Author Archives: Agee

Two sisters you need to know (Proverbs 7), May 28, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Proverbs 7
Set – Proverbs 7; Romans 9
Go! – Proverbs 7-9; Romans 9

Proverbs 7
1 My son, live according to what I am telling you;
guard my instructions as you would a treasure deep within you.
2 Stay true to my directives, and they will serve you well;
make my teachings the lens through which you see life.
3 Bind cords around your fingers to remind you of them;
meditate on them, and you’ll engrave them upon your heart.
4 Say to Lady Wisdom, “My sister”;
recognize that understanding is your best friend,
5 And they will keep you from the arms of another woman—
protect you from the enchantress who entices men into her bed.
6 One day I was at the window of my house,
looking out through my lattice shutters,
7 And there among the usual crowd of the gullible people
I spotted a naive young man.
8 He was going down the street near the corner where she lived—that mysterious and evil woman—
taking the road that led directly to her house.
9 At the end of the day, as night approached
and darkness crept in,
10 I saw her! A woman came out to meet him.
She was dressed for temptation and devious with her affections.
11 Here’s what I know about her: she is loud and obnoxious, a rebel against what is proper and decent.
She’s always on the move—anxious to get out of the house and
12 Down the street; at times in the open,
at others lurking around every corner.
13 As I am watching them, she grabs him and kisses him,
then shamelessly tells him:
14 The Immoral Woman: It was my turn to offer a peace offering,
and today I paid my vows,
15 So now I come to see you.
I really want to be with you, and what luck! I have found you!
16 You’ll be impressed. I have decorated my couch,
laid colorful Egyptian linens over where we will be together,
17 And perfumed the bed with exotic oils and herbs:
myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come in, and we will feast on love until sunrise;
we will delight ourselves in our affections.
19 You don’t need to worry; my husband is long gone by now,
away from home on a distant journey.
20 He took a bag of money with him,
so I don’t expect him home until next month.
21 It worked! She enticed him with seductive words,
seduced him with her smooth talk.
22 Right away he followed her home.
He followed her like a bull being led to the slaughter,
Like a fool caught in a trap
23 (that is, until an arrow punctures his liver),
Like a bird flying straight into a net.
He had no clue his life was at stake; everything was about to change.
24 This is why it is so important that you listen to me, my sons,
and pay attention to all I am telling you.
25 Do not let your mind wonder about her ways;
do not lose yourself and drift down her path,
26 For she’s claimed one life after another,
victim after victim, too many to count.
27 Her house is the gateway to the grave;
every step toward her is a step toward death’s dark chamber.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Wisdom and understanding. Sisters you should get to know. Let them become your confidants. They will serve you well if you let them. But if you ignore them, you will suffer immeasurable pain in every area of life.

Solomon wrote about these sisters in the opening chapters of Proverbs. He used illicit sexual relations as an analogy to going through life without them. You know about the sexual drives that can bend you toward evil so easily if not kept under control.

The young man in Solomon’s story let smooth words and enticing sounds lure him into a trap from which he could not escape. Once down that slippery slope that ignorance and rash decisions takes you, you’ll find it difficult to recover from the consequences of those illicit acts.

The sisters, wisdom and understanding, aren’t just about sex, though. They carry you through every situation in life. Relationships. Marriage. Finances. Parenthood. Retirement. Illness. Even death. Wisdom and understanding help you see clearly through every aspect of life because they were with Me from the beginning and saw every situation in which people find themselves throughout time.

So, how do you make friends with them? How can you get to know these wonderful sisters so they can help you through those pitfalls that so many fall into in life? It’s really not so hard. Just read My instruction book and follow its rules. It’s been the number one best seller for decades. In fact, it’s been the number one best seller so long it isn’t included on the best seller list. That doesn’t mean it isn’t the best seller, though.

So pay attention to Wisdom and listen to her sister, Understanding. You’ll find life works a lot smoother if you do.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Live by God’s Spirit (Romans 8:1-17), May 27, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready -Romans 8:1-17
Set – Proverbs 6; Romans 8
Go! – Proverbs 4-6; Romans 8

Romans 8:1-17
1 Therefore, now no condemnation awaits those who are living in Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King, 2 because when you live in the Anointed One, Jesus, a new law takes effect. The law of the Spirit of life breathes into you and liberates you from the law of sin and death. 3 God did something the law could never do. You see, human flesh took its toll on God’s law. In and of itself, the law is not weak; but the flesh weakens it. So to condemn the sin that was ruling in the flesh, God sent His own Son, bearing the likeness of sinful flesh, as a sin offering. 4 Now we are able to live up to the justice demanded by the law. But that ability has not come from living by our fallen human nature; it has come because we walk according to the movement of the Spirit in our lives.

