shpres2022

Vehicle for faith Romans 10:17 – “So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.” In this glorious section of Romans, Paul is telling us that salvation through Christ is for all people. The old limits we used to put on God’s love have no place in the heart or ethics of a Christian. He impresses on his friends how important it is to tell the story of Jesus so that people can awaken to their salvation (this word means wholeness, restoration, fullness, both now and eternally)by hearing the word of Christ. In other words, when we hear the story, Christ infuses it with presence and we come to trust and rely upon his grace more and more and more. In Paul’s day few had access to the written scriptures or stories of Jesus. People had to tell each other the stories. In the telling of the story faith is aroused and life is transformed. This is one of the reasons that the scriptures are still read aloud in Christian worship services. It is one of the reasons that preachers still preach to congregations. In some mysterious sacred way, the words come alive with Christ in those moments, and kindle a life changing and durable faith. Can you think of a time when you heard the scriptures read aloud, or preached, and you felt your faith blossom or strengthen? Do you have a favorite passage of scripture? Today, try reading it aloud. Has it been awhile since you listened to a sermon preached? If you have time, go to our YouTube channel or website and listen to one from our archives. Ask God to awaken your trust through what you hear. Prayer: Gracious God, we thank you for the miracle of hearing the word, for your presence in our hearing, and for the faith that awakens inside of us. In Jesus’ holy name we pray. Amen. #dailyinspiration #dailymotivation #dailydevotional

Spend some time today thinking about the Ten Commandments as a personal love letter to you. The first three commandments are all about our love story with God. Like a parent to a child, like a lover to the beloved, God wants only to protect, free and be loved in return. Are there times in your life when you struggle to put God first? Have you ever made your relationship with God a last priority? If so, now is the perfect time to ask God to help you see where your love is shallow and for strength and insight, trusting completely that it will come! O Gracious God, help us today to see where we fall short in our commitment to you. Allow the strength of your Love to draw us home. In Jesus’ holy name we pray. Amen. #dailymotivation #dailyinspiration #dailydevotional

Many of us know the Ten Commandments, if not by heart, then in practice. What we may not know, however, is their purpose. The Ten Commandments are not just a list of laws telling us what and what not to do in order to please God. These words are a love letter from God in which God shows us clearly how we are intended to live; in joy, safety, respect and within divine embrace. God begins these words by declaring, “I am yours and this is what our life together can look like.” God also reminds us that God is the one who brings us out of all bondage so that we are free to live fruitful, joyful lives with God and in safe sacred communities. O Gracious God, your love for us is complete. Your desire for us is joyful freedom from every bondage. We thank you! Amen #dailymotivation #dailyinspiration #dailydevotional

2 Timothy 3:16 God has breathed life into all Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what is right. By using Scripture, the servant of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing. From dire circumstances, Paul is writing to Timothy who he loves like a son. His letter is filled with love, compassion, encouragement and wisdom. Timothy was also trying to faithfully minister during troubled times. In his letter Paul remained confident. When hard times come, turn to the scriptures to find your answer. Paul knew that the scriptures would provide them with wisdom, instruction for correction, and how to live loving and grace-filled lives. As you go about your day today, think about what scripture has taught you, how it has called you to change, how it helps you become a better person. O Gracious God, we thank you for the scriptures. Thank you for leading us into the right paths by your word. In Jesus’ holy name we pray. Amen.

"And suddenly from heaven, there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them." Acts 2:2 People from everywhere were gathered in Jerusalem the day the Holy Spirit came on the disciples as they were praying in the upper room. They began speaking loudly in languages that were heard and recognized by these visitors. The tongues of fire represent power and purification, breaking down barriers of language and culture. The Holy Spirit's first act is justice bringing people together in holiness and power. Today, let's open our hearts to the language of love and justice, seeking understanding and bridging gaps in our relationships. Let the Holy Spirit's flame burn within us, guiding our words and actions, as we learn to truly communicate and show love to others. O Flame of Love, give us ears to hear you speaking in others today, and give us your language of love and justice with which to respond. In Jesus’ holy name I pray. Amen. #HolySpirit #fire #love #justice #communication #unity #relationships #dailymotivation #dailyinspiration #dailydevotional

