Devotional Hiatus

I want to thank all of the sweet readers who have contacted me regarding the recent absence of devotions. Your thoughts and prayers mean so much to me! I have have been out of town all month and was not able to get the entire month written before my vacation. I am without regular access to internet so I have not been able to keep up with my devotion writing. I miss it terribly and will hopefully be able to resume my blogging very soon. Thank you again for your caring and warm wishes. Please keep my family in your prayers!

May God Bless you all!!

April 17 - We Are One With Other Believers

There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. 

For you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28

Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female we are all equal in God's eyes. So it follows that we must look upon each other with the same equality. Honestly though, how often do you look upon others with true equality? Do you look down upon people that don't follow your particular beliefs in the Bible? Do you feel uncomfortable around others that dress differently or act differently than you? Or do you prefer to stick with people you are comfortable with; people like yourself? When we separate ourselves from other Christ-followers we are disregarding scripture teachings. Faith in Christ transcends all of the inequalities that we have built up around us. We are all one with Christ because of our belief in Him. I want to encourage you to not distinguish yourself from others when Christ has removed all distinctions. We are all equally entitled to live forever in the kingdom of God, not one of us is better than the other. When we make a point to seek out other believers that are different from ourselves we might just find that we are less different than we originally thought. Do not make presumptions about other Christians. We are all equal in His eyes.

Dear Father God,  please forgive me for my selfish thoughts and actions toward other believers. My veil of selfishness has closed possible doors that you set before me for fellowship. O Lord, please give me the wisdom and strength to minister and fellowship with others according to Your will. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

April 16 - We Are Made Right With God

For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin,

so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

2 Cor 5:21

Stop and consider 2Cor 5:21 for just a minute. Contemplate the enormity of this verse. God made Christ to pay the penalty for our sins so that we can be made right with God through Jesus Christ. God loves you and I so much that he created His son who is sinless so that we have a chance at eternal life in heaven with God our Father. When you became a Christian you made an exchange with God. He took our sin and laid it at the feet of His crucified son. In turn he gave us righteousness. The exchange of goods between us and our Heavenly Father are hardly equal. He took our sin and gave us righteousness; two things that are far from equivalent. But God loves you and I so much that he freely gives righteousness and eternal life to those who believe. How grateful are you today and everyday for the gift that God has given you?

Dear Heavenly Father, Your love for me spans the heavens and the earth. O Father please forgive me of my sins and shortsightedness. For my sins you have given me an immeasurable gift. My sins are worthless to you but salvation is priceless. Thank you Father for loving me everyday and forgiving me of all my sins. Please open my heart and mind to freely let your will be done through me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

April 15 - We Are New People

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. 

The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

2 Cor 5:17

All you have to do is believe. When you believe in Christ as Your Savior you become a new person. That is all it takes. Belief. Faith. Trust in Him. You do not have to earn the new life. Jesus Christ paid that price for you and earned the new life for you when He died on the cross. When the Holy Spirit grew in your heart you became a new person. Instantly you shed the clothes of your former life. All of your old sins, hardships, and stresses had been thrown away. Rejoice knowing that you are a new person in Jesus Christ your Savior. Dear friend, do not waste this precious gift of a new life. Go out and use your gift as He leads you. With a new life comes new thoughts, behaviors, and decisions. What changes have you made with your gift of a new life? How are you growing personally as a Christian? How are you growing others around you for the glory of God?

Dear Heavenly Father, through you I have become a new person. You have not only given me the gift of salvation but also transformation. I have been transformed through you. I pray O Father that I make the changes you want me to make and influence those around me that You want me to bring to your kingdom. All glory and honor is owed to you O Father. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

April 14 - We Were Given a New Life

Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, 

everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life.

1 Cor 15:22

A new life, doesn't that sound wonderful? A life free of worries, stresses, struggles, and grief. A new life in Heaven at the feet of your Heavenly Father. Rejoicing in the joy of being with those you love that preceded you in death. When you accepted Christ as your Savior you were given a new life and set free from the penalty of sin. As born again Christians we have received the precious gift of eternal life. Have you ever stopped to consider the salvation of others? Or are you focused on yourself? What are you doing to help others receive the precious gift of eternal life that you will enjoy? Where is your ministry? Is it at home? Have you been called to minister to others on a large scale? No matter your calling it is your calling from God. You were given a new life, what are you doing to make sure others hear about the Good Word and receive the gift of a new life; eternally in Heaven with our Almighty Father.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the precious gift of a new life that you have so graciously given me. Through my salvation I know that You have called me to work for Your Kingdom here in the flesh. Father God please lead me down the path to faithfully serve You. When I falter O Lord, please strengthen and encourage me. Through You O Lord, anything is possible. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. 