5 If you live your life animated by the flesh—namely, your fallen, corrupt nature—then your mind is focused on the matters of the flesh. But if you live your life animated by the Spirit—namely, God’s indwelling presence—then your focus is on the work of the Spirit. 6 A mind focused on the flesh is doomed to death, but a mind focused on the Spirit will find full life and complete peace. 7 You see, a mind focused on the flesh is declaring war against God; it defies the authority of God’s law and is incapable of following His path. 8 So it is clear that God takes no pleasure in those who live oriented to the flesh.

9 But you do not live in the flesh. You live in the Spirit, assuming, of course, that the Spirit of God lives inside of you. The truth is that anyone who does not have the Spirit of the Anointed living within does not belong to God. 10 If the Anointed One lives within you, even though the body is as good as dead because of the effects of sin, the Spirit is infusing you with life now that you are right with God. 11 If the Spirit of the One who resurrected Jesus from the dead lives inside of you, then you can be sure that He who raised Him will cast the light of life into your mortal bodies through the life-giving power of the Spirit residing in you.

12 So, my brothers and sisters, you owe the flesh nothing! You do not need to live according to its ways, so abandon its oppressive regime. 13 For if your life is just about satisfying the impulses of your sinful nature, then prepare to die. But if you have invited the Spirit to destroy these selfish desires, you will experience life. 14 If the Spirit of God is leading you, then take comfort in knowing you are His children. 15 You see, you have not received a spirit that returns you to slavery, so you have nothing to fear. The Spirit you have received adopts you and welcomes you into God’s own family. That’s why we call out to Him, “Abba! Father!” as we would address a loving daddy. 16 Through that prayer, God’s Spirit confirms in our spirits that we are His children. 17 If we are God’s children, that means we are His heirs along with the Anointed, set to inherit everything that is His. If we share His sufferings, we know that we will ultimately share in His glory.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Did you hear Paul’s words? I want so much for you. Paul discovered the life I want you to live. Others who followed after him discovered the secret so plainly laid out in front of you. Just let go of yourself and follow Me. Let Me control your life. Quit living according to the desires of your flesh and live according to My Spirit in you.

Many times My children settle for forgiveness of their sins and stop in their spiritual journey with Me. They never explore the abundant life I talked about giving you. It doesn’t come with just forgiveness. It comes with letting Me take charge. It comes with resting in Me and knowing that I make the decisions for you when you live by My Spirit living in you.

Living in the Spirit means dying to the oppressive desires of the flesh and living according to the impulses of My demands. Saying yes to Me, not to your fleshly desires. Some will say it’s not possible but Peter, Paul, James, John and so many since them found My promises true. I told them to be holy. To live by the Spirit. To let My Spirit be the controlling influence in their lives…and they did.

Each of them found the secret to joyful living. They found the secret to suppressing the selfish desires that welled up within them by living in obedience to My Spirit. The longer they lived under My will, the easier it became for them to hear My voice. They still find temptations coming their way through the desires of the flesh, but have learned to trust in Me to help them suppress those desires to avoid yielding to the temptations and falling into sin because of them.

My children can learn to live in My Spirit just as children learn to ride bicycles or learn to read. It takes effort. It takes listening to the teacher. It takes diligence and daily practice. It may mean failure at times. But like children learning, you just start again. I’m there to help you get back on track. I want you to win. I want you to enjoy the abundant life.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Wisdom comes from God or experience (Proverbs 2), May 26, 2015

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Today’s Podcast


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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Proverbs 2
Set – Proverbs 2; Romans 7
Go! – Proverbs 1-3; Romans 7

Proverbs 2
1My son, if you accept what I am telling you
and store my counsel and directives deep within you,
2 If you listen for Lady Wisdom, attune your ears to her,
and engage your mind to understand what she is telling you,
3 If you cry out to her for insight
and beg for understanding,
4 If you sift through the clamor of everything around you
to seek her like some precious prize,
to search for her like buried treasure;
5 Then you will grasp what it means to truly respect the Eternal,
and you will have discovered the knowledge of the one True God.
6 The Eternal is ready to share His wisdom with us,
for His words bring true knowledge and insight;
7 He has stored up the essentials of sound wisdom for those who do right;
He acts as a shield for those who value integrity.
8 God protects the paths of those who pursue justice,
watching over the lives of those who keep faith with Him.
9 With this wisdom you will be able to choose the right road,
seek justice, and decide what is good and fair
10 Because wisdom will penetrate deep within
and knowledge will become a good friend to your soul.
11 Sound judgment will stand guard over you,
and understanding will watch over you as the Lord promised.
12 Wisdom will keep you from following the way of evildoers,
of those who twist words to pervert the truth,
13 Of those who reject the right road
for a darker, more sinister way of life,
14 Of those who enjoy evil
and pursue perverse pleasures,
15 Of those who journey down a crooked path,
constantly figuring out new ways to trick and deceive others.
16 Wisdom will pluck you from the trap of a seductive woman,
from the enticing propositions of the adulteress
17 Who chose to leave the husband of her youth,
to forget her sacred promises to her God;
18 For her house is on the road that leads to death,
and her path goes down to the shadowy pit.
19 Those who go to her will never return;
they will never again find their way back to true life.
20 As for you, you should walk like those who are good
and keep to the paths of those who love justice,
21 For those who live right will remain in the land
and those with integrity will endure here.
22 But not the wicked; they will be forced out and banned from this promised land,
and those who deal in deceit will be plucked up like weeds.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Wisdom is such an important quality to obtain but so few possess it. Those who declare they have wisdom usually don’t and those who thirst for it and seek it with their whole being usually have more than they think they do. Wisdom eludes many because they fail to work hard enough to obtain it. They just sit back and let life roll over them without a care in the world and take whatever life brings. No plans. No provision for the future. No expectation of anything other than come what may.

