984). Application Notes. Tyndale House Publishers Inc. Wheaton, Ill.
©2012 MLMichaels
Sometimes it is a harsh word spoken against you or gossip and lies that are truly false that make us wonder why suffering is necessary. God uses difficult times in our lives to produce perseverance. But through perseverance the Lord wants to build character in us. We are -through time- becoming more like Christ.
Psalm 33:4 describes His character saying "For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does."
As we are building a strong character, it will help us to have hope for the future even when the future doesn't seem very bright.1
"Life Application Study Bible. (1984). Application Notes. Tyndale House Publishers Inc. Wheaton, Ill.
©2012 MLMichaels
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Stay Strong
"Blessed 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." -- James 1:12
When we go to school we have to take lots of tests. We must prove that we have gained knowledge of the course subject.
In life we are asked to go through tests and trials. We must practice and prepare for our tests and when we have stood through our tests we will receive a prize. The crown of life. God has promised us that if we continue on and stand firm we will be rewarded.
I pray for you and I will ask you to pray for me -- that we all will stand firm through our trials and tribulations. God Bless you.
©2012 MLMichaels
When we go to school we have to take lots of tests. We must prove that we have gained knowledge of the course subject.
In life we are asked to go through tests and trials. We must practice and prepare for our tests and when we have stood through our tests we will receive a prize. The crown of life. God has promised us that if we continue on and stand firm we will be rewarded.
I pray for you and I will ask you to pray for me -- that we all will stand firm through our trials and tribulations. God Bless you.
©2012 MLMichaels
Friday, January 27, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Fresh Water... Salty Tongue
"Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?" --James 3:10-11
I often wonder how all of us have the power for life and death in our tongue. The words we say can heal and they can hurt. If we have both salt water and fresh water coming out of our months, how do we know that our real identity is? 1 As we throw off the old man, we also throw off the old speech. We begin to say things to others to edify instead of tear down.
Let us forgive those who have said salty things and become more like Christ with our words- to each other- inside and outside the church.
1- Commentary Notes. (1986) as sited by Life Application Study Bible, NIV. (1984). Tyndale Publisher. Wheaton, Ill.
I often wonder how all of us have the power for life and death in our tongue. The words we say can heal and they can hurt. If we have both salt water and fresh water coming out of our months, how do we know that our real identity is? 1 As we throw off the old man, we also throw off the old speech. We begin to say things to others to edify instead of tear down.
Let us forgive those who have said salty things and become more like Christ with our words- to each other- inside and outside the church.
1- Commentary Notes. (1986) as sited by Life Application Study Bible, NIV. (1984). Tyndale Publisher. Wheaton, Ill.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Everytime it rains ... Wisdom from Heaven
"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
"For every time it rains, it rains pennies from heaven.... You'll find you're fortune falling all over town, be sure that your umbrella is upside down."-- (Song) Pennies From Heaven
The song "Pennies from Heaven," written by Johnny Burke and Arthur Johnston for the movie Pennies From Heaven, was originally recorded in 1936 by Bing Crosby. The upbeat song talking about your fortune falling from heaven, is a sweet song. 1
Maybe the writer knew something we know too. That wisdom comes from heaven. I think the kind of wisdom that falls from heaven is also a description of who God is as God. And the wisdom that we collect all over town through bible study, meditation, praise, worship, and prayer helps us to become more like the one whom wisdom comes from, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
1- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennies_from_Heaven_(song). (retrieved 1/21/11)
© 2012 MLMichaels
"For every time it rains, it rains pennies from heaven.... You'll find you're fortune falling all over town, be sure that your umbrella is upside down."-- (Song) Pennies From Heaven
The song "Pennies from Heaven," written by Johnny Burke and Arthur Johnston for the movie Pennies From Heaven, was originally recorded in 1936 by Bing Crosby. The upbeat song talking about your fortune falling from heaven, is a sweet song. 1
Maybe the writer knew something we know too. That wisdom comes from heaven. I think the kind of wisdom that falls from heaven is also a description of who God is as God. And the wisdom that we collect all over town through bible study, meditation, praise, worship, and prayer helps us to become more like the one whom wisdom comes from, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
1- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennies_from_Heaven_(song). (retrieved 1/21/11)
© 2012 MLMichaels
Monday, January 23, 2012
Pure Joy
" Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." --James 1:2-3
I was speaking with a family member the other day talking to them about how my life has been going for the past couple of years. Truly the changes that have happened have taken me aback. Before I had everything I would ever need, but inside I felt insecure and anxious. Now I am limited with resources, yet inside I am certain and joyous in the midst of my need.
