Faith

Daily Devotionals & Affirmations

August 6, 2022

It’s been a long time since I’ve updated. There really is no excuse, but school did get very hectic, and updating the blog got put on hold. I hope anyone who reads this is doing well and has seen many blessings since my last posting.

The Bible App: Christian Leadership Foundations 1. Grace

-Leadership Starts with Grace-

1 Timothy is a book about leadership. In it, Paul leaves Timothy to pastor the church in Ephesus, thinking that his trip would be short-term. However, when Paul realizes it might be some time before his return, he writes Timothy an epistle full of leadership advice.

In this epistle, Paul reminds Timothy of his own leadership credentials. However, these credentials do not address Paul’s many achievements, experiences, successes, or influence. Instead, Paul reminds Timothy that he was a blasphemer, persecutor, and violent man. Through this reminder, Paul is telling Timothy that leadership starts with God’s grace.

If you don’t understand that leadership starts with God’s grace, you cannot lead God’s way.

Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.
1 Timothy 1:13

While Paul is a leader in the church, he doesn’t see himself as qualified, talented, or deserving but as a prime example of God’s mercy and unlimited patience.

The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 1:14

Thankfully, God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to save us sinners and make us powerful in his service.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.
1 Timothy 1:12

Prayer

God, we come before you today to thank you and your Son Christ Jesus our Lord for giving us strength, considering us trustworthy, and appointing us to your service. Even though we have sinned against you, you have shown us mercy because we acted in ignorance and unbelief. Lord, we thank you for pouring out your grace on us and blessing us with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. We thank you for your Son, Christ Jesus, who came into the world to save sinners. Lord, we have all sinned at some point in our lives, but we thank you for the mercy you grant to us. It is in your grace that Christ Jesus displays his immense patience for us sinners as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. -Amen

November 16, 2021

The Bible App: Facing Discouragement and Depression Day 2

-Why are you so disquieted?-

Your honest questions before God are legitimate.

“Why, oh my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God. I am deeply depressed; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.”
Psalms 42:5-6

God often will not give us all the answers to our questions, so we internalize our questions in the form of discouragement and dejection.

“Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you n such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.”
Psalms 43:5

David wrote Psalms 43:5. I read this verse as a reminder that I must remember to put my hope in my Lord and Savior even on the worst of days. Sitting in dejection, turmoil, stress, and discouragement will only lead me further down the path of sadness, pain, and depression. So praise God, read the words of the Bible, pray to the Lord, reach out to God to help lift the soul; this is what I read.

“I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the lookout tower. I will watch to see what he will say to me and what I should reply about my complaint.
The Lord answered me:
Write down this vision; clearly inscribe it on tablets so one may easily read it. For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it testifies about the end and will not lie. Though it delays, wait for it, since it will certainly come and not be late.”
Habakkuk 2:1-3

God’s promises are true and sure.

Prayer

Lord God, I pray for my soul to not be downcast or disturbed. I pray to put my hope in you, God. I will praise you, for you are my Savior and my God. Lord, let not my soul be downcast within me and let me remember you and all that you are capable of doing. My God and Savior, I pray that I stand firmly at my watch and station myself to await your orders to me. Lord, let me hear you and bid your call. Lord, I pray to understand your call in plain language so that I might run with the words you have spoken to me. Thank you, God, for all you have given me and blessed me with, in my life. It is in your name that I praise you, pray to you, and give thanks to you. -Amen

October 24, 2021

The Bible App: Facing Discouragement and Depression – Day 1

-Find Your Hope In God-

LONGING FOR GOD
For the choir director. A Maskil of the sons of Korah.
“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so I long for you, God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while all day long people say to me, “Where is your God?” I remember this as I pour out my heart: how I walked with many, leading the festive procession to the house of God, with joyful and thankful shouts.
Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in so much turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God. I am deeply depressed; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your billows have swept over me. The Lord will send his faithful love by day; his song will be with me in the night – a prayer to the God of my life.
I will say to God, my rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?” My adversaries taunt me, as if crushing my bones, while all day long they say to me, “Where is your God?” Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.
Vindicate me, God, and champion my cause against an unfaithful nation; rescue me from the deceitful and unjust person. For you are the God of my refuge. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?
Send your light and your truth; let them lead me. Let them bring me to your holy mountain, to your dwelling place. Then I will come to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise you with the lyre, God, my God.
Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.”
Psalms 42 & 43

This section of the Bible was difficult for me to read. It reminded me of all the pain and suffering that my own mother went through. While it hurts me to think of how much she went through, I know that she cried out to the Lord until the very end. It helps to know that she sits with God now and is no longer suffering. But there are days when I also struggle. I, too, will feel the rush of anxiety, the waves of depression, and the overwhelming well of sorrow. But, I also know how important it is to separate yourself from your own reasoning, ask yourself why you are thinking that way, and continue reaching out to the Lord, no matter the situation.

