“And let us consider one another to prove unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25

Our weekly Christian devotional

I love God.  There.  I said it.  Whenever I make this simple claim in public, the reactions I receive are across the board. Some are taken aback in shock, others nod their head in support and many shamefully (yet quietly) agree with me.

In those conversations about God, I have also noticed that most people naturally make the assumption that because love Him, I must also love going to church.  Ha.  I wish.

You see, technically speaking, I can literally say that I grew up in the church.  My parents not only made sure that we faithfully attended every Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night, we also attended daily chapel services at our private Christian School. If there were ever a case of receiving ‘too much’ of a good thing, I strongly believe our home was over-qualified for this statement.

And although my parents tried their best to do right by all of us, In my opinion this gross over-exposure did more to actually dull my spiritual senses than it did to light my spiritual fire.

Church wasn’t a place of refuge from the world; it actually became my world. And, in this odd microcosm of imperfect people, I was wrongfully disillusioned. I witnessed the kind of gossiping, backstabbing and hypocrisy that could rival any episode of The Real Housewives. (Minus the plastic surgery and cleavage, of course.)

Many of these behaviors were done in the name of God, under the guise of ‘prayer’ or ‘help’. But the end result was never fruitful.  Seeing this left a very bitter taste in my mouth about God’s house and ‘His people’.

When I ventured out into the big, bad world I noticed that there wasn’t really much of a difference from the small, bad world I had left behind. I saw much of the same kind of behavior out in the world in my old church. The most disappointing part of it all was my new friends were far more tolerant, loving and forgiving than the people I left behind.

After attending a liberal college, I felt a such a tremendous sense of relief and ease. Finally! I was ‘accepted’—without conditions and standards that only Jesus could keep! For the first time in my life the possibility of better clothes, nicer cars and a more colorful vocabulary were finally viable options for me (minus those pesky strings of guilt!)

According to the Southern Baptist Church I grew up in: There were ‘good people’ and ‘bad people’.

But, in my exodus from my personal version of hell on earth, I learned that people are simply just people.  There are good and bad aspects in all of us–church people and non-church people. I came to the conclusion that all human beings were hypocrites in some way; showing off their best and hiding their worst.

It made me think: “What was the point? Why bother being good if I didn’t truly feel it in my heart?” I had a deep desire to live authentically because hypocrisy was beginning to make my skin crawl.

In my quest to find out who I actually was and what I truly believed, I sampled the best and the worst of what the world had to offer.

After doing this, I couldn’t help but notice the strangest thing happening to me! The vanities of life left that same bitter taste in my mouth…

My heart longed to know the truth.  I needed to know if God was anything like those people I had experienced in my old church and if I qualified as a ‘good’ or a ‘bad’ person in His book.

Then, one day, after reading the four gospels on my own, I found God.  I wasn’t in church, I wasn’t ‘perfect’…but that didn’t matter. The truth really did set me free.  For the first time I realized that God wasn’t angry, mean or judgmental.  He loved me enough to send His Son to die for me. The good news was that God never expected me to be ‘perfect’! He only wanted my heart to be perfect towards Him. I was now beginning to understand why Jesus died on the cross. Yes, He died on the cross to save me from my sins. But in doing this He was also supernaturally available to help me overcome sin on a daily basis.  Of course, not in that humanistic, legalistic, perfectionistic way we tend to look at it…but in that imperfect and raw way we humans really are.

As I worked with Him daily, I could feel God giving me the strength not to ‘just look good’ to others, but to live a good life—authentically. This is kind of freedom was priceless for me.

Today, I can sleep at night, because I’m no longer in fear. I’m joyful because I’m not on this journey alone—I have God on the inside of me helping me every step of the way.

After reading Hebrews 10:24-25, I felt very convicted about my church attendance.  Although I found God, I honestly hadn’t even considered venturing back into a church again.  It was really too painful for me to even think about.

But, I realize now that my horrible experience is exactly why it’s important to heed the wisdom of Hebrews 10:24-25.  Christians need honest love and encouragement from each other.  In a world that is rife with evil, it’s crucial to be a part of something that is bigger than yourself—a part of God’s greater plan to heal anyone who really wants to be healed.

To be frank, reconnecting with other Christians hasn’t exactly been the easiest thing for me to do.  Just like my past experiences, I was judged, backstabbed and gossiped about.  But, this time I didn’t stop my search for the right church. What changed? This time I had a healthy expectation of imperfect people: There will always be pain when we deal with other human beings.  But that discomfort should never stop us from authentically trying our best do what we know will ultimately shape our character as we chose to be obedient to God.

