Reflections

  “Worship that invites the glory of God” Bible Reading:  2 Chronicles 5:11–14 Key Verse: V13-14  “The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.” (2 Chr.  5:13-14 ) DEVOTION In 2 Chronicles 5:11–14, we see a stunning moment in Israel’s history. As they worship, the temple fills with a cloud; the very glory of God. So overwhelming is His presence that the priests cannot continue their duties. This text leads to meditate about worship that invites God’s glory 1. Worship in Spirit Jesus tells the Samaritan woman in John 4:23–24 that “true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.” Worship in spirit is about the heart, awakened and led by the Holy Spirit. It’s worship that flows from a life surrendered to God. Paul echoes this in Romans 12:1, urging believers to ...

  PRESSING FORWARD WITH CHRIST BESIDE US  Bible Reading:    Philippines 3 :4-14  Key Verse:Philippines 3:8  I consider everything loss compared to the surpassing greatness of Christ Jesus my Lord. DEVOTION Apostle Paul’s definition of a Christian is one who is in Christ. All the salvation one can  attain takes place in Christ and Christ alone. Through our absolute faith in Jesus, we are  justified and sealed in him and further during our continued life in him we get sanctified by  the shed blood on the Calvary. Here in today’s devotion from Philippines chapter 3 we see  Paul’s great desire to be found in Christ is highlighted.  What does it mean to be in Christ? What are the obstacles that stand in the way of knowing  Christ and be in Christ? To be in Christ involves obedience,surrender,faith and hope.  Unless we have an earnest desire to know Christ and grow in him daily, we cannot press  forward to reach o...

  Jesus Christ, the Co-Traveler Bible Reading:  Acts 8:26-40 Key Verse:  “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.”   (Luke 24:30) DEVOTION   After His resurrection, Jesus didn’t appear only to those who followed Him and not to everyone. One such appearance was to two disciples walking to Emmaus. Though they were troubled and disheartened, the risen Lord chose to walk with them. At first, they didn’t recognize Him. It was only later, at the dinner table, when He broke the bread, that their eyes were opened. This passage reveals two profound truths about Christ and our walk with Him: 1. Jesus Walks With Us in Every Circumstance Luke 24:16 says,  “but they were kept from recognizing him.”  These two disciples were talking about Jesus, their hearts heavy with grief. Although they knew much about Him and were even discussing His crucifixion and resurrection, they did not realize that it was Jesu...

  Divine Opportunities on the Road Bible Reading:  Acts 8:26-40 Key Verse:  Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (Acts  8:26 ) DEVOTION The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch offers a powerful reminder of how God leads, equips, and uses His people to accomplish His purposes. This Philip is not the Apostle, but one of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6:3; described as “a man full of the Spirit and wisdom.” Though his name first appears during a time of crisis, we soon see him become a vital instrument in God’s hands. After the martyrdom of Stephen, intense persecution broke out in Jerusalem. As a result, many believers, including Philip, were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. While this might have looked like a setback, it was actually the unfolding of Jesus’ words in Acts 1:8, that the gospel would be preached in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Sometimes, what seems...

  God Goes with His People Bible Reading:  Exodus 40:34-38 Key Verse:  "Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle." (Exodus 40:34) DEVOTION Exodus 40:34–38, describes a breathtaking display of God's presence. The cloud of the Lord covered the tabernacle, and His glory filled it so completely that even Moses could not enter. This was the fulfillment of God’s promise to dwell among His people. After the long journey from slavery in Egypt, through the wilderness, and into covenant relationship with God, Israel now had visible, daily confirmation that God was with them. The cloud by day and fire by night served as both protection and direction. When the cloud lifted, the Israelites would set out. When it settled, they remained where they were. Their lives were completely centered around the presence and movement of God. This passage teaches us to live lives of spiritual attentiveness. While we may not see clouds or fire, we ha...

  God is our Companion in Trials Bible Reading:  Daniel 3: 7-28 Key Verse:  “He [King Nebuchadnezzar] said, Look! I see four men walking around the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods”(Daniel 3:25). DEVOTION Today’s devotion is an answer to the question: Does God care when we are faced with trials and tribulations of life? The answer to this question is yes, God cares, and that He is our companion in our trials as demonstrated in the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They were thrown to the blazing fire for not obeying Nebuchadnezzar’s decree to worship an image of gold.  They were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. As human beings, we are subject to temptations, as well as to the trials  and sorrows of this life. Another moving story in the  Old testament is that of Job  and he observed, “Man who is born of woman, short-lived and full of turmoil” (J...