April 13 - We Are Pure and Holy

God united you with Christ Jesus. 

For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself.

Christ made us right with God; 

he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.

1 Cor 1:30

Why are you pure and holy? What did you do to earn such a special gift? Simple answer: absolutely nothing! Yep, I said nothing. Anyone who wants salvation can earn in from God. Ability and intelligence do not earn you this gift. All you need is faith in our Heavenly Father. God gave us Jesus who in turn died for our salvation. God gave us His only son so that we could have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We can identify with Christ because of God's wisdom (Col 2:3), we are acceptable in God's eyes (2Cor 5:21), we are pure (1Thes 4:3-7), and Jesus paid the price of our sins (Mark 10:45). Consider all of that for a moment? Do you understand and full grasp the enormity of all that God has given you? This gift isn't for everyone. Remember from yesterday we learned that you were personally invited by God to be reborn. You accepted His invitation and in turn He gave you amazing gifts. No matter the struggles you are enduring right now, the matters that weigh on your shoulders, or the wealth of sins that you have committed recently, you are pure and holy in God's eyes. You truly are! Relish and appreciate that gift. Go forth and work to bring others into His kingdom.

Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes I get weighed down with my issues and struggles here on earth. O Lord help to never forget the enormity of the gifts you have given me through salvation and grace. I have been made pure and holy through You O Father. All my faith is in You O God. You have made me whole. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

April 12 - We Are Made Holy

He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as he did for all people everywhere 

who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.

1 Cor 1:2 

Have you ever considered why you were chosen to be a Christian? Why were you given the gift of rebirth? Ever stopped to think that God has personally invited you into His eternal Kingdom? When you accepted Christ into your heart you accepted God's personal invitation. He invited you to be holy through Jesus Christ. We have been made holy and set apart for the purpose of serving our God. We are at His service. What are you doing as a honored guest in His kingdom? Are you a dutiful guest or a pitiful servant? You were personally invited by God our Father in Heaven to be a special guest for eternity. By accepting His invitation you are accepting the work and hours of service that go along with being a Holy Christian. He made you Holy friend. I want to encourage you to find your ministry, find your calling for His kingdom while you are here on earth. Make your time pleasing in His eyes.

Dear Heavenly Father, I am honored and humbled to be a guest in Your eternal kingdom. I pray that my time here on earth is pleasing to You. O Lord, please guide me in my ministry so that I might work most efficiently for Your kingdom and glory. Show me Your ways O Lord, the path of service you have planned for me. As your guest I will dutifully serve you all the days of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

April 11 - We Are Set Free

And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit

has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
Romans 8:2 

So far in our study "Our True Identity in Christ" we have learned that as Christians we are righteous and free of condemnation. Today in the word we learn that we are set free. Because we have accepted Christ into our lives we are righteous, free of condemnation, and possess the power of the life-giving Holy Spirit. Not only was the Holy Spirit around at the time of world creation (Gen 1:2) but He is the force and power behind the rebirth of every Christian. When you asked Christ into your heart, the Holy Spirit was there with you giving you the strength to make that amazing transformation. With out Him your rebirth would not have been possible. Did you feel a power greater than yourself when you were reborn? I know I did. I couldn't explain it at the time, but the strength and courage that I needed to make that transformation could not have possibly come from within, I just didn't have that kind of strength within me at the time. Reading and studying scripture has taught me where that strength came from. I am humbled and in awe that God cares enough about me to be with me in Spirit as I was reborn. I suppose it is akin to being at the birth of a new baby. Parents eagerly await the birth of their children and wouldn't miss  it for anything. When a new Christian is born, the Holy Spirit is there to witness the amazing birth. When we were reborn in Christ, we were set free. What are you doing with your new found freedom?

