Song Lists

I Thank God Devotional

Ever feel like an imposter? A pretender who is supposed to be full of faith and love but is also full of a bunch of other less desirable stuff? On the one hand, we confess to know Jesus and love our neighbor while our other hand thinks our neighbor is an annoying git? If others knew the thoughts of our hearts, we would be tossed out on your keister. Doubt and shame can hover like a dark shadow. Maybe your thing is a deeply held insecurity you try to keep buried. Your job is secure. You are relatively successful in your work or even wildly successful in your career. On the outside, no one would know the beast of self-doubt that lurks in the dark corners of your heart. Even with all the worldly successes, you wonder if you are enough. All the wrestling on the inside is not hidden from the God who created us and calls us by name. Sit on that and let the shiver snake down your spine. He knows our thoughts and the intentions of our hearts, and his response is to love. Watching the Maverick City's video for I Thank God, I wanted to jump in with equal expressions of gratefulness. God knows all the deep, hidden corners of my inner world, and He isn't repulsed. He invites me closer. The gift in that invitation is that as I move closer and those hidden areas light up with His presence, they are changed. I am changed. The darkness fades, and the light shines more brightly. Because He healed my heartHe changed my nameForever free, I'm not the sameI thank the MasterI thank the SaviorI thank God Maybe you are in recovery - or have been labeled as anxious or depressed. Overidentifying with labels is dangerous. I am not a fan of labels unless they help me learn how to take care of something. Clothing labels help us decide whether to hang it up or throw it in the dryer. A food label helps determine the expiration date. But labels on people are harmful. Labels on people put us in boxes with sides too high to climb. He is in that boat with you. You are not alone. I say I am broken, but God says He makes me whole. "So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority" (Colossians 2:10). A more vulnerable truth might be that we are all in some sort of recovery. Recovering from broken hearts and broken lives. Recovering from what we created and what we have to deal with but never asked for. We face the dangers from within and the chaos all around us. Our slowly drifting, weary souls leave us battered and bruised. Got no choice but to believeMy doubts are burningLike ashes in the windSo, so long to my old friendsBurden and bitter nightYou can't just keep them movingNo, you ain't welcome hereFrom now 'til I walkThe streets of goldI'll sing of how You saved my soul We tend to want people to look and act a certain way, and deviations from the center typically don't fit in well. Variations often find themselves isolated and silenced. I'll sing of how You saved my soulThis wayward sonHas found his way back homeHe picked me upTurned me aroundPlaced my feet on solid ground Let's tell some truth. All fall short of center. On my worst days, you would run and hide if my heart was exposed before you. I have experienced anger so intense my teeth chattered. I have cursed in ways that would curl paint of the walls, but I also create safe spaces for vulnerable people to share their deepest emotional wounds. And if it happens in me, I know some dark things happen inside you, too. Wandering into the nightWanting a place to hideThis weary soul, this bag of bonesAnd I tried with all my mindAnd I just can't win the fightI'm slowly drifting, oh bag of boneAnd just when I ran out of roadI met a man I didn't knowAnd he told meThat I was not aloneHe picked me upHe turned me aroundHe placed my feet on solid ground I do thank God! He invites all to come close, no matter how visible the flaws. Have you dangerously tight roped your way through major depression? Have you felt your heart tear with sorrow holding vigil with a loved one in the ICU? That's my story, so what is yours? And if He did it for me, He can do it for youIf He did it for me, He can do it for youGet up, get up, get upGet up out of that grave God doesn't define you by your mistakes. He gives you a new name! He sees you in a way that the world may not. His vision of you is through the lens of His sacrifice. His blood for our life. God calls you up. He will not push you out because you haven't mastered or cleaned up every area of your life. Get up out of that graveIf He did it for me, He can do it for you Be encouraged. Join in the dance of gratefulness. Worship with Maverick City and thank God for grace - and His unfailing love. Tracey Dahl, M.A. is a writer and Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in Langley, BC (Canada). She is married to Ryan Dahl (Founder of PraiseCharts) and the mother of four grown children. I Thank God was written by Maverick City Music from the album Move Your Heart.