I depend moment to moment on God, whereas before I would count on Him only when my feathers were rumpled and I wasn't getting what I wanted.
Trials are going to come. The verse didn't say one trial, but many kinds of trials. Trials can leave us with the feeling that we have been left or forgotten by God. But that isn't true. God allows trials in order to help us grow to become more like Him.
We can recall Romans 5:3-5:
"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. "
© 2012 MLMichaels
I was speaking with a family member the other day talking to them about how my life has been going for the past couple of years. Truly the changes that have happened have taken me aback. Before I had everything I would ever need, but inside I felt insecure and anxious. Now I am limited with resources, yet inside I am certain and joyous in the midst of my need.
I depend moment to moment on God, whereas before I would count on Him only when my feathers were rumpled and I wasn't getting what I wanted.
Trials are going to come. The verse didn't say one trial, but many kinds of trials. Trials can leave us with the feeling that we have been left or forgotten by God. But that isn't true. God allows trials in order to help us grow to become more like Him.
We can recall Romans 5:3-5:
"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. "
© 2012 MLMichaels
Saturday, January 21, 2012
When we can't press on
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." --Hebrews 10:23
We've heard the saying "I'm at the end of my rope." Lately everything around us makes us feel like we've been at the end of several ropes. The rope, quite frankly, is fraying and coming apart. When we've cried our last tear for answers from God and we feel like there is nothing left to do, lift your hands in praise to your Heavenly father. Sing from your broken heart the praises of the King. Stormie Omartian writes in her book, The Prayer That Changes Everything, " praising and worshiping God doesn't guarantee that our prayers will be answered exactly the way we pray them." She goes on to say that " praising Him helps us to rest [in God's timing.]1
Let us pray for each other and hold on in prayer and praise.
© 2012 ML Michaels
1-Omartian, Stormie. (2004). The Prayer That Changes Everything: The Hidden Power of Praising God. Harvest House Publishiers. Eugene Oregon.
We've heard the saying "I'm at the end of my rope." Lately everything around us makes us feel like we've been at the end of several ropes. The rope, quite frankly, is fraying and coming apart. When we've cried our last tear for answers from God and we feel like there is nothing left to do, lift your hands in praise to your Heavenly father. Sing from your broken heart the praises of the King. Stormie Omartian writes in her book, The Prayer That Changes Everything, " praising and worshiping God doesn't guarantee that our prayers will be answered exactly the way we pray them." She goes on to say that " praising Him helps us to rest [in God's timing.]1
Let us pray for each other and hold on in prayer and praise.
© 2012 ML Michaels
1-Omartian, Stormie. (2004). The Prayer That Changes Everything: The Hidden Power of Praising God. Harvest House Publishiers. Eugene Oregon.
Friday, January 20, 2012
You Will Answer Me
" In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me." -- Psalm 86:7
Walking through my neighborhood, I looked to the sky and saw ominous clouds ahead of me. To the right were dark clouds and to the left were dark clouds. Every where I looked were dark clouds except when I looked up. Above me, when I looked straight up was a beautiful blue sky and sunshine. There were troubling skies all around me, but when I looked up the sky was in perfect peace.
Sometimes when trouble seems to be all about us and there seems to be no light ahead there may be nothing else that we can do but look up.
God will answer our prayers, according to His timing and according to His will. It may not be today or tomorrow, but He will answer us.
© 2012 ML Michaels
Walking through my neighborhood, I looked to the sky and saw ominous clouds ahead of me. To the right were dark clouds and to the left were dark clouds. Every where I looked were dark clouds except when I looked up. Above me, when I looked straight up was a beautiful blue sky and sunshine. There were troubling skies all around me, but when I looked up the sky was in perfect peace.
Sometimes when trouble seems to be all about us and there seems to be no light ahead there may be nothing else that we can do but look up.
God will answer our prayers, according to His timing and according to His will. It may not be today or tomorrow, but He will answer us.
