Divine Nature

In many cultures, women are pressured to have sex and look appealing to men Written by Hope on 25/07/2015 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Beauty, Culture, Relationships, Sex, Temptation “Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.” I Peter 3:3-4 (NLT) From a young age, what were you taught to “be?” In many cultures, girls are taught how to be pleasing to men. This can cause a girl to stop focusing on God and get consumed with trying to catch a man’s attention through looks, actions and even sex. Constant Pressure Were you taught that your goal in life is catch a man’s attention so you can get married one day? Although God has a wonderful plan for marriage, our duty is to “live in a way that pleases God” (I Thessalonians 4:1), not men or women. From every dire

Jonah’s story shows us what happens when we disobey God’s commands Written by GodLife on 20/03/2018 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Grace, Mercy, Obedience, Commands, God Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. Jonah 1:1-3 When I started college, I felt God commanding me to fully commit to a church family so that He could work through fellow believers to shape me more like Jesus. How did I respond? I disobeyed and my life hit a sorrowful low as I continued to ignore the commands of Jesus. It was only by God’s grace and mercy that He received me back and I began to take his commands seriously again. Have you ever tried to avoid a direct command from the Lord? A story in the Bible of a prophet named Jonah shows us more clearly what can happen when a believer of God directly dis

Religion or relationship? Written by Janet Perez Eckles on 28/08/2018 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Fear, Relationship, Truth, Religion No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:15 The best part of speaking before any group is what happens afterwards. Often times, folks stop and chat with me. This past week, that very thing happened. A man shook my hand. “I was touched by your message,” he said, “and I just want to know how you deal with the fact that the disease with your eyes is hereditary?” “What do you mean?” I said. “Well, I have a disease. It’s hereditary, and I can’t let go the worry and total fear my child will inherit it. I’m afraid of the future.” He paused. “And I don’t have any religion…don’t believe in much of anything.” I wanted to give him a huge hug and whisper in his ear, “You don’t need a rel

No matter how difficult a situation, you can remember that God wants us to forgive one another “just as God through Christ has forgiven you” Written by Hope on 07/07/2013 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Forgiveness, Hurt "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32) When someone hurts you or you experience an injustice, God knows about it. In fact, of course, He knows every wrong that has ever occurred on earth, as well as the good things. "His understanding has no limit" (Psalm 147:5), and He knows that, as with all human action, "it has all been done before" (Ecclesiastes 1:9). Earthly Injustice King Solomon wrote, “I observed all the oppression that takes place under the sun. I saw the tears of the oppressed, with no one to comfort them. The oppressors

Forgive Others as God Has Forgiven You Written by Dan Lee on 12/09/2015 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Forgiveness, Jesus, Relationships, Sin “A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other. But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?” Luke 7:41-42 (NLT) Once Jesus shared a meal with a very judgmental person. He used this story to show that a person who understands their debt and receives forgiveness will have great love for the one who forgives. Being judgmental and unforgiving shows that you have little regard for God’s forgiveness. Do to Others as You Would Have Them Do to You (Luke 6:31) Jesus tells a story about a man who loaned money to two people and then cancels both debts. (Luke 7:41-42) One person owed more money than the other, so Jesus asked “Who do you suppose loved him more after that?” Simon answers, “the one who had the big

How can I forgive someone who keeps hurting me? Written by Ruth on 21/08/2018 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Church, Church And Community, Forgiveness, Reconciliation Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 Is this true for you? – someone at the church you attend bothers you so much that sometimes you would just rather stay home from church! Does an “enemy” keep you away from church? The day before He died, Jesus told His disciples that the most important command He was giving them was to love each other (John 15:12-17). During the whole final evening with them, He was preparing them for life after His death, resurrection, and ascension to Heaven (John 13-17). He had kept them together as His disciples for the past three years, and now they needed to know how they could remain together even though they would be spread to different parts of the world. Jesus’ answer was love for one another, which would