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Sing We The Song Of Emmanuel Devotional

The heartbeat of the Christmas story is encapsulated in a name - Immanuel. God, the Creator of the universe, choosing to dwell among us, to become one of us. The song Sing We The Song Of Emmanuel by Keith Getty, Stuart Townend, Matt Boswell, and Matt Papa beautifully captures this awe-inspiring mystery. "Sing we the song of Emmanuel This the Christ who was long foretold..." 1. Anticipation Fulfilled: Long before the star shone over Bethlehem, the world was pregnant with anticipation. Prophets spoke, people waited, and in the hush of a silent night, the promise was fulfilled. In the humble setting of a manger, the eternal God made His entrance, weaving divinity with humanity. 2. Majesty in Humility: The dichotomy is striking. The song depicts a King without a crown or throne. The invincible God, appearing vulnerable as an infant. This paradox underscores the vastness of God's love and the lengths He'd go to reconcile humanity to Himself. "Maker of Mary, now Mary's son..." It's a love story that defies logic, beckoning our hearts to respond with gratitude and wonder. 3. Proclaiming the Good News: The song doesn't let us remain silent. The joyous news of Jesus' birth is to be spread far and wide. Every heart, whether burdened or rejoicing, needs to hear this message of hope. Jesus is the light that pierces our darkest nights, the hope that never disappoints. We are the bearers of this message, and our lives should resound with the glorious refrain: "Tell the world His name is Jesus." 4. A Universal Song: The repeated "Gloria, in excelsis Deo" underscores the universal nature of this good news. It's a song that transcends cultures, languages, and generations. Heaven and earth unite in this anthem of praise. Every heart, every tongue is invited to join this celestial chorus. As you reflect on the lyrics and our key scripture from Matthew, let the reality of God's presence fill your heart afresh. Jesus, Immanuel, is not just a historical figure but a living presence. He is God with us, not just in a manger two millennia ago, but today, in our everyday moments, challenges, and celebrations. As the festivities of the season unfold, take time to pause and ponder. Let the depth of God's love, demonstrated in the coming of Jesus, permeate every aspect of your life. And as you grasp the wonder of Immanuel, let it propel you to proclaim, to share this joyous news with others. In a world riddled with uncertainties, the song of Emmanuel rings true, bringing hope, peace, and unparalleled joy. So, with hearts full and voices raised, sing we the song of Emmanuel, celebrating the God who is ever and always with us.Matthew 1:23 - "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."

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Behold Devotional

This song, filled with invitation and awe, calls us to behold Jesus—the King who came, divinity incarnate, breathing the same air we do. It reminds us that in Christ, the Creator of the world stepped into His creation, entering our brokenness and darkness to bring healing and hope. Reflecting on Jesus as the “light that the dark cannot contain” inspires us to remember that no matter what shadows we face, His light will always prevail. The lyrics invite us to “come let us adore Him, for He alone is worthy,” echoing the posture of the wise men, shepherds, and angels who worshiped Jesus at His birth. They recognized that in this child, God's promises were fulfilled. Today, we are invited into that same adoration—not just as a holiday tradition, but as a daily surrender to the One who gave everything for us. Worship is our response to the Father's love, “beyond all comprehension,” a love that sacrificed His only Son for our redemption. As we listen to these words, let's reflect on our own hearts: Are there places where we need to make room for Him? The line “every heart prepare Him room” calls us to clear away the distractions and make Jesus the focus of our lives. When we open our hearts to His love, we allow His peace, light, and truth to transform us from the inside out. In the powerful declaration of the bridge, “We give You all the glory,” we're reminded that worship isn't just something we do for a moment but a lifestyle of glorifying God in every area of our lives. Whether in joy or struggle, praise or petition, we can give Him glory through our actions, our choices, and our hearts. As we adore Him today, let's ask ourselves: How can I give God glory in my life? What can I surrender to Him in worship? Christ the Lord is worthy, and when we offer Him our hearts, our praise, and our trust, we experience the fullness of His love and the freedom of life with Him. May our lives reflect this ongoing adoration, honoring Jesus as our Savior, our King, and our Lord.

