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The Journey with Ron Moore

Learning to Pray

September 25, 2021

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Devotion Text

Matthew 6:11

Give us this day our daily bread.

Today’s passage is a personal request. It is an appeal for a particular day’s portion of food. There are three words that help me understand this petition.

Necessity. When Jesus instructs me to pray for bread, he is using a part of what I need—bread—to represent all that I need. Here is a request for the necessities of the day. I don’t even know exactly what I will need for the day. So, this prayer is asking God to give me all I need to do what he is calling me to do today—not for tomorrow or next week, but for today.

Dependence. As I come to ask God for the necessities of my day, I am reminded of my total dependence on him for everything—food, shelter, relationships, the air that I breathe. Praying for my daily bread reminds me that I am reliant on God for everything—from the biggest to smallest issues of my life.

Continual. Children grow into independence from their parents. But that’s not how it works with the heavenly Father. This prayer of dependence never ends. Spiritual growth produces more dependence. Tomorrow I’ll return to request the necessities for another day.

Let our prayer be patterned after Agur’s request in Proverbs 30:8-9:

Father, “remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

 

This Week on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Searching for Jesus

Learning to Pray

September 24, 2021

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Devotion Text

Matthew 6:10b

…Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Let’s pray with Jesus for God’s will to be done in our lives.

You are God and I am not. Your will be done.

You know the beginning from the end. Your will be done.

I can rationalize just about anything. Your will be done.

I have great dreams. Your will be done.

I have great dreams for my children. Your will be done.

I do not like my current assignment from you. Your will be done.

I am unhappy with the direction of my life. Your will be done.

 

I am confused. Your will be done.

I am disappointed. Your will be done.

I am discouraged. Your will be done.

I am exhausted. Your will be done.

I dread tomorrow. Your will be done.

I fear the outcome. Your will be done.

I wonder if the treatment will work. Your will be done.

 

I need you. Your will be done.

I trust you. Your will be done.

I will worship you. Your will be done.

I will obey you. Your will be done.

I will follow you. Your will be done.

I will honor you. Your will be done.

I love you. Your will be done.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Living As A Leader

Learning to Pray

September 23, 2021

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Devotion Text

Matthew 6:10a

…Your kingdom come….

I know that I am a child of God because of Jesus and I know that I can call God my Father. Through Christ, God has established his spiritual kingdom in my heart—I am a new creation! And God has prepared an eternal kingdom, called heaven, where I will live with him forever.

I also know that I am not in heaven yet. I live in this world influenced by Satan. I live in a body that is still under the curse of sin. My sinful nature, while redeemed, has not been removed. I am a child of God and an inhabitant of the world. I am caught in between my eternal future and my temporal present. For the time being, I struggle with temptation. And…I give into sin more than I would like to admit.

Knowing my state and my struggle, Jesus teaches me to pray for God’s kingdom to come. As I live in this world and am God’s child, my prayer is that I look and act more like a child of the kingdom of God than a child of this earthly kingdom. One of these days this temporal kingdom will be replaced. But for now, I need to pray that God helps me live more like a citizen of heaven than a citizen of earth.

Father, that is my prayer. Help me live with the mindset of heaven. Help me shun the influences of this earth. May obedience be the consistent pattern of my thoughts, words, and actions. By your grace and strength, help me show others a glimpse of heaven. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Living Diligently

Learning to Pray

September 22, 2021

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Devotion Text

Matthew 6:9

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

Hallowed is an old English word used in the King James Version of the Bible and has been kept in most versions since. It means, “to treat as holy, revere, respect, and give high honor to.” It specifies that we should hold the name of God high.

In Scripture, a name is more than just what a person is called. It represents the essence of the person—their characteristics and attributes. So, we pray that God’s person—who he is and what he does—is revered and honored. This reverence, of course, must be demonstrated by the actions of our lives.

This part of the Lord’s Prayer is simply asking God to help us honor him through our day. We are praying that our words glorify God by building others up and speaking the truth in love. We are asking that our thoughts treat God as holy. We are asking that our actions show how much we love the One who sent his Son to die on the cross for our sins. In essence, we are asking God to help us follow the example of Jesus. John wrote, “Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him” (John 5:23b).

Father, help me honor you with my thoughts today. My mind is prone to wander. Keep it focused on you. Help me honor you with my emotions. Keep me from regrettable reactions. Help me honor you with my words. Remind me that reckless words pierce like a sword. Help me honor you with my actions. Remind me that others will see my love for you by what I do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Living Peaceably

Learning to Pray

September 21, 2021

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Devotion Text

Matthew 6:9a

Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven…

When Jesus taught us to pray, he could have used many titles for the holy God. He could have used names like Creator, Almighty, Most Glorious, or Most High. But when Jesus taught about a personal conversation with God, he instructed us to address God as Father. We have the privilege of knowing the God of eternity in an intimate, personal way.