“Dear Heavenly Father,

I have seen your power.  I have felt your presence when I pray and read your word.

I have also felt like there has been a stunt in my spiritual growth.  After reading Hebrews 10:24-25, I believe I see one of the major reasons. It is in your will for me to be in a church community with other believers.  I must admit the idea of going to church gives me much anxiety and fear.

Lord, I know you have not given me a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

I will not have this kind of peace if I willfully disobey your will.  The knowledge of truth will get me nowhere if I refuse to obey it.

Lord, other Christians have hurt me terribly.  In your name, they have done and said many harmful things.  Help me to forgive them and heal the wounds they have created within me.  I want to move on from this, to get better from my experience; not bitter.

Forgive me for only thinking of my needs and my pain instead of considering what I can do to bless another.  In Jesus’ precious name, help me to come out of this selfish shell and blossom for your glory.  Amen.”

Thank you for reading our weekly Christian devotional on verses: Hebrews 10:24-25

Please check back and see what we have for you next week!

Author: Julia Shalom Jordan

For the love of GOD.

“Dear Heavenly Father,

There has to be more to more to life than just my work and duties.  I’m a responsible person and most of the time I feel very guilty for wanting to step back and actually enjoy the pleasures of life. So, to avoid this guilt, I don’t choose activities that incite this guilt. Doing this has made me very stressed and unhappy.

I have such a hard time finding that proper balance.  I need your wisdom and discernment of what to say: “No.” to so I will have more time for things I need to say: “Yes!” to.

Can you open my eyes to see what I am missing and how I need to fill in those areas?  Please show me what I need to omit from my schedule, too.

Help me to relax and really enjoy my downtime.  And in this relaxed state, I want to hear your still and quiet voice.  I have noticed that when things are crazy and hectic, I cannot.

I can also see that in this busy-ness, I am losing my ground because I am not connecting with you like I should be.

Lord, I love you and you are all that I need. Help me to depend on you more and myself less.

When my life is over, I don’t want to have any regrets that I didn’t spend time with the people who mattered most—especially YOU. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

Author: Julia Shalom Jordan

Prayer for a balanced life

“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.  For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” Romans 14:17

Our weekly Christian devotional

“Welcome to the Gap.  Can I help you find your perfect fit?” The sound of my own voice is frightening.

But, I suck up my discomfort and force a smile through my teeth. It’s my way of apologizing for the potent sales pitch.

My lack of enthusiasm had me banished to the back of the store by the middle of my shift. I was then reassigned the even duller task of re-folding jeans.

Attempting to make the best of it, I bop my head to the Depeshe Mode song that had already pumped through the store at least fourteen times.

“So, how do these look?” A stout woman stuffed into a slim fit shuffles in front of me.

I glance over my shoulder, pausing for a second. “Do you really want to know?”

“Yes…I think…” The toes in her socks curl up in slight fear.

Flashing a smile, I lower my voice. “My best friend has your build and Gap jeans never seem to fit her.  Go to Express and try on their boot cut.  I’ll bet those will look amazing on you.” I wink and quickly turn back to folding.

The customer turns to see what caused my quick retrieval.

We both hear the keys jangle from the manager’s pocket as she saunters our way. Her eyes shine like bright laser beams of fake sincerity.

“Those jeans would look fabulous with this sweater.” Grabbing a cardigan, she holds it up to the customer.  The nubby knit didn’t do the girl justice, but it was seventy nine dollars…

One thing I learned that day was honesty is NOT the best sales policy. Soon after, I stopped trying to force a fit that wasn’t working for me. I left the Gap in search of a job was a better suited for my (brutally) honest ways.

I believe God created people with different personalities and temperaments for specific reasons. It’s because He has a very personalized vision for your life.

When we fight our gifts and talents and try to fit into the mold of what ‘society’, our parents, or any one else who might be influencing our lives, we limit ourselves in so many ways. Most importantly, doing this limits God’s power from filling our lives.

In Romans 17:14, we are encouraged to follow peace. When we do, this puts us in the proper environment to nurture righteousness and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Many people believe that serving God should ‘feel’ like a chore. But after carefully reading Romans 17:14, I beg to differ.

None of us do God any favors when we miserably meander through life.  How can anyone desire what we have when we are lacking contentment in our own lives?