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Because He Lives (Son Of God Son Of Man) Devotional

Call To WorshipAs we gather today, let's rejoice in the living hope we find in Jesus Christ. In a world filled with uncertainties, we have a firm foundation in our risen Savior. Because He lives, we can face each day with confidence and peace. In our worship, let's lift our voices and hearts to honor the One who conquered sin and death. His presence is our source of strength, and His love is our song of joy. As we come together, may this be a time to celebrate the living Christ, who walks with us through every moment of life. In His resurrection, we find the promise of eternal life and the assurance of His unfailing love. Let our worship be a declaration of faith in the One who gives us hope and purpose. We gather today because He lives, and in Him, we have everything we need.Devotional: Unshakeable Hope In The ResurrectionIn the midst of life's challenges and uncertainties, there is one unshakable truth that brings us enduring hope: Because He lives, we have reason to live with unwavering faith and confidence. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith. It's not just an event from the distant past; it's a reality that continues to shape our lives today. In Romans 8:11, we're reminded that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwells within us. This truth transforms everything. Because He lives, we can face each day with the assurance that we are not alone. His Spirit empowers us, guides us, and brings us comfort in times of need. It's a living connection that transcends the boundaries of time and space. The challenges of life may seem insurmountable at times, but in Christ, we find the strength to overcome. Because He lives, our mortality is touched by the promise of eternal life. Every trial, every doubt, and every fear is met with the life-giving power of the resurrected Savior. As we reflect on this truth, let's remember that our lives are marked by the victory of Easter. Because He lives, we can live with purpose, knowing that His love sustains us, His grace redeems us, and His presence never leaves us. Today, let's celebrate the living hope we have in Jesus Christ. Because He lives, our lives are forever changed, and our future is filled with endless possibilities. Scripture: Romans 8:11 (NIV) - "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you."

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Worthy Is The Lamb (Son Of God Son Of Man) Devotional

Call To WorshipIn our worship today, we celebrate Jesus, our Savior, who triumphs with unmatched mercy. His sacrifice on the cross, an unparalleled demonstration of love, brings us redemption. The cross, once a symbol of sorrow, has become a sign of victory and grace for us all. Let us raise our hearts and voices in praise, recognizing Jesus as our eternal King, crowned through His loving sacrifice. His reign, marked by power and grace, inspires our deepest reverence. In this time of worship, we honor His majesty and give thanks for the salvation He offers. Let us rejoice in His victory, feel the depth of His love, and embrace the peace He brings.Devotional: The Cross of VictoryIn the tapestry of our faith journey, we often find ourselves woven into themes of victory, redemption, and grace. Today, let's embark on a contemplative journey and explore how these themes resonate with the transformative power of the cross and the supreme sovereignty of our Savior. The cross, once a haunting symbol of agony and despair, now radiates with the brilliance of triumph. It serves as a poignant reminder that through Christ's selfless sacrifice, we have been bestowed with victory over the very chains that once bound us. 1 Corinthians 15:57 rejoices in this divine truth – our victory is not of our own making, but a gracious gift from God through Jesus Christ. As we gaze upon the cross, we witness the embodiment of love triumphing over sin and grace vanquishing despair. It stands as an enduring testament to the unshakable power of God's redemptive plan. However, the cross is not confined to a distant historical event; it is a living, breathing reality that continues to shape our lives. In our daily journey, may we rise as victors, not victims, knowing that the cross has already secured our victory. Let's embrace each new day with unwavering confidence in Christ's triumphant work and profound gratitude for the unending grace that flows from His sacrifice. As we do, we'll discover that the profound truth of Romans 8:37 becomes our lived experience – we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. In light of the cross, we are not just conquerors; we are inheritors of a victory that knows no bounds. 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV) - "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

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Son Of Suffering (Son Of God Son Of Man) Devotional

Devotional: Our Compassionate SaviorIn our broken world, we encounter a compassionate Savior who intimately understands our pain and suffering. Isaiah 53:3-5 foretells the arrival of this empathetic Messiah, a Man acquainted with grief and well-acquainted with our suffering. His mission was not one of detachment but of connection. This Savior pursued us in our moments of need, offering grace to the undeserving and embracing those who were broken. His life was a testament to the love of God, showing that He was willing to bear our pain, carry our burdens, and endure the cross to bring us healing and freedom. The profound truth is that, in our darkest hours, Jesus is with us. He doesn't shy away from our suffering; rather, He shares in it. His love compels Him to weep with us, to bleed for us, and to reach out to us in our distress. His ultimate act of self-sacrifice on the cross is a powerful demonstration of His love for humanity. As we reflect on the compassionate nature of our Savior, may we carry this awareness into our daily lives. Let us extend His love to those around us, embracing the broken and offering hope to the hurting. Our lives can bear witness to the Son of Suffering who brings healing, restoration, and salvation to all who believe. Isaiah 53:3-5 (NIV) - "He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."

