84 Psalm 90:3,4 Millennial Sabbath Theory recovery devotional

JMD Devotional 84 Psalm 90:3,4 Millennial Sabbath Theory

You turn man back to dust and corruption, and say, Return, O sons of the earthborn [to the earth]!
For a thousand years in Your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.

2 Peter 3:8 Nevertheless, do not let this one fact escape you, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day.

It is not much to go on, just these two verses in scripture; but from these originate the Millennial Sabbath Theory. First century Apostolic Fathers Barnabas, Justin, Irenaeus and Hippolytus all interpreted these passages to indicate that God's overall plan for mankind was consummated in one divine week. Seven days, each a thousand years, concluding with a Millennial Sabbath. That would give us two thousand years before the Law (Age of Innocence) (Abraham being the herald via covenant), two thousand years under the Law ending with the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and two thousand years under the Age of Grace (Saved by Faith) which is coming to a close. Then comes the thousand year rest described in Revelation. I have always felt like I was born just before the curtains closed on life as we know it. One shouldn't be dogmatic on something so lightly supported, it is just a theory, but for me it helps make sense of many other passages.

Dear God,
I don't know when You will return for your people, it may or may not be in my lifetime, but it will come. I am filled with anxious hope and dread; I want righteousness to reign on the Earth, but I dread not having accomplished everything Jesus wants me to do. I know I need to warn people of coming judgment. Help me to be faithful; and may eternal hope keep me pure and committed, for your kingdom and glory. Please hasten the Day.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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83 Psalm 90:1,2 Everlasting recovery devotional

JMD Devotional 83 Psalm 90:1,2 Everlasting

LORD, YOU have been our dwelling place and our refuge
in all generations [says Moses].
Before the mountains were brought forth or ever You
had formed and given birth to the earth and the world,
even from everlasting to everlasting You are God.

Even in the drug-crazed 1960s John Lennon got it right
at least once, when his astonishing quotation hit the
press, "God is the reason we exist." I was a young
child then, and throughout my development I was
grasping for a sense of being and purpose, constantly
re-inventing myself, trying on the clothes of
different identities to see what fit. Little-by-little
my striving gives way to the eternal and unchanging
God, the Rock of my salvation. When He defines us,
there is unimaginable peace. How I wish I was already
there!

You are God, and there is no other! Your nature, plan
and purpose can be carved in stone because it will
never change; it was perfect from the beginning of
time. Draw me into yourself, and reveal to me how
these eternal things relate to me. Life feels
desperately short and too full of regrets. If I am to
only get one thing right, may it be my relationship
with You.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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82 Isaiah 64:1,2 Secular Mockery recovery devotional

JMD Devotional 82 Isaiah 64:1,2 Secular Mockery

OH, THAT You would rend the heavens and that You would come down, that the mountains might quake and flow down at Your presence--As when fire kindles the brushwood and the fire causes the waters to boil--to make Your name known to Your adversaries, that the nations may tremble at Your presence!

Christmas and Easter seem to be the two times each year that secular 'scholars' come out with some half-baked research questioning the deity of Christ and His virtue. The popular book, "The Da Vinci Code" is a perfect example of thinly-veiled hatred of Christianity. Hollywood celebrities eat this up; it is just the diet their depravity craves. When the world mocks sacred truth, it's natural for Christian people to want God to rip the heavens open and shake some sense into this retched planet; but His ways are mysterious. For the present, He chooses you and I to testify of His reality through our changed lives. When God does rend the heavens, it will be too late for the lost.

Dear God,
The world mocks those who trust in You. We are accused of being naive, simple-minded relics of a pre-scientific age. Those accusations make me angry, because I know that Biblical truth fostered the development of science and every credible intellectual discipline. Entertainment hosts and Hollywood 'Stars' can casually mishandle sacred truth because it is nothing but an abstract idea to them; but to me it is personal, because I know You. Help me to boast in that, as a witness to this corrupt society. Help me to live as a saint, so they can't use my failings to bring You down to their level. Please help me to know how to be a witness in this present culture.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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81 Luke 1:37 Ungodly Pessimism recovery devotional

JMD Devotional 81 Luke 1:37 Ungodly Pessimism

For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.

