Witness with understanding, and do not be Afraid

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Witnessing

When the Lord saves us, delivers us, or redeems us, are we inclined to keep his goodness to ourselves, or do we openly praise Him and tell all who will listen about His mercy? Are we only inclined to lift Him up in the presence of those who need to Believe in Him, and accept Him as their Lord, or do we witness to our fellow believers so that they will be encouraged in their faith? Witnessing to others of our faith, and God’s amazing goodness in our lives fills each ear that hears with a special blessing intended only for their refreshment, encouragement, or motivation in faith. So we should witness openly as a matter of course.

Do we Shine the Light of Life, or the Light of Our Worldly Glory?

Richard Forbes
Christian , Courage, Daily Devotional , Light , Glory , God

The wealthy dress in fine clothes and drive exquisite cars. They live in fine houses and dine in fancy restaurants. When at the opera, or sporting events, don’t they sit above the common people where they can be seen? Why is this so? It is because they desire their successes to be envied, and to separate themselves from those of lesser means, but not so far that their power and wealth won’t be acknowledged and bring them glory. In a somewhat similar fashion, we, as people of faith, are meant to allow others to see our faithfulness, and good works, but for very different reasons... we are meant to give all glory of God, and give others the opportunity to do the same. In this way we are inviting the lost to join us in faith.

Can we Boast of our Faith? How about our Works?

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Faith, Works

We are not meant to take pride in our faith, or works, but are to remain humbled by them, knowing full well that it is only by God’s love, and grace, that we have come know Jesus, and as a result of His sacrifice can stand in the Father’s presence. No man, by his own doing, can earn an audience with God in Heaven lest He has been called in faith, and shown works, through Jesus Christ.

Using our Spiritual Gifts

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Spiritual Gifts

As Christians we are given many gifts, and spiritual powers, but we should be careful not to take pride in them, nor forget that our gifts are intended to be used to glorify God, and not ourselves. Jesus warned His disciples of this, and we should heed his words as well... even though spirits are subject to us, our greatest joy should be in the fact that our names are written in heaven. If we are not saved, then we have nothing, and though we command an army of spirits we are still lost.

Everyday Temptation, and Remaining in God’s Will

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Will of God, Temptation

Does life, or those you encounter in it, attempt to lead you away from the will that God has planned for you? Once we have prayed that God reveal His will for us, and we begin working towards it, are we tempted by the world to go a different route? Sometimes we are offered great positions, power, or treasure, and it can look good to us, even holy, but if it isn’t what God has planned for us then it is a ruse, a lie, and in the end, a curse. So how do we resist these apparent gifts, or honors, and remain in the humble will of God?

The Scent of Self that Baits the Trap of Satan

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , self-righteousness

How perfectly contrived is Satan’s trap that is set using our own self as bait. Nothing lures us away from God, and our faith in Jesus, like the smell of our own morality or self-righteousness. Do we view ourselves in a mirror, and smile at what we see? Do we look at our good deeds, and think that we have certainly pleased God with them, or moreover... that we are saving ourselves by them? Do we say to ourselves “ How perfect is my faith, and how righteous am I!”? This is a death trap that springs shut on our soul.

Conquering the World, and Sitting on the Throne of Jesus

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Overcoming

What does it mean for us to have overcome the world? Does it mean that we have succeeded in gathering to ourselves all of its riches? Does it mean that we command its inhabitants to serve us? Does it mean that our will is imposed upon it? Or, does it mean that our faith allows us to conquer every negative influence that the world attempts to infect us with, and that in our spiritual health we will not be drawn away from loving God, Jesus, the Spirit, and one another?

Enduring the pain of God’s Pruning

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , God’s Pruning

To be a vine in our Father’s garden means that we fall under His watchful eye, and the constant attention of His pruning. Nothing is gained unless something is left behind. No vine branches out and bears more fruit without the careful pruning of the vinedresser. How conceited we are to think that the vine, and its branches, are God’s sole focus, no, it is the fruit, and the beautiful flowers that the gardener desires; Passion fruit, Grapes, and the sweet taste of love.

Living Our Hidden Lives of Faith

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Hidden Lives

Do you feel that your faith is insignificant, and that what you do day after day is of little consequence? Is your prayer life a quiet one, and unknown to anyone except for you, and God Himself? Are the good things you do for others done in secret, and go seemingly unnoticed? If this is true then you are a saint whose faith is known by God, precious in His eyes, and He is holding you close.

Being Healed in the Palm of God.

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Healing

Are you broken in some way today? Perhaps your heart cries out, and your spirit longs for relief from the troubles of the world that have ravaged your sense of wellbeing? The world can do great harm to us physically, but its greatest damage is inflicted against us spiritually. Ask yourself this... Has pain found its home in your soul today, and if it has are you calling out to God for spiritual healing?

One God, one Faith, and One Church

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , One Church

Do you long to be in the presence of God? When you pass by a church do you admire the cross that crowns it, and think of Jesus Christ, and all He does for you? Do you dream of being in God’s presence, standing with Jesus before God the Father with your face aglow, and your heart nearly exploding with the joy He brings you? If so, you are not alone, and your soul is singing in unison with so many others.

From Child to the Aged, accepting the Lord through our Seasons?

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Salvation , Seasons

We are given life in seasons, and as we go through them our bodies grow to maturity, then are diminished, and our energy is abated, but our spirit grows and is encouraged within us; ever strengthening. How wonderful it is to dedicate the years of our youth to the Lord, and to follow after our faith with strong legs, and sharp eyes. Our lives are like the tide that rushes in, and swells to reach its peak, only to recede once again, until it has gone completely out.

Storms, Winds of Destruction, and the Safe Harbor of Faith

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional , Holding to Faith

This morning I was reading about commonplace religion, that religion which is shaped around what is easy, formed around what others say and not by intense prayer, God's word, and self denial. We live in a feel good society "if it feels good then it must be good and right." But that isn't what the bible teaches us. So I read Titus 2 this morning, and as an aging member of my church, the scripture convicted me, but whatever your age, and whether you are a man or woman, I believe it will convict you as well.

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