THE CALL TO ENDURANCE
“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hinderance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, so that you won’t grow weary and give up.”
Hebrews 12: 1-3

Jesus gave his life so that we could be forgiven of our sins. Jesus faced his own temptations and the devil, the father of lies, who tried to defeat Jesus before he could save us all. Nevertheless, Jesus brought us “the joy that lay before him,” the forgiveness of our sins, and the opportunity to live with our Father God in heaven forever and ever, amen. “He endured the cross” as a man without sin to forgive us of ours.

Jesus didn’t have to do this for us, but he did. He saved a place for us in heaven. All you have to do is trust in God, get to know his Son, and ask for the Holy Spirit to fill your heart. Will you stumble? Yes. All Christians do, but the most important thing is to remain in Him and seek God daily. (Don’t worry, I fail at that too. Sometimes my busy schedule gets in my way, and life gets hectic, but it is in the whirlwind that I remember who brings me peace.) God loves us and waits with open arms and a seat at his table for those who believe in him. And what if you don’t believe in him? Well, that’s okay, you can still sit with us.

Sending blessings your way,

-Bri

Affirmation

I am smart. I know how to take what I have and multiply it into more. I see possibilities where the rest of the world might see dead ends. I am full of hope as I work and create today. I lead with love and humility. I always champion other people to their dreams and goals. I am overwhelmed by peace. Fear, anxiety, and depression have no place in my life – they must leave. I am covered by peace.

October 15, 2021

The Bible App: Make the Most of Life – Day 3

On occasion, life gets the best of us. All people deal with hardships, and nobody is exempt, not even Christians. We fail and grow weary just like everyone else. The story of Job is the perfect example that, as Christians, we will still face trials and tribulations. Despite Job’s circumstances – family deaths, stripped of wealth, sickness – he stays faithful to the Lord. But it is important to note that, even though Job remained faithful to the end, he grows weary at points.

“Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.”
Galatians 6:9

We must not give up on trying to reframe our mindset when trouble visits. To change our perspective, we can rely on what God teaches us. First, he teaches us to trust and depend on him. Second, we need to realize that we cannot control everything but instead give thanks for the opportunity of life. Third, we must remember that life can be unfair, and that’s okay. And the final lesson to be learned is that we must not grow weary in chasing after God. Instead, we need to be willing to let God lead us in changing our mindset, which will lead to us making the best of our situation.

“Now he told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not give up.”
luke 18:1

God, I come to you today and thank you for blessing me with life. I pray that I do not ever get tired of doing good, and that I remember that we will reap at the proper time if we do not give up. Lord, I am not always the best at praying daily. I am sorry, and I come to you today asking for your forgiveness and understanding. Thank you for never leaving me and listening to my prayers. I pray that I do not give up hope or faith in you, Lord, for I know that the one who endures to the end will be saved. It is in your name that I pray and praise you, Lord. – Amen

“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
Matthew 24:13

Affirmation:

I am thankful for this day. I surrender what didn’t get done today. I give peace permission to come and surround me – taking the stress, worry, and doubt away. I am not alone. I am protected by God and covered by his grace. He is always by my side. I am overwhelmed by God’s love for me. I am thankful that I do not have to go through this life alone.

October 14, 2021

The Bible App: Make the Most of Life – Day 2

Today is a new day. Remember to find joy in this statement, my friends. Also, remember to not worry about the future, and do not worry about the past. Though past lessons might steer us, and future aspirations drive us, let us not worry about what has been or will be.

“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.” Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring – what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes.”
James 4:13-14

Some versions say mist instead of vapor. To think that we are but a mist that appears for a bit of time and then vanishes… It is the truth. We exist for a short time, and then we are gone. We must grasp this idea of the scarcity of life and use this to guide us in making the most of every day. “Life is short, and its problems – shorter” (Shelton-Mosley, n.d.). Let us give thanks to the Lord for our gift of life today!

“Don’t boast about tomorrow, for you don’t know what a day might bring.”
Proverbs 27:1

Lord, I do not know what tomorrow will bring or what my life will be, but let me live a life that serves you. I know that I am, but a mist that appears for a little while then vanishes. I pray to remember to speak in a way that shows your command over my life. Let me remember to say instead, “If the Lord wills, I will live and do this or that.” Lord, I ask forgiveness for any boasts of arrogance that I may have spoken in the past. I know that such boasting does not align with your will and that you are in control. Lord, I promise to try and not boast about tomorrow, for I do not know what a day might bring. Help me not worry about tomorrow and remember that tomorrow will worry about itself, for every day has enough trouble of its own. Thank you for your love and patience. Thank you for sending your son and for forgiving us of our sins. It is in the name of my Savior that I pray and give thanks. -Amen

“Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
matthew 6:34

Affirmation:

I am finding my way back to myself – I am proud of who I am. I am confident in who I was created to be. I am grounded in faith, not disappointment. I am motivated by hope. I believe that I will see miraculous things happen in my life. Anything is possible. I am thankful that God gives us beautiful things and lasting change. With God, I can do all things.