Once, when I went through several months of deep depression, God used a book by Robert Schuller titled, “The Be-Happy Attitudes”, (a play on the beatitudes) to bring me out of it. In the book, Schuller asserted that pessimism was ungodly because it preempted God’s ability to come through in a situation (our lack of faith limiting His work.) With God all things are possible, and our faith should be an expression of hope.

Dear God,
The fact that You Are changes everything! It is is not all up to me, I am not alone, there is no God-forsaken place or situation. Please show yourself strong on behalf of those who trust in You.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
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Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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80 Psalm 86:11,16,17 Unite My Heart recovery devotional

JMD Devotional 80 Psalm 86:11,16,17 Unite My Heart

Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk and live in Your truth; direct and unite my heart [solely, reverently] to fear and honor Your name. O turn to me and have mercy and be gracious to me; grant strength (might and inflexibility to temptation) to Your servant and save the son of Your handmaiden. Show me a sign of [Your evident] goodwill and favor, that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame, because You, Lord, [will show Your approval of me when You] help and comfort me.

Part of my recovery is confessing and owning unpleasant truths; that I have deceived myself and others, that my loyalties are divided between good and evil, that I am morally weak and unreliable. The other side of this long, dark tunnel of acknowledging one’s own total depravity is the recognition that but for the grace of God all people share this estate. BUT GOD never intended mankind to live independently of God Himself; it is by His Spirit and Power and Presence in our life that we can be lifted out of the mire and stand before His holiness.

Oh God, what a ‘tin man’ I am without You! Foolish, confused and so self-destructive. Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk and live in Your truth; direct and unite my heart [solely, reverently] to fear and honor Your name. O turn to me and have mercy and be gracious to me; grant strength (might and inflexibility to temptation) to Your servant and save the son of Your handmaiden. Show me a sign of [Your evident] goodwill and favor, that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame, because You, Lord, [will show Your approval of me when You] help and comfort me.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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79 Isaiah 62:6,7 Prayer and Promises recovery devotional

JMD Devotional 79 Isaiah 62:6,7 Prayer and Promises

I have set watchmen upon your walls, O Jerusalem, who will never hold their peace day or night; you who [are His servants and by your prayers] put the Lord in remembrance [of His promises], keep not silence, and give Him no rest until He establishes Jerusalem and makes her a praise in the earth.

Earthly parents tend to get irritated when their children remind them of promises they have made. This is due to our limited resources and conflicting commitments and outright short-sightedness. But our Heavenly Father has none of these limitations or hang-ups! He delights in His children ‘reminding’ Him of a promise He has made. He made the promise to bless them; but He desires acknowledgement that we recognize our benefactor. Are we allowed to ‘exploit’ these promises? How do you interpret, “And give Him no rest” until He establishes Heaven on earth?

Dear God,
I’m so sorry that I keep projecting distortions of fatherhood upon You that keep me distant and unreceptive of your grace. Sometimes it is so hard to believe I’m totally accepted, completely loved, your special treasure. I’m still hauling around a lot of painful baggage from feeling unloved, rejected and worthless for so long. Please break through all of this and help me to truly believe the heart of the Gospel; that You welcome this sinner into your embrace. Help me to believe that prayer changes things, that You long to bless even me.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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78 Isaiah 62:1 Consuming Vision recovery devotional

JMD Devotional 78 Isaiah 62:1 Consuming Vision

FOR ZION'S sake will I [Isaiah] not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest until her imputed righteousness and vindication go forth as brightness, and her salvation radiates as does a burning torch.

Isaiah had a consuming vision that kept him on task for God's kingdom. A proper vision is not compromised by circumstances; it is allowed to be placed 'impossibly' high, to reside as an ideal to be strived for. Goals, on the other hand, need to be packaged in reality, (to be realistic and attainable.) But vision can soar to the highest heaven as a beacon for aspiration and inspiration.

Dear God,
Please plant a special and unique vision into my soul that summarizes your will for my life. May it serve as a standard (flag), the focus of my passionate service, a worthy goal to strive for on behalf of your kingdom and glory.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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77 Isaiah 61:11 Dynamic Word recovery devotional

JMD Devotional 77 Isaiah 61:11 Dynamic Word

For as [surely as] the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring forth, so [surely] the Lord God will cause rightness and justice and praise to spring forth before all the nations [through the self-fulfilling power of His word].