Wisdom operates in a different mode. Wisdom hopes for the best, but plans for the worst. She expects adversity and prepares for it, but makes an effort to avoid adversity through her diligence and shaping the future in ways to change the “inevitable”. Wisdom works with Me because she knows that with Me all things are possible.

But wisdom mostly concerns herself with right and wrong, justice for the downtrodden. Wisdom takes you down the right paths of life making right decisions with eternal consequences. The foolish, choose for the moment without regard for the future. Momentary pleasure drives the thoughts of the foolish instead of eternal reward. Wisdom asks you to store up treasures in heaven where rust and moths don’t corrupt it, whether monetary, relationship, character building or whatever.

It isn’t easy to gain wisdom, but it isn’t that hard either. This issue comes down to who controls your life. Do you control it or do you let Me control it. When you let loose of the throne of your life and turn over control to Me, I give you wisdom. I help you make right choices. I put you on the right road. I help you select the right treasures. I help you steer away from the momentary pleasures that trap you into Satan’s schemes and help you make choices for eternal investments. I give you real wisdom.

Two things give you wisdom, understanding from Me and the school of experience. From which would you prefer to learn? If you’ll listen to Me, you can avoid the pain and suffering that accompanies the experiences of poor, selfish choices. Choosing Me will result in experiences far less painful than the hard knocks of life and guarantee eternal rewards in heaven. It’s an easy choice to make. The world will tell you it’s not such an easy choice to follow, but then the world doesn’t have Me on its side. 

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

A slave, like it or not! (Romans 6:15-23), May 25, 2015

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Today’s Podcast


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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Romans 6:15-23
Set – 1 Kings 10; Romans 6
Go! – 1 Kings 10-11; 2 Chronicles 9; Romans 6

Romans 6:15-23
15 So what do we do now? Throw ourselves into lives of sin because we are cloaked in grace and don’t have to answer to the law? Absolutely not! 16 Doesn’t it make sense that if you sign yourself over as a slave, you will have to obey your master? The question before you is, What will be your master? Will it be sin—which will lead to certain death—or obedience—which will lead to a right and reconciled life? 17 Thank God that your slavery to sin has ended and that in your new freedom you pledged your heartfelt obedience to that teaching which was passed on to you. 18 The beauty of your new situation is this: now that you are free from sin, you are free to serve a different master, God’s redeeming justice.

19 Forgive me for using casual language to compensate for your natural weakness of human understanding. I want to be perfectly clear. In the same way you gave your bodily members away as slaves to corrupt and lawless living and found yourselves deeper in your unruly lives, now devote your members as slaves to right and reconciled lives so you will find yourselves deeper in holy living. 20 In the days when you lived as slaves to sin, you had no obligation to do the right thing. In that regard, you were free. 21 But what do you have to show from your former lives besides shame? The outcome of that life is death, guaranteed. 22 But now that you have been emancipated from the death grip of sin and are God’s slave, you have a different sort of life, a growing holiness. The outcome of that life is eternal life. 23 The payoff for a life of sin is death, but God is offering us a free gift—eternal life through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, the Liberating King.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

To Me the choice I give you is simple, eternal life or death. Become a slave to sin or live obediently to Me. Live a life of shame or a life filled with hope and joy. The choice seems so simple. Why would anyone choose death over life, sin over obedience, shame over joy? I don’t understand. Everyone since Adam wanted complete control over life. The only problem is that it can’t happen. You’re not God. The only thing you can control is yourself and you can’t do that very well.

You think you were free to do whatever you wanted, but you were a slave to sin and disobedience, that selfishness that drove you every moment. But when you come to Me, I free you from that path. I give you the hope and joy I intended for you when I created you.

Paul got it right when he said you will serve as a slave to either sin or Me. Which do you choose? Slavery to sin leads to guilt, pain, suffering, and death. I won’t tell you that you won’t suffer in this world if you follow Me. You will, just as I suffered. But the suffering is only for a moment of time compared to eternity. Just a flash, and I’ll be with you to help you through it. I won’t let you go through it alone.