© 2012 ML Michaels
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
The Cleansing of Soap
"Although you wash yourself with soda and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before me." -Isaiah 2: 22
Sin is a serious thing for everyone, including me. Sin can only be washed away by the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ. Soap and Soda, Shampoo and Conditioner will not wash away the stain that has forced its was through to the skin of our soul. The stain is like a giant bruise, pooled by years of neglect. As Christians, when we neglect our sin we risk not being in right relationship with God.
If we haven't accepted Christ as our Savior then our sin -we should know- has not been wiped away and we are not in any standing with God.
Trust in Jesus Christ to wipe away your sins and get back on track with the lover of your soul.
If you've never trusted Christ why don't you do so... Click here to find out more.
© 2012 ML Michaels
Sin is a serious thing for everyone, including me. Sin can only be washed away by the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ. Soap and Soda, Shampoo and Conditioner will not wash away the stain that has forced its was through to the skin of our soul. The stain is like a giant bruise, pooled by years of neglect. As Christians, when we neglect our sin we risk not being in right relationship with God.
If we haven't accepted Christ as our Savior then our sin -we should know- has not been wiped away and we are not in any standing with God.
Trust in Jesus Christ to wipe away your sins and get back on track with the lover of your soul.
If you've never trusted Christ why don't you do so... Click here to find out more.
© 2012 ML Michaels
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
A Reason to Love
"My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water." --Jeremiah 2:13
Would you prefer a freshly prepared meal by one of the top chefs in the world or would you prefer something you prepared for yourself that you prepared from month old food. We all would want the fresh food by a top chef.
In the verse God is trying to get the Israelites and us today to see that we are settling for less than what God has prepared for us.
He provides all that we need, yet we continously desire more and more of what the world has to offer. In the end, what the world has and what we strive for can't hold water to the true and living water who is God through Jesus Christ.
Turn your heart away from the world and toward God.
©2012 MLMichaels
Would you prefer a freshly prepared meal by one of the top chefs in the world or would you prefer something you prepared for yourself that you prepared from month old food. We all would want the fresh food by a top chef.
In the verse God is trying to get the Israelites and us today to see that we are settling for less than what God has prepared for us.
He provides all that we need, yet we continously desire more and more of what the world has to offer. In the end, what the world has and what we strive for can't hold water to the true and living water who is God through Jesus Christ.
Turn your heart away from the world and toward God.
©2012 MLMichaels
Monday, January 16, 2012
Close with God
"Hear the word of the Lord, O house of Jacob, all you clans of the house of Israel. This is what the Lord says: 'What fault did your fathers find in me, that they strayed so far from me? They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves. They did not ask, 'Where is the Lord, who brought us up out of Egypt and led us through the barren wilderness, through a land of deserts and rifts, a land of drought and darkness, a land where no one travels and no one lives.?" -Jeremiah 2:4-6
The Lord speaks to Israel. He knows their history. He is reminding them of their faithfulness, to not forget God's love for them, and to remind them of their once closeness to God. 1
God always wants us to be close with Him. He knows us and the sinful past we have come from. The Lord has always been faithful to us, though we have strayed away seeking other idols. We can confuse idols as giant statues, but they dont have to be. They can be money, relationships, television programs... anything that takes the place in our hearts that should be reserved for God.
If God is speaking to your heart to return to Him and recommit your life, dont delay. Remember the good things the Lord has done for you and forget not that Lord has brought all of us out of our sinful past. Return to Him and the closeness you once knew with your Lord and Savior. Give Him the praise, glory, and commitment that He deserves.
1- The Life Application Bible, New International Version. (1984.) Commentary. Tyndale. Wheaton, Ill.
© 2012 MLMichaels
The Lord speaks to Israel. He knows their history. He is reminding them of their faithfulness, to not forget God's love for them, and to remind them of their once closeness to God. 1
God always wants us to be close with Him. He knows us and the sinful past we have come from. The Lord has always been faithful to us, though we have strayed away seeking other idols. We can confuse idols as giant statues, but they dont have to be. They can be money, relationships, television programs... anything that takes the place in our hearts that should be reserved for God.
If God is speaking to your heart to return to Him and recommit your life, dont delay. Remember the good things the Lord has done for you and forget not that Lord has brought all of us out of our sinful past. Return to Him and the closeness you once knew with your Lord and Savior. Give Him the praise, glory, and commitment that He deserves.
