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Bible Reading: Psalm 93:3-4; Psalm 95:5; Zephaniah 3:17.
There is something about the vast and mighty ocean that reminds me of God - its majestic power, its ever-changing beauty, the cleansing effect of salt air. Unhappily, I don't leave near the sea, so I can't enjoy it very often. But I can hear its songs in my heart.
When I am among God's people, and feel His glorious presence, it's like I'm floating on waves of love. As I experience His power, beauty and cleansing, I can hear His songs in my heart. It's awesome.
Moment of Meditation: Dive into the ocean of God's love.
A Talk with Jesus: Jesus, quiet me with Your love and fill my heart with Your singing. Amen.
For further study: Habakkuk 2:14; Isaiah 55:12; Ephesians 5:19-20; Revelation 5:13.
Bible Reading: Proverbs 19:11; Luke 17:1-2; John 3:36.
The devil is laughing at you right now if you have let someone who claims to be a Christian offend you to the point that you have rejected Christ. The Bible says that offenses will come. It's human nature to be hurt at times when people fail to meet your expectations and let you down. And the devil will use negative circumstances to rob you of the only thing that can heal your wounded heart - the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. Won't you put your offenses aside and turn to Him today?
Moment of Meditation: Jesus wants to heal all of your wounds.
A Talk with Jesus: Lord, I want to come home to You today. I forgive those who have let me down , and I place my trust wholly in You. Amen.
For Further Study: Psalm 139:24; Proverbs 17:9; 18:19; Matthew 24:10; James 3:2.
Bible Reading: Isaiah 61:3; 1 Peter 5:7.
We are constantly being bombarded with messages from men, in the media today, messages seeped in violence, adultery, theft, gossiping, hatred and mockery. It's no wonder that our spirits feel heavy and our hearts are burdened.
God invites us to come into His presence and throw off this garment of heaviness. Cast all your care upon Him for He cares for YOU. Then put on your garment of praise, and your sorrow will flee away. When you glorify God, you bask in His love for you, and are freed from this world's care.
Moment of Meditation: The media concentrates on the negative and increases your anxieties; God's Word provides a remedy for all of your cares.
A Talk with Jesus: Lord, I cast all of my care, anxiety, and worry on You. I cast off my spirit of mourning and heaviness, and put on my garment of praise. I glorify Your Name, for You are worthy of all praise. Thank You Jesus!
Bible Reading: Jeremiah 4:14; Psalm 139:23-24.
We hear a lot in the news today about garbage. Everyone produces it, but no one wants to be responsible for disposing of it. It's a problem that won't go away.
Did you know that you can have let garbage pile up in your heart? Anger, bitterness, hatred, envy, depression and strife will make your emotional life a real junkyard. Jesus says if you will trust in Him, He will clean up your trash, and make your heart pure and clean again. I don't want any garbage in my heart, do you?
Moment of Meditation: There is no room in Heaven for heart garbage. Get rid of it today.
A Talk with Jesus: Lord, examine my heart and purify it of all the emotional trash that has been piling up. Make me pure and clean again. Amen.
Bible Reading: John 21:15-17; 1 John 3:1,16; 4:7-12.
In English, we have one all-purpose word for love that we use for everything from "I love pizza!" to "I love God". Hopefully, you don't love God the same way you do pizza. In Greek, the original language of the New Testament, there are three words for love. The lowest kind is eros, erotic love, which is 100% self-centered. At bit better is phileo, the love of friendship, which is a 50/50 type deal. The highest is agape, 100% unselfish love, the kind of sacrificial, unconditional love that God has for us. Even though we disobey Him, He still loves us. Ask Jesus to put His agape love in your heart today.
Moment of Meditation: How selfish are your loving acts towards others?
A Talk with Jesus: Lord, fill me with Agape, You kind of unselfish love, that it might flow to all around me. Amen.
For Further Study: Erotic love: 2 Samuel 13:1-21; Proverbs 7:6-23. Friendship: Matthew 19:19; Luke 11:5-8; John 19:12-16; James 4:4. Agape: Matthew 6:43-48; John 13:34; 14:31; 15:9-13.
