Chris – Chris Creary

Giving

Chris — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 09:00:30 +0000

Giving - Daily Devotional

With Christmas just around the corner, we usually start to get excited about gifts that we are going to get (especially kids). But we need to put an emphasis on giving as well. God has blessed all of us and we have an opportunity to be a blessing to others when we give to others.

To Listen To The Podcast Click Below & Use This Podcast as Your Daily Devotion

Episode Notes & Bible Verses

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6 ESV

This verse is important because it should change our perspective surrounding giving. If we hold back from giving, it will cause us not to have the capacity to receive more. If we are free in our giving then we open ourselves up to receive more. We need to look at ourselves as bridges that God can use to bring provision to others. Make sure you don’t put up any road blocks in your life that stop you from giving. Because it will hinder your ability to receive as well.

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV

A lot of times we hear this verse in church regarding giving an offering. I want to also extend this verse to consider giving in general. Be steadfast in your heart what you can give to others. God loves a giver who gives with a cheerful heart because they acknowledge the source of what they have is God. We need to remember this.

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. – 2 Corinthians 9:10 ESV

With all that we have its very important for us to remember that all that we have is from God. He is the one who has blessed us with it all. Its with that in mind that we need to remember that God will multiply your harvest so that you can be more of a blessing to others through your giving.

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. – Proverbs 3:27 ESV

This verse is in line with the verse in Mark 12:31 where it says “Love your neighbour”. If you have something that can be a blessing to someone in their time of need, you can show your love for their well being by giving what you have that can help them.

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. – Proverbs 19:17 ESV

When we help the poor, we honor both God and his creation. God accepts our help as if we had offered it directly to him. He will remember all of our good deeds.

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. – Proverbs 11:24-25

When you see yourself as a vehicle that God can work through to bless others, you will see that you will always have something to give. The reason for this is because God sees that He can trust you not to keep the blessing to yourself. God will work through people to bless others. You may also find that people who are stingy are always lacking for something. So, if He sees you as faithful, He can trust you with more to be a blessing to others.

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. – Matthew 6:3-4 ESV

A lot of things that we do as Christians come down to the motive behind it. Here is a good example of that. If we give with the attitude for people to see what we have done, then we are doing it for the wrong reasons. Your motivation should be to give to be a blessing and meet a need. When you have the correct motive, God, who sees you heart and how you have given will reward you openly.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16 ESV

This is a verse that most of us know the first day we become a Christian. The principle here is simple. You can show your love by what you are willing to give. If you have love for your family, you will give them what they need. If you have love for the homeless or hungry you will give to meet their need. If someone you love has a need that you have a way of filling, a way of showing your love is by giving to that need. Even if it comes at great sacrifice to you as God showed to us in His only son Jesus. Giving is fundamental and at the core of Christianity.

Put On The Full Armor Of Christ And FIGHT the Good Fight Of Faith! Be Blessed!!

Occupy Until He Comes

Chris — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 11:39:10 +0000

Occupy Until He Comes - Daily Devotional

Some Christians feel like poverty or lack is what God wants for us and that we are to just pray and try win the lost to Jesus. Christians are encourage to try to get others to know Jesus however the Bible doesn’t say we need to be poor or not acquire money or material things. We can want those things but we cannot allow them to become a god or idol to us. The verse “Occupy until I come” comes from Luke 19:12-13 and today I’m going to show you what the Bible says about having money or material possessions while we are here on earth.

To Listen To The Podcast Click Below & Use This Podcast as Your Daily Devotion

Episode Notes & Bible Verses

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. – I Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

We should never prioritize the material things over the spiritual things because then you run the risk of becoming arrogant and self sufficient. It’s not a sin to be rich but we must not let wealth blind us to from perusing godliness with contentment. God is the only source everything we have and this verse shows us that it can be for our enjoyment.

A feast is made for laughter, wine makes life merry, and money is the answer for everything. – Ecclesiastes 10:19 NIV

This verse is saying that money used correctly can answer the challenges that we face in life. With money we can get a good education. We can invest and start businesses to support our families. With money we can afford to buy food and medicine when our loved ones are sick. Money has the ability to provide a solution to every need in our lives. We are to be good stewards over what God has given us and on one level we are to use our money for meeting the needs of life.