Prior to the name Father is the personal pronoun “our.” We can personalize it even further with the word “my.” That pronoun tells me that I belong to God and he belongs to me. Through the work of Jesus on the cross, I have a personal relationship with the living God. He loves me so much that he sent his son to pay the penalty for my sins. What a privilege it is to call God “my Father”!

I remember speaking with a person once who had a very difficult time calling God her Father. Her earthly father brought much pain into her life. Maybe you feel the same way. Your earthly father is distant or absent. Maybe all you have ever known is conditional performance-based love. That’s one reason Jesus reminds us that our Father is in heaven. He will never leave us or forsake us. He will never disappoint us. His love is unconditional. He will never hurt us. He will never abuse us. God is my perfect Father in heaven.

Lord Jesus, thank you for teaching me how to pray. Thank you for allowing me to have a personal relationship with the God of creation—the one and only God that I can call, my Father. Thank you for making the way through the cross and resurrection. Thank you for never letting go of me. In your name, I pray. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Living Rightly

Learning to Pray

September 20, 2021

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Devotion Text
Matthew 6:5-6

And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

As a pastor, I am often asked to pray. I must admit that my heart is not always in the right spot. Sometimes my emotions are such that I don’t want to pray out loud. Sometimes I have prayed only because I feel that I am expected to. Sometimes, I admit, I have been more conscious about impressing people than communicating with God.

In Jesus’ day, there were those who used prayer as a platform. These people loved to pray in places where they could be heard and seen. Others “babbled” on and on. Jesus called these individuals “hypocrites,” a word that means, “play actor.” Words coming from their mouths originated in empty hearts.

Prayer is a genuine expression of my heart. Prayer is simply talking to God. Prayer is never meant to bring attention to me. Sometimes I need to escape to my room for a private conversation. Sometimes I am called on to lead others in prayer. But whenever and wherever I pray, it’s not about me; it’s about God. God is impressed by the sincere cries of my heart. I may be able to fool people; I can never fool God.

Talking to God

Father, please help me fully understand that prayer is simply talking to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Living Purely

Audience of One

September 19, 2021

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Devotion Text
 

Matthew 6:2-4

Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 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.

 

Who are you wanting to impress?

Who are you trying to please?

Who do you want to notice you?

Whose approval do you long for?

Admiration in the life of a Christ-follower does not come about with a personal parade. There is no need to announce your good works on social media. True heartfelt generosity is not looking for a plaque mounted on the side of a building. Giving should be done in a way that is not for show.

Christians live to impress God alone.

Believers desire to be noticed by only him.

Our goal is to please only him.

Our aim is to impress the One.

Talking to God

Father, it is so easy to desire the spotlight, to want to be noticed, and to gain approval. There is always in me the desire to please other people. Help me live my life with you as my only audience. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

This Week on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Proverbs

Love Your Enemies

September 18, 2021

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Devotion Text
 

Matthew 5:43-45

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Are there people you avoid? You see them walking down the hall and you walk the other way? When their name comes up, your emotions stir? When they prosper you are angry? When they fall you are delighted? How do you respond to your “enemies”?

Jesus said that anyone can love their friends and hate their enemies. Even the godless pagans do that much. But only those who know Jesus and are indwelt by the Holy Spirit can do the unnatural—love their enemies and pray for their persecutors.

How about you? Are you ready for a breakthrough? Are you ready to speak to the person whose past words sent you reeling? Are you ready to pray for the one whose actions hurt you? This is supernatural and can be accomplished only by the power of God! Are you ready to see him at work…through you?

Talking to God

Father, I don’t want to love my enemies. I don’t want to pray for my persecutors. Give me the supernatural power to do what my natural self doesn’t want to do. Allow me to see you at work in my life. Allow me to experience your amazing power and share your amazing grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

This Week on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Proverbs

God-Honoring Response

September 17, 2021

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Devotion Text
 

Matthew 5:38-39

You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Lex Talionis. The Law of Retaliation. An eye for an eye. A tooth for a tooth. You hurt me; I will hurt you back.

That was the culture of the world in which Jesus lived. The Law of Retaliation was given because revenge was rampant. The law was not given as a remedy but for restraint, not a cure but for control. Then Jesus came and wiped the law off the books.

Jesus was not instructing us to refuse to stand for our rights or become a human punching bag. The teaching is for believers to refrain from selfish retaliation and let God take care of the situation. Be willing to lay down your rights in order for others to see him work through you. Don’t respond in a way that makes you look smaller than the one who started the exchange. God has your back. Let him cover for you.

Talking Points

  • Is there a person you would like to get back at for doing something to you?
  • Give that person to God. Praise him for the release from retaliation.