Serving God should be a joyful experience that stretches our natural abilities, turning them into supernatural gifts that will hopefully inspire others to search for what we have.

“Dear Heavenly Father,

For some reason, I was fearful that if I chose to serve you, I would be living a miserable existence.  But, Romans 17:14 is helping me to see that is not what you want for my life at all!  You aren’t the cruel god so many portray you to be.

In serving you, I’m promised that I would find new joys and a deeper way of living life. Serving you will also help me to enjoy righteousness and experience true peace and joy.  These qualities are so rare in life that many people believe they are impossible to have.

I have tried the world’s cheap substitutions.  I never found joy in toxic relationships or peace in the bottom of a bottle.I know you did not put me on this planet to suffer a miserable existence.  I have been searching for happiness my whole life.  Perhaps, I have actually been searching for you, Lord.

Today, I give up trying to be what I’m not supposed to be.  I’m willing to let you show me what your dream for me is.  I won’t fight it—because I know it’s actually the best path for my life anyway.  In Jesus’ precious name, thank you for your patience with me.  Guide me, Lord. I’m ready now.  Amen.”

Thank you for reading our weekly Christian devotional on verses: Romans 14:17

Please check back and see what we have for you next week!

Author: Julia Shalom Jordan

God doesn’t prefer misery for company.

“Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.” Proverbs 31:30

Our weekly Christian devotional

The summer rays scorched Nicole’s pale shoulders. Smearing sunblock on them, she jogged quickly towards North Avenue Beach.

It was the first game of the season and Nicky had been preparing for this day for months. Not only was her body in phenomenal shape but her skills were also sharper than last season’s.  Nicole was more than ready to show both of them off.

“There she is!  The North Avenue goddess!” Ryan whistled loudly; all eyes within hearing distance turned to see what the commotion was about.

Nicole acted as if she was embarrassed by all the attention but she relished it. Everybody on the team knew it.

Leslie rolled her eyes and spiked the ball in Nicky’s direction.  She was hoping to put Nicky in her place, or at the very least–mess up her perfect hair!

Nicole tossed her head back as if she were in a commercial, widening her eyes in mock surprise. The ball missed her by an inch but that didn’t stop three male beach goers from rushing to her rescue.

Leslie’s jealous revenge backfired miserably.

To Nicole, the world was her stage.  And if she wasn’t the star of the show, it wasn’t a very good day. At least today was a good day. But…what about tomorrow?

In Proverbs 31:30 we are reminded of a fact we all know: physical beauty fades with time. And, although we may be privy to the obvious, many woman still seem to bank a little too much on our ever-fading commodities.

It’s hard not to get sucked into the lie that attractiveness for a female isn’t important.  The news dominating headlines continually remind us that being beautiful is equal to being valuable.

What a terrible investment to put all your stock on something as fleeting and shallow as physical beauty!  As a ‘typical’ American female, I can’t say that I haven’t been impacted by this gross distortion myself.

What do you want to be remembered for?  The beauty that you had on the outside; or the beauty that you made others feel on their insides? Now, that’s something worth thinking about.

“Dear Heavenly Father,

This world is so superficial.  I am so superficial.  God, help me!

When I look in the mirror sometimes all I see are the sum of my parts.  I forget that there is something deeper than the surface of my skin…and that is my soul.

I have gone through such extremes taking care of my outside, but in that process, my soul has been neglected.  Perhaps that’s why I barely consider taking my soul into account when I think of my self-worth.

Lord, I have become imbalanced.  I have put myself on a pedestal.  I have worshiped myself as a god because I am the first thing I think about when I wake up and the last thing I think about when I go to bed.

This is shameful. Please forgive me for my selfishness.  Help me to see beyond me.

Open up my eyes to see the gifts that are just waiting to be birthed if I will get out of my own way.

There is more to this life than making myself better.  I could invest in bringing out the best in others while allowing you to change me.

In Jesus’ precious name, help me to do just that.  Amen.”

Thank you for reading our weekly Christian devotional on verse: Proverbs 31:30

Please check back and see what we have for you next week!

Author: Julia Shalom Jordan

INVEST in the PRICELESS.

Shalom loved nature and started worshiping it.  She easily turned to wicca very easily. This is her story.

“No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.” Luke 8:16

Testimony of Shalom a former wiccan

“Pride goeth before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:12

Our weekly Christian devotional

“Five…four…three…two…one!” Austin slammed his callused palm down on the mat.