After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” “Yes, he does,” he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?” “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.” – Matthew 17:24-27

Jesus is showing here that they were under the authority of the government and had to pay the taxes owed. This is true today also. To pay our taxes we have to have money and Jesus showed Peter where he can go to get the money to pay his taxes. A fishes mouth. This was a miracle because how could Jesus have know that the fish was going to have enough money in its mouth to pay its taxes? This shows that God is also concerned with us having enough money to pay for things that we owe. So having money to do this is not a bad thing.

Ship your grain across the sea; after many days you may receive a return. Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land. – Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 NIV

This verse is saying that we shouldn’t be dependant on only one stream of income. We don’t know what may happen that might cause that income to dry up. We should diversify our revenue streams. The bible says that we should have seven or eight so that we would get a good return after some time.

In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. He had seven sons and three daughters, and he owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred donkeys, and had a large number of servants. He was the greatest man among all the people of the East. – Job 1:1-3 NIV

It was God who blessed Job with all he had. Though Job went through so much throughout his life, God saw fit that he restore him in the end by giving him back even more than he lost in the beginning of the book of Job. An argument could be made that if having material possessions didn’t matter then there would be no reason for God to bless Job at the end of the book of Job. But God did. So with all you have, you have to remember to be blameless like how Job was. Don’t allow your material possessions to become Idols. God is the one who gives us all things and we are to worship the giver of the gifts and not the gifts themselves.

So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. – 1 Kings 3:11-13

Solomon had the opportunity to ask God for wealth and riches but he instead asked God for wisdom so that he could lead the people. This is key for us to remember because God will give us wisdom so that we can do His will. As we do his will, all the other things that we desire will also come into our lives. Matthew 6:33. God was pleased with Solomon’s answer that he gave him wisdom and everything else that he didn’t ask for. You can read more about Solomons wealth in 2 Chronicles chapter 9.

““Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.” – Matthew 25:14-18 NIV

God expects us to use what we have and multiply it to do more. This parable speaks about bags of gold that were given to three servants. Tow of them were wise stewards over what their master gave them and one was not. God also expects us to use what he has give us to bring increase. If you have materials possessions, use it to give God Glory or to point people back to Him. This is one way that we can be a good steward over what God gave us.

A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. – Proverbs 13:22 NKJV

God expects us to leave back an inheritance to our children’s children. For us to leave this inheritance, we need to be wise in our dealings so that it can be passed down without it being lost or stolen by others. We will not be able to take anything to heaven with us. So we should work to leave back as much as we can to our families so that they can continue the work and give God glory with what he has started in our life.

Put On The Full Armor Of Christ And FIGHT the Good Fight Of Faith! Be Blessed!!

Your Gift Will Make Room For You

Chris — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 09:00:35 +0000

Your Gift Will Make Room For You - Daily Devotional

Today I’m going to talk about our gift making room for us.

I’ve been doing some thinking about Proverbs 18:16. It says that our gift will make room for us and bring us in the presence of great people. But what does it say about the gift? Does it mean a talent or ability that you are born with will make room for you? Or does it mean that if you bring a gift to someone that it will make room for you.

While I was meditating on this I found biblical examples of both as well as current world examples of both. I’m going to share the results of both hoping that you will learn and be encouraged.

To Listen To The Podcast Click Below & Use This Podcast as Your Daily Devotion

Put On The Full Armor Of Christ And FIGHT The Good Fight Of Faith!
Be Blessed!!

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

Chris — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 20:00:39 +0000

Worship Songs From The Bible - Daily Devotional

There are a lot of things that we do only because the rest of the world is doing it. We need to give through to some things and search the bible so that we know what is acceptable by Gods standards. Halloween is one of those things which is the reason why I’m publishing this episode. The world sees it as harmless fun and some Christians follow along as well and participate in it. Kids dress up as ghost and go door to door for candy. But should Christians participate in it?

To Listen To The Podcast Click Below & Use This Podcast as Your Daily Devotion

Episode Notes & Bible Verses

Origins of Halloween?

