Marriage; is it a Flaming Desire, or Ash?

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Becoming One

Two individuals enter into a wedding ceremony, but God’s intention is that our vows begin the process of our becoming one flesh as our life together begins. This is a beautiful mystery, and it is fraught with hardship and challenge. Many think it occurs suddenly during the physical consummation of our union, but are we ready for the deeper spiritual joining that takes a lifetime to produce in us? Are we ready for the consuming fire of God that purifies and completes a marriage? Are we prepared to endure the fire and become one ash in the palm of God?

Of Elisha, Mentors, and the Banks of the Jordan

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Mentorship

Are we ready to step forward in faith and assume new roles of serving God? Our inclination is to go only so far as new Christians, and then, if we are to proceed further, to fall dutifully under the tutelage of someone who becomes our spiritual mentor or role model. Eventually, God will reward our preparedness, and have us step beyond this comfortable season of being spiritually mentored, and cross into an even greater life with Him.

Serving, Suffering, and God’s Feast of Glory

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Focusing on God

Are you suffering in or through something that God has called you to do? If so, how are you approaching your hardship? Does it cause you to question His presence in what you are doing, or are you experiencing pride in your suffering? Neither of these is a proper way to deal with your spiritual hardships because it makes His calling about yourself. Only a humble trust in God is the proper reaction.

Am I Talking to Hear Myself Talk?

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Living God’s Word

Living our lives with Jesus is more than attaching a series of disjointed moments that have been separated by periods of time in which He is absent into something we then call our faith. God is never here and then gone, but is with us always and in all things. Our Lord Jesus doesn't abandon us to our own devices only to return once we have sufficiently screwed things up... He is with us always, and our relationship with Him is meant to be our unwavering focus.

Our Pretense of Self-Worth

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, God’s Desire of Us

Do we believe that our relationship with God is all we have of value in our lives? Have we given ourselves up completely to Him, or do we feel that we are glorious, and a bargain for God at any price? When we have the least thought that we might be of some intrinsic value or service to Him we have fallen from His hand. Only when we realize that we are nothing without Him are we of any true value to our Lord and Father.

Are We the Last to be Chosen

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Chosen

Has God called you to Himself, or is He calling you right now? By virtue of the fact that you have decided to read this devotional lesson I would say He has. Maybe you thought you were choosing Him, but the fact is, He has chosen you. Does this thought surprise you, or even frighten you? Are you uneasy with the thought that God has pursued and chosen you to do His will? Do you feel ready, or worthy?

Overcoming Trouble in Our Lives

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Facing Troubles

Are you experiencing hardship in your life right now? Is there a problem at work, a health issue, the loss of a loved one? There are so many troubles that plague us in life, and being a Christian doesn't exempt us from them... but it does help us through them. Our God is not bound to this world, and Jesus, our savior, tells us that He too has overcome it. Answered prayer, like the way we worship, comes in spirit and truth. Are you looking far enough into your faith to find it?

Handing the Baton to the Lord

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Yielding

Does Jesus preach in your city? God often tells us to do a certain thing; to reach out to someone, or to establish a church in some place, but once we experience the power of that happening, we are inclined to remain there in that moment or place. How often do we get in God's way once our portion of the job is done? How often does Jesus come to take the pulpit only to find us already there, and unwilling to step aside?

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