Still having trouble with your choice? I dare you to make a list of the pros and cons of each choice, following Me or being in control of yourself. See how your assets and liabilities fall out. See what benefits you gain from Me or from your selfish path. Discover what you can do on your own or what you can do by following My advice. Be honest in your appraisal, though. Remember to take into account what you can really control versus what I control as you make your assessments.

For instance, you have little or no control over your health. You can’t control accidents that might injure you or cause irreparable damage to you. You cannot control the economy and so your ability to gain or sustain wealth or material goods. You have no control over your friends and relatives other than what little they might allow you to have. You can’t control politics or society and how it affects your life. When you really think about it, you have relatively little control over life.

You can, however, choose whether you will follow Me or your own selfish whims. So which will it be? You know the best choice. Will you be wise enough to make it? 

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Think about this! (Romans 5:1-11), May 24, 2015

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Today’s Podcast


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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Romans 5:1-11
Set – 1 Kings 9; Romans 5
Go! – 1 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8; Psalms 136; Romans 5

Romans 5:1-11
1 Since we have been acquitted and made right through faith, we are able to experience true and lasting peace with God through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, the Liberating King. 2 Jesus leads us into a place of radical grace where we are able to celebrate the hope of experiencing God’s glory. 3 And that’s not all. We also celebrate in seasons of suffering because we know that when we suffer we develop endurance, 4 which shapes our characters. When our characters are refined, we learn what it means to hope and anticipate God’s goodness. 5 And hope will never fail to satisfy our deepest need because the Holy Spirit that was given to us has flooded our hearts with God’s love.

6 When the time was right, the Anointed One died for all of us who were far from God, powerless, and weak. 7 Now it is rare to find someone willing to die for an upright person, although it’s possible that someone may give up his life for one who is truly good. 8 But think about this: while we were wasting our lives in sin, God revealed His powerful love to us in a tangible display—the Anointed One died for us. 9 As a result, the blood of Jesus has made us right with God now, and certainly we will be rescued by Him from God’s wrath in the future. 10 If we were in the heat of combat with God when His Son reconciled us by laying down His life, then how much more will we be saved by Jesus’ resurrection life? 11 In fact, we stand now reconciled and at peace with God. That’s why we celebrate in God through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

How often do you do what Paul asks? Stop and think about this: while you were wasting your life in sin, I revealed My powerful love to you in a tangible display – I died for you. As a result, My blood has made you right with Me now, and certainly you will be rescued from My wrath in the future.

It’s good to stop and contemplate just what I’ve done for you every once in a while. What you could not do for yourself, I did for you. It was impossible for you to make yourself right with Me. Nothing you could do could cleanse you from the sin imbedded deep within your soul. You thought evil thoughts. You committed evil deeds. You bent toward evil all the time. Your selfish nature sprang out from everywhere. Nothing you could do could stop it because you inherited that trait from your parents from the time of Adam and Eve.

But I came into the world to save you from yourself. I came to free you from the cycle of sin in which you found yourself. I came to show you a new and better way to live. I came to introduce you to the way of love of God and mankind. I came to pay the penalty for your crimes against Me. I came to take your punishment and redeem you. I came to adopt you as My own.

Do you ever stop and just think about what I’ve done for you? And I did it not while you were behaving well, but while you were still a sinner, lost, separated from Me. I did it while you were hopeless and without any means of salvation. I did it because I love you and wanted you to be near Me. I did just for you. Do you ever stop and think about that?

Do you ever stop and think about what I gave up for you? I left the splendor of heaven for 33 years and became human for you. I left the perfection of heaven and lived among the squalor of the human race. Lived in the poverty of a single, widowed mother with My brothers and sisters just trying to eke out a meager existence until I could begin My mission to save you from your sins. I gave up My glory. I gave up My throne. I gave up the angels singing My praise and meeting My every desire. I gave it all up to become like you. I endured all the suffering of humanity. I became sin. I died to save you from dying. Do you ever stop and think about that?

Paul asked you to think about what I’ve done for you. Put it on your calendar. Make a sticky note and put it where you can see it. Put a bookmark in your Bible. Make yourself a reminder somewhere to just stop every once in a while and think about what I’ve done for you.

While you were wasting your life in sin, I revealed My powerful love to you in a tangible display – I died for you. As a result, My blood has made you right with Me now, and certainly you will be rescued from My wrath in the future. So what will you do now?