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Go Tell It (This Is Amazing Grace) Devotional

When we consider the fall of humanity that took place in the Garden of Eden—resulting in the curse of death—hope seems distant. But because of His unrelenting love, God the Father set into motion the greatest rescue plan the world has ever known, in the form of His Son Jesus. Imagine for a moment that you've just received this news: You've been found guilty and sentenced to death for crimes you've committed. How do you feel? What do you say? There's no hope. But then you're greeted by an eleventh hour message informing you that the crimes you were guilty of have been completely and irrevocably forgiven. You're overwhelmed with wonder as to who intervened on your behalf and how it all happened. And almost at the same moment, you're bursting with relief, joy, and gratitude toward whoever saved you. This is the good news to be shared at every opportunity. When we receive the gift of salvation, our guilt, shame, and regret are exchanged for life, hope, and redemption—because of our Savior Jesus. Isaiah 52 foretells the salvation and redemption God is sending, proclaiming that this good news will be told on the mountains and all over the world. We see this come to pass in Luke 2 when the shepherds hurry to tell everyone that Jesus, the hope of the world, has arrived! This is absolutely news to be shared! I love that it says: All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished ... Luke 2:18 NLT Challenge Take a moment to reflect on your life before you experienced the love, grace, and mercy of God. You may remember guilt, shame, and regret. But now, let the redeemed of the Lord say so! Let's share the good news of forgiveness and life with those around us as we continue to shine the light of hope that comes through Jesus our Savior. Generations later, let's continue to “Go Tell It”! —Devon Goins Based on the song Go Tell It (This Is Amazing Grace). Original post by Life.Church Worship available on YouVersion based on the album - Gloria by Life.Church Worship.

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Delightful Devotional

I know the Sower never wastes a tear' SCRIPTURES: Psalm 30:11-12 NLT Psalm 126:5-6 NIV John 10:10 NIV DEVOTIONAL: Life is full of different seasons. We may experience times of blessing, joy, and new opportunities. We should be thankful for these times. However, unfortunately, many of the seasons we come across in life are also ones of sorrow, tears, difficult circumstances, and unwanted challenges. Thankfully, Scripture is not without encouragement and promise regarding our times of trouble. Psalm 126:5-6 (NIV) says, “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.” One of the beautiful truths of the way that God works in our lives is that He doesn't allow the things we face in life to go wasted. Even more than this, Scripture promises that God uses everything that takes place in our lives and works it together for our good. Romans 8:28 (NLT) says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Regardless of whether the season is full of triumph or of trial, we can take great encouragement in the fact that God doesn't leave us to face the seasons of life alone. He is with us and He is working. Nothing in our lives is wasted when it comes to God. In fact, just the opposite. Many times God turns our sorrow into rejoicing. When speaking of His future crucifixion, Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.” (John 16:20 ESV). The disciples were unaware of the depths of sorrow they would experience in the days ahead, yet, they were also unaware of the miracle of the empty grave that waited on the other side of their sorrow. This season did not end in sorrow but in rejoicing. We serve a God who not only stands with us in the seasons of sorrow but who turns these seasons around—working everything together for our good. Psalm 30:11-12 (NLT) reminds us, “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!”. As we go through the seasons of life, and they inevitably ebb and flow with sorrow or joy, we can hold steadfast to the promises of God. They are not empty words of false encouragement, but deep sources of truth that will sustain us through every season of life. This is why we can confidently say, “I know the Sower never wastes a tear.” Original post by Hillsong UNITED available on YouVersion and used with permission from Capitol CMG Label Group. Download lyrics or sheet music from the album Are We There Yet? by Hillsong UNITED.