God's word is like no other. It has power. It convinces the skeptic, it convicts the heart. The latent power in God's word is not like a magical incantation or spell; for it is not in the syllables themselves but the power originates from the one who authored them, even God.

Dear God,
You have spoken of blessing, joy and hope. How I need these words animated in my life today! Please transform my perspective. Manifest your power.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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76 Nehemiah Summary recovery devotional

JMD Devotional 76 Nehemiah Summary

Some believers wonder if Christians should be in
politics. The story of Nehemiah testifies to how much
good one dedicated person can do who is fully
committed to God's Kingdom. He used his humble
position as 'the King's Cup Bearer' for all it was
worth. He provided strong, consistent leadership to
the Jews returning from exile to rebuild Jerusalem's
walls in the face of hostile neighbors. Without
someone making the personal sacrifices and serving
like Nehemiah, God's people would have been scattered
to the four winds centuries before the advent of Jesus
Christ. God is always looking for someone to take a
stand; will we be His representatives in our time and
culture?

Dear God,
May your people stand up and be counted. Place us in
positions where we can make a difference in this world
for your kingdom and glory. Give us the integrity,
courage and wisdom to be a positive influence.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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75 Isaiah 59:1,2 My Lot recovery devotional

JMD Devotional 75 Isaiah 59:1,2 My Lot

BEHOLD, THE Lord's hand is not shortened at all, that it cannot save, nor His ear dull with deafness, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.

Sins multiply and divide. We choose to go our own way; and then accuse God of being distant and aloof, a 'bad dad.' We disobey Biblical counsel and suffer for it; and question God's compassion. We run after material and social 'gods', and when they fail to deliver we act as if the true God has let us down. Pride blinds us to our own folly. Humility asks, "What have I done to contribute to my suffering?"

Dear God,
You have seen and heard it all from foolish people. Forgive me for questioning your goodness and righteousness when things are difficult. I know that all my misery is not necessarily a result of my own sins; but I acknowledge that many have resulted from my poor choices, my blatant rebellion, and from my neglect. You owe me NOTHING. The future scares me; but I will hope in You, your reputation of kindness, generosity and compassion is well established. Help me to find contentment in whatever lot in life suits You.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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74 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 Divine Strength recovery devotional

JMD Devotional 74 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 Divine Strength

I have to thank a classmate, Marcus, who helped inspire this devotional through a lively debate last night. The topic of conversation was the physical condition of the Pope; people were wondering aloud how a man who could barely hold up his head could lead the Church. While I am not a Roman Catholic, many of my friends are and I respect their traditions. These thoughts came to light:
“God’s strength is made perfect in human weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), and a Christian should have no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3)” . When we are in our prime physically and mentally, we are apt to rely on our own resources. Man’s vain intellectualism is responsible for much of the world’s evil. But when we are humbled by our own deficits, it is then that we are most receptive to receiving help and guidance, especially that of the Lord. So, perhaps it is now, in his current frail condition that he may in fact do his best work. The truth applies to all of us.

Below is the Amplified rendering of this familiar passage: (Paul’s begging God to remove the thorn in his flesh, the cause of his weakness)

Three times I called upon the Lord and besought [Him] about this and begged that it might depart from me; But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength).
Dear God,
Thank you for discrediting and breaking down every idol, the most dangerous one being myself. The failure of my own mind and will and ways forced me to look to You for help. May your Holy Spirit be the source of my understanding and strength for your glory and kingdom’s sake.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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73 Isaiah 57:20,21 Depth recovery devotional

JMD Devotional 73 Isaiah 57:20,21 Depth

But the wicked are like the troubled sea, for it cannot rest, and its waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked.

Stability requires depth. A shallow faith and commitment is bound to expose itself in an individual by their resistance to authority, divided loyalties, selfish striving, arrogant speech and divisive influence. The currents that govern their decisions are rushing in many random directions obscuring their focus.

In the Book of Jude, similar language is used concerning wicked influences in the Church:

Wild waves of the sea, flinging up the foam of their own shame and disgrace; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of eternal darkness has been reserved forever.

