thoughts by Alec Niemi Archives - Page 2 of 7 - Daily Devotionals by Thoughts about God

Published December 13, 2020

Praise

I did a Bible word search for the word “Praise” and it appears 296 times in the New International version of the Bible. I read through all 296 of them this morning. All but a six are in reference to praising God. It was a good exercise. By the time I finished – all I wanted to do was praise the Lord. There was no reference to man praising man. It actually speaks against it.

1 Corinthians 4:5 says: “...we will receive our praise from God.”

The dictionary defines praise: as a verb to express warm approval or admiration of, to express one’s respect and gratitude toward (a deity); As a noun it is the expression of approval or admiration for someone or something; the expression of respect and gratitude as an act of worship. The words origin: Middle English appraise, set a price on, attach value to; from Old French preisier – ‘to prize, praise‘; from Latin pretium ‘price.’

It is apparent that God is worthy of all praise when we recognize who He is and the price He paid for each of us.

My prayer for you this week is that you too are praising the Lord.

“Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, Praise Him in the heights above.
Praise Him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise Him, sun and moon,
Praise Him, all you shining stars. Praise Him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Praise the name of the LORD, for He commanded and you were created. He set you in place for ever and ever; He gave a decree that will never pass away.

Praise the Lord from the earth, oh great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do His bidding, the mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and maidens, old men and children. Let them Praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
He has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his saints, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the Lord. Amen.” Psalm 148

By Alec Niemi
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Great Anticipation

Published October 9, 2020

Great Anticipation

Looking back at the different phases in our life is like reviewing a book. Each chapter starts with great anticipation and usually ends with reflection and questions of tomorrow. Following through the story line one can see how each chapter builds on the previous. There are high points and low points, excitements and sorrows, yet throughout the whole story one can definitely see the hand of God’s provision. When choosing to follow God, He puts some very interesting adventures in our path. By putting Him first we can look forward to tomorrow with great anticipation!

My prayer for you

I pray that as you think about tomorrow that you are seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness, rather than worrying about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear, knowing that all these things will be given to you as well because your heavenly Father knows that you need them. And that you do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Amen.“ Matthew 6:25-34

By Alec Niemi
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Been There Done That

Published September 27, 2020

Been There Done That

“Been there, done that,” is the expression lots of us use when we witness others going through an issue. It’s our way of saying, “I know what you’re going through.” The encouragement comes when we go the next step and extend comfort. A small hug, a hand on the arm or some small gesture of contact if no words come to mind. A gesture that says, “I’m here for you.”

And, “I’m here for you,” includes that I’m willing to share the love of Christ with you because that is who helped me when I was ‘there’ doing ‘that’…

“My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:2

“May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 115:15

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. In Jesus name, amen.” 2 Corinthians 1:3,4

By Alec Niemi
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Obstacle or Opportunity

Published September 13, 2020

Obstacle or Opportunity

Why me? Why me?

Why am I stuck in this horrific situation?

When we are stuck in any situation we don’t like, our natural reaction is to question. Yet, what if that situation is a divine appointment? Is this situation an obstacle or an opportunity?

Paul, writing to Titus tells him, “The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished...” (Titus 1:5). Paul then goes on to give Titus instructions for the task he has for him.

Perhaps the obstacle we feel we are facing is an opportunity to follow the instructions we have been given so that we too might put in order what was left unfinished.

Jesus has given us instructions for the task He has for us, telling us to,

“…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19,20)

And when we look at verse eighteen of the same passage we discover that Jesus has ‘all’ authority in heaven and on earth and then at the end of verse twenty He tells us, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” So although one may be ‘stuck’ in any given situation it is good news to know that Jesus, with all His power, is there too!

In His power we can turn the obstacle into an opportunity!

“Thank-you Heavenly Father for your ever loving Holy Spirit who is putting us in order that we too might follow your instructions. Thank-you for working in us, keeping us blameless, faithful, obedient, not overbearing, not quick-tempered or dishonest, but rather having us pursuing honest gain, being hospitable, loving what is good, self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined, holding firmly to your word, so that we can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. In Jesus name, amen.” Titus 1:5-9

By Alec Niemi
Used by Permission

Judging

It seems that more often than not the first thing people say about other people is negative. There seems to be a permeating ‘spirit of negativity’ prevalent today. I don’t know if it is cultural, spiritual or just learned bad habit and maybe (and probably) it is a combination of the three.

Whatever it is it is still being judgmental and somehow it needs to change.

Perhaps it has to start with me?

My prayer for us

“Heavenly Father please help us judge others as you would judge us, for in the same way we judge others, you will judge us and with the measure we use, you will measure us. Help us to not look at the speck of sawdust in our brother’s eye without paying attention to the plank in our own eye. How can we say to our brother, ‘Let us take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in our own eye? Help us to first take the plank out of our own eye and then we will see clearly to remove the speck from our brother’s eye. In Jesus name amen.” Matthew 7:1-5

By Alec Niemi
Used by Permission

For the Good of Others

During a conversation I had with a hitchhiker that I had picked up the other day I was intrigued by his desire to criticize his Christian landlord.

