by Marilyn Ehle

“Search me, O God… See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139 ).

Holiday time means housecleaning time, but housecleaning was an every – Friday ritual in my childhood home. Not a mere swish of a dust cloth, but a room – to -  room, thorough cleaning that included polishing furniture, cleaning woodwork, vacuuming carpets, scouring sinks and bathtubs and – on hands and knees – scrubbing every inch of exposed floor. My mother was an expert at detecting the smallest speck of untouched dirt in a corner. The response to my plaintive cry of “No one will ever see it??? was a firm, “But I will know it’s there.???

Most of us who follow Christ truly want to live lives that honor Him. When confronted with attitudes and actions we know to be wrong, we confess them to our loving Heavenly Father and appropriate His forgiveness and grace. But what about the “corners???? Those things we wouldn’t call grievous sins, but which would certainly offend Jesus if we were face to face with Him.

Am I willing to allow – even ask for – the revealing light of God to expose the corners of my life? When the corners are clean, God and I can walk in the richest friendship along the way everlasting.

~Thank you, Father, for shining your light of love into every corner of my life so that I can walk in unrestricted fellowship with you.

About the Author
This devotional was written by Marilyn Ehle. Read more about Marilyn: http://www.talk.thelife.com/authors/marilyn-ehle/

Going Deeper
1. Consider these questions: Have you taken the time recently to do some “housecleaning”? Have you been in situation when you don’t know why you lack the joy that you once had? What was the reason? Let’s take some time to pray and ask God to show us why we have wrong attitudes (if that is the case).

2. Comment on the devotional blog. Interact with others who are reading today’s devotional. Visit http://talk.thelife.com/ and double click on “Comment??? (just under the devotional title).

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4. Related reading
Preparation for Personal Revival: http://www.christianwomentoday.com/prayer/revival.html

Copyright
This devotional is protected by copyright laws and may not be reprinted or posted to a site without permission from TruthMedia Internet Group. All readers are welcome to forward the devotional to a friend or link to it. If you would like to seek permission to reprint the devotional in full, please see our guidelines: http://talk.thelife.com/reprint-permission/

~ Father in Heaven,
Today I ask that You would forgive me for foolishly reacting in ways that can tear my relationships down. Fill me afresh today with the fruit of Your Holy Spirit. May I be a wise woman filled with the wisdom and revelation that Your Spirit offers me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Questions to ponder: How have you made that choice to be a builder rather than one who tears down relationships? What changes do you need to make in your schedule in order to allow God to make changes in your heart?

About the Author
This devotional was written by Gail Rodgers. Learn more about Gail: http://www.talk.thelife.com/authors/gail-rodgers/

by Gail Rodgers

God knows your “to do” list today. He knows your busy life and your sometimes overcommitted schedule. He reminds us that He sent His Holy Spirit to bring renewal to our lives. He reminds us to be careful to devote ourselves to doing what is good, excellent and profitable for everyone.

We try. As Christian women we try to do what’s best for everyone. And we find ourselves spent and weary. Sometimes we get the order mixed up in what God is telling us. Listen…

“When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior…

so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone” (Titus 3:4-8).

Do you see it? How often do we put the doing before the renewing? I know I sometimes do. Yet God reminds us that He has renewed us by the Holy Spirit whom He poured out on us generously.

He tells us that the good or righteous things we do simply in our own strength are not what saves us. His mercy reaches us, His Spirit renews us and then by His generous outpouring we are able to touch others with acts of love.

Are you feeling renewed today? Or perhaps depleted somewhat? What are you devoting your day to? There are so many things on the “to do” list that demand our attention. Yet God specifically tells us to be careful what we devote ourselves to.

Be aware. Be intentional about tapping into that source of renewal that His Spirit gives. You will walk differently. You will walk renewed. Take time to ask and receive the renewal that awaits your soul and then spills out into your day.

~Thank you, Heavenly Father, that You did reach out in mercy and save me. Thank You for Your generous gift of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of renewal. Today I need to be filled again with Your Spirit. I offer my empty running to You and ask You to generously pour Your Spirit over me today so that I may be devoted to the things that stir Your heart. Even in the midst of my “to do” list I ask that Your Spirit would flow and would renew my soul today. In Jesus’ strong name I pray, amen.