Dear God,
Draw me deeply into yourself; please still the waters of my life. Be my primary current. Help me to feel your heart beat; and may that set the direction, pulse and tempo of my soul. Captivate my mind with the weightier matters of life; may my focus be anchored in You.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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72 Isaiah 57"14,15 Clearing the Way recovery devotional

JMD Devotional 72 Isaiah 57:14,15 Clearing the Way

And the word of One shall go forth, Cast up, cast up, prepare the way! Take up the stumbling block out of the way [of the spiritual return] of My people. For thus says the high and lofty One--He Who inhabits eternity, Whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, but with him also who is of a thoroughly penitent and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the thoroughly penitent [bruised with sorrow for sin].

Religion is man's attempts to reach and appease God by our own means; Christianity is God coming into our world and providing salvation and doing for us what we were totally incapable of accomplishing. The contrast is clear: the pride of man's invention Vs the humility of accepting charity. Pride is our biggest stumbling block.

Dear God,
You are so high above me; perfect in righteousness, terrifying in power, missing nothing in your judgment, exercising absolute thoroughness about every detail. By contrast, I am poor and retched, wearing filthy rags of contrived 'righteousness', inadequate, needy, a worm. I am not sincere and consistent; I am a reluctant 'saint' who constantly kicks against the ox goads. Sometimes my heart is filled with the bile of bitter hatred and envy against my neighbor. I am weak and full of wayward impulses. I am a liar, a back-biter, a fraud. In spite of my shortcomings I persist as a proud and arrogant individual; resistant to instruction and correction. I am altogether unlovable by any human standard were I completely known. Yet You are the only one who knows my heart completely, and while I was drowning in my own sin and rebellion You chose to love me, rescue me and restore me. You paid a billion times what i was worth; I can't fathom it; but thank You, thank You, thank You! Please make me into someone worthy of your sacrifice!
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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71 Isaiah 57:16 Bigger Purpose recovery devotional

JMD Devotional 71 Isaiah 57:16 Bigger Purpose

For I will not contend forever, neither will I be angry always, for [if I did stay angry] the spirit [of man] would faint and be consumed before Me, and [My purpose in] creating the souls of men would be frustrated.

God permits an evil world to continue so that His redemption may play out and be displayed in high contrast.

Dear God,
By You and for You and for your pleasure were all things created and continue to exist. May my life please You more, may your desire be satisfied as my life displays your holy influence.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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70 Ecclesiastes 1 Nature Vs Spiritual Perspective recovery devotional

JMD Devotional 70 Ecclesiastes 1 Summary Natural Vs Spiritual Perspective

From a purely NATURAL perspective, life is a pointless episode within vast, repetitious cycles. More and more real estate becomes graveyards, one day the living will know as little about us as we do of our distant ancestors. The toil of our lives seems to be pointless in the long run, consuming our vitality in mundane toil. If only a 'natural' universe existed, life would be depressing. Only by God do real answers, meaning and purpose originate, such things are SPIRITUAL and eternally real.

Dear God,
Thank You for planting a hunger for meaning in my heart and the drive to search out my life's purpose. You have wired me to expect more out of life than this world alone can satisfy---You have placed eternity in my heart. Help me to pursue You to the utmost; and reveal yourself to me a little every day. May no one who presents their deepest longings to You be disappointed or remain unfulfilled.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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69 Nehemian 8:8,9 Something to Weep About recovery devotional

JMD Devotional 69 Nehemiah 8:8,9 Something to Weep About

So they read from the Book of the Law of God distinctly, faithfully amplifying and giving the sense
so that [the people] understood the reading. And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all of them, This day is holy to the Lord your God; mourn not nor weep. For all the people wept when they heard the words of the Law.

Hebrews 4:12 describes the power of God's Word to convict and analyze our motives. The Word acts as a mirror for our soul, and what is revealed is not pleasant. In Nehemiah's time, he spoke to exiles and it was painfully clear that their exile was a direct consequence of their forefathers' disobedience. They saw what sin had cost them. If we continue on our current path of compromise and accommodation with a godless and unholy culture, will our children suffer
like Israel?

Dear God,
Help us to see sin through your eyes, to hate every evil way. Make the consequences clear so we might regain a zeal for righteousness.
Amen


All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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68 Isaiah 55:6,7 Don't Stop at Love

JMD Devotional 68 Isaiah 55:6,7 Don't Stop at Love

Seek, inquire for, and require the Lord while He may
be found [claiming Him by necessity and by right];
call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake
his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let
him return to the Lord, and He will have love, pity,
and mercy for him, and to our God, for He will
multiply to him His abundant pardon.

