Jesus Christ, The Gift We Can’t Possibly Repay

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Priceless Gifts

What do we do with the fruit of great sacrifices that have been made for us? Do we take them like provisions into our larder? Do we consume them like fine wine? Or perhaps we attempt to distribute them among the deserving? This begs the ultimate question of faith... what are we doing with the great sacrifice of Christ, and what are we doing with the blood offering of Jesus? There are certain things that people give us, and blessings that God lavishes upon us that are just too great to accept easily unto ourselves. Let's look in scripture at a bible story that might help us understand this...

Living Water and the Simple Vessels of Clay

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Offering our Gifts

Are we satisfied with what God has done in us? When we look in the mirror in the morning are we pleased and at ease with the fact that Jesus has filled us with His teaching and that the Holy Spirit has expanded us to the point of popping at the seams? All of this is wonderful, but what is really asked of us isn't to achieve self-fulfillment, but rather that we Channel all we are given to the betterment of those around us. Our measure is in the redistribution of our faith and loving service, not simply in the volume of work we do.

Holy, and Perfect; Is that me Lord?

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Holy and Perfected

Have we set ourselves apart for God? In other words, are we holy? If we think that this is possible, or that we already are, then let's go a step further by asking ourselves "am I perfect?" These are both hard questions and we often deflect them by saying that only God is Holy, and only Jesus is perfect, so how could we who are fallen creatures possibly think of ourselves in this way? Well the answers might surprise you.

Whose Joy Do You Carry Inside?

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, God’s Joy in Us

Has Jesus given you a joy like His, or do you anticipate that one day you will have a joy like that of Jesus? Well, I am going to burst your bubble and then give you a new hope regarding joy. Our anticipation should never be to have a joy like Jesus because we won't have one like His! I apologize for having done this, but I have toyed with you a bit. You are truly not going to have a joy "like" Jesus... no you are going to have “the joy” of Jesus. Not similar, not an imitation, not even an exact replica, but the actual joy that fills Jesus Christ; "my joy may be in you."

From the Shadows We Do Serve Him

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Serving God Quietly

Do we celebrate the great things we do for the Lord? Is our life dedicated to accomplishing and taking pride in those tasks that we feel will advance the Kingdom of God? Well brothers and sisters the things of real value to our Father are not about what we do to earn eternity or by working to advance ourselves in His eyes, but by maintaining a good relationship with Him, and allowing His will and work to flow quietly, smoothly, and often silently, through us as we glorify Him.

Faith, Trust, and the Mustard Seed

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Faith and Belief

How strong is our belief in Christ? Have we grown in our faith to the place where those things that are not seen leave shadows before us? Is heaven as real to us as the earthly home we return to each night? When Jesus holds our hand can we feel the warmth of the blood coursing through it and the love of His touch? Following the death of Moses, God spoke wonderful words to Joshua as He gave him His anointing. He gave him encouragement and directed him, but not once did He feel inclined to command that Joshua’s faith be strengthened, nor did He ask Joshua to trust in Him... because He already did. God didn't say who He was because Joshua already knew His voice. Listen as God speaks...

Are we missing the Eclipse?

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Obeying Swiftly

In Nashville we had a total eclipse of the sun in the year 2017, and although it took a while to reach its totality, or the period of time in which the moon totally covers the sun, the totality itself lasted for two minutes or less. Quite often the period of time in which God shines His light of opportunity on us is short as well. If we miss the chance to see or to act upon the calling God presents us, we may never experience that particular opportunity again.

May the Peace of Christ be with you

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, The Peace of God

Have you experienced the peace of Jesus Christ? When your life is being torn apart by calamity do you find rest and peace in Him? In Jesus we find a peace like none other; I am not talking about the carefree blue sky feeling of someone who is trouble free and having a good day, but the deep and abiding peace that can exist and comfort us in the midst of calamity and chaos. A sense of peace that defies all understanding.

Prayers with No Answer

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Praying in God’s Will

Are you prepared to pray? By this I mean, are you prepared to pray and receive the blessing for which you spoke with God? So often we come to the Lord unprepared; living one life and praying as if we were living another. I was reading a devotional writing by Pastor Oswald Chambers, and as I did so he wrote of a truth regarding this topic that might cut deep; it answered in part the question of why our prayers are not always answered.

Secret Gardens of Prayer

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Secret Praying

Do you have a secret garden? You know, a secret place that you retreat to when you need to do some serious thinking? How about a quiet place where you can go to be alone with God? Is it a place that you can get to quickly and often? Is it away from all the hustle bustle and the noise of the world around you? Do you begin all your days there? Perhaps it is a closet, a quiet room you go to in the wee hours of morning, or maybe a secret garden that smells of fresh-turned earth and the scent of morning glories. Where is your refuge from the world where you can sit with God?

Our Lost Hope and the Arrival of Jesus

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Abiding in Christ

When we look at the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and all it means to us, do we feel that we are worthy of it? Do we feel that we are owed the forgiveness we were given or that in some small way we deserved the love of God that sent His Son into this world? If so then we are not prepared for His second coming nor the filling of the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist knew what it felt like to be unworthy, even as he served and baptized the masses. He spoke of this in Matthew 3 verse 11. My friends, it is only by the grace of God and the blood of Christ that we are redeemed.

Is There Strength in Your Accent?

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Poor In Spirit

The strongest people of faith that I know are those who are poor in spirit. This life was not chosen for them, but they chose it for themselves. Do you know such people? Are you one of them? Perhaps you are wondering what it actually means to be poor in spirit. Well, the very first blessing that Jesus taught us in the Beatitudes was about those who are "poor in spirit" and He does this for a reason. These are the people who yield all they are to the Spirit of God. They have laid down their own strength for the strength of God Himself. Is this who we believe ourselves to be? Are we poor in spirit?

Jesus; Is He Simply a Suit of Clothes?

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Superficial Faith

We say we are Christians but continue to live our lives of faith like suits of clothes; we treat our belief in Jesus Christ lightly by wearing them superficially and only letting Him brush lightly against our skin when we should actually be taking Jesus into our very being, our hearts, and consuming our faith in Him like the communion meal demonstrates. We should be making Him the ingredient that every other part of us feeds on, is nourished by, and is completed by. When we take the body and blood of Jesus into us, we become as one, and our faith is made whole in Him. In this way we have without a doubt become believers… and Christian. Do we do this?

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