Questions to ponder: Why is it that we sometimes wait so long to set time aside to renew our spirit? As you check your agenda today, what could be changed in order to spend more time renewing your spirit?

About the Author
This devotional was written by Gail Rodgers. Learn more about Gail: http://www.talk.thelife.com/authors/gail-rodgers/

**Are you sure that you are forgiven and know with certainty that you are His child? We would love to pray with you. http://thelife.com/interactive/share.html

As I listened to our pastor preach, one strong impression burned in my mind: “I’m lost! I’m not really a Christian. I don’t really know Jesus Christ as my Savior!”

How could this be? Was God speaking to me?

“But you know I am a good person, Lord,” I argued.  “You will have to let me into heaven.  I have lived such a good life. I have served you for years and helped others know you.”

“You are lost. You must get right with God,” the impression nagged.

Then the words of Jesus hit me: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!” (Matthew 7:21-23).

But my pride argued, “You can’t tell anyone about this. Everyone thinks you’re a good Christian.”

My mind wandered back to my childhood.  When I was twelve, I had gone forward during an evangelistic meeting held in my church.  “Do you believe in Jesus?” the pastor asked me when I came to him.

“Yes, I believe in Jesus,” I answered.  So I was accepted as a member of the church and shortly thereafter was baptized.  I had been involved in all the church activities. Eventually I married a fine Christian man, Eddie.

When each of our two sons was born, we dedicated them to the Lord.  We raised them in the knowledge of the Lord.  It was during this time that I began to be troubled as to whether or not I was really a born-again Christian.

Nine of us from this church, concerned about the lack of soul-winning emphasis there, began meeting for prayer once a week. We established a regular visitation program every week, going from door to door, leading non-Christians to Christ.

Yet still the Holy Spirit was speaking to my heart.  “Well, good,” He seemed to say, “you know the way of salvation enough to show others, but how about yourself?”  And I felt absolutely miserable.

One night we received a phone call from our oldest son, Joe, who was preparing for the ministry at a Christian university. “Mom, guess what!” he exclaimed.  “I just got saved!”

“Saved, Joe?  What do you mean?”

“I just received Christ as my Savior!”

“But I thought you knew Him! You’re studying for the ministry, and you’ve always been such a good boy!”

“Mom, I’ve been utterly miserable for a long time,” he said.  “Tonight Nancy and I heard a missionary at our church.  She told how she came to Christ after serving as a missionary for seven years! It really hit home with me.  I went to see my pastor.  He prayed with me–and now I really know the Lord.  Oh, Mom, you can’t imagine what a burden has been lifted!”

The very next time that our pastor preached, he quoted Christ’s words in Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

Then suddenly the full realization that I was a sinner dawned on me. “I am lost!” I thought. “And Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins!”

As soon as the pastor finished his message, I got up and walked down the aisle.  Looking at the tears on my face, the assistant pastor asked, “What’s wrong, Mary?”

I cried softly, “I want to be saved!”

“You?  Saved?”  He looked at me incredulously. Then he beckoned his wife to come and counsel with me. But I knew the way of salvation.  Falling on my face before the Lord, I repented of my sins for the first time in my life.  “Save me, Lord,” I cried.  “I believe you died for my sins!”

What a mountain was lifted from my soul that day! At the age of 47 I finally knew I was a child of God!

Shortly after my conversion, the Lord called Eddie and me to His full-time service.  This has taken us to churches all over the nation to share our testimonies.  And many good church members have come to truly know Christ as their Savior!

But it concerns me when I think of how many other good church members may even now be just as I was–95 percent good, but 100 percent lost!  If this is your case, please don’t let your pride stand in the way.  Admit that you can’t save yourself, and believe that the Lord Jesus Christ paid for your sins.  All you have to lose is that heavy burden on your heart!

~Thank you Lord, that You draw me to You for cleansing and restoration.