From my research, the origin of Halloween goes back to ancient pagan festivals from 2000 years ago celebrated by Celtic people. The Celtics believe that the dead could walk with the living on this day and you would be able to visit them during Halloween. The Celtics did not want to spirits that were wondering to bother them so they wore costumes that make them appear like ghost. Other people offered the spirits sweet treats in order that the wondering spirits would leave them alone. Over the years the costumes evolved to include vampires, werewolves, witches and zombies which can all be connected evil spirits. One of the most noticeable items related to Halloween are Jack-o-lanterns. During medieval times, people would go door to door asking for food in return for a prayer for the dead. They would carry with them turnip lanterns that were hallowed out. In those lanterns there was a candle which represented a soul trapped in purgatory. The lanterns were also used to ward off evil spirits. Over time they started using pumpkins instead of turnips because they were easier to hollow out and carve. Given these details on the origin, Lets see what the bible says about it.

What Does the Bible Say About These Things?

1. The Bible says that we should not consult ghost spirits or those who are dead.

There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass[a] through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are [b]an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you. (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)

2. As I mentioned in the origins above, I mentioned that they offered sweets to ghosts and demons in exchange for them not to bother them. But the verse below says that you can not have fellowship with demons and drink from the Lords cup at the same time.

Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. (1 Corinthians 10:20-21)

3.You cannot fellowship with darkness and light. God is calling his followers to leave the practices of the world and hold fast to the teaching of the Lord.

Therefore “Come out from among them. And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” 2 Corinthians 6:17

4. As this verse is about spiritual warfare it clearly highlights the battle that we should be in against the wickedness. We should not fellowship in any manner (seriously or in fun) with the darkness.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [c]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)

How Should We Respond

It is really difficult in this world when we know that everyone else is going in another direction and you know that God’s word says to go a different way. As Christians we have to be bold with our convictions and draw the line where we will not cross. I know of a lot of churches who open their doors on October 31st and have an Halloween alternative for the kids in the neighborhood. Some churches call it Hallelujah Night. The church have fun activities, games and candy for the kids in the neighborhood. By doing this we can encourage the kids to have fun and dress up in costumes that are not demonic or scary, still get candy and have fun all a safe place, the church. My opinion is to allow the kids to still dress up in costumes like a fireman, princess or other non demonic costumes. And this evening is not about scaring people and fear because There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).

To download the notes and prayer plan for this episode CLICK HERE.

Put On The Full Armor Of Christ And FIGHT the Good Fight Of Faith! Be Blessed!!

What is Gods Will? – Daily Devotional

Chris — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 08:00:36 +0000

What is God's Will - Daily Devotional

I often hear people ask what Gods will is for their life or what their purpose is. I think it’s easy to read the Bible and find out Gods will for you. He makes some things really clear for us in his word and I feel that once we do his written word, then he will direct us to his specific will for our lives.

To Listen To The Podcast Click Below & Use This Podcast as Your Daily Devotion

Episode Notes & Bible Verses

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. – 1 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭4

Here the word of God says that it’s God’s will that we pray and give thanks for all those who are in authority over us. This is challenging if those in government are who we didn’t vote for but we still need to pray for them. We can pray that they will listen to advisors that give advice that is aligned best with your Christian values. And in most countries, we have the ability to vote for a candidate to lead our country. But praying for our leaders is part of Gods will for us and it pleases God.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God always wants us to have the right attitude concerning our lives. Regardless of the circumstances, our hearts attitude should be “Thank you Lord”. We can have this attitude because we know that God can keep us from difficult situations and if we find ourselves in a difficult situation we can remain confident that God will cause it to work out for our benefit in the end. So we can rejoice and give thanks regardless of the situation.

It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; – 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭4‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God’s will for us is to avoid sexual immorality and be sanctified. Sanctification is a process every day and it os as simple and as challenging as making the correct decision to choose God’s will concerning it. Learn self control and allow the Fruits of the spirit to be developed in your life. This will help you live a sanctified life.

It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. – 1 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God has given all of us free will. We can choose to do whatever we want to do in this world. However, it’s Gods will that use our freedom to live as God intends for us to live. Which is searching his purposes and doing the things that he would want us to do.