“Mike is the new middleweight grappler!” Bounding quickly from the sidelines, the coach grabbed a hand from each athlete, lifting Michael’s higher for the crowd.

“Great job, both of you.” Austin winked at the champion.  Although he had a heart for all his students, Mike’s discipline and hunger for the game earned his coach’s respect.

Austin left the sweaty pair and headed back to the mat’s edge. Lifting his eyes, he felt the warmth of his students. All of them gazed admirably at the aging athlete; they seemed to look at Austin as if he alone held the keys to life and happiness.

Several sports injuries prevented Austin from achieving his personal dreams. But, his grappling school was famous for churning out title-holders. Although it wasn’t exactly the path he had envisioned for himself, being a demi-god in this corner of the world gave his ego some satisfaction.

He bent down to pack up his gear, his knees and lower back ached as if he were ninety five.

“Every dog has his day.” Austin grabbed the nearby bench giving himself an easier hoist up, hoping his students weren’t watching him now.

“Mind over matter.” Under his breath, Austin repeated his favorite mantra.

Today Austin McGregor could no longer convince himself out of the obvious. No matter how successful he became, his humanity always found a way to scratch to the surface. The naive’ opinions of his admiring students were trumped by the fact that Austin was most certainly not a god; he was merely a forty seven year old ex-athlete.

Proverbs 16:18 and 1 Corinthians 10: 12 gives us a sobering reminder of the final destination that pride always leads to.

It’s easy to believe the accolades of those who elevate us, especially if our tender egos need reinforcement to begin with. But, as nature and gravity has been telling man since the days of Adam, everything that rises eventually comes down.

You can save yourself a lot of heartache by avoiding pride to begin with.  This isn’t exactly the easiest thing to do, but it’s far simpler than having to learn the ‘pride lesson’ the hard way.

“Dear Heavenly Father,

I have some very deeply rooted insecurities.  I know this because my pride and ego continually need to be fed.  I’m addicted to the approval of everybody—everybody but, you, Lord. This is wrong and I know it.

I don’t even know how this issue even became the elephant in the room for me.  Can you show me, Lord?  Expose the roots of my pride and feelings of insecurity.

As you reveal them to me, help me to take responsibility for agreeing with the enemy of my soul.

Help me to learn who I am in you.  Show me how valuable I am in your eyes so I can have a balanced view of myself.

I want to walk as confidently as a child of a King. But I need you to help me to also be as humble as a child that knows his/her place.  This is not an easy task.  Lord you said you would help me and I’m counting on you to do just that.

I commit to reading the words of Jesus. I commit to really obeying his clear directions on how I am to live this life of humble submission.

In Jesus’ name, I thank you for sending Jesus as not only my Savior, but as a living example for my daily life.  Amen.”

Thank you for reading our weekly Christian devotional on verses:

Proverbs 16:18, I Corinthians 10:12

Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!

Author: Julia Shalom Jordan

There’s only room for ONE GOD.

“And Jesus saith to them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.  For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose his soul?” Luke 9:23-25

Today’s Christian daily devotional

It was a placid and rainy Saturday night.  But on the third floor of the tiny apartment on 26^th and Seventh, Blake and Taylor found themselves comfortably nestled in a sea of comforters. The only reminder of the dreary weather was the hypnotic raindrops tapping the loose windowpanes.

Both of them were quite occupied. They were playfully clicking back and forth between a UFC fight Blake had taped and Taylor’s favorite comedy.

Taylor was no match for Blake’s wrestling skills.  It took less than two seconds to pin his tiny girlfriend. But, the gentleman in Blake couldn’t help but surrender the remote—for a kiss—of course.

Taylor happily complied, raking her fingers slowly through Blake’s stippley beard. It was a moment she wished would last forever.

Everything about this man felt perfect for her. Traits that Taylor would normally find unnerving in anyone else were oddly endearing when Blake did them.

The sweet kiss ended too soon.

“Want some water?” Blake stood up to crack open the steamy window.

“Sure.” Taylor smiled as she clicked the channel back to her show; basking in the triumph of finally having everything she ever wanted.

Taylor Michaels was happy.  It had been so long since she felt like this. She was beginning to wonder if life for her would ever be enjoyable again.

Only one thing was missing; but it was a pretty major thing.  Taylor was afraid to introduce her new boyfriend to the love of her life.