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

What is most important to you? (Psalms 135), May 23, 2015

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Today’s Podcast


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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Psalms 135
Set – Psalms 135; Romans 4
Go! – 2 Chronicles 6-7; Psalms 135; Romans 4

Psalms 135
1 Praise the Eternal!
Praise and glorify the name of the One who always has been and always will be;
praise Him, servants of the Eternal!
2 Join in the chorus, all you who minister in the Eternal’s temple;
in the courts of our God’s temple,
3 Glorify the Eternal, for He is good!
Sing praises, and honor His name for it is delightful.
4 For the Eternal made His choice; He selected Jacob as His own;
He claimed Israel as His possession.
5 Now I know this: the Eternal is great; His power is unmatched.
Our Master is above any so-called god.
6 He does whatever He pleases,
in heaven, on earth,
in the seas, and in all the ocean depths.
7 He draws up the clouds that rise over the whole earth,
He causes rain and the lightning to strike,
and He summons the wind from His storehouses.
8 He took the lives of Egypt’s firstborn,
human and beast alike.
9 O Egypt, He worked wonders and signs before your eyes,
signs against Pharaoh and Pharaoh’s servants.
10 He destroyed nation after nation
and killed mighty kings:
11 Sihon, the Amorite king;
Og, the king of Bashan;
and even all the kingdoms of Canaan.
12 He conquered their land and gave it as an inheritance—
an inheritance for His people, Israel.
13 Eternal One, Your name is everlasting.
Your legacy, Eternal One, will be known through all the ages.
14 For the Eternal will judge His people,
He will show compassion to those who serve Him.
15 The nations have idols of silver and gold,
crafted by human hands!
16 They shaped mouths for them, but they cannot speak;
they carved eyes into them, but they cannot see;
17 They placed ears on them, but they cannot hear;
they cannot breathe, not even a puff of air from their mouths!
18 The artisans who made them
are just like them,
and so are all who mistakenly trust in them, no exceptions.
19 House of Israel, praise the Eternal;
house of Aaron, praise the Eternal;
20 House of Levi, praise the Eternal;
all those who revere the Eternal, praise Him!
21 Blessed be the Eternal from Zion,
the One who has made Jerusalem His home.
Praise the Eternal!

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

The psalmist recognized who I am and what I do in the lives of My people. He calls the people to praise Me for it, a rational response. I want to talk about those he mentions who craft idols, though. The nations around him that craft idols of silver and gold with mouths that can’t talk and eyes that can’t see. They have ears that can’t hear and they cannot breathe. Yet the artisans and the nations that worship these metal idols believe in their power.

I wonder what happens to people’s brains to think that these objects made from their hands have any power in them. How can these pieces of wood, stone, silver, or gold molded into some image do them any good? Can sightless eyes see the trouble you have or the enemies you face? Can ears that do not hear understand the cries of your heart or hear your prayers as you plead for mercy or ask for grace in your times of trouble? Can a statue of wood or stone extend a tender heart and show compassion when you need it?

Today, you say you have become more civil, though. You no longer have idols, but don’t you? Look around and see what has replaced Me in your praise and worship. Sports fields fill with cries of praise instead of My churches being filled with praise. You sit in front of screens for entertainment instead of reading My word and learning of Me or building your relationship with Me. You walk past the hungry and the needy without thought of helping.

You let your thirst for jobs, houses, cars, clothes, money, and things become more important than your thirst for Me. All of these “things” made by man become worshipped more than Me. They replace Me in importance despite the fact they cannot see or hear or speak. You give generously to these things. You spend your time with these things. You worship these things.

When will you discover that these “things” cannot save you or give you the peace you long for in your life? When will you learn that only I can provide the contentment you seek? When will you stop and recognize that love drives the world and My commands to love Me with your whole self and love your neighbor are all you need to do to find real joy in your life?

Use your brain a little and think about what you worship. What is most important in your life? Things that cannot last but swallow your time and resources or Me?

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Everyone is important to God (Romans 3:21-31), May 22, 2015

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Today’s Podcast


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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Romans 3:21-31
Set – 1 Kings 8; Romans 3
Go! – 1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5; Psalms 99; Romans 3

Romans 3:21-31
21 But now for the good news: God’s restorative justice has entered the world, independent of the law. Both the law and the prophets told us this day would come. 22 This redeeming justice comes through the faithfulness of Jesus, the Anointed One, the Liberating King, who makes salvation a reality for all who believe—without the slightest partiality. 23 You see, all have sinned, and all their futile attempts to reach God in His glory fail. 24 Yet they are now saved and set right by His free gift of grace through the redemption available only in Jesus the Anointed. 25 When God set Him up to be the sacrifice—the seat of mercy where sins are atoned through faith—His blood became the demonstration of God’s own restorative justice. All of this confirms His faithfulness to the promise, for over the course of human history God patiently held back as He dealt with the sins being committed. 26 This expression of God’s restorative justice displays in the present that He is just and righteous and that He makes right those who trust and commit themselves to Jesus.

27 So is there any place left for boasting? No. It’s been shut out completely. And how? By what sort of law? The law of works perhaps? No! By the law of faith. 28 We hold that people are justified, that is, made right with God through faith, which has nothing to do with the deeds the law prescribes.