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. – Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God works in us to make us the kind of people that would please him and he equips us to do the kind of work that would please him. This is part of his will for us so we can pray for this in our lives.

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God expects us to live a self controlled life. Not being controlled by sensual fleshly impulses but by the Spirit of God. When you are drunk you are not in control but your flesh will lead you to do whatever it wants. When you are filled with the Spirit of God, you will have a thankful, joyful attitude regardless of the situation you are in.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Gods will is for us to renew our minds by reading his word. The more we spend time reading out bibles, is the more that we will be transformed from our old nature into who God wants us to be. And by doing this, we will actually find out what his will for us is. So the more you read your Bible, the more you will be transformed, and the more likely that you will find his will for your life.

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. – Micah‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It’s Gods will for us to be fair and just with the people we deal with. We also need to love mercy. Both receiving it from God and others. And showing it to others. And God wants us for us to be humble acknowledging that all that we have and all that we are comes from him.

To download the notes and prayer plan for this episode CLICK HERE.

Put On The Full Armor Of Christ And FIGHT the Good Fight Of Faith! Be Blessed!!

Shortness of Life

Chris — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 08:00:36 +0000

Shortness of Life - Daily Devotional

As you live you will noticed that the days and weeks don’t feel as long as they did when we were younger. It’s the same amount of time passing but it feels shorter. The truth is we are closer to death now than we were yesterday. Death is unavoidable and we all have to go through it. The main question to ask yourself is will you be ready. We should live knowing that eternity could only be a moment away and that life is short. Todays episode will help us to have the right perspective on life while we are alive.

To Listen To The Podcast Click Below & Use This Podcast as Your Daily Devotion

Episode Notes & Bible Verses

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” – James‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬-‭15

People sometimes have the habit of putting things off for another day but we are too presumptuous to think that we will have another day tomorrow. Don’t put off what you can do today for tomorrow because tomorrow is not promised to anyone. We should plan for tomorrow but know that we will see it if it’s God’s will. We don’t know when our time on earth will be complete. Plan our lives like we will live forever but also don’t put things off when we have today to do them.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, – Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

There was a time for us to be born and there will be a time for us to do everything that we are to do in this world before there is a time for us to die. Death is unavoidable and I pray that we will see the fullness of our days before God calls us to heaven.

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. – 2 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Something that people put off is committing their lives to Jesus. We think that we have all the time in the world to do everything that we want to do but then we wake up one morning and we are old and time has passed us by. Don’t wait for your time to be pass before you decide to walk with him. You might not have the opportunity to make the decision.

Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them” – Ecclesiastes 12:1

The best time for you to dedicate your life to Jesus is when you are young. You have your whole life ahead of you and you can make the key decisions in your life with the power of the Holy Spirit’s guidance. You also want to be in relationship with the Holy Spirit to help you to get through tough and challenging situations that you may face as you get older and have greater responsibilities.

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. – Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭36‬-‭42‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It is good that we don’t know exactly when Jesus will return. If we did, more than likely we would be lazy or put things off until he arrives. We might keep sinning until the day before. And Put off doing what is right until we have to do what he called us to do. Since we don’t know when he is coming back we then have to make it a priority to get ready and stay ready for Him to come back. We don’t know our last day on earth so we live each day like we will see Jesus at any moment. We need to get our lives in the right relationship with him and not put off anything that we need to do for His glory.

Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. – Hebrews‬ ‭9‬:‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

All people die physically, but Christ died so that we would not have to die spiritually. We can have wonderful confidence in his saving work for us, that He has paid the price for our sins since we are found in him. If a person dies outside of Christ that will be judged for their sins with their life is over. Don’t be fooled into thinking that you will go to heaven if you don’t accept Jesus sacrifice to pay for your sins.

“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ “ ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. – Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭1‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus told this parable to clarify what it means to be ready for his return and how we are to live until he arrives. In the story of the 10 virgins the lesson to learn is that we are all responsible for our own spiritual condition. The prayers of our mother, father, or friend will not be a substitute for you dedicating your life to Christ and following him daily.