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John 14:26 “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.” Continuing in John’s Gospel, Jesus is still in the upper room with his friends, trying to prepare them for what lies ahead. The tenderness of his attempts to comfort them is striking. He sees their confusion and fear and in essence says, ‘I know you don’t fully understand all of this, but I am asking the Father to send you the Spirit and that one will teach you what you need to know. Spirit will clear things up for you.’ As if that were not enough, he looks at them with soft eyes and says, ‘Spirit will also help you remember me and what I have said to you.’ Yesterday, I visited my 97 year old mother in her care home. Her memory is not what it once was and, sadly, she knows it. She doesn’t trust her memories even when they are trustworthy. But, if I begin to reminisce with her, tell her about a family outing, or ask her a question about a play (she was a drama teacher) she can usually find a snippet or two. When I give her space and she concentrates, something wonderful returns to her and brings a smile of joy and pride. Today’s verse tells us that in our own lives Spirit will prime the pump and help us remember just what we need to of Jesus’ teaching so that we can live in joy and safety. The Greek text of this word is very strong. It could literally be translated that the Spirit will cause you to remember. Have you ever found a word of scripture come into your mind at just the needed moment? Maybe you don’t know the quote completely or couldn’t find it in the Bible, but you know it is there and it is perfect. That is Spirit as teacher and memory aid, bringing to mind just what you need to face your moment. Today, pause and think of any area of life in which you feel the need of extra guidance. Quiet your mind and emotions as best you can and ask the Spirit to remind you of something Jesus taught that can help you in your situation. Listen and be thankful. Don’t worry if nothing comes to you immediately. You may not need the answer now. It will come when most needed. Prayer: O Holy Spirit, help me today to remember Jesus’ teaching at exactly the right moment. Teach me your ways and make me mindful. In Jesus’ holy name I pray. Amen

Today take a moment to think about Spirit as Truth. We know that we live in a time that seems to love lies, that chooses lies over truth, that decides that lies really are truth. So how do we sort that all out? The easiest and most reliable way I know of when confronted with conflicting narratives, both external and internal, is to ask a couple of diagnostic questions. Is this idea, narrative, belief, behavior, conclusion consistent with what we know of God revealed in Jesus Christ? Is it loving? Is it forgiving? Is it just? Is it redemptive? Does it support the common good? Or, is it exclusive, judgmental, mean spirited, violent, self-serving or based on prejudice? When we honestly ask those questions, it quickly becomes obvious where Spirit Truth is found. Today, take a moment to notice when choices that have a moral component need to be made. Ask yourself the questions above and listen for the Spirit’s answer. Prayer: Spirit of Truth, guide us today in every choice and action so that you may be glorified in our lives. In Jesus’ holy name we pray. Amen. #dailymotivation #dailyinspiration #dailydevotional #SpiritofTruth #ListenForTheAnswer

In the Gospel of John 14:15-16, Jesus speaks about the promise of the Holy Spirit and reveals he will ask the Father to send another advocate. Just like a legal advisor, the Holy Spirit pleads our case, defends us, acts on our behalf and continues the awakening, loving, and redeeming work that Jesus started. Maybe you've neglected your spiritual life, harbored hate, or struggled with judgment. Let the Holy Spirit be your Advocate and experience the power of forgiveness. Whether you're aware of your faults or need insight in making decisions, the Holy Spirit is always there for you. O Holy Advocate, I thank you for taking my case! Help me to learn from your advocacy how to live a new and forgiven life. In Jesus’ holy name I pray. Amen

Have you ever wondered what salvation means for your life? What does it mean to be saved by Jesus, our Savior? “I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations…” Simeon, when he saw the infant Jesus. Luke 2:30-32 Simeon knew that Jesus was the one who would bring wholeness, wellness, perfect and eternal well being to everyone who believes in him. Simeon knew that Jesus was the one who would free us from sin, guilt, fear, and death. Simeon knew that Jesus was the one who would reveal God's love and grace to all nations and races. That's what salvation means. We have a Savior who loves us so much that he came to live among us, to die for us, and to rise again for us. It means that we have a Savior who invites us to follow him, to trust him, and to share his love with others. It means that we have a Savior who gives us hope, joy, peace, and purpose in this life and the next. So today, I want to challenge you to think about what salvation means for you personally. How has Jesus saved you? How is he saving you? How can you live into your salvation today? Saving God, we are humbled when we consider the life that you intend for us, free whole, well and eternal. We thank you for your saving love and healing presence. Help us today to live into our dearly bought salvation. In Jesus’ holy name we pray. Amen. Thank you for watching this video. If you liked it, please give it a thumbs up and share it with your friends. And don't forget to follow for more inspiring messages from God's word. God bless you! 🙏 #dailymotivation #dailyinspiration #dailydevotional

