Divine Nature

Why suicide is the ultimate denial to God Written by GodLife on 16/08/2016 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Betrayal, Depression, Failure, Hope, Purpose, Suicide Then Judas threw the silver coins down in the Temple and went out and hanged himself. Matthew 27:5 Life can sometimes feel hopeless. Maybe you are going through the death of a loved one, a permanent disability, failure or betrayal. You’re not alone. Do not choose Judas’ path of ending his own life with suicide. Instead, read on to see how some of God’s people have responded to these feelings rather than suicide: 1.Betrayal: David David, the “man after God’s own heart,” was running away from King Saul, whom he had served. He fled to Israel’s enemies and they betrayed him, taking his family captive. Even David’s trusted followers began to turn on him: “David, too, was in anguish. Some of his men talked about stoning him because they were so bitter about their families being taken.” Who else was left at this point?...

Be Content with what You Have Written by Dan Lee on 04/07/2017 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Contentment, Covetousness, Greed, Envy, Satisfaction But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6 If they are asked to name some of the Ten Commandments, many people will say, “You shall not steal; you shall not murder; you shall not commit adultery.” But few will mention number ten, which is, in its shortest version, is “You shall not covet” (Exodus 20:17). Here are four reasons to watch out for covetousness: It’s as bad as any other sin When the Apostle Paul describes the relationship between sin and the law in his great epistle to the Romans, does he mention sexual sin or murder? No, he mentions covetousness! “. . . for I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, ‘You shall not covet.’ But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead” (Romans 7:7-8). ...

Be Content with what You Have Written by Dan Lee on 04/07/2017 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Contentment, Covetousness, Greed, Envy, Satisfaction But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6 If they are asked to name some of the Ten Commandments, many people will say, “You shall not steal; you shall not murder; you shall not commit adultery.” But few will mention number ten, which is, in its shortest version, is “You shall not covet” (Exodus 20:17). Here are four reasons to watch out for covetousness: It’s as bad as any other sin When the Apostle Paul describes the relationship between sin and the law in his great epistle to the Romans, does he mention sexual sin or murder? No, he mentions covetousness! “. . . for I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, ‘You shall not covet.’ But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead” (Romans 7:7-8). ...

Have you ever thought about Heaven and wondered if it’s real? Heaven is a real place. Written by Dan Lee on 08/06/2014 Series: Weekly Devotional “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.” Revelation 21:1 Heaven is Real Have you ever thought about Heaven and wondered if it’s real? Heaven is a real place. God’s Word, the Bible, is full of facts about Heaven. Let’s look at five facts about heaven and learn more about what our eternal lives will be like. 1. We Receive Heavenly Bodies In Heaven, we will have brand new bodies. When Christ returns, our bodies will be resurrected (John 5:28-29). In those glorified bodies, free from sin and selfishness, we will live forever with God in Heaven. 2. God Will Make a New Heaven and New Earth Just as our bodies will be made new, so will the earth. Though the Earth now suffers from the results of sin, Paul tells us that “the creation itself will be set ...

Spending eternity with God will be a celebration! Written by Dan Lee on 26/07/2016 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Eternity, God, Heaven, Salvation On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine — the best of meats and the finest of wines . . . He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; He will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. Isaiah 25:6,8 Have you ever wondered what heaven will be like? Some people think that in Heaven, we are going to be floating around like a ghost. This is not true. Let’s see a few things the Bible says about Heaven: 1. Heaven is a Real Place Revelation 21:1-2 says, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her hu...

Where can I find Jesus’ instructions about living the new life? Written by Lois on 15/03/2016 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Holy Spirit, Salvation Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives…And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus… Colossians 3:16-17 NLT Christians are representatives of Christ. Daily living for a believer in Christ should be different than the life of an unbeliever. What do people learn about God from the way you live? What is the new life? When we decide to follow Christ, we have a new life. In our new life, we strive to please God with our actions and words. For example: Christians should not lie. Colossians 3:9 says “Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old-self with its evil practices, and have put on the new-self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created Him.” The old-life or old-self is the life we were living before accepting Jesus a...

Don’t let anything — however shocking — keep you from Jesus Written by Dan Lee on 12/06/2018 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Confusion, Identity, Jesus, Discipleship, Lord And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes. Matthew 7:28–29 God’s Word, the Bible, is full of promises and comforting words. But in both the Old and New Testaments we find words that challenge rather than comfort us, or even cause us to be troubled or confused. Some of Jesus’ words are hard because His goal was not our happiness in this life, but our sanctification. That is, that we live holy lives that bring glory to Him. Let’s allow the difficulty of some of God’s words cause us to praise Him in faith, knowing that His wisdom and knowledge are infinite and perfect. And let us rejoice, knowing that though we see Him only dimly now through a clouded glass, we will soon see Him face to face (...