To download the notes and prayer plan for this episode CLICK HERE.

Put On The Full Armor Of Christ And FIGHT the Good Fight Of Faith! Be Blessed!!

Heavenly Credit Score – Daily Devotional

Chris — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 08:00:45 +0000

Heavenly Credit Score - Daily Devotional

I was recently thinking about the requirement that we need to meet when we need to borrow money to make a big purchase like a house. One of the factors that mortgage lenders look at is your credit score. If it’s high then you have a good chance to be approved for a loan. If it’s low then you will probably be declined. I started to wonder, what are some examples in the Bible that we can apply to give us a good “credit score” from heaven.

To Listen To The Podcast Click Below & Use This Podcast as Your Daily Devotion

Episode Notes & Bible Verses

And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. – Genesis‬ ‭15‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Abraham wasn’t completely demonstrating faith with his actions but it was his belief in the Lord that made him right with God. We can have a right relationship with God by trusting him when he speaks to us. A right relationship with God is based on faith.

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. – Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Faith is the heartfelt inner confidence that God is who he says he is and does what he says he will do. When we operate with this level of faith it’s like we have a lot of currency to withdraw Gods heavenly provisions.

And the man said to me, “Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you.” When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling. – Daniel‬ ‭10‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Daniel always choose to do things to honour God first. From declining to eat the royal food, to not bowing to the image of the king. Daniel displayed excellence that reflected the Glory of God. Not only that, he studied the scriptures and sought after God diligently. He knew that the time has come for Gods people to be delivered out of Babylon. This caused him to be highly esteemed or held in great respect in heaven. When we study the life of Daniel, we too can have this distinction in Heaven and cause our prayers to be answered.

When Enoch was 65 years old, he became the father of Methuselah. After the birth of Methuselah, Enoch lived in close fellowship with God for another 300 years, and he had other sons and daughters. Enoch lived 365 years, walking in close fellowship with God. Then one day he disappeared, because God took him. – Genesis‬ ‭5‬:‭21‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The Bible doesn’t talk much about Enoch, but we know he lived a long time and walked in close fellowships with God. When he died God took him to heaven so he did not taste death. This version of the verse just said he disappeared. We should also strive to walk in a similar close fellowship with God every day of our lives that God would spare us from trouble that most people in this world have to face.

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ – Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭21‬-‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This verse serves as a warning to all of us. We don’t want to hear Jesus say “I never knew you”. But we want to know the will of God for our lives and do it. What we all hope to hear is “Well done good and faithful servant “ from Matthew 25.

When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel‬ ‭16‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God doesn’t look at the things that man looks at. He considers your heart attitude towards him. If you keep a good heart attitude towards God then, your decisions would be inline with his word and you would end up doing his will. Having the right heart attitude will cause you to stand out from others in the sight of God.

For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. – 2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

And this verse is for all of us. As believers we are found in Christ. He has paid the price for our sins through his sacrifice on the cross and this has allowed us to be in right standing with God. This is why when we pray we can approach God in Jesus name. It’s in his name that we have a good heavenly credit score. And we’re going to pray now in his name.

To download the notes and prayer plan for this episode CLICK HERE.

Put On The Full Armor Of Christ And FIGHT the Good Fight Of Faith! Be Blessed!!

Becoming Greater Through Challenges – Daily Devotional

Chris — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 08:00:24 +0000

Becoming Greater Through Challenges - Daily Devotional

We often run from challenges. Challenges push us out our comfort zone and forces us to do something that we don’t really want to do. It forces us out of our comfort zone and shows us how much power God really put in us. For this reason we shouldn’t run from challenges but we should embrace them as opportunities to grow stronger and closer to God. Today I’m going over a 5 people from the Bible who grew stronger through challenges.