Bible Reading: Acts 10:34-35; Galatians 3:28, Revelation 5:9-10.
Racial hatred is making itself known more than ever these days. Some people believe that they are more favored of God than other races, and are spewing forth their venomous racism all over the world.
But the Bible declares that God has no favorites. He is just and impartial. Any person, no matter what his skin color, can come to God through Jesus Christ, repent of his sins, and be accepted in God's Kingdom. That person becomes a Son of God and a brother to Jesus Christ, equally sharing in the inheritance of the saints.
Moment of Meditation: Prejudice is a sign of laziness. It takes no effort to reject someone due to preconceived notions. It takes a little work to get to know who a person really is.
A Talk with Jesus: Lord, let Your love cleanse my heart of racial hatred. Let me see every person that comes my way as You do. Amen.
For Further Study: 1 Samuel 16:7; Romans 2:10-11; Ephesians 6:7-9.
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:57; Colossians 2:14-15; Revelation 5:5-6,9,12.
On TV and in the movies today it's hard to tell the saints from the sinners, isn't it? Our so-called heroes are often as flawed as the criminals they pursue. Our children have no role models to follow that aren't corrupted by sin.
There is one Hero we can still believe in. His name is Jesus Christ. He triumphed mightily over evil, and He did it without sinning. He is a role model we all can follow. Open your Bible, and read the story of the greatest Hero that ever lived.
Moment of Meditation: On the cross, Jesus triumphed over everything that is against you. Choose daily to walk in this victory.
A Talk with Jesus: Praise God, who always causes ME to triumph in Christ Jesus. Amen.
For further study: 2 Corinthians 2:14; John 5:4
Bible Reading: Psalm 119:45; Romans 6:8; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:1.
Over 200 years ago, we in America won our independence, and we celebrate it with fireworks and picnics. It is a glorious thing to be free from tyranny.
However, may people are still in bondage to a far worse tyranny - the reign of sin. Does sin rule your life? Are you bound by habits, addictions? Do you walk in love, or do feelings of hatred and vengeance force you to be like those you hate?
You can be free. Jesus' death on the cross is your declaration of independence. Come to Him and let Him give you liberty today.
Moment of Meditation: Scientists tell us that it takes about 28 days to make or break a habit. And that it is easier to break a bad habit if you replace it with a good one.
A Talk with Jesus: Jesus, set me free from all of my chains. Amen.
Bible Reading: Philippians 1:3-6; 1 Corinthians 1:8-9.
According to a marriage counselor, many marriages suffer from the "Myth of the Perfect Partner". Some believe that if you do not get along perfectly with your spouse, then he or she must not be the "right one" for you. However, this is not true. Any two people who marry are bound to have some conflicts.
Some people look at God in the same way. They believe that since they cannot be perfect, then God will not enter into partnership with them. But God loves you right now just the way you are, and wants you to be His partner, with all of your imperfections.
Moment of Meditation: Going into partnership with God through the Lord Jesus Christ is the best business deal on earth.
A Talk with Jesus: Lord, I want to be Your partner in Your work upon this earth, and forever in Heaven. Amen.
For Further Study: Malachi 2:13-16; Ephesians 5:3-7; 1 John 1:3-7.
Bible Reading: 2 Peter 3:8-9; Hebrews 6:12,15.
Our life is measured by heartbeats, but the promises of God are often measured in decades, centuries, and even millennia. Throughout countless ages past, He has worked and will continue to work long past the end of our personal accomplishments. He is a God of infinite patience and has an endless amount of grace to supply our every need.
So, why are we so impatient? We demand that He keep such and such a promise now in the way we wish it to come to pass. We want Him to perform a miracle immediately, if not sooner. But He will wait until the right time. We must fit into His rhythm, not expect Him to fit into ours. And He is totally trustworthy, as His eternal promises tell us. Wait on the Lord and trust in Him.