So, who was this mystery man? When Taylor was going through the most painful moments of her life “J” was always there for her. When every other person had left, “J” was the only friend who stood by and comforted her.  Without the encouragement and love of “J”, Taylor wasn’t really sure where she would be today.

In case you haven’t figured it by now, Taylor’s best friend was Jesus.

This fear Taylor had of talking about her relationship with Jesus was grounded in reality. She had lost most of her friends because of her passionate commitment to living for God.

On this romantic spring night, it seemed as if God had answered all of Taylor’s prayers. Ironically, she was fearful of jeopardizing it all because of God.

How deep did Taylor’s loyalty lie? To whom was her loyalty the strongest?  Would she stand by the One who was with her through life’s darkest trials?  Or, would she forget Him now that life seemed pretty good?

Taylor, like so many of us, was at a major crossroad in her life. The power and influence of friends can make a serious impact on how successful we are in life.

Friends who have our best intentions will encourage the good opportunities that come our way. People who aren’t interested in our best interest shouldn’t really be put in the category of ‘friends’ in the first place.

Many people who have made major commitments to Christ have renounced them in the name of self-preservation. Friendships that are tangible in the natural sense seem to take precedence over supernatural intimacy with God Himself.

As Luke 9:23-25 soberly reminds us, serving God was never promised to be an easy commitment.  But, in the end, it is definitely the most fulfilling.  And, you really can’t beat investing in a relationship that will last for eternity.

“Dear Heavenly Father,

I see how easily I can turn my passion for you into a passion for something or someone else.  A long time ago, I committed to not only following you but also to being the kind of person who would be loyal to you forever.

How shallow are my promises.  Lord, forgive me for forgetting you and replacing you.  You should be first, always.

In the name of Jesus I repent of putting other idols before you.  I turn from them, and I commit to serving and worshiping only you, Lord.

I will not serve the lust of my flesh or bow down to the influence of those who don’t love you.

Lord, help me to gently let go of the relationships that are holding me back from my intimacy with you.

Bring people into my life that will nurture a deeper love for you.  Help me to be a good friend to others by encouraging their walk with God and not making them feel good about being far from you. A true friend wants the best for the people they claim to love. And the best thing a person can have is YOU in their life.

In Jesus’ precious name, I need a supernatural anointing to follow through with this commitment.  I have let you down in the past, Lord.  I need you to help me see this promise through, Amen.”

Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: Luke 9:23-25

Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!

Author: Julia Shalom Jordan

How DEEP is your love?

“So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.  And Elisa sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean, But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place and recover the leper.  Are not Abana and Pharpar rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? May I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.  And his servant came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? How much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash and be clean? Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the sayings of the man of God; and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.” 2 Kings 5:10

Today’s Christian daily devotional

The Mexican sun warmed Gabriella’s shoulders in a way she could never truly enjoy back in Los Angeles. Settling into her lounge chair, the peace itself seemed to nudge Gabi out of her lazy stupor. Peace was never a state that she had grown accustomed to.

Peeking above her sunglasses, Gabriella quickly eyed the landscape of her surroundings.  She couldn’t stop herself; this habit was ingrained since the age of nine; when Gabi was first discovered for her amazing voice.

On that fateful day, a star was born. And, Gabi’s childhood suffered as the sacrificial lamb. Its survival didn’t really have a chance where she was headed…

Ever since, the idea of privacy sounded more like a fairytale than a realistic possibility.

“Excuse me.” A soft voice from behind startled her.

“Would you like anything else before I leave?”  The maid beamed warmly.  It was a genuine smile, the kind Gabriella hadn’t seen in a very long time.

“Tomorrow she’ll be looking at me like a love-struck drone.”

This jaded thought only originated because of countless similar experiences in the past. Today was the first day of Gabi’s vacation; the maid would discover who she was soon enough. But, for the moment, Gabriella was basking in her incognito status.

“No, I’m fine. Thank you for asking.” Smiling back, she adjusted her shades while tucking her sunhat a bit lower.

The maid turned to leave, humming a hymn that brought back memories of Gabi’s buried childhood.

Before riding high on the wings of fame, Gabi had dreams of being a gospel singer. Oh, how she longed to go back to those simpler days! The days when she passionately sang about her first love—Jesus.

The possibility of that simple dream actually coming into fruition was only stopped by Gabi’s fear.

What would happen if she allowed Jesus back into her life? Would her adoring fans still love her? And who would she be if she weren’t the fabulous Gabrielle Price?

