Devotional Thoughts

Isaiah 64:6-8     "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.  (7)  And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.  (8 )  But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand." "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." (Romans 12:3)  I start my thoughts with Paul's writing because there are times when we might be tempted to think ourselves to be better than another. Paul said, "Don't think more highly of yourselves than you ought to." Isaiah said, " We a...

Ephesians 6:17-20    “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” In verses fourteen through sixteen, we have been clothed, shod, and shielded by the armor of God. These pieces of God’s armor are purely protective from attacks outside of us. Now we are being instructed to take the helmet of salvation. In God’s armor, I believe the helmet of salvation protects us from within. Our helmet of salvation guides our thinking in a godly direction; we are given the mind of Christ (1Co 2:16). It protects us from being tossed about by every wind of doctrine. We are increased in...

Isaiah 64:4     "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him." Some 750 years later, the Apostle Paul would repeat the words of today's passage. Let's review them just now before we continue. But also let's see the blessings that you and I have because of God's amazing grace. "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  (10)  But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." (1 Corinthians 2:9-10) The reason that I wanted to include verse 10 of Paul's writing is to show us just how blessed we truly are. I'm so thankful that the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to include verse 10 as well as the rest of the chapter.  Eye has not seen. E...

Ephesians 6:14-16      “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” When it comes to the truth as it is in Christ Jesus, we are to stand (to be established, abide). Once we have been called out of nature’s darkness, there is nowhere else we will ever find peace or satisfaction. Taking a stand means we will face opposition, and sometimes this opposition will be fierce. God, in His love and mercy, has made provision for us: He has provided us armor for our protection. We are first told to gird our loins. The gridle or belt, as used with the garments of Paul’s day, served a purpose other than helping to hold up the garment. Both men and women wore long robe-like garments. If there was work to be done or a journey to be undertaken the length o...

Isaiah 63:7      "I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses."   "I will..."  How many times have we used those two words? "I will do this... or I will do that. I will be there on time. I will pay you back." The list of "I will's" goes on and on.  The thought contained in today's verse speaks of the intention to make certain that the Lord is praised for all His goodness and mercy.  How often do we "make mention" of the goodness of God?  One of the most popular songs just now is titled, "The Goodness of God."  It's a beautiful song that is sung by CeCe Wynans and so many others. The Goodness of God I love You, Lord For Your mercy never fails me All my days, I'v...