Dear Heavenly Father, I am humbled to consider that the Holy Spirit was at my rebirth. Through your graciousness I have been reborn and set free from the shackles of sin. Please guide me to do Your will O Lord for all the days of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

April 10 - Free of Condemnation

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 

Romans 8:1

Condemnation is the act of pronouncing judgment against someone. A felon can be condemned and sent to prison for breaking laws. What about moral condemnation? Can we be condemned for sin and acts of moral imperfection? We could be, but we aren't. Why not? Why aren't we condemned immediately for our first sinful act, thought, or expression? The answer is because of Jesus. Plain and simple, yet so complex and overwhelming. We are born out of sin and yet we are given the gift of redemption. All that God wants from us is our lives. When we turn our lives over to God, He gives us a "get out of jail free" card and our ticket to condemnation is thrown away. If Jesus hadn't of died on the cross for our sins there would be no hope of ever going to heaven. We would be a race sentenced to death, essentially living on death row. God declared you free the day you asked Him into your heart. He gave you the power to do His will. The only question is, what are you doing with that amazing gift of God's free will? You have been set free my friend. You are no longer on death row. You have your entire life to look forward to. What are you doing with your new freedom? Please do not waste it away by simply going through the motions; church, a little bit of prayer when you need it, but otherwise you do as you wish. Shout the Good News from the highest. Be a role-model for other Christians. Most of all, give thanks each and every day to your Heavenly Father for the gift of forever life that He has so graciously given to you. Praise the Lord!!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for Your amazing gift of salvation. Through Jesus' death I know that I am no longer condemned. My life has hope and meaning through You O Lord. Praise Your name on the highest. Please give me the wisdom, strength, faith, and trust to walk the path you have set before me. You have given me a new life O Lord, I will walk all of my days for You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

April 9 - We are Declared Righteous

 

Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. 

He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty of our sins.

Romans 3:24

To be righteous is to be morally upright and without guilt or sin. When someone is found not guilty in a court of law the judge declares them righteous and clears their record. It is as if the person was never charged with anything. As Christians our judge is God. He sent His only son to die for our sins, thereby cleansing our record and declaring all who believe to be righteous. God forgives us of all of our sins and cleans our record. Jesus Christ bought our freed from sin, the price for our freedom was His life. Does this give us the freedom to do as we wish, live a sinful life, and only ask for forgiveness when we die? Of course not! Scripture clearly outlines moral codes that we as believers are to abide by. But, being righteous does allow us to continue walking in the way of the Lord despite our sinful nature. Does that thought humble anyone else? Or is it just me? It amazes me that God loves me so much that He sent His only son to pay the price for my sins so that I too have a chance to go to Heaven and sit at the feet of my Heavenly Father. The thought of that is beautiful beyond words. As Paul writes in Romans, the gift of righteousness is an undeserved act of kindness to a lowly sinner like me. But God loves us so much His son paid the penalty for our sins.

Dear Heavenly Father thank you so much for your undeserved and kind gift of righteousness. Please forgive me of my sins and strengthen me as I walk in the way of the Lord. May my choices and words be sweet to you. I may falter in my walk O Lord, but I know you are there to catch me and carry me when I need it. Thank you O Father for sending Your only son to die for my sins. The penalty of my sins has been paid in full. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

New Study: Our True Identity in Christ

Faithful Rubies is excited to announce a new study. For the next 24 days we will examine Our True Identity in Christ. We will look at 24 aspects of ourselves that come only from our belief in Christ and His grace in saving us.

As always, I appreciate your feedback and enjoy reading your comments. I feel blessed to share with you each day as the Lord leads me to write.

April 8 - Seek Your Guidance From God

"What sorrow awaits my rebellious children." says the Lord. 

"You make plans that are contrary to mine. You make alliances not 

directed by my Spirit, thus piling up your sins."

Isaiah 30:1

The rebellious children that Isaiah speaks of are the people of Judah who are rebelling against God (Isa 1:2). Isaiah is condemning these people for planning evil towards God. Like many people today, the people of Judah sought advice from everyone, except God. They are undoubtedly filled with fear and worry, so they did what was easiest; sought counsel from those around them in the flesh. Should we do what is easiest or what God wants us to do?

  

We know from scripture that God wants us to seek Him first. Where do you turn first when faced with a problem? When you are stressed, worried, or questioning things in your life where do you seek counsel? Keeping in mind where you do seek counsel, where should you be seeking advice, strength and guidance for your problem? Yep, your Heavenly Father. All problems, worries, and life stresses should be laid at His feet. When we are filled with fear it is typical to search around us for counsel and assurance, we want an easy way out of our troubles. Taking our problems to God doesn't give us the immediate resolution we are seeking. Friend, there is no easy answer to your problem. But I can guarantee that only God has the right answer, and His solution is worth waiting for. He will give you help in an emergency but He wants to guide you throughout your life.  He wants to be the first place you turn when you face a problem. As children we sought the advice our of parents when we faltered or fell off course. Now as adults, we need to seek the counsel of our Heavenly Father. His plan for our life is perfect. His guidance, assurance, and answers are Holy and unwavering. No matter the crisis we should seek His word and turn to Him in prayer.