29 Is God the God of the Jews only? If He created all things, then doesn’t that make Him the God of all people? Jews and non-Jews, insiders and outsiders alike? Yes, He is also the God of all the outsiders. 30 So since God is one, there is one way for Jews and outsiders, circumcised and uncircumcised, to be right with Him. That is the way of faith. 31 So are we trying to use faith to abolish the law? Absolutely not! In fact, we now are free to uphold the law as God intended.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Some of the Jews of Paul’s day had trouble thinking I could care about the outsiders, the Gentiles, anyone other than the twelve tribes of Israel. Down the line from the time of Abraham, they forgot the mission I originally gave Abraham. In My covenant with him, I told him I would bless the nations through him. I meant for his children and his children’s children to minister to those around them. Not shut them out.

The Israelites were My chosen people for that purpose, to bless those around them. But they became arrogant and blind to the task I set out for them to accomplish. Instead of blessing the other nations of the world and sharing My love and My design for humankind, they hoarded the treasure I gave them. So Paul tries to remind them in these verses that I am the God of all creation. I am the God of all nations. I came to save all humankind from the penalty sin brings.

Some among them didn’t want to hear Paul’s words and caused dissension in the churches. Paul had to set it right. But the same thing happens today in My church. I see segregation among congregations. Many think I’m the God of the white, Anglo congregations alone. Did anyone tell them I came to earth as a dark-haired, olive-skinned, Middle-Eastern Jew? How did they get their warped idea?

I created all humankind, though. I am the God of everyone and everything. Whether they want to believe it or not doesn’t matter, it’s still true. Christians and Jews will sometimes acknowledge they serve the same God, but too often exclude everyone else from their thought process and dismiss the rest of the world as unworthy of Me. But stop and look around. Who created them. Who will save them if not Me? And who will introduce them to Me if not you? I am their God. But for many of them, I need an introduction. They haven’t heard My story. They haven’t seen the evidence of My Spirit truly alive and at work in men and women sold out to Me.

Much of the world hears the rhetoric of “Christians” who talk about Me but don’t live for Me. Like the Jews of Paul’s day, they shut everyone out except those that look like them, talk like them, and think like them. I created a colorful world, full of variety, including a variety of people. Just because you were born in a country where you heard the gospel early doesn’t mean you are special. It means you, like Abraham, have a mission to tell others about Me.

You would be surprised, if you checked, at the number of people in your neighborhood who do not know Me. I dare you to walk around the block and ask how many attend church regularly. Ask how many read the Bible more than twice a week if at all. Ask how many pray every day. Ask how many can tell you just five of the Ten Commandments. You see, you have a lot of work to do in sharing My story.

My laws live in you if you accepted My gift of salvation. So does My grace, My mercy, and My Spirit helps My fruit grow in you. Go spread some seeds and tell others what I’m doing in you. That’s all I ask of you as a witness. Tell your story of My life in you. If I’m living in you, it will make a difference to those around you, whatever their race, color, gender, nationality, religion, political persuasion. None of those things matter to Me. I created everyone. All of them are important to Me. Go tell them My story!

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

God doesn’t want to be co-pilot (Romans 2:17-29), May 21, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Romans 2:17-29
Set – 1 Kings 7; Romans 2
Go! – 1 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 4; Psalms 98; Romans 2

Romans 2:17-29
17 Listen, if you claim to be a Jew, count on the law, and boast in your relationship with God; 18 if you know His will and can determine what is essential (because you have been instructed in the law); and 19 if you stand convinced that you are chosen to be a guide to the blind, a light to those who live in darkness, 20 a teacher of foolish wanderers and children, and have in the law what is essentially the form of knowledge and truth— 21 then tell me, why don’t you practice what you preach? If you are going to sermonize against stealing, then stop stealing. 22 If you are going to teach others not to commit adultery, then be completely faithful to your spouse. If you hate idolatry, then stop robbing the temples! 23 If you pride yourself in having God’s law, then stop dishonoring God by failing to keep its teaching. 24 Here’s what it says: “Because of you, God’s reputation is slandered by those outside the covenant.”

25 You see, circumcision is of value only if you keep the law’s teachings. But if you keep breaking God’s rules, you are no different than those without the mark. 26 So if an uncircumcised man abides by God’s just precepts, doesn’t that make his standing before God the same as one who is circumcised? 27 The man who is physically uncircumcised but still keeps the law, he will stand in judgment over the person who is circumcised and yet continually breaks God’s law. 28 A mark that is evident doesn’t necessarily make one a Jew, and circumcision that is evident only in the flesh is not true. 29 But the true Jew is Jewish on the inside—in secret places no one but God can see—and true circumcision involves the heart; it comes from the Spirit, not from some written code. The praise and reputation of that kind of Jew come from God, not from man.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Pharisaical Jews and Christians still spout their rhetoric about keeping the law today. You’d think after all this time they would realize you can’t keep it. I gave it to you to help you understand the boundaries of holy living. The things I wanted you to keep far from in your daily living. Instead, humankind saw My commands as an opportunity to try to stretch My grace and mercy. You try to stretch to see just how close you can get to the edge of the boundary without crossing it. Except most of the time, your foot slips and over you go, not just your toes, but foot leg, body and soul.