There are spiritual insights that relate to the dedication and repetition of the athletes in the World Cup. Written by Jesse Bradley on 19/06/2018 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Soccer, Spiritual Discipline, World Cup, Discipline, Habits For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11 When you watch the beautiful game, do you notice the technical precision of the passing, dribbling, and shooting? Are you able to understand the systems, formations, and big picture strategies? The individual craftsmanship and superb teamwork do not happen accidentally or quickly. There are spiritual insights that relate to the dedication and repetition of the athletes. The Results A goal can happen in seconds, but behind that goal are years of devotion. Decades of training, practices, coaching, and correction lead to inspiring displays. We live in a microwave cult...

How can you be sure that you have accepted Christ? A true Christian is someone who believes in God and has asked Jesus Christ, the Son of God, to be their Lord and Savior. Series: New Believers Guide How can you be sure that you have accepted Christ? A true Christian is someone who believes in God and has asked Jesus Christ, the Son of God, to be their Lord and Savior. God sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world to die for our sins. All of us have done, said or thought things that are wrong. These are called sins and we deserve to be punished for them. The good news is God sent His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16 When you sincerely ask Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior and to forgive your sins, you are accepting Christ as your savior. The Bible says “As many as received Him, to them He gave the r...

Rich or poor, in spite of all our efforts, everyone will die sooner or later. There are many opinions about what happens when we die. But what does God have to say about it? “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment . . .” Hebrews 9:27 Death is Certain Rich or poor, in spite of all our efforts, everyone will die sooner or later. There are many opinions about what happens when we die. But what does God have to say about it? Eternal Life – Two Kinds God’s word, the Bible, tells us that each person’s soul lives forever. Today’s scripture from Hebrews tells us that after death comes judgment. This leads us to one of two destinies: Heaven or Hell. We know that Christians, who have received God’s free gift of salvation and forgiveness, will spend eternity in Heaven. There, they will have loving fellowship with God and His people. Sadly, those who have rejected Jesus Christ will not go to Heaven. The Bible teaches that their certain destiny i...

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:17 It is hard for us, whether we are studying for an exam, changing the baby’s diaper or closing a business deal, to give much thought to eternity. Most of the time our focus is on doing the next thing. But Scripture reminds us: “(God) has also set eternity in the hearts of men” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Something deep within us calls out to understand that which is lasting and most important. The Bible is our reliable guide to understanding the eternal, assuring the believer in Jesus Christ that the promise of everlasting life is as certain as the reality of this life. The Apostle Paul understood that we are designed for eternity: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body” (Philippians 3:20–21). Does suc...

Do you really love your friends if you don’t tell them about Jesus? Written by GodLife on 12/04/2016 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Evangelism, Heaven, Hell, Hope, Jesus So I tell you today that I am not guilty if any of you don’t believe. I haven’t let anyone keep me from telling you everything God wants you to do. Acts 20:26-27 My little daughter’s friend was playing at our home one day. Suddenly, I shouted “no!” and she burst into tears. Why? She was about to put a fork into a nearby electrical outlet. I hated to upset her, but her little life was too precious to risk, and her parents trusted me to protect her. Are your friends precious to you? Do you know that God holds us responsible for one another? He tells us, “If I warn the wicked, saying, ‘You are under the penalty of death,’ but you fail to deliver the warning, they will die in their sins. And I will hold you responsible for their deaths.” (Ezekiel 3:18) If worries are keeping you from sharing your faith with ...

Hell has no exit door. Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Christ, Heaven, Hell, Jesus, Salvation No one can live forever, all will die. No one can escape the power of the grave. Psalm 89:48 Is Hell real? The Bible tells us about two places, Heaven and Hell. Spending eternity in Heaven or Hell is our choice. (Revelation 22:17) Hell does not have an exit door, and is the destiny of everyone who is without God (2 Thessalonians 1:8-10). Only Jesus can save us from that destiny. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). So what is Hell? Here are the three things that you need to know about what the Bible says about Hell... 1. What’s the reason that God made Hell? Did you know that once there was war in Heaven led by a former angel? Revelation 12:7-9 says, “Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. And the dragon lost the battle, and...

The church – your local group of believers – will encourage and guide you as you grow spiritually. Series: Look to Jesus When you became a follower of Jesus, you were “born again” (John 3:3). Can you imagine being a newborn baby just coming home, and your parents left you alone on the floor, giving you no food, milk, clean diapers, or love? That would be terrible! The Church -- Not a Building, But People As a physical family makes sure you get fed and loved, the church – your local group of believers – will encourage and guide you as you grow spiritually. One of the most important things your church does is remind you often of the main points of the gospel: Jesus Christ died to pay the penalty for your sins and rose again to show His power over death, Everyone who has by faith received God’s free gift is forgiven of their sins and becomes God’s child, Jesus lives in each believer today through His Holy Spirit, giving them power to live a God-pleasing life. The Church is a...