How can we use our spiritual gifts to serve the Church? Written by Ruth on 24/10/2017 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Church And Community And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 Have you ever wondered why you should be part of a church? The Bible says in Hebrews 10:24-25 that gathering with other believers is something we should not neglect. What is so important about church? Jesus wants us, as a member of a local church, to complete the ministry He began while He was on earth. He wants you to be part of this ministry. But none of us can do this on our own. We need Him as our leader (our Head), and all the rest of the body (other believers) to get the mission accomplished as He has planned. None of us can do it alone, but all our abilities together are used by Him for His purpose. Here’s

s it enough to just follow Jesus? Written by GodLife on 02/05/2017 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Church, Membership, Gifts, Baptism, Fellowship Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27 Did God give us a list of steps we must take before we can go on to maturity? In a way, yes! An interesting Bible passage warns us not to get stuck in our growth, but to move on to maturity. In doing this, it actually gives us seven “basic things” mature believers need to understand clearly. It begins with our personal relationship with God. It moves to our earthly identification with God’s people. And it ends with the ultimate heavenly destiny of all God’s people. Are you ready for a tour? Turn to Hebrews 6 and follow carefully along. Just You and God “Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God...” (Hebrews 6:1) Every foll

The church is the Body of Christ — not a building or a passive experience led by professionals Written by GodLife on 05/06/2018 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Church, Church And Community, Fellowship, Gifts, Membership …Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:25-27 There wouldn’t be books named “Mere Christianity”, “Simple Church”, “The Church of Facebook” or “Jesus Without Religion” if we were all comfortable with the way we experience church. Why is there so much appeal in questioning, simplifying and getting back to the basics Jesus intended? Maybe a better way to put the question is, why do people have such a habit of complicating things? Do you have a personal story about how church got complicated for you? I hav

Life with Jesus Written by GodLife on 14/08/2018 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Church, Service, Unity ...we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Romans 12:5 The Church Jesus built has an enemy. That was clear from the time He introduced it: “…on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18) In less than 300 years the Roman Empire went from being its most vicious persecutor to acknowledging Jesus as Lord. Preaching “Christ crucified” – which was called “foolishness” by the gentiles (1 Corinthians 1:23) – ended up being victorious over the “wisdom” sought by Greco-Roman culture. (1 Corinthians 1:22-30)  But that’s in the past. What about today? Do the “wise” and “strong” still search for “the wisdom of God?” (1 Corinthians 1:27, 30) Yes! Here are a few examples: Facebook’s founder admitted that he wants to imitate the church’s ability to make strong and unified groups. Guy K

Jesus is the ultimate prize. Written by Jesse Bradley on 26/06/2018 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Service, Soccer, World Cup, Competition, Goal I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 When you are watching the World Cup, do you shout, sing, or yell at the referees? Do you enjoy the adrenaline rush of competition? Do games and tournaments bring out the best in you? Are there some aspects of competing that can be negative? This Summer, the nations have their eyes and hearts focused on one particular soccer championship. There are many spiritual lessons to be gleaned as you consider specific elements of the World Cup.  A clear goal In the World Cup, each country wants to return home as national heroes and the best soccer team on earth. Teams train for four years with intense aspirations. What does success look like for you in life? Do you have goals you are trying to achieve? Many people do not recognize their

Uncover the source of your anger Written by June Hunt on 17/04/2018 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Anger, Fear, Hurt, Injustice, Frustration Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 A rim fire ravaged a magnificent California National Park in 2013. This destructive fire seemed to be caused by a hunter who started an illegal fire that spread out of control. Imagine … this small fire that the hunter considered manageable burned over 250,000 acres! Just a single flame in the wrong place and at the wrong time can quickly become a blazing inferno. Anger, hidden deep in the heart, can happen the same way. When hurt, injustice, fear or frustration smolder followed by the dry, hot winds of agitation, an angry inferno can quickly develop. If you find yourself losing your cool frequently, examine your heart to see if a deeper wound exists that gives rise to your

Does it sometimes feel like your prayers are not making it past the ceiling? How can we be sure God is listening? Written by Hope on 04/05/2014 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: God, Prayer “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 God is Trustworthy Does it sometimes feel like your prayers are not making it past the ceiling? How can we be sure God is listening? God answers prayer in many ways, and this series will discuss some of those ways. God Might Say “Wait” When we want something, we want it now! But God does not always work that way; in fact, He instructs His people, “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act” (Psalm 37:7). We do not know what God is doing “behind the scenes,” but you can trust that He is working things out for His purpose and our good. Remember, “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord” (Psalm 40:4).