Question:  Would you like to be sure you too are forgiven and know with certainty you are His child?

This web site can help you do it: http://www.journeyofjoy.com

About the Author: http://talk.thelife.com/experience/devotionalforwomen/authors/muriel-larson/

In these days of growing awareness in the spiritual and the supernatural, God gives us guidance as to what to watch for. He tells us how to grow in our spiritual life without confusion.? 2 Peter 3:18 spells it out for us?

?Grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.?

To grow in grace means to think and act with the force of God?s love behind all you do. It is having God?s influence upon your heart in such a way that it makes a difference in how you live.? God?s acceptance of you can influence your heart and be reflected in your life as you walk in confidence knowing He has chosen you and forgiven you.?

True spirituality moves you toward knowledge of Jesus as the Influencer of your heart. It goes beyond a mere knowledge of religious facts. It goes beyond the clutter of spiritual interest that has its focus outside of Jesus. It is allowing His influence on your heart to reflect change in the way you handle yourself. It is the power of His Spirit at work in you.

Growing?moving forward from one place to another as you reflect on Jesus and His influence in your life.? Allow His truth to penetrate your heart and help you to turn from the choices that exclude Him and to accept His forgiveness.?

Allow Jesus to influence your heart and your choices. Determine if any particular activity or information is increasing your knowledge of Jesus and causing you to grow in understanding how He can influence your heart and your life. Anything less is a cheap counterfeit of truth.

~Father God,

There is so much out there today on spirituality. Please help me to grow in my knowledge of Jesus and His strength for my life.? Help me to grow in allowing Your influence upon my heart in such a way that it changes how I live. Help me to be discerning and wise as I grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Savoir.? In Jesus? name I pray, amen.

About the Author
This devotional was written by Gail Rogers. Read more about her here: http://www.talk.thelife.com/authors/gail-rogers/

Related Reading
Commonly asked questions:
http://www.powertochange.com/growth/index.html
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Comment
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Copyright
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**Would you like to speak to someone about having a greater sense of urgency to be His witness? Welcome to our chat room.
http://mentodayonline.com/chat/home.html

“If you refuse to warn the wicked when I want you to tell them, You are under the penalty of death, therefore repent and save your life – they will die in their sins, but I will punish you. I will demand your blood for theirs. But if you warn them and they keep on sinning, and refuse to repent, they will die in their sins, but you are blameless – you have done all you could” (Ezekiel 3:18-19).

One of the most sobering messages I find in all the words of God is this terrible warning found in the book of Ezekiel. God commanded Ezekiel to warn the people of Israel to turn from their sins. Some would argue that this has no application for the Christian. I would disagree. In principle this is exactly what our Lord commands us to do – to go and make disciples of all nations, to preach the gospel to all men, to follow Jesus and He will make us to become fishers of men.

It is a sobering thing to realize that all around us there are multitudes of men and women, even loved ones, who do not know the Savior. Many of them have never received an intelligent, Spirit-filled, loving witness concerning our Savior. Who will tell them? There are some people whom you and I can reach whom nobody else can influence.

I am writing this day’s devotion while in Amsterdam where I am speaking at an international gathering of Christian evangelists. During the course of my days here I have talked with many taxi drivers, maids, waiters and other employees of the hotel. Only one professed to be a believer and we had good fellowship together. Some were openly defiant, even angry at the name of Jesus. But in each case I have shared the gospel, constrained by the love of Christ out of a deep sense of gratitude for all that He has done for me, and as an act of obedience to His command to be His witness.

I pray that God will give me a greater sense of urgency to warn men that unless they turn to Christ they will die in their sins. I do not want to be responsible because I failed to warn them. They must know that there is a heaven and a hell and that there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved but the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 
Bible Reading: Ezekiel 3:15-21 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%203:15-21%20;&version=31;
 
TODAY’S ACTION POINT: I will ask the Holy Spirit to quicken within my heart, out of a deep sense of gratitude for all He has done for me and from a desire to obey our Lord’s commands, a greater sense of urgency to be His witness and to warn men to turn from their wicked ways and receive Christ, the gift of God’s love.