Moment of Meditation: God's timing comes from God's wisdom.
A Talk with Jesus: Lord, help me to wait patiently for the fulfillment of your promises. Amen.
For Further Study: Psalm 27:14; 37:7-9; 40:1-3; 90:4; Acts 1:4.
Bible Reading: Romans 5:5; Philippians 4:19.
Recession is a time when money is tight, jobs are scarce, and many suffer economic hardship. Although experts disagree on the causes of recession, we all can agree that we suffer because of it.
Did you know that there is never a recession of God's love? He is always pouring it out to us in a never-ending stream. No matter what your financial status is, you can always count on the love of God to see you through.
Moment of Meditation: The provision of God's love causes anxiety to go into recession!
A Talk with Jesus: Lord, you know my financial needs. Help me not to worry and fret over my debts. Let them be an opportunity to learn to trust in You. Amen.
For Further Study: Philippians 4:11-13.
Bible Reading: Romans 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10; Titus 3:3-5.
We always are trying to "get something for nothing", so we fall for every gimmick that comes down the pike. But things that are worth while are not free; they will always cost us something.
Salvation is offered freely to all, but it cost God His Only Son. It cost Jesus His life. And it will cost you if you receive it: you'll have to give up your guilt, fear, anxiety, worry, burdens, and sins. That's not too high a price to pay, is it?
Moment of Meditation: God considers this an even exchange: You bring Him all of your sin and He gives you eternal life.
A Talk with Jesus: Lord, thank You for paying the price for my sin and bringing me salvation. Amen.
For Further Study: John 3:16-21; Romans 3:24; Ephesians 1:7-8; 1 Timothy 1:15.
Bible Reading: Romans 6:12-14; 8:5-8; Titus 1:8; 1 John 2:15-17.
We hear and see a lot of advice on how to pamper ourselves today. "I'm worth it!" we are told to say. "If it feels good, do it!" On every hand, we are enticed to indulge our desires.
Self-discipline is such a negative sounding word; why go to "boot camp" when you don't have to? Yet, God's Word tells us to overcome our evil desires by self-discipline. If we don't master our desires, we will become a slave to them, and they will destroy us. The Bible, God's love letter to us, tells us how to discipline our desires so that we can be truly happy.
Moment of Meditation: Solomon once said, "He who hates correction is stupid; a fool's lack of discipline brings death".
A Talk with Jesus: Jesus, I offer myself to You as an instrument of righteousness. I want my mind to be controlled by Your spirit, not by my sinful nature. Help me to do Your will so that I can live forever. Amen.
For Further Study: Proverbs 1:3,7; 5:21-23; 12:1; Galatians 5:16-24; Ephesians 2:1-5; 4:20-24; Colossians 3:5; 1 Timothy 6:9.
Bible Reading: Ephesians 2:4-10; Matthew 5:44-45; John 1:12-13,16.
God's love is unconditional. He loves us just like we are, "warts and all". This is so simple, but so hard to grasp. We keep trying to earn His love by doing good deeds. And when we aren't doing so well, we believe He doesn't love us anymore, and we hide from Him. We can never be good enough to earn God's love. But we don't have to: we are guaranteed God's love always because of Jesus Christ. Believe on Jesus Christ, and you will always dwell in God's love.
Moment of Meditation: God's love seeks us out wherever we try to hide.
A Talk with Jesus: Lord, I know that my good works cannot earn salvation. You bought eternal life for me with Your blood. Thank You that You will love me always, no matter what. Amen.
For Further Study: Galatians 2:21; 3:6,21; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:3; 2:10; 4:18.
Bible Reading: John 14:1-4; 2 Timothy 4:18.
A sign board at a church read: DIRECTIONS TO HEAVEN: TURN RIGHT AND GO STRAIGHT. At first I thought, yeah, that's the way! But then I thought, nope. Even though this slogan is cute and eye-catching, it makes it seem like getting to heaven is up to you. But no matter how right you try to live, and how straight you try to walk, you'll still fail and fall into sin. You can't get to heaven that way. Neither can I. The TRUE directions to heaven are: TURN AROUND, GO STRAIGHT TO JESUS, AND LET HIM LEAD YOU THERE.