To Listen To The Podcast Click Below & Use This Podcast as Your Daily Devotion

Episode Notes & Bible Verses

David

But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.” – I Samuel‬ ‭17‬:‭34‬-‭36‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

David was faithful to defend his sheep when a lion and bear came to try to kill it and using this challenge that David experience it provided him with the confidenced in God to go up again Goliath. David realized that the Lord was with him because of his covenant. We also need to remember that as we face challenges that we are in covenant with God as well. The victory is ours in Jesus name as it says in 1 Corinthians 15:57

Moses

And the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet. You shall speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall tell Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go out of his land. But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and bring my hosts, my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great acts of judgment. The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them.” – Exodus 7:1-5

Moses went before pharaoh 9 times to ask for the Israelites to be released. Every time Pharaoh said no except the last. This was a huge challenge for Moses because on top of being a Hebrew slave and asking for all his people to be released, Moses also had a speech impediment so speaking was not is strongest skill. This challenge prepared Moses to be the leader of Israelites as he lead them through the wilderness for 40 years before they went into the promise land. So you may have a weakness that is challenging to you but God wants to show himself strong through that “weakness” so He can get the glory.

Gideon

So Gideon took ten men from among his servants and did as the Lord had said to him. But because he feared his father’s household and the men of the city too much to do it by day, he did it by night. And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, there was the altar of Baal, torn down; and the wooden image that was beside it was cut down, and the second bull was being offered on the altar which had been built. – Judges‬ ‭6‬:‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

This was a huge challenge for Gideon. The lord had just spoken to him and told him that he was a mighty warrior. God instructed him to tear down the alters dedicated to baal. This was a challenge for him because his Father and those in his community built that alter. He had to go against those who were closest to him to obey Gods calling. This is relevant to us as well because when God calls us to do something, we may need to go against the people closest to us and be obedient to what God says. This challenge made Gideon stronger and we see in the next chapter that God was able to work through Gideon and only 300 men to defeat the Midianites.

The widows oil

Then he said, “Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors—empty vessels; do not gather just a few. And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels, and set aside the full ones.” So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured it out. Now it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another vessel.” So the oil ceased. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest.” – II Kings‬ ‭4‬:‭3‬-‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The challenge that this widow faced was that her children were about to be taken from her into slavery to pay off debts. Elisha gave her directions on what to do and she followed the instructions to gather jars from her neighbors and pour the oil in her house into them. She was able to sell the oil, pay off the debt and live off the rest. This one could be relatable to some of us today who are facing a financial challenge. This challenge that you are facing should cause you to look in your house. God will show you what you already have that can be a blessing to you. And just as this widow faced this challenge, she was able to live off the solution that God gave her.

3 Hebrew boys in the fire

Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” Then Nebuchadnezzar went near the mouth of the burning fiery furnace and spoke, saying, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here.” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego came from the midst of the fire. – Daniel‬ ‭3‬:‭24‬-‭26‬‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the province of Babylon. – Daniel‬ ‭3‬:‭30‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

These three Hebrew boys knew who God is and they didn’t bow to worship the image of the king. They faced a challenge that was the fiery furnace and the lord showed up in the fire with them. Once they overcame this challenge they were promoted in the province of Babylon. As we go through the day to day challenges at work or wherever, we need to remember not to bow to the Idols of this world. As we remain faithful to God through the fire, he show us up in the fire with us. Stay strong and stay faithful to God.

To download the notes and prayer plan for this episode CLICK HERE.

Put On The Full Armor Of Christ And FIGHT the Good Fight Of Faith! Be Blessed!!

Praying For Yourself – Daily Devotional

Chris — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 08:00:59 +0000

Praying For Yourself - Daily Devotional

One of the things that we need to remember is to pray for ourselves. Christian’s sometimes get caught up in ministry and helping out with the needs of others that we forget to mention our own needs to God. This episode will just go over a few ways that we can pray for ourselves.

To Listen To The Podcast Click Below & Use This Podcast as Your Daily Devotion

Episode Notes & Bible Verses

So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, – Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬-‭11

Most of us want to bear good fruit (like have a spiritually productive life). The problem is that many Christian’s say they know God, they are not really experiencing him. Don’t just visit God for 2 hours on Sunday. Talk to him regularly while you are going through every day. Your prayer for yourself is that you should know Gods will for yourself and be filled with spiritual understanding.

When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. – Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬-‭19

Pray for yourself that God will give you inner strength through the power of his Holy Spirit so that you can endure through challenging times. Also pray that Christ will make his home in your heart so that his character will be able to flow through you as you interact with other people and walk in the love of Christ.