About the Author: http://talk.thelife.com/authors/dr-bill-bright/

Whenever we find ourselves eaten up with worry, fear, anxiety, or devoured by the pressures of the day, God tells us to take note. Being consumed is a red flag and God gives us directions for just such times.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.  Be self controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith” (1 Peter 5:7).

There is an enemy of our souls and his goal is to devour us. God tells us to be alert. Take note when you are being consumed by something. Scripture tells us the enemy of our soul comes to kill, steal and destroy and we are to be watchful. Being consumed by fear, worry, gossip, a particular temptation or the pressures of the day will, at best, steal from you and rob you of peace in your soul and joy in the moment. At worst it can destroy health and relationships and your fellowship with the God who wants to help you. 

So what do you do when you realize something is just eating you up? You resist as the scripture says. How do you resist? You begin to see worry as a call to prayer, inviting God into your circumstance to direct you and give you wisdom.  You resist worry through prayer. (Phil. 4:6)  You resist fear through Scripture, knowing God has said that He has not given us the spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). You stand firm in your faith knowing that the consuming downward spiral you find yourself in is not your Heavenly Father’s plan for you.   

God cares about you. Remember: Your worry is a call to prayer. List the things that tend to devour you. Release them from your heart and mind by giving them to God in prayer.

Ask God to take the things on your heart and to give you His peace in return. Be prepared to ask for His strength to resist your worries each time they threaten to overwhelm you. Exchange your worries, in prayer, for God’s peace.

~Father in Heaven,
Thank you for showing me that worry is really a call to prayer. Help me to be alert and to run to You when I am being eaten up with worry or fear. Thank you that I can throw my cares into Your lap and stand firm in Your promises. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Questions to ponder: As mentioned in the devotional, what do you do when you realize something is just eating you up? Discuss Phil. 4:6-9 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians4:6-9;&version=31;

About the Author
This devotional was written by Gail Rodgers. Learn more about Gail: http://www.talk.thelife.com/authors/gail-rodgers/

Please open your Bible and read:
(Ephesians 5:1 – 2)

A child?s first image of God is his earthly father. We Christians spend a lot of time discussing ways to protect or improve our witness. We need to live our faith in front of co – workers and friends, but in the privacy of our home, we also want our family to see Jesus in us. If we show forgiveness, patience, and acceptance, then our children will expect to find those traits in the Lord.

In a similar way, negative behaviors – for example, consistent harshness, busyness, or emotional neglect – also shape a child?s view of God. I remember a young man who came to me worried about his salvation. He had received Christ as his personal Savior but wasn?t convinced that he was truly forgiven. When I opened the Scriptures to share some assurances with him, he responded, ?I believe them, but I?m just not sure God?s promises apply to me.? He seemed surprised when I then asked about his relationship with his father. During our conversation, it came out that his dad had often made promises he failed to keep. Now, years later, the son lacked certainty that God would keep His word.

Being a reflection of the heavenly Father requires no special skills; the only training guide we need is the Bible. By approaching fatherhood as an area of service and ministry, all men are able to be successful dads. As with any service rendered for God, the Holy Spirit offers fathers wisdom and guidance in the raising of children.

Be attentive to the words of the heavenly Father, and someday your children will rise up and call you blessed.

About the Author
This devotional was written by Dr Charles Stanley. Read more about him here: http://www.talk.thelife.com/authors/charles-stanley/

Related Reading
A father’s presence
http://www.mentodayonline.com/family/fatherspresence.html
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Copyright
This devotional is protected by copyright laws and may not be reprinted or posted to a site without permission from TruthMedia Internet Group. All readers are welcome to forward the devotional to a friend or link to it. If you would like to seek permission to reprint the devotional in full, please see our guidelines: http://talk.thelife.com/reprint-permission/

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“The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

Think about the professing Christians you know. There’s Jenna, always bubbling with joy and enthusiasm for the Lord. You may almost envy her for her relationship with Jesus Christ.