Moment of Meditation: The Word of God is the only reliable road map to Heaven.
A Talk with Jesus: Lord, thank You that You have not only made heavenly provisions for me, but You have made the way safe, secure and reliable. Help me to stay on course. Amen.
Bible Reading: Matthew 20:25-28; 1 Samuel 1:24-28; 3:19-4:1a; 2 Samuel 7:8-9; Philippians 2:6-7.
The concept of service is practically dead today. Many have fantasies of being an executive with a "pie" job with a big salary with a big desk to prop your big feet on! But how many ask God to make them a janitor so they can learn how to serve others?
God trained David to be a king by making him a shepherd over a flock of sheep. God trained Samuel to be a prophet by making him a servant in the temple. And God trained His Son to be ruler over the universe by making Him a servant to His subjects.
Moment of Meditation: It is better to give service than to receive it.
A Talk with Jesus: Lord, help me have a willing heart to serve you by serving others.
For Further Study: Luke 22:26-30; Ephesians 4:1-13; Colossians 3:24; 1 Timothy 3:13; 1 Peter 4:10-11.
Bible Reading: Matthew 6:19-21,25-33; Philippians 4:6-7.
"Stress-Buster" articles are all in the magazines, and promise to help you get rid of stress before it gets rid of you. Much of the stress in the modern world comes from having false goals. We are looking to material things for happiness, and are stressing ourselves to the max in the race to acquire them.
But material things can never satisfy that longing within, because it is a longing for God. That spiritual void in our lives can only be filled by stopping our mad dash for possessions, and taking time to love God. The only thing that can truly calm our hearts and release us from the strain of stress is the Presence of God.
Moment of Meditation: The difference between coal and diamonds is pressure and heat. You can let the pressures of life turn you into a sparkling jewel or into a lump of coal.
A Talk with Jesus: Lord, help me to remember that the purpose of my life is not to acquire material things, but to seek first the Kingdom of God and its' righteousness. Amen.
For Further Study: Proverbs 12:25; Luke 12:33-34; 1 Peter 5:7.
Bible Reading: Matthew 5:15-23; 24:11,23-24,27,30-31.
David Koresh of Waco, Texas infamy, thought he was Christ, and not only he, but many others, including innocent children, died because of his mistake. How can you protect yourself and your loved ones from such errors?
Not everyone who professes to know Jesus will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. And anyone who claims to be Jesus is lying. According to the Bible, Jesus is not going to come back as a man of flesh again living on this earth, He is going to come back in glory, bursting through the sky with trumpet blast. You won't be able to be miss Him! Read the Bible and let the Holy Spirit lead you into wisdom. Do not trust the wisdom of man.
Moment of Meditation: Many "messiahs" lie in wait for the unwary soul who does not know the scriptures.
A Talk with Jesus: Lord, open my eyes so that I can discern the false from the true. Fill my heart with knowledge of You from Your Word, so that I might never be deceived. Help me plant You Word in the heart of my loved ones so that, they too, will be secure. Amen.
For Further Study: 2 Peter 2:1-21.
Bible Reading: Jeremiah 29:8; 1 Timothy 4:1-5.
A clinical technician was over heard recently exclaiming about Atlantis, and auras, and reincarnation, and other New Age ideas. He predicted doom and gloom for America if we did not pay attention to the New Age Gurus. He had done a lot of reading on the subject, and was full of enthusiasm.
The Bible tells us that in the last days, people will follow deceiving spirits that will lead them away from the Bible. There are many fascinating, but deadly, ideas on the market today, which are guaranteed to lead you away from faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Don't listen. Hear God, and let His Word fill your heart.
Moment of Meditation: Without the Word of God planted firmly in your heart, you will be deceived by the spirits of darkness.