In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth, a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Genesis 1:1-2 In Hebrew, the word for wind or spirit is "ruach." It's more than just air or breath. It's the invisible, intangible essence of life itself. The work of the Spirit is everywhere. It brings order in the midst of chaos, separates light from darkness, and brings life when the time is right. A Jewish master once said, “God is not nice. God is not an uncle. God is an earthquake.” In moments of darkness and chaos, can you sense the Spirit hovering over and guiding you? Take a moment to reflect on the areas of your life that feel stuck and confusing. Acknowledge them to God and expect the Spirit to move, bringing abundance and joy. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. In Jesus' holy name, I pray. Amen. Let the Spirit move in your life. Embrace the energy of the divine. Find peace and abundance. #dailydevotional #dailymotivation #dailyinspiration

Are you afraid of death? Do you ever wonder what comes next? In Luke's gospel, we see that Jesus defeated death and rose from the dead. This doesn't mean that we won't experience pain and grief in this life or that our physical bodies won't die. But it does mean that death is not the end. It's simply a change of address. As followers of Christ, we have the promise of eternal life. So, let's live our lives to the fullest, knowing that we are already living our eternal life. Say to yourself and to God, "In Christ, I have life eternal." Embrace this truth and see what changes in your life. Remember, death is not our enemy. It's a reminder that we are a part of a bigger picture and plan at work in, with, and through us. Everlasting God, we thank you for the promise of eternal life in Jesus. Help us today to live into that promise with joy and thanksgiving. In Jesus’ holy name we pray. Amen #dailydevotional #dailymotivation #dailyinspiration

Did you know that Jesus took our place on the cross? He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds, you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24 He willingly took upon Himself the punishment that we deserved. He endured the pain and suffering that should have been ours. Why? Because of our sinfulness that separated us from God. Just as a mother would give a kidney so her child can live, or a father would confess to a crime to save his child, God does whatever is necessary to keep us in an unhindered relationship with Him for eternity. That's how much we are worth to God – there is nothing He wouldn't do to keep us close. Loving God, we are overwhelmed by the lengths you go to have an intimate relationship with us. We are so grateful for your love. Help us today to let go of anything that hinders our relationship with you so that we can live in constant awareness of your love and presence each day. In Jesus' holy name, we pray. Amen!

Christ has set us free to enjoy our freedom. So remain strong in the faith. Don’t let the chains of slavery hold you again. My brothers and sisters, you were chosen to be free. But don’t use your freedom as an excuse to live under the power of sin. Instead, serve one another in love. …the fruit the Holy Spirit produces is love, joy and peace. It is being patient, kind and good. It is being faithful and gentle and having control of oneself. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:1, 13, 22-23, 25 NIRV Today, as we celebrate Independence Day, reflect on the many blessings God has showered on our nation. Give thanks for those who have sacrificed to protect our freedom and pray for peace for all people around the world. Lord, make me worthy of Your gift of freedom. #dailymotivation #dailydevotional #dailyinspiration

Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. — Hebrews 11:1 Maybe you’ve played the “Trust-Fall” game. To engage in this game, you stand straight and fall backward into the arms of someone who is standing there, ready to catch you. If you have played this game, you know how hard it is to fall back without bending your waist. Entrusting yourself to a support you can’t see is never easy. It requires faith. Before we join Abraham on his journey of faith, we need to understand what true faith is. Often we think of faith like a spare tire—something we might need in case of emergency to keep us moving on the road of life. As a result, we tend to replace faith with something that seems more tangible, more substantial. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Faith is a firm belief about something we cannot see or completely ­figure out. But faith is not blind, and it does not conflict with reason. It simply rises above ­reason and operates on a different level. It doesn’t say, “In human analysis I trust.” Rather, it says, “In God I trust.” Like a rope that a mountain climber uses to rappel down a cliff, faith leans back and relies wholly on Jesus. It involves choosing to act in dependence on God. And when we do, God is pleased. Lord, you know how hard it is for us to trust you with our lives. Help us in our times of unbelief. Bolster our sagging faith so that we may walk confidently with you. Amen. About the author — Dan Jongsma Dan Jongsma pastors the Dearborn (Mich.) Christian Reformed Church in suburban Detroit. He has also served as a church planter in the Chicago area. In addition, Dan has pastored congregations in Elmhurst and Fulton, Illinois, and has served as a youth pastor in Jenison, Michigan, and Sunnyside, Washington. He and his wife, Gloria, have three teenage daughters.