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O Christmas Tree (Greatest Story) Devotional

The classic carol, O Christmas Tree, takes on a fresh meaning in these refreshed words, turning our focus from mere holiday decor to the deeper story of God's love. The Christmas tree, adorned with lights and ribbons, becomes a symbol pointing to Christ, the “light of the world” who came to save us. Each light wrapped around it reminds us of Jesus' sacrifice, illuminating the darkness of our hearts and world. As we gaze at the unchanging green of the tree, we see a reminder of God's faithfulness. In a season where things can feel rushed and fleeting, the tree stands constant, symbolizing the steady, unchanging love of God who “died to save me.” Just as the evergreen tree keeps its color all year, God's love remains steadfast in every season. Christmas calls us to slow down, take in His faithfulness, and offer a prayer of gratitude. The song then transports us back to the night of Jesus' birth, inviting us to join with shepherds and angels in proclaiming the good news. This story—of a child born in Bethlehem, heralded as the Savior—is truly the greatest one ever told. It's a story of joy, hope, and peace for all people, and as we celebrate, our hearts are invited to carry that same message into the world. As you look at your Christmas tree this season, let it remind you of the story it tells: God's unchanging love, His light breaking through darkness, and the joy that came through a baby born to redeem. This Christmas, let the story of the tree inspire you to share the love, light, and hope of Christ with others. And as you do, you'll join in telling the greatest story ever told.

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Shepherd Boy Devotional

In Shepherd Boy, we witness the incredible mystery of the Christmas story unfold through the eyes of an unlikely witness—a simple shepherd. This young boy, whose life is spent in the quiet hills tending to his sheep, is suddenly drawn into the heart of a divine miracle. With awe and wonder, he watches the night sky light up with the brilliance of a star and hears an angelic choir fill the heavens, proclaiming the arrival of a Savior. The shepherd boy's reaction is a powerful example for us. Though he is “just a boy who watches the sheep,” he doesn't let his humility or lack of status keep him from believing in the miracle he's seen. Instead, he is eager to see for himself, to seek out the Savior who has come for all people. This reminds us that God often calls the least likely among us, the ordinary and humble, to be part of His extraordinary story. As 1 Corinthians 1:27 says, “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” Like the shepherd boy, we don't have to be someone “important” by the world's standards to be chosen by God. He meets us where we are. When the shepherd boy finally arrives at the stable, his response is one of deep, reverent joy. Seeing the baby Jesus, he recognizes Him as the “Lion of Judah, the King of my heart,” and is moved to tears. He can't keep the experience to himself; he's compelled to testify. This is the power of an encounter with Christ—it brings true, lasting joy that we're meant to share. Jesus is not just a story of the past; He is Emmanuel, God with us, bringing joy to our lives today. May we be like the shepherd boy, willing to leave the familiar and seek Jesus with open, expectant hearts. And when we find Him, may we respond with joy and proclaim to others that Jesus Christ, the Lord of lords, has come to bring peace to our hearts and to the world.

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Peace Be Still Devotional

When we sat down to write the song Peace Be Still, our lives were filled with circumstances that had us feeling fearful. We were all standing face to face with some scary situations. We knew that fear was present in our personal lives, but we also knew that we could choose to declare the promises of God in the midst of our fears, and His presence would flood us with peace that silences every wave of fear, and anxiety or worry. Worship is a weapon to defeat the schemes, lies and voices of the enemy. Worship is a way to stand upon the waves and tell the storm to go to sleep. I can't begin to tell you how many times, I have personally had to sing the lyrics of Peace Be Still over my own life, mind and situations. I have battled fear and anxiety a great deal in different seasons. At times, I have failed to anchor myself in the word of God through scripture or song and the waves of anxiety and fear have overtaken me. The aftermath of those storms have sometimes left damage that took more time and energy to restore than God ever intended. However, when I chose to grab on to the lifeline of God's word, declaring His promises over my life, the storm was silenced, either in me or in the natural. As we started this new decade, all over the world, we are facing a health pandemic that hasn't been seen in over 100 years. People feel confused, scared, uncertain and worried about the future. It feels like a storm of fear and anxiety has hit us pretty hard. Right now, we can choose to get swept up in the waves of fear and worry, doubting that God is for us or we can choose to remain anchored in the presence of God and allow His peace to wash over us and calm the storm inside our hearts and minds. We don't know what the future holds. We don't know how this current world situation will play out in the following weeks and months. What we do know is that our God is our shield, our fortress, our deliverer, our provider, our healer and our strong tower. Psalm 91:1-4 (God's Word Translation)Whoever lives under the shelter of the Most High will remain in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” He is the one who will rescue you from the hunter's traps and from deadly plagues. He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge. His truth (word) is your shield and armor. Worship builds a reservoir of God's truth to draw from when we face difficult moments. I know that every time I choose to worship, it builds my faith in God. It reminds me once again, that my God is greater than any storm and He speaks PEACE OVER ME! My prayer is that during these times of fear and uncertainty you will find refuge in the Almighty, declare His promises, sing His praises and know His Peace that passes all understanding! Hope Darst, has been leading worship, growing her family and serving the local church. She wears many titles…wife, mother, worship leader and songwriter. Peace Be Still was written by Hope Darst, Mia Fields, Andrew Holt, and featured on the Peace Be Still album.