Discovering Your True Identity Written by Luis Palau From the time I was seven years old, I hung out with the same group of friends. As we grew up, I carved out an identity for myself that fit in among the group. I was “the crazy one.” When I went off to college and left these familiar friends behind, this reputation I had built for myself disappeared. I realized that I didn’t know who I was because my friends weren’t there to define me. I was plagued by the question: “who am I really?” Left without an answer, I felt lost and out of place. But once I became a follower of Jesus, that question took on a new and exciting dynamic. Who am I? The answer fills my heart with joy, confidence and a sense of eternity. When we accept Jesus Christ, our identity no longer relies on anything or anyone in this world. Many of us let things such as our jobs, our talents or the people around us define our perception of who we are. But these things are fallible and temporary. Romans 8:16-17 c...

The Holy Spirit is your constant companion and helper. Series: New Believers Guide The Holy Spirit is your constant companion and helper. Have you ever been given a task that is too big for you? Living like Jesus is impossible for us on our own. But that’s why God gave us His own Spirit—to help us live as new people. Jesus said, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you” (John 14:26). As we saw in the last lesson, the Spirit is the stamp of God’s salvation and gives us new life. But He does a lot more. Let’s look at the things He does for you: The Spirit Teaches Do you ever wonder how to live the Christian life? 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching.” “Inspired by God” is a reference to the Holy Spirit who is the life-giving breath of God. It’s like studying a book and having the author of the book there wit...

When we attempt to take control of our lives, we become our own God, telling Him he’s not good enough. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own expectations. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6) Do you want control? Many people want to have everything under control, or at least believe they do. It feels predictable; it feels safe. At least we hope those feelings will result from having control of our lives. And though we should know better, it is our human nature to crave control. Are you in control of any part of your life right now? Maybe you are enjoying a successful career. Or maybe you have a long list of qualities you’re looking for in a potential life partner, or even in close friends. Do you have control over your children’s success? Your daily schedule? Sometimes I even want to control the traffic lights and the cars around me. Ironically, that usually only happens when I’m in a hurry! Th...

Five Reasons Not to Worry About Tomorrow Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say. Psalm 139:4 My husband and I took off for our routine evening walk the other day. And as we rounded the walking trail, he repeatedly had to duck to avoid smashing his head against the branches that hung low. He endured this annoyance for a while. However, that all changed when God showed him not to worry or be anxious... The next day, before we headed out, he grabbed the trimming clippers from the garage. Armed with this weapon that he carried rifle style, we set off for our walk. As we drew closer, he gave a gasp of surprise. The maintenance folks had taken care of the trimming. I couldn’t suppress my laughter as he carried the clippers back home. We all do that, don’t we? When the branches of life annoy us, we get fed up. Sometimes we become anxious because the problem persists. Maybe we lost our job and spend night and day looking for another, or maybe we make poor decisions i...

Have you ever depended upon a friend? If not, you can certainly trust Jesus. Weekly Devotional Tags: Church And Community, Friends, Relationships "He told them, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. " (John 15:12-15) When I was in grade 4 of secondary school, I sprained my ankle. Being on crutches for 6 weeks made it hard to keep up with the other kids. But one friend stayed with me and made sure I didn't get left out. We came from different social and racial backgrounds, but that didn’t matter to either of us. She literally let me lean on her, and I was grateful for her kindness and strength. Jesus Is Our Friend Have ...

The Bible is what God uses to reveal exactly how He thinks. Written by Gary Fleetwood on 22/05/2018 Series: Weekly Devotional Tags: Bible, God, Holy Spirit, Spiritual Discipline Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 Salvation changes a person from the inside out, and changes how they see life.  Previously, they saw life as living for themselves, and now they see life as living for God. “…he (Jesus) died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” (2 Corinthians 5:15) These are two totally different views with two totally different results. Think of it as simply being able to see life the way that God sees life. The Bible is what God uses to reveal exactly how He thinks, and so the more time we spend in God’s Word, the more we begin to understand...

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Here are some important things to remember as you read “All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16 The Bible is the most read book in history. God has preserved it for thousands of years. Though it was written by many authors over hundreds of years, it tells one continuous story. Many people struggle to read and understand the Bible. Here are some key things to remember when reading the Bible. It is a Collection of Books, all of which are God-breathed and: “…profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training…” Moses. David. John. Paul -- all of them were writing to people of their own day about issues of their own time. It helps to know if a part of the Bible is reporting a story the way it took place, or if it is written for godly instruction. Ask yourself if the part you’re reading is a letter to a g...

I no longer call you servants… but friends. John 15:15 People search for life’s meaning in many ways. Wealth. Power. Status. Possessions. As alluring as these may be, people who achieve them are seldom satisfied. Often it’s not until our later years that we fully grasp the extraordinary value of our relationships. I am grateful to have been able to achieve much in life. Many would view me as “successful.” Yet my greatest treasures by far are my relationships — with my wonderful wife, Wendy, and our children, grandchildren and close friends — and with the Lord Jesus — a bond that is absolutely unique! Even when we are denied the intimate relationships of marriage, family and friends, there is One who always will be, without fail, our friend. Recall His pledge: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” By the time Billy Graham (mentioned on Day 5) was in his 90s, he had lost his wife, Ruth, and many close acquaintances through death. But he always had a friend in Jesus. He st...