Jesus, The Glory Of God “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks were split.” Matthew 27:51 The curtain was symbolic of a physical and spiritual barrier that separated us from the glory of God in the Holy of Holies. With the tearing of the temple curtain God was opening the way for all people to speak to Him directly. Jesus' entire life demonstrated the glory of God, but the crucifixion was its pinnacle. Through Jesus, we have seen God's love, and have begun to live. Today, take a moment to reflect on how Jesus has given us access to the glory of God. Spend time in praise and thanksgiving for this revelation. God of Glory, we praise you for wanting to be known and seen. We praise you that your love alone makes us whole and reconciles us to you. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Follow God’s example, therefore . . . and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. —Ephesians 5:1-2
 As I neared the end of my hike on the Appalachian Trail, I reflected on the hikers I’d met along the way. I didn’t catch many given names, but I could remember some hikers’ trail names: “K-Bar,” “Poppins,” Pioneer,” “Red Dawn,” “Rhino,” “Shorts,” “Motel,” “Tank,” “Rosie Eagle,” and “Two-Step,” to name a few. These “trail aliases” don’t reveal much, but they may hint at traits or preferences. Most of my conversations with hikers centered on miles hiked, the next stream, weather, gear, or the trail itself. Some conversations took place for a few minutes while resting along the trail; others took place over a few evenings at the same campsite. Sadly, those fellow hikers and our conversations are now fast becoming wisps of fading memories. How much meaning do we give to the brief moments when we meet with fellow travelers on life’s journey? God, who createdeveryhuman person who has ever lived, knows each one intimately— and that makes every person we meet precious. Though it may not be possible to share the word of Christ with every person we meet, perhaps even our most fleeting encounters can be opportunities to share something of his love. To cultivate an attitude of love surely means keeping our eyes on Jesus and letting his love for us flow out to everyone. Lord Jesus, as we walk with you each day, help us to share your love with the people that we meet. Amen. Kurt Selles, Missionary and Author

“For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself a ransom for all” 1 Timothy 2:5-6a One fascinating theory of atonement is the idea of ransom. A ransom is when something of value is exchanged for the freedom of the one held captive. That's what Jesus did for us. He gave himself as a ransom to secure our salvation. We all have things in our lives that hold us captive – despair, division, sin, and toxic habits. Remember, Jesus has paid to set us free. Give thanks and boldly live in freedom from these things. Trust in Jesus, for His love alone ransoms and frees us. O God, your love alone ransoms and frees us. We thank you that Jesus gave his own life to set us free. In Jesus’ holy name we pray. Amen. #dailydevotional #dailymotivation #dailyinspiration #RansomedByLove #FreedomInChrist

Jesus our Redeemer “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last he will stand upon the earth; and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then in my flesh I shall see God.” Job 19:25-26 Jesus takes us from bondage to freedom, from pain and sin to love and hope, from despair to the presence of God, from death to eternal life. Jesus as our Redeemer reminds us that when we cannot, Jesus can. When we will not. Jesus will. When we know not. Jesus knows. When our willpower fails, when we feel hopeless, Jesus is there. He knows our struggles, and He stands ready to pay any price to bring us from pain to joy. O God, our great Redeemer, in Jesus you have provided us with a way out. Help us turn to you, surrendering our bondages, and embracing the freedom that comes through faith in Him. In Jesus' holy name, we pray. Amen.

“It was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrow that weighed him down… He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.” Isaiah 53:4-6 God loves you so much, He sent His Son, Jesus, to do all of this for you. Are there times you think you must somehow pay for your mistakes in order to be forgiven? You do not. Jesus freed you from that and God only asks for your love. Gracious God, we thank you for Jesus, who turns our suffering into eternal joy. Help us to release our needless guilt so that we can live, knowing that we have eternal life in Jesus Christ. Amen #dailymotivation #dailydevotional #dailyinspiration

#dailydevotional #dailymotivation #dailyinspiration

Jesus the One Worthy of Obedience Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Mark 9:7 Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain to pray. His appearance is transformed and his clothes become dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appear and begin talking with Jesus. Then they hear a voice from the cloud say, “This is my beloved son. Listen to him!” Today, think about Jesus’ teachings and pray for understanding and guidance on how to live out those teachings in your own life. Let us be inspired by Jesus, the One worthy of our obedience and trust. O God of Grace, help us to hear and obey Your Son, Jesus. Guide us to live out His teachings in our daily lives. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen. #dailydevotional #dailymotivation #dailyinspiration