A Talk with Jesus: Jesus, let the light of Your Word shine in me and destroy all of the darkness that the evil one has tried to plant in my heart. Amen.
Bible Reading: Jeremiah 23:16; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; 11:13-15.
"WE WILL HELP YOU. WE HAVE WHAT YOU NEED!" shout many groups today, who claim to have all the answers you are seeking. To those that are desperate for help and comfort, they promise amazing cures, claiming that they have spiritual powers.
The Bible warns that satan can appear as an angel of light with the ability to deceive even the saints of God. If you need comfort, you don't need to make your condition even worse and be spiritually damaged as well by turning to a false hope. Turn to God through the Lord Jesus Christ. Read His Word. Be comforted by the only real hope mankind has.
Moment of Meditation: Placing your hope in the wrong source is like drinking water from a polluted well. The difference may not be apparent at first, but eventually it could make you sick or even bring death.
A Talk with Jesus: Lord, comfort me with Your precious Holy Spirit. Let me always put my trust and hope in You. Amen.
Bible Reading: Isaiah 47:13-15; Daniel 2:20,10-12,27-28.
A well-known psychic on TV advertises her astrological help with the assurance that: "I can help. Call now." But the Bible in no uncertain terms declares that such help is deadly. The stars do not control your destiny, you do. You can live a happy life here and hereafter if you trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word for guidance. Or you can turn to false messengers of hope, waste your money, waste your time, and destroy your soul. It's up to you. Choose Jesus!
Moment of Meditation: No astrological chart can tell your future; but there is a God in Heaven who reveals mysteries!
A Talk with Jesus: Lord, let me look to You for daily guidance for my life. Amen.
For Further Study: Genesis 1:1,16; Job 38:31-33; Psalm 33:6; 2 Chronicles 33:1-3,5; 2 Kings 21:3-5; 23:4-5; Jeremiah 8:1-22; 31:35; 32:17; Daniel 5:7-15; Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12; 1 Timothy 4:1-8; 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 19:20.
Bible Reading: Isaiah 26:3; Matthew 11:28-30.
Vacation. The word brings to mind visions of rest and relaxation, fun and festivities, a time to lay aside work and worry and get some well-earned peace.
But you don't have to wait for a vacation to be rested in your soul. Jesus said, "Come to me and I will give you rest." Anytime, anywhere, especially in the midst of strife, anxiety and trouble, Jesus can rest your soul and give you peace.
Moment of Meditation: Happiness depends on circumstances. If what is happening around you is unpleasant, you won't be very happy. In Jesus, you can experience peace and joy despite the circumstances, because blessings are continually welling up in the heart that is fixed on Him.
A Talk with Jesus: Lord, forgive me for allowing strife, anxiety and trouble to bring unrest to my soul. I come to You and take upon myself Your yoke of peace. Amen.
Bible Reading: Isaiah 25:8; Revelation 21:1-5.
Our lives are filled with sorrow here on earth. Tears frequently soak our pillows at night. Death takes those we love from us. We are often filled with pain and despair. Sometimes, it all seems hopeless.
Can you imagine a world where there is no sorrow, no dying, no pain, no tears? A world where we will live "happily ever after"? Does it sound like a fairy tale? We are promised such a world in the Bible, if we accept the Lord Jesus Christ into our hearts. He is preparing a place for us where God Himself "will wipe every tear" from our eyes. Jesus will defeat the dragon that holds us in captivity, and will take us away to live forever in joy with Him.
Moment of Meditation: Jesus is the only Prince who can guarantee "happily ever after".
A Talk with Jesus: Lord, help me to walk worthy of the Day of Your Coming. Amen
Bible Reading: Proverbs 17:17; Ephesians 5:16 (KJV); 2 Corinthians 5:18-19.
Ministry takes time, a precious and rare commodity in today's mad rush of life. Many gifted people are "spinning their wheels", running to and fro, when they should be redeeming the time given to them in ministry to others. Look at your life and focus on how you use your time. How much of it do you spend in loving others - taking the time to talk and listen and pray with them? If you don't have time for this, the most important call on your life, you need to ask the Lord, "Which activities do I need to prune away?"
