Written by Juliet Constantine, these devotionals share thoughts and blessings from on high to give you encouragement, wisdom, and strength to face life's many challenges. Juliet has authored two sets of devotionals: "At His Feet" and "Finding Jesus In The Scriptures". Select from all the devotionals below or choose a topic from the menus.
Like Jesus, the temptations we face are summarized in three categories: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of life. Which is your stronger category? Where do you fall down the most? It’s time to assess your situation and ask God for strength and the commitment to seek the way of escape. Living with sin is not a dream; neither is it a ‘dry run’. It is reality! Let us look for the escape route and take it.
I now fully understand that in this sinful life, I will need my glasses to face my world. With God’s help I will wear them faithfully. But I do look forward to that day when my eyes will beam over many miles. The clarity of my vision now when compared to my vision then will seem as if I am now seeing through a dark glass. I can’t wait! No more glasses! I will be able to see, a billion times much clearer then.
Like Judas, Balaam’s covetousness led him down the path of no return. Even after returning home, discontent filled his heart on the riches he could have gained, hadn’t God controlled his speech. He was bent on having the riches he so desires – even if it meant going against God’s will. You see friend, when we are bent on sinning, God will step aside and allow you to do as you please. The Spirit of God does not always strive with man. To his own eternal loss, Balaam, once a prophet of God, is forever loss to the riches of eternity. Don’t be like Balaam or Judas. Beware of covetousness!
Pharaoh’s rejection of God’s first warning was the first seed sown leading to his destruction and the destruction of many innocent others. It’s true! God is not mocked. Whatever you sow you will reap. The same is true for all living today. The seeds you sow today will germinate and bear fruits. Will the seeds you sow destroy you and your loved ones and all you’ve worked for or will they be a harvest that you are proud of? Remember: seeds that are sown will grow.
Have you been ostracized, been treated unfairly, ridiculed, or suffered discrimination because of your belief in God and the teachings of the Bible? Don’t fight back. See the devil as the instigator at work through them. Find other ways to defend yourself, if you need to, but do pray for them. Genuinely ask God to change and save your persecutor(s). Whatever you do, whatever circumstances you’re faced with, let self be quiet and let God work through you to bless others.
So, why would I want to continue wearing old clothes when new ones have been provided? Cost isn’t a factor. Having someone pick up my tab while I shop for new clothes is such a thrilling thought. I’m ready when you are!! Similarly, it’s the same gift we have been handed by Jesus Christ. We have been given the power to put away our old covering, everything evil, and to wear Christ’s robe of righteousness. Can you imagine dressing in Jesus’ clothes? There will be a definite change. The things I once do, I do them no more. My new clothes now befit the person I’ve become. The change is evident. I am a new creation.
If you are in bad company and desire to break it off, limit your exposure to that company and submit yourself to positive influence of God’s instructions for your life. Seek friends who wants God’s best for your life and who provides positive encouragement on your journey of faith. Remember, we are easily corruptible creatures. With God’s help, do all you can to remain pure.
For most of us Christians, this truth we believed; but sometimes it is not reflected in our attitude when we are called upon to serve. It is sad to say even in our worship life, the gladness that should characterize our praise seems damp, cold and lifeless. Our singing, our sharing and receiving of His word, our tolerance of others seems to be a mirrored reflection of our lives outside of Church time. Even in our secular activities, at times, we seemed not to be serving the Lord, and others, with gladness. Whatever we do or wherever we are, we are to do all things to honor God, serving with gladness.