1- The Life Application Bible, New International Version. (1984.) Commentary. Tyndale. Wheaton, Ill.
© 2012 MLMichaels
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Show Me Your Ways
"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths." --Psalm 25:5
Asking God to show His ways is the beginning of learning how to be a great writer. I have been guilty of paying more attention to the world and forgetting to keep my eyes on the Lord.
There isn't a movie or book that I have seen recently that couldn't have been written by a Christian writer. The story lines are very worldly in scope, yet what makes them worldly is there is a worldly moral lesson. Every movie has a moral ending, it just depends if the moral is Christian or secular.
Writing doesn't have to be all about a pure Utopian world. We don't live in that kind of world. Christians encounter horrible circumstances, and as writers we can create circumstances for our characters to live through. It is how the character(s) learn who they are from a Christian point of view that makes the Christian book pointedly Christian.
©2010 MLMichaels/2012 MLMichaels
Asking God to show His ways is the beginning of learning how to be a great writer. I have been guilty of paying more attention to the world and forgetting to keep my eyes on the Lord.
There isn't a movie or book that I have seen recently that couldn't have been written by a Christian writer. The story lines are very worldly in scope, yet what makes them worldly is there is a worldly moral lesson. Every movie has a moral ending, it just depends if the moral is Christian or secular.
Writing doesn't have to be all about a pure Utopian world. We don't live in that kind of world. Christians encounter horrible circumstances, and as writers we can create circumstances for our characters to live through. It is how the character(s) learn who they are from a Christian point of view that makes the Christian book pointedly Christian.
©2010 MLMichaels/2012 MLMichaels
Friday, January 13, 2012
Limitless Praise
I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell you all your wonder. Psalm 9:1 NIV
Eventually a heart full of praise must burst with celebration.
A praising heart is a grateful hear, thankful for its salvation.
Ever knowing emblems of crying up to the sky,
Seeking only what in faith has given us eternal life.
Gently we go turning, but facing we must again;
To the God and Savior waiting to engross and begin.
Day by every passing day, the images reoccurring;
To once anew we find the quill in our hand enduring.
Oh Praise, Of Praise, Of Praise we sing;
from life's dexterity.
Till we return slumbering this eve;
dreaming in writer's glee.
©2010 MLMichaels/2012 ML Michaels
Eventually a heart full of praise must burst with celebration.
A praising heart is a grateful hear, thankful for its salvation.
Ever knowing emblems of crying up to the sky,
Seeking only what in faith has given us eternal life.
Gently we go turning, but facing we must again;
To the God and Savior waiting to engross and begin.
Day by every passing day, the images reoccurring;
To once anew we find the quill in our hand enduring.
Oh Praise, Of Praise, Of Praise we sing;
from life's dexterity.
Till we return slumbering this eve;
dreaming in writer's glee.
©2010 MLMichaels/2012 ML Michaels
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Write to Exalt Christ
"Write to exalt Christ. That I may publish with the voice of Thanksgiving and tell of They wondrous works." Psalm 26:7
What are your goals for this year? Have you spent time in prayer uncovering the desires of God's heart for your writing this year?
I encourage you this year, either to begin the journey or to continue walking on the writing path.
A friend of mine who has spent several years plugging along in the writing industry told me that they have found that there is no secret to writing and publishing. Writing takes time and good writing, well, takes even more time. But I don't want to sound under-whelming here.
Finishing your novel may have been your goal for last year. You may have found yourself saddened because you didn't reach your goal. Or that you never began at all.
Let this new year allow you to put a fresh perspective on your writing by just beginning, again.
©2011 MLMichaels/2012 MLMichaels
What are your goals for this year? Have you spent time in prayer uncovering the desires of God's heart for your writing this year?
I encourage you this year, either to begin the journey or to continue walking on the writing path.
A friend of mine who has spent several years plugging along in the writing industry told me that they have found that there is no secret to writing and publishing. Writing takes time and good writing, well, takes even more time. But I don't want to sound under-whelming here.
Finishing your novel may have been your goal for last year. You may have found yourself saddened because you didn't reach your goal. Or that you never began at all.
Let this new year allow you to put a fresh perspective on your writing by just beginning, again.