Worrying is a choice we make Written by Gary Schneider on 07/08/2018 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Obedience, Worry When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Isaiah 43:2 For some of us, worrying is part of our everyday life. However, God’s Word is very clear about us worrying, In Isaiah 43:2, it says: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Did you know that worry is optional? Yes, worrying is a choice we make. Here are three ways we can deal with worry in our lives: We can worry We can ignore the stress, or We can relax and trust God  In Psalm 116:7, David reminded himself of God’s promises: “I said to myself, Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lor

Learn how to face your fears and live in peace Written by June Hunt on 01/05/2018 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Faith, Fear, God, Trust Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 If I am walking down a path, and spot a rattlesnake at my feet, I should feel fear. But, reacting rashly could cause me to be bitten. If a bee were to land on me, I must not react to it to avoid being stung. The bee sting and the snakebite are defense mechanisms designed for their own self-protection. Fear is a God-given response to danger. Sometimes it’s clear where the fear is from, but other times, it is hidden—causing a deeper emotional impact. God created us to react to fear in a protective way with a fight, flight, or freeze response. While fear is a natural, God-given emotion, fearfulness is not. Fearfulness causes us to live as prisoners, in constant worry over a thr

Worrying is a choice we make Written by Gary Schneider on 07/08/2018 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Obedience, Worry When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Isaiah 43:2 For some of us, worrying is part of our everyday life. However, God’s Word is very clear about us worrying, In Isaiah 43:2, it says: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Did you know that worry is optional? Yes, worrying is a choice we make. Here are three ways we can deal with worry in our lives: We can worry We can ignore the stress, or We can relax and trust God  In Psalm 116:7, David reminded himself of God’s promises: “I said to myself, Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lor

Do you fear the future? Written by Ruth on 24/07/2018 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Fear, Future, Hope waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Titus 2:13 The greatest message Jesus has for us in the Bible is that we do not need to be afraid. He has made a way of safety for us! Do not be afraid God tells us we never need to be afraid! It does not matter what happens around us – we could lose our job and not find a new one, or a storm could destroy all we have. God said, “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). Jesus told us the reason we don’t need to fear in John 16:33 – He has already conquered all trouble and tribulation. We may not be able to see this victory in our circumstances yet, but we can experience His presence in our lives no matter what happens (see Philippians 4:7). U

Are you looking for spiritual guidance? Written by GodLife on 31/07/2018 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Encouragement, Guidance, Jesus So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Romans 12:5 Sabir made the move to Libya as a Christian, but wasn't prepared for what he encountered once he settled in. Read how GodLife was his only resource during the most difficult time in his life. Thirsting for more In his first few months living in Libya, Sabir realized the country was more hostile to Christianity than he anticipated, and as a result his fervor for Christ was fading. His unexpected move from Iraq left Sabir desperate for any sort of Christian community to grow his newfound faith. With no fellowship, Sabir turned to the Internet for answers. Through much prayer, Sabir’s desire for community was satisfied when he came across a GodLife website. After viewing the presentation, he received an opportunity to connect with a carin

He wants to spend time with you and hear from you. Series: Look to Jesus We learned earlier that God talks to us in the Bible. In prayer, you are talking with God. He knows you better and loves you more than any friend. He wants to spend time with you and hear from you. God is more than a friend. He is the Lord Almighty. He is able to do things for you and knows the right way to help. To know what God is like, just look to Jesus (John 1:18). When Jesus’ disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray, He gave a model prayer, often known as the “Our Father” or “The Lord’s Prayer” (Matthew 6:9-13). It is not a magic formula to be repeated over and over to gain His favor. Rather, it gives some keys for relating to Him. Let’s look at some of them: It starts with worship Our Father in Heaven, holy is Your name. We should approach God with deep respect, knowing at the same time that He is our loving Father. We are called to love God with all that we are. We worship Him and decla

Lessons about God’s healing through the Life of Paul Written by Dan Lee on 14/03/2017 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Sickness, Health, Healing, Prayer, Sovereignty But He replied, ‘My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.’ So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am. Yes, I am glad to be weak or insulted or mistreated or to have troubles and sufferings, if it is for Christ. Because when I am weak, I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 There are many wonderful stories of healing in the Bible. Jesus healed many people of leprosy, blindness, lameness and other ailments. He even raised Lazarus from the dead! No doubt you have also heard of God healing people today. God still hears our prayers for healing and has the power to heal and do all kinds of miracles. So you may be wondering, “What about ME?” I, or someone I love, have been struggling with (name the disease) all these years. And I have prayed for healing,