I sometimes wonder why I gave you the laws in the first place. But then again, without the laws, your behavior would mimic that of the population before the flood. I destroyed them because of their wickedness. Unfortunately, it’s happening again even with My laws. I even changed the rules and gave you My Son to teach them to you and then sent My Spirit to live in you so you could know them without memorizing them or hearing them from a rabbi or a pulpit.

My Spirit convicts the world of sin. People generally know right from wrong. Otherwise they wouldn’t commit their vile acts in darkness away from authorities or trying to hide their actions from Me. People know what actions I disapprove of and sneak around behind closed doors to hide from Me. It doesn’t work, though. I know what you do each moment of every day and every night. I never sleep. I always know your very thoughts…before you act. I even give you opportunities to escape before you commit those things you know will displease Me.

Too many do not read the exit signs and continue to march down the world’s path, though. The temporary pleasure overruns their self-control and down the guilt spiral they go. But are you much different? I tell you not to steal, do you have anything from your office at home that shouldn’t be there? Pens, pencils, paper? Did you leave early from work and still get paid for the time? That’s stealing, you know. Have you participated in the gossip circle? That gets into the hating your brother realm I talked about when I said don’t call anyone “fool.” It starts the train wreck toward murder in your heart and murders character and reputation. How about the “having no other gods before Me”? Does anything come between us when I ask you to do something for Me? If you say, “No.” I’m not your Lord, you know. I can’t be if you don’t do what I ask you to do.

My laws are simple. They are not always easy to follow in the sin-scarred world you live in, now. But that’s why I left My Spirit with you. Everything is possible with Me at your side. Just let Me act as your pilot. I never liked that “God is my co-pilot” bumper sticker. It says you’re still in charge. You can’t win that way. I want to be you pilot! Just let go and let Me drive. You’ll be amazed at where I take your life if you’ll let Me. 

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Which path do you choose? (Romans 1:18-32), May 20, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Romans 1:18-32
Set – 2 Chronicles 3; Romans 1
Go! – 1 Kings 6; 2 Chronicles 3; Psalms 97; Romans 1

Romans 1:18-32
18 For the wrath of God is breaking through from heaven, opposing all manifestations of ungodliness and wickedness by the people who do wrong to keep God’s truth in check. 19 These people are not ignorant about what can be known of God, because He has shown it to them with great clarity. 20 From the beginning, creation in its magnificence enlightens us to His nature. Creation itself makes His undying power and divine identity clear, even though they are invisible; and it voids the excuses and ignorant claims of these people 21 because, despite the fact that they knew the one true God, they have failed to show the love, honor, and appreciation due to the One who created them! Instead, their lives are consumed by vain thoughts that poison their foolish hearts. 22 They claim to be wise; but they have been exposed as fools, frauds, and con artists— 23 only a fool would trade the splendor and beauty of the immortal God to worship images of the common man or woman, bird or reptile, or the next beast that tromps along.

24 So God gave them just what their lustful hearts desired. As a result, they violated their bodies and invited shame into their lives. 25 How? By choosing a foolish lie over God’s truth. They gave their lives and devotion to the creature rather than to the Creator Himself, who is blessed forever and ever. Amen. 26-27 This is why God released them to their own vile pursuits, and this is what happened: they chose sexual counterfeits—women had sexual relations with other women and men committed unnatural, shameful acts because they burned with lust for other men. This sin was rife, and they suffered painful consequences.

28 Since they had no mind to recognize God, He turned them loose to follow the unseemly designs of their depraved minds and to do things that should not be done. 29 Their days are filled with all sorts of godless living, wicked schemes, greed, hatred, endless desire for more, murder, violence, deceit, and spitefulness. And, as if that were not enough, they are gossiping, 30 slanderous, God-hating, rude, egotistical, smug people who are always coming up with even more dreadful ways to treat one another. They don’t listen to their parents; 31 they lack understanding and character. They are simple-minded, covenant-breaking, heartless, and unmerciful; they are not to be trusted. 32 Despite the fact that they are fully aware that God’s law says this way of life deserves death, they fail to stop. And worse—they applaud others on this destructive path.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

There you have it. The description of humankind’s degradation. Paul saw it in the decadent conditions of the Roman empire and its influence on the rest of society. It’s happening again today. Despite America’s start based on religious freedom and faith in Me. In the nearly five hundred years since the first European settlers, the nation continues to turn further from Me and My principles of living.

Just as Paul observed in his day, you can see the escalation of humankind’s degradation today. And just as then, when men refuse to listen, I will let you make your choice and let you follow your own path. The description Paul gives shows the results of that path. Godless living, wicked schemes, greed, hatred, endless desire for more, murder, violence, deceit, and spitefulness. Any of that sound familiar today. If not, you haven’t paid attention to the headlines.