Fame wasn’t exactly her best friend, but it had turned her into the star she was today.

2 Kings 5:10 is the story of Naaman, a respected and wealthy war hero.  He had all the fame and prestige that a man of his steed could desire. But, poor Naaman was slowly dying of a degenerative skin condition he could no longer hide. All of that wealth and political pull couldn’t save him. In his desperation, Naaman called out to a known prophet of God for help.  This man’s name was Elisha.

Technically, Elisha didn’t ask Naaman to do the impossible. He simply told Naaman to dip his body seven times into the muddy Jordan River.

But, for a man of Naaman’s pedigree, this was a very humbling task. The hardest part about it all was that Elisha required Naaman to strip himself of the one obstacle that prevented his healing— his pride.

God’s offer for salvation is extended to all humanity.  Many people want healing, but they resent the fact of needing THE HEALER to receive it.

Much like a beautiful unwrapped present, salvation and healing collects dust. God’s mercy and restoration is within your reach.  Are you willing to trade your pride to have true peace inside?

“Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your patience with me.  I’ve heard God’s plan of salvation several times over the course of my life.  But, somehow I haven’t felt strong enough to let go of my pride and admit that I need some help.

Today, I am ready.  Lord, my life is full, yet so empty.  I have bouts of happiness here and there but no deep joy that bubbles up from my soul.

I want to experience the cleansing power of Jesus.  I need my sins taken from me.  I will no longer lie to myself that this step isn’t necessary.  It is. 

Cleanse me, Lord.  Wash me clean with the atoning power of Jesus’ blood.  I repent of my sin.  I receive your forgiveness.  Fill me up with the joy and peace that passes all understanding.

Help me to turn from the things that would steer me back into dark paths, away from your presence. 

In Jesus’ name, help me to understand your word and apply it to my everyday life.  I commit to finding a church community that will nurture my growth and understanding.

Help me to remember that you are just a prayer away.  Give me a love for prayer as this will keep my intimacy with you fresh everyday.

In Jesus’ precious name, bless me, Lord to pass your gift of salvation to all who need you.  Amen.”

Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: 2 Kings 5:10

Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!

Author: Julia Shalom Jordan

No one is ‘TOO GOOD’ for GOD.

“Be angry and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26

“And therefore will the Lord wait, that He may be gracious unto you, and therefore will He be exalted, that He may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for Him.” Isaiah 30:18

Today’s Christian daily devotional

There’s about a million things that I need to get done today.  But, life slows down to a respectful halt as I anxiously scan the latest headlines.

Along with the rest of the country, I want to see the faces of the two men who planted the bombs at the 2012 Boston Marathon.

My search isn’t in vain; there’s no shortage of articles or video clips. And of course, my ‘ten minute search’ had little chance of actually lasting a mere ten minutes. I was engrossed by the threads of comments written by angry bloggers all around the world. Justice was the common theme.

As a fellow American, I share in the anger. Who wouldn’t want justice for the innocent lives that have been lost? Who wouldn’t want to see justice for the ones who are left with permanent wounds from the senseless bloodshed in Boston?

I know my anger isn’t misplaced, either. In Ephesians 4:26 Paul addresses holy anger.  It’s the kind of anger that God put into the heart of all humanity. This is our deeply rooted yearning for justice in a world that seems merciless.

Many people dismiss the notion that a good God would create a place like hell. But, wouldn’t it be in the character of a just God to do just that?

Isaiah 30:18 was meant to encourage all those who have been wronged to hold out for God’s justice system.  No matter what crimes man thinks that he can get away with in this life, God will be certain to retain justice for the innocent.

And, the great thing is, God can’t be bribed. Money doesn’t impress Him and good works don’t, either. So, what wins the heart of God? Psalms 51:17 says it’s a humble and broken heart.

Even if you never set a bomb off that kills and maims innocent lives, I can’t think of a person who hasn’t hurt another knowingly or unknowingly.  Sometimes the pain of rejection, abuse, neglect or bullying can even hurt deeper than a physical wound.

Have you ever been the source of pain for another?  Just as God will seek justice for the sins committed against you, he will also do the same for the people that you have hurt.

Let me remind you that God is also known for His mercy. Allow Him the chance to be merciful to you– just ask Him for forgiveness.  It really is just that simple.

“Dear Heavenly Father,

Everyday it seems that evil prevails. It’s so disheartening that this world has become so cold and violent.