Time is short. Quit "spinning your wheels". The Kingdom of God needs your ministry today.
Moment of Meditation: Your daily meditation in the Word should govern the activities you schedule in your daily planner.
A Talk with Jesus: Lord, help me set priorities so that I spend my time doing what is of eternal value. Amen.
For Further Study: Colossians 4:5 (KJV); 1 Timothy 4:6; 2 Timothy 4:5.
Bible Reading: Proverbs 17:17; 27:10; John 15:13-15.
A recent issue of a national lady's magazine complained that we no longer seem to have the time to nurture friendships, but bragged that women shared with each other in its pages. Can a magazine ever be a substitute for a real friend? And if women have time to read magazines, why don't they have time for personal relationships?
Busyness can also keep a person from developing a relationship with Jesus Christ. Oh, he'll read a magazine about Jesus, but won't take the time to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. There's no substitute for the real thing. Take time to be friends with Jesus.
Moment of Meditation: Wouldn't it be awful if Jesus ever decided that He was too busy to care for us?
A Talk with Jesus: Lord, help me remember to cherish the friends You have given me. And help me remember that the best friend I have is You. Amen.
For Further Study: Hosea 10:12; 2 Corinthians 6:2; James 4:4-5.
Bible Reading: Proverbs 2:4-5; Matthew 6:33; 7:7; 1 Corinthians 12:6,31; 13:13; 14:1,2.
The Bible tells us to seek spiritual gifts, such as, faith, hope, and love. "To seek" means to look for earnestly, constantly, with determination, to keep on until you find the thing sought for.
How much time do you spend reading the Word, seeking these spiritual treasures? How much time do you spend in ministry? How much time in prayer? Are you truly seeking God, or just stumbling around hoping you'll eventually trip over something good?
The Bible says that if you keep on seeking, you will find.
Moment of Meditation: We do not have to earn spiritual gifts; they are free from God to the seeking heart.
A Talk with Jesus: Jesus, I seek You with all of my heart. Guide me into the gifts that You desire me to have to build up Your church. Amen.
For Further Study: 1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalm 34:10; 55:6; 1 Corinthians 12:1 - 14:40; Ephesians 4:8; James 1:17.
Bible Reading: Psalm 145:13-20; Ephesians 1:7-8; Acts 2:45.
There's hardly a day goes by that Christians aren't ridiculed in the media. We are told that: Christians have no fun, they don't fool around with other men's wives, they don't like to get drunk, take drugs, or smoke cigarettes. They are dull and boring. A bunch of prudes and hypocrites.
Ah, but Christians are redeemed. They love you anyway. They will pray for you. They will help feed and clothe you. They will listen to your sobs when your sins have destroyed you. They might not be a bad bunch after all. Check it out. Maybe you should join them.
Moment of Meditation: Man is concerned with outward appearance; God deals with the heart.
A Talk with Jesus: Jesus, I want to join up. Forgive my sins and make me a child of God. Amen.
For Further Study: Isaiah 63:9; Luke 6:27-35; 10:27; 1 John 2:10-11.
Bible Reading: Isaiah 30:15; 1 Kings 19:11-12.
Sometimes it is very good to still the caterwauling of the TV set, cut off the blaring radio, fold up the fretful newspapers, unhook the insistent ringing telephones, and listen to the quietness.
The Bible says: "In quietness and confidence is my strength." Quietness is a delicate thing. It must be sought for in our hurried, harried world; it must be treasured and protected. God speaks to us in a gentle whisper. Let us quiet ourselves and listen.
Moment of Meditation: Sometimes God speaks to us, not in the mad rush of the wind, or the immensity of the earthquake, or in the blaze of mighty fire, but in a still, small voice that is yet louder than all of these.
A Talk with Jesus: Father, quiet my fretful spirit and let me rest In You.
For further study: Psalms 23:2; Proverbs 17:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:11.