About 500 years in the future, the 'Rich Young Ruler'
would seek the key to eternal life from Jesus. He
naively thought he was keeping the Law of Moses, and
Jesus loved him for his earnest yearning to be right
with God. But when his sin was pointed out (his loving
his material things more than God), the man turned
away sad because of the hold those things had over
him. He couldn't let go, he wouldn't repent, he was
not about to change his way of life; so Jesus could
not have pity on him and impart mercy. The process was
incomplete. Don't stop at love, love can be one-sided
and unreciprocated. Love is NOT all you need!

Dear God,
May nothing block your abundant pardon and my
salvation. May there be no disconnects between your
love, pity and mercy for me; may your redemption of my
life be made complete. Help me to respond properly to
your grace. Please give me the power and the will to
respond whole-heartedly to your Holy influence that
this life might please You.
Amen


All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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67 Isaiah 51:2 Real Food

JMD Devotional 67 Isaiah 51:2 Real Food

Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your earnings for what does not satisfy? Hearken diligently to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness [the profuseness of spiritual joy].

Man's world hawks a lot of carnival 'food' that appeals to the senses; but God wants to go beyond immediate gratification to a comprehensive wholeness and well-being. Children don't understand why they can't live on a diet of cotton-candy; they resent having sugar withheld; it often takes coercion to feed them vegetables. But as they mature and respect their parent's rules they can have considerable latitude within the established boundaries, and enjoy healthy foods. Obedience precedes understanding, and freedom follows self-restraint.

Dear God,
I am so glad you didn't leave me to just my own impulses. Thank you for being parental, for your guidance, for your rules for living, for providing healthy alternatives to the fare of this world. May your standards be my standards.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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66 Isaiah 55:1 Proud and Empty

JMD Devotional 66 Isaiah 55:1 Proud and Empty

WAIT and listen, everyone who is thirsty! Come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Yes, come, buy [priceless, spiritual] wine and milk without money and without price [simply for the self-surrender that accepts the blessing].

The barrier that keep a person from salvation may take the form of self-reliance or vain intellectualism; but fundamentally it is that they are too proud to admit they are not self-sufficient, that they can't make their own way, that they need help from God and man. What a sad epitaph for humanity.

Dear God,
How desperately I need You! Again and again I've proven insufficient in character, morality, purity and faithfulness, to my own shame. You are the only GOOD in me; You are all I have to offer anyone. Thank You for generously pouring yourself into my life.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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65 2 Thessalonians 3:16 His Peace

JMD Devotional 65 2 Thessalonians 3:16 His peace

Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace (the peace of His kingdom) at all times and in all ways [under all circumstances and conditions, whatever comes]. The Lord [be] with you all.

Auto sales ads have trained us to read the find print, to look for the exclusions, to find the catch. Looking into God's fine print reveals Him doing and promising more than we had hoped.

Dear God,
Blessed by the Name of the Lord! May we, your people, share in that blessedness under your Lordship. Please grant us your comprehensive peace; may it saturate our lives, that the world might see what they are missing.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

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64 Isaiah 52:6 Wild Card

JMD Devotional 64 Isaiah 52:6 Wild Card

Therefore My people shall know what My name is and what it means; therefore they shall know in that day that I am He who speaks; behold, I AM!

Without divine revelation we could not know very much about God. Once God pulls back the veil of ignorance, everything can be seen in a new context. All material things, even empty voids, take on a significance relative to the proclamation "I AM."

If I were treading water in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, at night, my prospects would look grim. But bring God into the picture, and there is hope unbridled by natural laws.

Dear God,
YOU ARE, YOU ARE, YOU ARE! Thank You for revealing this great secret to me. People need to know that there is more to life than this material world; help your people to witness to your personal reality.
Amen

All (but*) quotes are from The Amplified Bible, published by
the Lockman Foundation. (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
*New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
**Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. (Eugene Peterson's easy-to-read, contemporary Scripture translation)

If you know of someone who would like to subscribe to
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http://recoverydevotional.blogspot.com/