©2011 MLMichaels/2012 MLMichaels
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The Word of the Lord is Flawless
"As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is flawless."-- Psalm 18:30
Writing is a daunting task. There are many words to consider when creating a story, poem, or song. Each word is a creative measure of who you are as a writer. The words you use reflect inner peace, outer anxiety, or a dimension of both. You own individuality makes the words you use and the stories you create a part of the Christian life story that continues on day by day.
When we look to write for the Lord, let everything that you write be to the best of your ability, even flawless. Not that you or your writing should be perfect, but that you writing is a reflection of the One who is flawless working in you.
©2011 MLMichaels/2012 MLMichaels
Writing is a daunting task. There are many words to consider when creating a story, poem, or song. Each word is a creative measure of who you are as a writer. The words you use reflect inner peace, outer anxiety, or a dimension of both. You own individuality makes the words you use and the stories you create a part of the Christian life story that continues on day by day.
When we look to write for the Lord, let everything that you write be to the best of your ability, even flawless. Not that you or your writing should be perfect, but that you writing is a reflection of the One who is flawless working in you.
©2011 MLMichaels/2012 MLMichaels
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Dwell in the House of the Lord
"One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life." -- Psalm 27:4 NIV
How simple is this request from David? I want to dwell in your house Lord. I want to be with you. This seemingly simple request is tremendous. I want you Jesus. I want you!
Crying out to the Lord with a desire that will certainly be given to him because it is what Jesus put in David's heart.
Writing Prompt:
What desires have been put on your heart by God? Write those desires down during your devotion time. Create a poem, song, or devotion around those desires. Lift up the name of the Lord because of the things He has put on your heart.
©2011 MLMichaels/ 2012 MLMichaels
How simple is this request from David? I want to dwell in your house Lord. I want to be with you. This seemingly simple request is tremendous. I want you Jesus. I want you!
Crying out to the Lord with a desire that will certainly be given to him because it is what Jesus put in David's heart.
Writing Prompt:
What desires have been put on your heart by God? Write those desires down during your devotion time. Create a poem, song, or devotion around those desires. Lift up the name of the Lord because of the things He has put on your heart.
©2011 MLMichaels/ 2012 MLMichaels
Monday, January 9, 2012
Come
"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters...." Isaiah 55:1 NIV
When was the last time you sat down and wrote something worth-while? Did you remember your King while you wrote? In times when your writing appears dry and dull and needs a fresh in-filling of the Holy Spirit to revive your quill, take time to remember Christ and let Him refill you.
Taking time to let Him refill you means going to Him in prayerful expectation that He will do what He has promise to you.
Reading the Word of God and letting a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit surround your thoughts to help your writing be fresh and clean like water.
©2011 MLMichaels/2012 MLMichaels
When was the last time you sat down and wrote something worth-while? Did you remember your King while you wrote? In times when your writing appears dry and dull and needs a fresh in-filling of the Holy Spirit to revive your quill, take time to remember Christ and let Him refill you.
Taking time to let Him refill you means going to Him in prayerful expectation that He will do what He has promise to you.
Reading the Word of God and letting a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit surround your thoughts to help your writing be fresh and clean like water.
©2011 MLMichaels/2012 MLMichaels
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Finding Rest in God
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. -Psalm 62:5
One of my favorite things to do is rest on the weekend. After a long week of going and coming, trying and doing, I just want to put my feet up. But what happens when we can't enjoy our time because our mind is still racing and our soul is still pacing through thoughts and to do lists. What do we do when we haven't slowed down in years and life is so overwhelming because of the enormous weight of everything that bogs us down?
The Lord gives us instructions for this... to find rest in God alone. Surrendering our hectic life for peace and rest may mean we have to cut away some useless things from our lives.
Allow the Lord this day to speak to your heart to provide rest for your soul.
© 2012 MLMichaels
One of my favorite things to do is rest on the weekend. After a long week of going and coming, trying and doing, I just want to put my feet up. But what happens when we can't enjoy our time because our mind is still racing and our soul is still pacing through thoughts and to do lists. What do we do when we haven't slowed down in years and life is so overwhelming because of the enormous weight of everything that bogs us down?
The Lord gives us instructions for this... to find rest in God alone. Surrendering our hectic life for peace and rest may mean we have to cut away some useless things from our lives.
Allow the Lord this day to speak to your heart to provide rest for your soul.
© 2012 MLMichaels
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