Sometimes you may not be able to understand the joy she maintains—like the difficult time she went through when her mother was in the hospital, or the problems a feisty relative has been giving her. Why doesn’t she get angry, worried, or depressed, like most people would? How can she stand there in church with a joyful smile on her face while singing a praise song? If you ask her about it, she exclaims, “Oh, I’m looking up!”

You also notice that Jenna loves to talk about the Lord and speaks of Him as though He is with her all the time. You sense that she is truly trusting in her living Lord.

And then, of course, there’s Monica. Every time something goes wrong for her you can see it written all over her face and hear it in her complaints.

FROM DESPAIR TO JOY

When Jesus died on the cross, His disciples became the most sorrowful people in the world. But when they saw Christ after He rose from the grave, their hearts were filled with joy.  When we realize He is alive and present in our lives, we know the joy Christ promised to His followers.

WHAT ROBS US OF JOY

*ANGER, BITTERNESS, RESENTMENT robs us of joy.  How do we get rid of these hurtful feelings? By forgiving those who hurt us. See Ephesians 4:32.

*LACK OF FAITH robs us of joy. “God let me down; He allowed this to happen,” is a Satanic implant. Christians like Jenna reject such self-pity. Instead they claim Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Doing that restores joy.

*DISCOURAGEMENT robs us of joy. We start dwelling on our troubles instead of looking to the Lord. Joyful Christians trust that God will work all things for good in their lives.

*SIN robs us of joy-that means disobedience of any kind.

TRUE JOY

Do you long to know real joy? The Bible says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8-9).

Jesus Christ said, “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:10-11).

If you really want that joy of the Lord, read John 14, 15, and 16 to find out what else Jesus said.

Our Lord is in the transforming business. If we turn our lives over to Him completely, He comes into them, cleans them up, and makes us into new persons. And as we walk with Him and grow in Him, He makes us more and more like Himself—loving, joyful, and caring.

Questions: It’s easy to talk about our having joy, but what if we’re living in a bad, depressing situation? I’m angry about all the bad things people have done to me. How can I have joy?

About the Author: http://talk.thelife.com/experience/devotionalforwomen/authors/muriel-larson/

Please open your Bible and read:
(Colossians 2:1 – 9)

A church is able to stand firm against error and ungodly influences when Christians know what they believe and are unified in love. One other helpful characteristic is that they walk steadily by faith.

Just as our salvation came through belief and not feelings, our Christian life is to be lived in the same way. Living God?s way is contrary to the world?s mode of operating, which tells us that independence is of great value. The Lord declares that our life is to be marked by submission to Him. Society promotes self assurance and a reliance on what we can see. Scripture reveals the foolishness of depending solely on our circumstances or other people. Instead, our confidence is to be placed in Jesus, and we are to rely on Him alone.

We all need daily spiritual nourishment directly from God?s Word if we are to maintain a godly lifestyle. Through study and application -? both individually and corporately – we will learn how to replace human thinking with the Lord?s wisdom, draw on His strength, and make Him the center and substance of our life and our church. When we are deeply rooted and built up in Christ, false doctrine and error will ?go in one ear and out the other.?

Gratitude is an extra layer of protection for the believer. When we focus on the goodness of God and praise Him for His blessings, the Enemy cannot easily distract us with lies.

With our church body knitted together in love, unified, and walking by belief in Jesus, we will be immovable in our faith. Does this describe you and your church? If not, pray to become a faithful fellowship.

About the Author
This devotional was written by Dr Charles Stanley. Read more about him here: http://www.talk.thelife.com/authors/charles-stanley/

Related Reading
Aren’t all religions the same?
http://www.mentodayonline.com/spirituality/skeptic.html

Comment
Post your comments on TruthMedia’s men’s devotional blog. Visit http://talk.thelife.com and just click on the word “Comment” (no need to register).

Copyright
This devotional is protected by copyright laws and may not be reprinted or posted to a site without permission from TruthMedia Internet Group. All readers are welcome to forward the devotional to a friend or link to it. If you would like to seek permission to reprint the devotional in full, please see our guidelines: http://talk.thelife.com/reprint-permission/

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