Many crimes against the innocent stem from the thoughts of jealousy, revenge or hatred.  Lord, I repent of these very sins.  In the confines of my mind and heart, I, too have had thoughts of jealousy, hatred and revenge.  I’m not so innocent; because even if my sins aren’t exposed for the world to see, you can see them, Lord.

Please give me the kind of heart that is sensitive to the sins that grieve you.  Let them grieve me until I turn from them.  This will keep me on the path of righteousness. 

Help me to forgive those who have hurt me.  Give me the supernatural gift to let go of offences easily.  Help me to bless those who have hurt me.  As there are many I have unknowingly hurt myself. 

You have forgiven me, so I must forgive others. I cast out the spirit of bitterness, resentment and anger

in Jesus’ name.

Let the world know you are real by the kind of supernatural love I give to others.  In Jesus precious name, Amen.”

Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: Isaiah 30:18 and Ephesians 4:26 

Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!

Author: Julia Shalom Jordan

You’re not THAT innocent.

“Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6: 19-21

Today’s Christian daily devotional

I spot ‘it’.  To the untrained eye it simply looks like a rusty old teakettle.  But, I instantly recognize this treasure for what it is—from three isles away!

Just looking at the porcelain handle takes me back to having tea with my grandmother. I can remember her kettle whistling through her tiny house in the most ear-shattering way.  It wasn’t exactly the most peaceful sound to hear before retiring to bed, but it was our routine.  And, any routine with Grandma was a good one to me.

I quickly jostle my cart through the isles over to the tarnished kettle, pushing aside the other worn wares that stand between us.

As I grab ahold of it, I turn the vintage gem slowly in my hands. It stirs up old memories and I am instantly transported to my grandmother’s kitchen.

“When you grow up, Julia, you can have it.  It’s made of one hundred percent copper.” I picture my grandmother carefully pouring scalding water into my teacup. Her pinky finger gently lifts as she tilts the teakettle. Everything my grandma did was lady-like.

Unfortunately, after she passed, that precious ancient teakettle of her’s was never found. This was a sad discovery as my grandmother was very careful with it throughout her life.

Although the kettle in my hands today isn’t exactly my grandmother’s, I clasp it to my chest as if it is, heading merrily towards the checkout line.

“That will be four dollars and seventy eight cents.” The young cashier manages to sputter between the smacking of her gum.

I happily pay up.  My active imagination can’t help but wonder about the previous owner of this particular kettle:

Did she/he plan on passing it down to their family? Did he/she know the value of it? What would they think if they knew it was sold for less than five dollars at the local Goodwill?

Matthew 6:19-21 reminds us to keep life in a proper perspective.  There are many things we invest our time and efforts on.  And, although many of these things aren’t necessarily bad in and of themselves, Jesus reminds us that there are more important things in this life than items.

Jesus was referring to spiritual treasures.  The most important ‘things’ to Him were people.  He loved their hearts and cared about their eternal souls.

When we love people, most of us want to express that love in a tangible way.  My grandmother wanted to express her love to me by leaving me something she thought was valuable in her eyes.

But, what could be more valuable than investing our time, love and efforts into the lives and souls of people God finds priceless?

If you know where you will be for eternity, let me challenge you to share that gift! Not only will this benefit your loved ones in this life; but it will also reap eternal blessings for you (and them) in the next.

“Dear Heavenly Father,

I have gotten sloppy in my living.  I have found salvation in you and have reaped so much joy, comfort and blessing in my personal relationship with you.

The problem is: I have been selfish with this blessing.  I cringe at the idea of telling others about what you have done for me. To be honest, I don’t want to be looked at as a “Jesus Freak”. So, I have shut my mouth.

Lord, if I say I love my friends and don’t tell them about you, I am a shameful liar.  My love for them is shallow.

True love was defined for us by Jesus: He said that a man who laid his life down for his friend was a true friend.

Lord, it’s not like I am taking an actual bullet!  Yet, I act as if sharing my testimony is like that. Forgive my apathy.

Give me eyes to see the lost like you see them, Lord.  Help me to get my mind off myself and onto the job you have me here to do.

I am here to spread the light of Jesus, to be a witness and to be an example.  Help me to do all of these things with wisdom and discernment.  Bless me as I obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit, Amen.”

Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: Matthew 6: 19-21

Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!

Author: Julia Shalom Jordan

Invest in GOD’S treasures.