“If that is what being a Christian is then I don’t want any part of it,” he would say as he elaborated on things his landlord did.

No matter how I tried to steer the conversation to his need for Christ as his personal Savior he always came back to how much he didn’t like the way his Christian landlord treated him.

After arriving at his destination we sat in the car for a while longer. He remarked that our conversation was softening his heart and he would have to learn to be more forgiving towards his landlord.

I thought WOW, here’s a guy with a desire to be more forgiving to the man that was causing him to stumble and yet missed the truth about the ultimate forgiveness available to him through Christ.

My prayer for us this week

“Lord God our Father, whether we eat or drink or whatever we do, we do it all for Your glory. Help us as we try not to cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God and help us try to please everyone in every way. For we are not seeking our own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. In Jesus name amen.” 1 Corinthians10:31-33

By Alec Niemi
used by Permission

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughts-about-god.com/four-laws/

Protection and Direction

Today’s reading is in Psalm 105. It is about the Lord’s wonderful work on behalf of Israel. In it is reference to the cloud of covering that the Lord gave the Israelites to shelter them from the hot sun during the day and the fire that He gave for light at night as they wondered in the wilderness.

From this passage we are reminded of the need to be thankful for the grace that has been bestowed upon us through the covering we have in the blood of Jesus. He is now giving us the ‘protection by day‘ and ‘light by night‘ that we need.

His Grace:

–Saves us… “For by grace we are saved through faith, it is the gift of God.”
Ephesians 2:8-9

–Gives us strength... “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness“. 2 Corinthians 12:9

–Guides us... “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go: I will guide you with my eye“. Psalm 32:8

–Provides for us… “But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

–Renews us… “but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16

–Gives us rest… “My presence will go with you and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

–Lights our path… “the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness,” Psalm 18:28.

My prayer for you this week: Thank-you gracious and mighty God for your ‘protecting’ cover by day and the ‘directing’ fire by night. And also for your ‘providing’ loving arms that carry us all the time. In Jesus name, amen. Psalm 105:39

By Alec Niemi
Used by Permission

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughts-about-god.com/four-laws/

God’s Peace

While reading Psalm 116:12-19 this morning I was reminded again of God’s goodness and love to us. My thoughts echo the psalmist’s and I pray that yours do too.

“How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.
I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
O LORD, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant; you have freed me from my chains.

I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD.
I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people,
in the courts of the house of the LORD—in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Praise the LORD.”

My prayer for you:

“Heavenly Father we love you. You heard our voice; you heard our cry for mercy. Because you turned your ear to us, we will call on you as long as we live. In Jesus name, amen.” Psalm 116:1,2

By Alec Niemi
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The Art of Listening

Published March 16, 2020

The Art of Listening

In a sound test lab a couple of trained audiophiles were listening to a classical music piece. Their job was to listen to a new speaker design that was being developed. They were to evaluate the quality of the sound being generated. To do this they would take one of their favorite pieces of music that they had listened to many times before. While listening, one of the men turned to the other and excitedly said, “Wow, these things are so clear that this is the first time I have ever heard the sound of the conductor turning the page of music!”

The trained human ear is still the best equipment for testing the quality of sound.

We too need to train our ears to hear the sound of the Master as He turns pages in our lives.

“Whoever has ears, let them hear.” Matthew 11:15

‘And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.”
Mark 4:24

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28

My prayer for us

“Heavenly Father, we receive your words and treasure up your commandments with us, making our ears attentive to wisdom and inclining our hearts to understanding; yes, we call out for insight and raise our voice for understanding, we seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, in hope that we will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. In Jesus name, amen.” Proverbs 2:1-5

by Alec Niemi
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Young Businesswoman with Her Finger on Her Lips — Image by © Royalty-Free/Corbis

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Pat on the Back

Published March 11, 2020

Pat on the Back

“Give yourself a pat on the back – you’ve done such a great job!”

Ever notice how difficult it is to give yourself a pat on the back?

It takes someone else to do it for us. When we do it ourselves it becomes a self proclamation and is boasting. Scripture tells us…

“Boast no more so very proudly, Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth; For the LORD is a God of knowledge, And with Him actions are weighed. 1 Samuel 2:3

“If we are going to boast then let’s boast about the Lord… My soul will make its boast in the LORD; The humble will hear it and rejoice.” Psalm 34:2

“Heavenly Father please let those who boast – boast in You. For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom You commend. Amen.” 2 Corinthians 10:17,18.

by Alec Niemi
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A Guide for Our Steps

Published March 1, 2020

A Guide for Our Steps

“The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23

It is so encouraging to know how to delight the Lord. Just walk in the steps He sets for us!!!