References

Shelton-Mosley, J. (n.d.). Making the Most of Life [web log]. Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://my.bible.com/users/phippsb42/reading-plans/20811-make-the-most-of-life/subscription/712736934/day/1/segment/0.

October 13, 2021

The Bible App: Making the Most of Life – Day 1

Today’s devotional reminded me that we have little control over our lives, and the aspect of control gives us a false sense of security. When in situations that we cannot control, it is essential that we can find peace to help us through. My father-in-law has a saying, “Not my circus, not my monkeys.” When I am in a situation that I cannot control, I often find myself repeating this saying to myself. It helps ground me and helps me find my peace. Because, truly, I tell you, there are very few situations that I am in control of and can guarantee the outcome.

The author of this devotional, Justice Shelton Mosley (n.d.), says that “From your inception, there are many things you did not control: what family you were born into, where you were born, and your biological parents.” Life is and can be unfair, especially when we realize that we control very little of our lives. But we can control our response. God gives us the freedom of choice in controlling our response to the challenges that we face. But I think that this is where Proverbs 3: 5-6 comes into play.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6

God will help us respond to challenges and hardships if we remember to put our faith and understanding in Him. He will lead us down the path he has prepared for us. We need only trust him, meditate on his word daily, and remember to speak to him through prayer. He is waiting and ready to help us and lead us through any hardship we might face.

Remember that we are blessed to be alive today. Make the most of this glorious day! No matter your circumstances, choose to make today grand. I’ll leave you with the quote that Shelton Mosley (n.d.) left me with, he said that the power of the mind – “it can change Heaven into hell, hell into Heaven” (John Milton).

“For as heaven is higher than earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:9

Affirmation:

I recognize that I play an important role in this world. I give myself permission to show up in the world in an authentic way. Today, I will view the world through the lens of peace. I will live in peace. I will radiate calm. I will leave a trail of peace everywhere I go. I will move confidently in the direction of my dreams. I will show up, stay consistent, and work with excellence. I will give all the glory to God.

References

October 12, 2021

The Bible App: LIVE NO LIES – DAY 7 – AND HAVING DONE ALL, TO STAND

Jesus’s first run in with the devil was recorded by both Luke and Matthew. Luke 4: 1-13 is titled “The Temptation of Jesus” and goes on to say, “Then Jesus left the Jordan, full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over, he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” But Jesus answered him, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone.” So he took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. The devil said to him, “I will give you their splendor and all this authority, because it has been given over to me, and I can give it to anyone I want. If you, then, will worship me, all will be yours.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.” So he took him to Jerusalem, had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down form here. For it is written: He will give his angels orders concerning you, to protect you, and they will support you with their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” And Jesus answered him, “It is said: Do not test the Lord your God.” After the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time.

There are many things that stand out to me in this passage. Jesus was led by the Spirit, for forty day, to be tempted by the devil. He was led. It was not that the Holy Spirit did not know this would happen, but Jesus was put to the test just as we often are. The devil tempted Jesus. Jesus was brought to earth and became a man. He faced temptations just as we do. Jesus battled the devil. The other thing that I noticed was that the devil spoke scripture back to Jesus, except he laced it in a lie to try and convince Jesus. Which Jesus responded to this laced lie with his Father’s truth. And finally, “the devil departed from him for a time.” For a time, meaning the devil was not done and would be back. This is just as he does to us. he feeds us lies, but if we hold fast to our Father’s truth he will depart for a time.

The study, Live No Lies, goes on to note that The Temptation of Jesus reads like a conversation. Jesus is in a battle with the devil, but one without swords or cries of fury. Jesus is calm, exuding a quiet confidence in his Father’s truth. This passage of scripture shows us how Jesus battles the devil through spiritual disciplines. Jesus is all alone with God in the desert. He is in silence and solitude. Silence and solitude is the very place that we often meet with our God and Father. Jesus is in prayer. He is fasting. His mind and his mouth are full of the scripture. Jesus is setting an example for us. We are to meet with God, in silence, solitude, and prayer. We are to fill our minds and mouths full of scripture, so that we are not tempted by the devil. This is how we, as apprentices of Jesus are to fight the devil. Hold fast to the scripture and be ready to use it. Live in God’s truth.

The devil’s primary stratagem to drive the soul and society into ruin is deceptive ideas that play to disordered desires, which are normalized in a sinful society. The antidote to this is to live with spiritual discipline. Spiritual discipline is what will help you through spiritual warfare. Through the practices of Jesus, we present our minds and bodies before God and open our souls to his spirit and truth. So fill your mind full of scripture and do good works that bring glory to God.

Stratagem: a plan or scheme, especially one used to outwit an opponent or achieve an end.
Oxford Languages

“Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.”
1 Peter 5:8-9

Affirmation: I declare that today will be a good day. My day will be full of peace, good news, and beautiful surprises. Today, I walk in confidence. I have faith in myself. I am enough.