I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. – Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬-‭10

Love must be more than sentimental emotion. It must confirm with the truth of the Word of God. So your prayer for yourself should be that you will be filled to overflowing with the love of God to pour put to others.

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. – James‬ ‭1‬:‭22‬‬

It does you no good if you just listen to the word and not put it into practice. You have to apply what you learn from the word of God. It may be challenging to apply a new behaviour or thought that we learn from Gods word but pray that the Holy Spirit will give you the strength to apply what the word of God says.

‬‬

But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. – 1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬‬

Everyday we need to remember that we are children of God and the Holy Spirit in us is greater that the spirit of the world. We pray that we can be victorious against any worldly assignment from the enemy because the Holy Spirit in us is greater.

The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” – Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭24‬‬‬

This verse reminds us that faith is a gift from God. No matter how much faith we have, we never reach the point of being self sufficient and growing in faith is a daily process of renewing our trust in Jesus.

The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. – Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭17‬‬‬

God doesn’t want us to try to please him with outside actions but it the inward attitude of the heart that pleases him. Pray for yourself that your heart attitude will be pleasing to him daily.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. – Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭22‬-‭24‬‬

At the root of Christian development lies your character. These verses in Galatian’s describe what you can focus on to develop your character so that you will mature and do what it is pleasing to God. Pray that the fruits of the spirit or character traits will increase in your life every day.

To download the notes and prayer plan for this episode CLICK HERE.

Put On The Full Armor Of Christ And FIGHT the Good Fight Of Faith! Be Blessed!!

Prosperity Principles – Daily Devotional

Chris — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 08:00:25 +0000

Prosperity Principles - Daily Devotional

I often think to myself “God if you give me $100m I’ll give most of it back to the church.” And it hasn’t happened yet. And on the other hand I see so many other people living a not so Christian life making millions on millions of dollars and I wonder what’s working for them that isn’t working for me. Today I decided to look into the Bible to find some encouragement principles that we can follow before we acquire wealth that he promised to us.

To Listen To The Podcast Click Below & Use This Podcast as Your Daily Devotion

Episode Notes & Bible Verses

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. – Psalms‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God is good and he is faithful. When we follow his word the promises that it says has to show up in our lives. When we avoid sinful people, not take their advice and instead meditate on the promises of the Word of God, then as we use godly wisdom we will have good success.

Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land. – Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭7‬-‭9‬

A lot of what we see may tempt us to be envious about what other people have or are doing with their lives. This is one of the big problems with social media. Everyone shares their wins but never the process they took to get their. Most of the time when we look closer we may find that people have done some shady or even illegal things to acquire the things they have. For this reason do not be envious of them and do not compare yourself to them. Run your own race according to what God has called your to do.

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. – Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬-‭8‬‬‬

God has called us to be strong and courageous in all that we do. As we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, we are to boldly obey regardless of how it looks in the natural. Most of the time it will look like there is no clear path to take. This is why it requires faith. But as we meditate on the Word of God faith is built and as we obey it, we will become successful.

Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. – James‬ ‭2‬:‭26

Whatever business idea or plan that you have, faith without works is dead. If you get a vision or idea for a great business you will have to work hard to see it manifest. I’m not talking about working 24/7 and allowing it to consume your life. But you will have to put in the effort.

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. – Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭9‬‬‬

God is so faithful. As we even plan our lives and business He will direct our paths so that we end up exactly where he wants us to be.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. – Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬‬

Remember that above all else we are to seek Gods kingdom first. God won’t give us a business idea that will cause us not to be able to go to attend church or consume our lives so much that we can’t devote time to reading and studying his word. We need to remember to be disciplined with our time so that we can make time to fellowship with him first.