Jesus Journeys with the Oppressed Matthew 2:13 “Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” While Herod plots his evil response to the fear of losing power, God sends an angel to Joseph to warn him and give him new directions. What I love about this story is not the simple wonder of God’s dream language, a topic worth extended study. What I love is this early glimpse of Jesus and his family as political refugees and God’s determination to give them a path forward to safety. Jesus and his family could not survive in their home land. They had to flee. I see that as such an act of solidarity with the many refugees around the world today who are forced to flee their homelands due to the threat of violence or poverty. I believe that Jesus always stands with them, children and adults, because he knows what they are going through. He also knows that God always provides a path that leads to life. There are many good and practical reasons why borders and their security are important in our day. No argument there. What this text shows us, however, is that borders don’t mean much to God when the lives of the beloved are at stake. Take a moment today to think about the many displaced persons all over the world. Open your heart to compassion and breathe your care as a prayer, knowing that Jesus accompanies every desperate journey. Even your own. Prayer: O God of all our journeys, we thank you that you accompany us on our way. We thank you that Jesus, our Lord, knows what it is like to have to flee for safety. Fill us with your compassion and vision so that we may find ways to help and never harm. In Jesus’ holy name we pray. Amen. #dailymotivation #dailydevotional #dailyinspiration

Jesus Challenge to Unjust Power Matthew 2:3 “When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him.” The baby Jesus was born and lived in obscurity for his first years. Scientists and astrologers from the east, called Magi, have seen a unique star and traveled far to try to find him. They have heard, somehow, that he has been born to be king of the Jews, so in their search they go to Herod’s palace. Where else would they expect to find a king? When they present themselves to him, Herod is immediately afraid. And, when Herod was upset and afraid the whole city was upset and afraid? Was an insurrection in the works? A coup plot? Was the whole opulent, but fragile, network of power about to tumble down? To deal with his fear, Herod lied and hatched a vile plot to find out where Jesus was and ‘deal with him.’ Herod, lost in his corrupt power and feeling threatened, did what oppressors always do. He decided that the threat must be eradicated. The child must be killed. When God moves to interrupt this plot in a dream to the Magi, Herod escalates. Not only is the child Jesus to be killed, all male children under the age of two in and around Bethlehem must be killed too. Scared power is scary indeed. Oppression becomes a way of life. In the eyes of the oppressor it is a necessary and even laudatory tool. It is interesting that it is the birth of God’s Love in Jesus that terrifies Herod. Love always scares the unjust. They will lash out, with billy clubs. They will lash out with legislation to tighten their grip on power. They will lash out with violence that starts small and escalates. Like the wicked witch of the west in the Wizard of Oz, God’s undaunted Love in Jesus Christ, is the water they fear will dissolve them. They will do anything to stop that from happening. They will lie, blame, intimidate and ridicule anyone or anything that scares them. The sad truth is that sometimes, in our own small lives we know how to do that as well. When a family member challenges our behavior we know how to lash out, work the phones and build an ‘army’ against them. When a boss feels threatened by our ideas, we know how to get into a battle for control. If new ideas threaten us, we know how to run, ban, burn and vilify even before we know what it is all about. When we act on those kinds of fears, we are not saving ourselves, we are destroying ourselves. Today see if you can think of an example in your life, community or church where something new has felt threatening to you? How did you respond? Was anyone else caught in the crossfire? As you think about these things, ask Jesus to help you understand your motives and to give you new ways of dealing with old fears. Prayer: Dear God, your love is so powerful. It is change itself. Help me today to see the ways I resist what you are doing in my life and in the world. Help me to see the things I cling to that I should release. Help me to welcome you in whatever way you come, even if it means I must change. In Jesus’ holy name I pray. Amen

Jesus the Word Made Flesh John 1 John 1:14 – “And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” John tells us that Jesus is God speaking to us. Jesus is God living with us, sharing in our joy and struggle, walking with us everyday. Jesus is God showing us his glory each day and guiding us with God’s truth. Jesus is the grace of God accepting us for who we are and giving us the power to live for Him. Prayer: O God, You live with us and walk with us each day, kindling a fire and pushing back the night, filling us with your Spirit. Thank you! Help us to see you with us at all times today, offering your very life to us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. #dailydevotional #dailymotivation #dailyinspiration