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If All I Had Was Christ Devotional

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9 Sometimes we feel so alone. We can feel like our hope is lost and that we are without a future or purpose. I have even recently had these feelings and doubts. I've felt weak and helpless. These are the moments I find the real Jesus. It's hard not to associate the Lord with the blessings He gives us. And though those gifts are from Him alone, they are not Him. What I mean by this is the blessings are sent to attest to His goodness, but they are only reflections of His goodness, like a mirror reflects the beauty around it. If you sit and experience life through the mirror, you'll never know the fulness real life. If I just see and experience God as the things I have, I can never know the real Jesus—the Jesus that gave His life for me and took all my brokenness and sin. Our savior is able to identify with us in our suffering. He was abandoned by His friends and even His Father when He hung on the cross. He has felt the weight of shame and sin—our shame and sin—so we could walk free. At this moment, even now, He gives me beauty for ashes, strength for weakness. I've never known a love like His. This is my prayer in the hard season: Lord meet me in my weakness. I trust that You are good, that You have me and my future in the palm of Your hands. If You are all I have, that is enough. If You are all that I'll ever have, You will forever be enough! Based on the song If All I Had Was Christ by Ed Cash, Scott Cash, Franni Cash, Andrew Bergthold, Martin Cash, Kyle Briskin. Original post by We The Kingdom is available on YouVersion based on the album Holy Water.

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I Belong To Jesus Devotional

When it's clear the world is not my home, or if I forget it's not, May He turn my eyes upon Himself so it's Him for whom I long. Scriptures: Revelation 2:12-17 (NIV) 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV) Devotional: “Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.” - Revelation 2:14-15 (NIV) I Belong To Jesus is probably the most confusing of the seven letters to the churches in Revelation. Without knowing the biblical context of the Old Testament and without at least an idea of the potential historical context of this passage, it can be difficult to decipher. But, despite these hurdles, there is a powerful and pertinent message to us in these verses. In the Old Testament book of Numbers, Balaam was unable to curse the people of God (Israel), so in order to please Balak (the King of Moab), he came up with two ways to cause Israel to stumble in their faithfulness and devotion to God: eating food sacrificed to Idols—in other words, idolatry—and sexual immorality. With this context in mind, it becomes clear that this Christian church apparently struggled with similar problems. In the first century, pagan worship was still very much a part of many people's lives, and Jesus declares this church of having people who were still holding to practices and teaching of paganism and the occult. Jesus continues by saying, “you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans''. While it is somewhat inconclusive on the exact meaning, many scholars conclude that Nicolaitans were a sect of people who believed in conquering others. What does this all mean together? Essentially, Jesus finds fault with this church for looking exactly like the world and culture around them—no different for being Christian. As people put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ, they are also called to complete devotion to Him, and the rejection of false gods, worldly beliefs and practices, and ways of thinking and living that are antithetical to Christ and the gospel. This is what Jesus is admonishing them to do: live irreversibly and completely for Him and His purposes. This is a message for us today. May we also be a people completely devoted to him; those who can pray 'When it's clear the world is not my home or if I forget it's not, may He turn my eyes upon Himself so it's Him for whom I long'. May we always remember the mighty biblical truth that, “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV). Then we will truly be able to say “I belong to Jesus.” Original post by Brooke Ligertwood available on YouVersion. A seven-day devotional through the 'seven letters' to the churches in the book of Revelation (chapters 2-3). Each devotional will study a different letter to the churches of Revelation, focusing on themes of communion, devotion, discipleship, repentance, evangelism (and more), as well as featuring lyrics and music from songs throughout the Album SEVEN by Brooke Ligertwood.

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