“I will send my terror ahead of you and create panic among all the people whose lands you invade. I will make all your enemies turn and run. I will send terror ahead of you to drive out the Hivites, Canaanites, and Hittites. But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals would multiply and threaten you. I will drive them out a little at a time until your population has increased enough to take possession of the land. – Exodus‬ ‭23‬:‭27‬-‭30

Since we live in a microwave society we expect everything to manifest in our lives right away. I would say that God will allow you to wait until the right time before he releases you to that next level. And most of the time it is for your best. At every level there are new challenges that you need to be prepared to fight. And God won’t allow you to go into something that has the potential to harm you. He would rather allow you to mature little by little until you are fully able to possess what he has planned for you.

To download the notes and prayer plan for this episode CLICK HERE.

Put On The Full Armor Of Christ And FIGHT the Good Fight Of Faith! Be Blessed!!

Chris – Chris Creary

Giving

Giving - Daily Devotional

With Christmas just around the corner, we usually start to get excited about gifts that we are going to get (especially kids). But we need to put an emphasis on giving as well. God has blessed all of us and we have an opportunity to be a blessing to others when we give to others.

To Listen To The Podcast Click Below & Use This Podcast as Your Daily Devotion

Episode Notes & Bible Verses

Put On The Full Armor Of Christ And FIGHT the Good Fight Of Faith! Be Blessed!!

Occupy Until He Comes

Occupy Until He Comes - Daily Devotional

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Episode Notes & Bible Verses

Put On The Full Armor Of Christ And FIGHT the Good Fight Of Faith! Be Blessed!!

Your Gift Will Make Room For You

Your Gift Will Make Room For You - Daily Devotional

Today I’m going to talk about our gift making room for us.

While I was meditating on this I found biblical examples of both as well as current world examples of both. I’m going to share the results of both hoping that you will learn and be encouraged.

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Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

Worship Songs From The Bible - Daily Devotional

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Episode Notes & Bible Verses

Origins of Halloween?

What Does the Bible Say About These Things?

How Should We Respond

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Put On The Full Armor Of Christ And FIGHT the Good Fight Of Faith! Be Blessed!!

What is Gods Will? – Daily Devotional

What is God's Will - Daily Devotional

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Episode Notes & Bible Verses

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Put On The Full Armor Of Christ And FIGHT the Good Fight Of Faith! Be Blessed!!

Shortness of Life

Shortness of Life - Daily Devotional

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Episode Notes & Bible Verses

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Put On The Full Armor Of Christ And FIGHT the Good Fight Of Faith! Be Blessed!!

Heavenly Credit Score – Daily Devotional

Heavenly Credit Score - Daily Devotional

To Listen To The Podcast Click Below & Use This Podcast as Your Daily Devotion

Episode Notes & Bible Verses

To download the notes and prayer plan for this episode CLICK HERE.

Put On The Full Armor Of Christ And FIGHT the Good Fight Of Faith! Be Blessed!!

Becoming Greater Through Challenges – Daily Devotional

Becoming Greater Through Challenges - Daily Devotional

To Listen To The Podcast Click Below & Use This Podcast as Your Daily Devotion

Episode Notes & Bible Verses

David

Moses

Gideon

The widows oil

3 Hebrew boys in the fire

To download the notes and prayer plan for this episode CLICK HERE.

Put On The Full Armor Of Christ And FIGHT the Good Fight Of Faith! Be Blessed!!

Praying For Yourself – Daily Devotional

Praying For Yourself - Daily Devotional

One of the things that we need to remember is to pray for ourselves. Christian’s sometimes get caught up in ministry and helping out with the needs of others that we forget to mention our own needs to God. This episode will just go over a few ways that we can pray for ourselves.

To Listen To The Podcast Click Below & Use This Podcast as Your Daily Devotion

Episode Notes & Bible Verses

To download the notes and prayer plan for this episode CLICK HERE.

Put On The Full Armor Of Christ And FIGHT the Good Fight Of Faith! Be Blessed!!

Prosperity Principles – Daily Devotional

Prosperity Principles - Daily Devotional

To Listen To The Podcast Click Below & Use This Podcast as Your Daily Devotion

Episode Notes & Bible Verses

To download the notes and prayer plan for this episode CLICK HERE.

Put On The Full Armor Of Christ And FIGHT the Good Fight Of Faith! Be Blessed!!

Put On The Full Armor Of Christ And FIGHT The Good Fight Of Faith!
Be Blessed!!