As we go out this week let’s remember to act with courage and do well that we might experience His light and Joy.

“Act with courage, and may the Lord be with those who do well.” 2 Chronicles 19:11

“Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.” Psalm 97:11

“Heavenly Father may our steps be established by you and our acts of goodness strengthened by you so that you might be delighted and that we might enjoy your blessing and joy. In Jesus name amen.”

By Alec Niemi
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Confidence

Published February 25, 2020

Confidence

The dictionary defines confidence as the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; and the state of feeling certain about the truth of something.

We read that, “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see”. Hebrews 11:1

It is exciting to know that we can rely on God for the ‘something‘ He did in sending ‘someone‘, namely his Son Jesus, and be ‘certain about the truth’ of this to establish our faith in the salvation of His atoning work on the cross.

My prayer for us this week

“Lord God, our faith is in you. Since we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, we throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And we run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. We consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that we will not grow weary and lose heart. In Jesus name, amen.” Hebrews 12:1-3

by Alec Niemi
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Hope

Published February 9, 2020

Hope

“Hope you had a good week.”

“Hope you have a wonderful time.”

“Hope you make it.”

Hope, hope, hope…

Hope is an interesting word. It can be used as a noun, as a feeling of expectation. It can be used as a verb, in wanting something to happen or to be the case. It is also seen as a virtue, as a belief in a positive outcome in one’s life. For a follower of Christ It is a spiritual gift from God and is used primarily as a noun, that God is our ‘hope‘, rather than a verb, ‘hoping’ that God will give good things and make life happier.

Building our hope on the Rock of Righteousness gives us peace through the storms of life as well as in the good times.

I trust that your ‘hope‘ is Christ.

“Oh Lord our creator and Heavenly Father, thank you that we can find rest for our soul in You alone; our hope comes from You. You alone are our rock and our salvation; you are our fortress, We will not be shaken. Our salvation and our honor depend on You oh God; You, our mighty rock, our refuge. We trust in You at all times; we pour out our hearts to You, for You are our refuge. Amen.” Psalm 62:5-8

Have a great week

By Alec Niemi
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The Root of the Problem

Published September 22, 2019

The Root of the Problem

Beautiful meadow lands sprawl along the flowing river. The land is covered with grasses to feed the animals and trees to shade them as they rest. However, tangled canopies of wild blackberry bushes, some over twelve feet high are taking over acres of the meadow lands. Under this canopy is beautiful soil where grasses grew and animals ranged but the land is becoming useless because of the blackberry bushes.

This large canopy of bush is created by a few main roots and long runners that climb all over everything including the shade trees.

Pushing through the blackberry bushes with a front end loader drops the canopy and pulls the runners away exposing the ground beneath it. A few passes with the machine quickly opens a large area of ground that can now grow the grasses that were being smothered out.

Our lives are similar. We let things grow into our lives that can smother us. When we let sin root itself in our lives it produces branches that can take over everything else and makes our Christian walk unproductive. By getting to the root of the problem we can clear out the bad things and get on with the things the Lord would have us do.

“Lord and Heavenly Father please help us prepare our minds for action that we would keep sober in spirit, fixing our hope completely on the grace to be brought to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, we will not be conformed to the former lusts which were ours in our ignorance, but like You, the Holy One who called us, will be holy ourselves also in all our behavior; because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.” In Jesus name amen.” 1 Peter 1:13-16

by Alec Niemi
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It’s in the Response

Published August 25, 2019

It’s in the Response

Jesus was at Peter’s house when Peter’s mother got a fever. Jesus healed her and her ‘response’ was to get up and serve him.

Later that evening when others who were sick were brought to him he drove out evil spirits from those who were possessed and healed many others who were sick. Their ‘response’ was to bring in more people to see the show.

And he moved on… Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Matthew 8:23-25

He calmly responded in word and action, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. Matthew 8:26. His ‘response was one of action.

Jesus had been very busy showing the disciples his power and authority and yet they missed it. Their ‘response was fear and worry.

We have been told not to worry but rather give the situation to God… “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” 1 Peter 5:6-7

Notice the sequence of our response? Humility, patience, action.

My prayer for us

“Lord Jesus thank-you for your ‘response’ to all our needs. You give us salvation, you give us eternal life, you give us the way and you give us peace! This week we humble ourselves, give you the storms in our lives that you might rebuke the winds and the waves and give us your calm. Our ‘response’ is to say thank-you, thank-you, thank-you… and let you know that we are waiting, ready and willing to serve you as you lay out the action plan you have for us. In your precious and holy name, amen.” Matthew 8:26

By Alec Niemi
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Why me? Why me?

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“Give yourself a pat on the back – you’ve done such a great job!”

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“The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23

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“Hope you had a good week.”

“Hope you have a wonderful time.”

“Hope you make it.”

Hope, hope, hope…

Building our hope on the Rock of Righteousness gives us peace through the storms of life as well as in the good times.

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