Christian Daily Devotionals

by Katherine Kehler

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. Point out anything in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (Psalm 139:23-24).

Confession of sin is necessary for fellowship with God and revival among God’s people. The root meaning of the word “confess” is “to say the same as.” Confession, then, is agreeing with God about your sin.

If you click on the Related Article below, you will find a series of questions to help you think through areas of your life that need cleansing. As you read these questions and are convicted of sin, confess at once to God. Then you can claim His cleansing and forgiveness.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” 1 John 1:9

Be sure to name your sin to God. You could say, “Lord, I have not put You first in my plans” or “I have neglected Your Word and prayer” or “I was impatient with my spouse this morning.” Do not make the least excuse for sin of any kind in your life. Proverbs 28:13 says,

“He (or she) who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

You may wish to write down the specific sins that come to mind as you read the questions. Then when you are finished confessing, tear the paper into bits and throw it away as a reminder that God does indeed cleanse you from “all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9b). Embrace the promise of Psalm 102:12, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

Personal revival begins today - if you desire. Begin your personal revival today.

Father, You are holy and want us to live holy lives. As You know, Lord, we so often rationalize actions and attitudes. I ask, Father, that each person who reads this devotional will take the time to go through the questions and allow You to point out anything that displeases You, then confess it and allow You to fill them with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/01/09/kk_revival/

by John Grant
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.�? 1 Peter 2:21

It was a beautiful watch, one of the top brands. I loved wearing it and it always gave the right time. I priced one in a jewelry store at more than $5,000. But after wearing it for nearly a year, the stem broke and I threw the beautiful watch in the trash. Now, you might ask, why would I throw away such a valuable timepiece rather than getting it fixed. The answer is that it was a fake, one that I purchased for $25 at a flea market in Beijing. The watch gave every exterior evidence of being the real thing, but inside, it was a cheap imitation.

A lot of Christians are like that…. imitation Christians. "Oh, I believe Christ was our Great Example". I always ask myself, 'What would Jesus do?' and then I try to do it." Sorry, my friend, there’s no place in the New Testament that comments on following the example of Jesus to be saved or in any way confirms the doctrine of "salvation by imitation."

The apostle Peter mentioned Christ (in 1 Peter 2:21) as an example who was sinless even under gross mistreatment and who entrusted Himself completely in His suffering to His Father. Peter continues, "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; for by his wounds you have been healed." (1 Peter 2:24)

We are not saved by imitating Jesus. We are saved by surrendering our life to Him. The biggest problem with being saved by following Christ's example is that we've already blown it. It's awfully hard to imitate someone with a perfect record, especially when the only "passing grade" in that system is perfection.

Jesus is not only our example but He is also our substitute. He took the consequences of our sin upon Himself so that through faith in Him we might receive forgiveness and healing and abundant eternal life. Even if your concept is close, when you try to "be like Jesus" in your own strength, you are doomed to frustration. You can't do it. It takes the power of the Holy Spirit to live the Christian life and that comes not from imitation, but from total surrender.

You must transfer your trust from your own "trying" to the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. You must divorce your notions of what you think Jesus would do, and accept the Scriptures as the standard for what you believe and do. And, put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ who died on the cross and arose again from the dead, to be your only Savior and the King of your life.

Are you an "imitation Christian" or the real thing?
(a thought on life from John Grant )

You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2009/11/15/jg_imitation/

by Marilyn Ehle

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.�? Psalm 51:12

Over 60 years ago, a leading soft drink company coined the phrase “the pause that refreshes.�?  Whenever those words were said or sung, people’s minds immediately turned to the product as an example of how to take time out, how to slow down and enjoy the moment.

In describing the religious life of one of his characters, author Charles O’Brien writes, “During the day, Mrs. G. takes short pauses, becomes very still, as if asking God for direction, or sharing a problem with Him.�? Truly a pause that refreshed.

In our modern world—far busier than the world of more than a half century ago—we need such pauses. Time to stop the whirlwind of activity, to center our minds on the only one who truly gives new life. Time also to give us insight and wisdom for the choices that lie before us.

One dictionary defines refresh this way: to restore to a certain condition by providing a fresh supply of something. King David had grieved a loving God with the horrible sins of adultery and murder; he deliberately stepped outside the joy that God wants to gladly give his children. David not only admits his guilt but pleads with God to again fill him with the joy he once knew.

If David had only paused before any one of the actions that led to sin, if he had only asked God to resupply what he formerly experienced, or asked God for direction, how different his story might have been.

Father, it is so easy to keep active, to somehow believe that activity equals relationships with you. Forgive us for ignoring your call to refreshment.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2009/11/12/me_pause/

by Vonette Bright

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

(PLEASE NOTE:  “DIAZ�? is pronounced DYE’ AS rather than DEE )
Jonny Diaz begins to sing…
LITTLE GIRL FOURTEEN FLIPPING THROUGH A MAGAZINE
SAYS SHE WANTS TO LOOK THAT WAY
It’s called “More Beautiful You.�?
Jonny shares how God has a different perspective on the way we look.
God, through his vast love, will treat you like the jewel He created you to be.
And God has used the song’s powerful message to touch many hearts.

For example…  A young woman had a serious eating disorder.
She had driven herself three times to a rehabilitation center only to turn around.
On the fourth try, she had already signaled to turn around when she heard the song.
God used the song to drive away her fear and get her the help she needed.

Friend, God’s Word says you are wonderfully made.
And He loves you deeply.  So, believe it!

You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2009/11/07/vb_beautiful/