Paul goes on describing the people who continue to follow their own way and it isn’t a pretty picture. The problem is they don’t realize the penalty that comes with their actions. Just because they don’t believe in Me doesn’t mean I’m not real. Just because someone doesn’t believe there is no such thing as racism doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist today either. My word tells you there will be a day of reckoning for those who refuse to listen and obey My commands.

Unbelievers can say anything they like about My word and the events that will come to pass recorded there. One day they will know the truth, just like My followers already know the truth. Don’t let false prophets or unbelievers deceive you. Just because I have withheld My wrath for many years to pour our My mercy and grace to allow as many as possible to seek and find Me, there is still a day coming when all will face judgment for the deeds they have done.

I will come again and I will call all to account for their actions. All are guilty, but some are forgiven. Those who received the gift of forgiveness I freely offer will escape My wrath. But those who do not come to Me in repentance and receive My gift of forgiveness will feel the full force of My wrath. As Paul points out, I’ve given humankind every chance. You know the way. All you have to do is take it.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Here’s a four letter word for you – Work! (2 Thessalonians 3), May 19, 2015

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Today’s Podcast


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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – 2 Thessalonians 3
Set – 2 Chronicles 2; 2 Thessalonians 3
Go! – 1 Kings 4-5; 2 Chronicles 2; Psalms 101; 2 Thessalonians 3

2 Thessalonians 3
1 Brothers and sisters, having shared all this, let me ask you to pray for us. Pray that this message of the Lord will spread quickly and receive the praise and respect it deserves from others as it has with you. 2 Pray also that we would all be rescued from the snares of harmful, wicked people—after all, not all people are believing. 3 Still, the Lord is true to His promises; He will hold you up and guard you against the evil one. 4 We do not doubt the Lord’s intentions for you; we are confident that you are carrying out, and will continue to carry out, the commands we are sending your way. 5 May the Lord guide your hearts into God’s pure love and keep you headed straight into the strong and sure grip of the Anointed One.

6 For the sake of the church, brothers and sisters, we insist in the name of our Lord Jesus the Anointed that you withdraw from any brother or sister who is out of order and unwilling to work, who is straying from the line of teaching we passed on to all of you. 7 You know how essential it is to imitate us in the way we live life. We were never undisciplined 8 nor did we take charity from anyone while we were with you. Instead, you saw how we worked very hard day and night so we wouldn’t be a burden to even one person in the community. 9 We had the right to depend on your help and hospitality, as you know; but we wanted to give you a model you could follow, to lay a path of footprints for you to walk in. 10 This is exactly why, while with you, we commanded you: “Anyone not willing to work shouldn’t get to eat!” 11 You see, we are hearing that some folks in the community are out of step with our teaching; they are idle, not working, but really busy doing nothing—and yet still expect to be fed! 12 If this is you or someone else in the community, we insist and urge you in the Lord Jesus the Anointed that you go to work quietly, earn your keep, put food on your own table, and supply your own necessities. 13 And to the rest of you, brothers and sisters, never grow tired of doing good.

14 If someone disregards the instructions of this letter, make a note of who it is and don’t have anything to do with that person so that this one may be shamed. 15 Don’t consider someone like this an enemy (he is an enemy only to himself) but warn him as if you were redirecting your own brother.

16 And now, dear friends, may the Lord of peace Himself grace you with peace always and in everything. May the Lord be present with all of you.

17 This final greeting is by me, Paul, written by my own hand. This is my signature, letting you know that this is a genuine letter from me, and so I write to you:

18 May the grace of our Lord Jesus the Anointed be with all of you.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Somewhere along the line, many get the idea that society owes them something. Paul put the words down correctly when he told the church body in Thessalonica, “Anyone not willing to work shouldn’t get to eat!” I want you to take care of those unable to work for themselves. I want you to help the feeble, the sick, those who cannot work. But those who can, you do them no favors by your unbridled charity. Give them something to do so they may understand their usefulness to society.

The Garden of Eden was not a place of continual rest and relaxation. People get that misconception sometimes. Heaven won’t be a place of rest, either. I gave Adam the requirement to care for creation before the fall. That’s a lot of work, but it gave meaning and purpose to his life. The curse on Adam and Eve’s banishment was not that they would start to work, but that the earth would fight against them in their toil.

You see, I have something for you to accomplish. You have skills and talents, spiritual gifts, I’ve given you that I expect you to use to assist others in finding Me or in building My church. I expect you to use those gifts in accomplishing things for My kingdom. Using those gifts will sometimes seem like work and sometimes seem like complete and utter joy. The two go hand in hand because I made you to work, not to sit around and do nothing. I made you to accomplish tasks…for Me.

There you have it. Paul wasn’t being cruel or dispassionate when he gave those words to the Thessalonians. He passed on My thoughts and My directions. I made you as productive members of society helping each other in ways only you can help. Find your place and accomplish your tasks. Everyone can do something. So get to it and get your jobs done with joy and gladness.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.