What are things you can do today to seek guidance from God? What are some steps you can take to seek his advice first when faced with a problem?

Dear Father God, I come before you today to ask for your forgiveness. Please forgive me O Lord for not seeking you counsel and guidance first and foremost in my life. Your plan for my life is perfect O Father and I know your guidance for me will set me down the path you want me to take. Your Word is supreme Father and I will seek your refuge everyday as I stumble down the life you have set before me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

April 7 - Praying on the Mount of Olives

 Photo credit

When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, 

he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. "

What are you sleeping?" he asked them. 

"Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."

Luke 22:45,46

Prayer comes in many forms and various fashions throughout the day. It can look drastically different from one person to the next. Some Moms pray at a specific time each morning while others say short prayers throughout the day as time allows. When was the last time you prayed like Jesus on the top of the Mount of Olives? Christ prayed so earnestly that tears fell from him like blood falling to the ground (v44). Jesus was in so much anguish over the situation surrounding his life that He cried out to His Father for God's will to be done. I am struck by this passage because despite his pain and sorrow Jesus wasn't asking for God to fix His situation. He was asking for God to give Him strength and for God's will to be done. I am humbled and yet empowered. 

No longer making requests in your prayers is a difficult task. It is often hard to accept that you will not get what you want. That is why we have faith and trust in our Lord. His will and plan for our life is better and more perfect than we could ever imagine. All we have to do is have faith! Your Heavenly Father will not leave you in times of trouble. Give yourself honestly to God in prayer. Cry out to Him in anguish, if needed. He is listening. 

What steps can you take today to improve your praying relationship with God?

Read Luke 22:39-46

Pray as you feel led today. Fall to your knees, cry out, whatever you need, He is listening. 

April 6 - Generosity

photo credit

You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor;

so that by his poverty he could make you rich.

2 Corinthians 8:9

When was the last time you were blessed with generosity? Do you remember the feeling of joy your received by that act of kindness and thoughtfulness? God wants us to spread that feeling all over. From the poorest person to someone who seemingly has it all. Generosity blesses everyone. Christ shared His generous nature with all of us, He gave everything He had for you and me. What have you given lately? How have you blessed someone's life recently? Generosity is not always easy. It is easier to stay in our comfort zone and keep our blinders on to the needs of those around us. Think of all the joy and blessings you could share by simply being a little more generous. Whether it is your time or your possessions, you have something to give and share. Christ wants us to share what we have. We are all blessed beyond words, the least we can do is share our blessings with others. Freely give and you might be surprised to find that you are blessed in return.

Recently I was blessed by someone I will never meet, his generosity was still heartfelt and genuine. I have been buying used books to complete our home school curriculum for next year. One of the sellers I purchased from included 2 other books for free in addition to the 1 book I bought. The value of those 3 books is far more than I paid for 1. He blessed me and my children with his generosity. He could have kept the books to make a profit, but he didn't. He shared what he had with someone who had a need. Today I was genuinely blessed by the generosity of a stranger.

I encourage you to read 2 Corinthians 8:1-15. Wonderful encouragement on being generous.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for sending Your only son to die for our sins. Christ graciously gave His life to save mine. All the days of my life may I strive to be more like Him in my generosity. O Lord give me the wisdom to share with others freely what you have graciously blessed me with. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

April 5 - Raising Godly Children

Fathers, do not exasperate your children, instead;

bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4

How exactly are we to bring up our children in the training and instruction of the Lord when as parents we are mere sinners? We falter, we fall, our frustrations and tempers run wild; we are tired and stressed. In what areas are you struggling to raise Godly children? Are you modeling the behavior you want to see in them? Or perhaps you are hoping that your words are enough to set them down the path of faith and love for the Lord. Parenting is not an easy job, no one can argue with that. What can be argued though is that no matter what is going on in life it is our first and foremost job to raise Godly children. We must train and instruct them in the ways of the Lord and the words of the Bible.

Are you fulfilling your purpose of helping your children to grow learn the ways of our Lord and Heavenly Father? Sunday school is not enough to satisfy this requirement, sorry to say. Our words, actions, and choices throughout the day reflect our true intentions. Our children see all of it, even when you think they don't. So many times I have seen myself or heard my words in one of my children. Scary sight sometimes, other times thankfully it was pleasant. As a Mother I aim to make my choices pleasing to my Heavenly Father so that in turn my children learn and imitate the same. What are your children learning from you?

I want to encourage you to act in love, and treat your children as Jesus treated those that He loved.

Father God, I come before you today to ask for your forgiveness and mercy. Oh Father, you have blessed me with an amazing family and beautiful children. And yet I falter. O Lord for all the days of my life please give me the strength and wisdom to shepherd my children according to Your Word. May I clothe them in the same love and guidance that You showed the ones that You loved and cared for when You walked on Earth. It is my heart's desire to raise Godly children. Children who seek You in all that they do. I know O Lord that I need to be better about the same, forgive me God for my woeful ways. I want to seek You in all that I do as Your child and as a parent. Please show me the path that You have set before me so that I can walk down it with trust and faith in you. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

April 4 - He Has Risen

 
Happy Easter!

I would like to encourage you to read the story of Jesus' resurrection today. Share it with your family and discuss what it means to each of you. Explaining the significance to your children is especially important.

Jesus Appears to May Magdalene

¹⁰Then the disciples went back to their homes, ¹¹but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb ¹²and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

    ¹³They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?"

   "They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." ¹⁴At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

    ¹⁵"Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?"
      Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."

    ¹⁶Jesus said to her, "Mary."
      She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).

    ¹⁷Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.' "

    ¹⁸Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her.

April 3 - Bye Bye to Bickering

P

Photo by halverson_brian

Better to live on a corner of a roof

than share a house with a

quarrelsome wife.

Proverbs 25:25 

This proverb rings true on so many levels. Ponder the depth of this verse for a moment. Think of the impact and relevance it has in your own life and marriage. A quarrelsome wife has not only the power and ability to make her husband leave his home but he might think it better to live on the roof than to live with her. Living in the cold and exposing himself to the elements on top of a hard roof top is better than being in the same room as his cranky wife. The husband and father is the backbone to every family; the leader, the spiritual guide. His place is not on the roof forced there by an angry wife. Has this ever been you? Be honest with yourself. I know I am guilty! Personally it breaks my heart and brings me to my knees in prayer when I realize I am a thorn in my husband's side. Our husbands do so much for us everyday, we should shower them with thanks and appreciation. 

What is something you can do today to improve your attitude toward your husband? How can you show him that you appreciate his hard work? Don't just think it, do it!

Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me of my sins and shortsightedness. O Lord, it is not my desire to be argumentative. I do not enjoy quarreling with my husband. O Father, please give me the strength and wisdom to change my heart, my actions, and my mind. Father I want to align my thoughts and actions according to Your will. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

April 2 - Integrity

 

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned.

Titus 2:7,8

As parents we are not perfect, nor will we ever be. But everyday we must strive to do our best to raise our children and care for our household. In all that we do everyday for our family we must lead by example. Actions speak louder than words. God does not want us to be a "do as I say, not as I do" kind of parent. Integrity of your actions and a soundness in your speech will set you on a path to raise up Godly children confident in their walk with the Lord. You will falter and struggle from time to time of course. When you stumble reach out your hand and ask for help, your Father in Heaven will be there to help you.

Areas of integrity to consider when raising your children; movie choices, acceptable language, teaching respect, video game content, book reading choices, influential friends, and TV viewing. This list could go on and on, the point is to consider all aspects of your life for integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech. It isn't just your voice your children hear, it can be the voice of others as well.

I would like to encourage you to say your own prayer today. You know best the areas of integrity you need to work on. Take your worries to your Heavenly Father, He is listening. God Bless!

April 1 - Love Your Spouse

 Photo by Candida.Performa

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 

and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave 

himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:1-2

God loves us so much that he gave His only begotten son to die on the cross for our sins. The scope of God's love for us is astounding, uncomprehendable. His love for us is never ending and never fades. Can we say the same for our own relationships? When was the last time you showed your spouse how much you really love and appreciate them? It is so easy to get into a routine or rut and forget to love those around us the way that God loves us. Break free from your routine, step out of the box and do something special for your spouse. It doesn't have to cost you anything! A simple note on the bathroom mirror or tucked into their jacket pocket is all it takes. Or maybe have their cup of coffee waiting for them when they wake up in the morning. Simple things that show you care will mean the most. 

Today I want to encourage you to consider the scope of love that God has for you. Be imitators of God and live a life of love!

Dear Father God, thank you so much for all the love you shower me with each and everyday. O Lord I am not worthy but am truly appreciative for all that you bless me with. Your cup of love runeth over for my poor soul. Lord please give me the wisdom and strength to imitate your love for me to those around me. May I never take their love for granted. For all my days O Lord I want to imitate your love to those around me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.