Father, in my flesh I want to strike back. Help me respond as Jesus would. Help me demonstrate your power at work in my heart. Help me honor you in all my actions. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Living Honestly

A Simple “Yes” or “No”

September 16, 2021

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Devotion Text
 

Matthew 5:33-37

Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.

Jesus’ instruction in today’s passage focuses on vows and oaths. A vow is a promise that takes place between man and God or between two individuals. An oath is a declaration that adds collateral for weightiness. In an oath, I swear by something or someone greater than myself. When a person takes an oath in court, they swear to “tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth—so help me God” (by someone greater than them).

It was the habit of religious leaders in Jesus’ day to take the truth and twist it. They taught that whether or not an oath was binding depended on the wording. They said that a promise wasn’t binding if you did not swear by God’s name. Kent Hughes expounds on this practice, “Evasive swearing became a fine art. The height of accomplishment was while lying, to convince another person you were telling the truth.” Jesus said to cut it out! Be a man or woman of your word. Don’t lose your integrity by playing with words. All you need to say is yes or no.

The same goes for today. Let your “yes” be “yes.” Let your “no” be “no.” Be a person of integrity. Be a person of your word.

Talking to God

Father, don’t let me play with the truth. Help me be a trustworthy person—starting at home. Help me be a parent who keeps my promises. Help me speak clearly and plainly with integrity. Help me be a person of my word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Living Generously

The Covenant

September 15, 2021

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Devotion Text
 

Matthew 5:31-32

It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

In the Old Testament times and into the New, many men had a degrading view of women. Marriage was often mocked. A man could divorce his wife for almost any reason. The “certificate of divorce” mentioned in today’s passage is described in Deuteronomy 24:1-4. Its purpose was to regulate an unfortunate practice.

When Jesus came, he pulled marriage back up to the honored position it was always meant to have. Divorce was never God’s intention. From the beginning he desired the marriage covenant be honored and the commitment be “till death do us part.” The one reason for divorce is when the covenant has been broken by adultery. Even then God is honored when there is repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

I understand that divorce is a difficult, complex, and painful issue. I know some of you reading this are divorced. I know many of you did everything you could to keep your marriage together. Even in the challenges of relationships, God’s Word sets the standard that should never be compromised. Husbands and wives must work hard to honor God within the covenant of marriage.

Let’s talk to God about our marriages.

Father, marriage is challenging. Some things happen beyond a person’s control. I pray for those going through a divorce. Give them your strength. Let them know that you are walking with them. And for husbands and wives going through difficult times, give them the desire to honor their covenant. Help them do the work of marriage in order to stay together and demonstrate your power in their lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Living Humbly

The Sexual Battle

September 14, 2021

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Devotion Text
 

Matthew 5:27-28

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Jesus moved sin from the action to the intent, from the hands to the heart. Jesus said, in effect, don’t pat yourself on the back if you have refrained from the physical act while giving in to lust. Calvin said it this way: “Let him who does not touch a woman not flatter himself…while in the meantime his heart inwardly burns with lust.” Here are three ways to guard against lust:

  1. Prepare for the battle.

In his book, The Myth of the Greener Grass, J. Allen Petersen said, “Temptation knows no stranger. Everyone is tempted, and always will be . . . If you have a body in which you live, you’ll be tempted through that body . . . If you are a sexual being, you’ll have sexual temptation.” You are in a battle. Admit it. Prepare for it.

  1. Plan your strategy for victory.

If something you are seeing is tempting you, stop looking at it. If something you are doing is tempting you, stop doing it. If someplace you are going is tempting you, stop going there. Someone has well said, “If you always do what you did, you will always get what you got.”

  1. Lock arms with others.

You don’t have to fight alone. You shouldn’t fight alone. Find another person who loves you enough to keep you accountable. Be willing to answer the hard questions. Fighting together is a position of strength.

Let’s talk to God about sexual temptation.

Father, help me be wise enough to prepare, strategic enough to plan, and humble enough to invite others into my life who will keep me strong. I pray for your daily help in the battle. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Living Wisely

Dealing With Anger

September 13, 2021

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Devotion Text
 

Matthew 5:21-22

You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.

Have you ever been angry? Really ticked off? Bitter? Resentful? Ever held a deep grudge against another person? The better question is not “Have you?” but “Are you?” Anger is a God-given emotion. Sometimes it moves us to proper action but left unchecked it is a dangerous emotion. Here are four action steps for controlling anger.

  1. Pray for a balanced perspective.

When Jesus saw usury in the temple he was moved to indignation and action. He drove out those selling animals and upended the tables of the moneychangers. Sin against God and injustice against man should move us to indignation as well. But in order to keep our emotions in check, we must pray for the Spirit’s control.

  1. Address anger on a daily basis.

I seldom get through a day that someone or something doesn’t tick me off. Paul says that unchecked anger is the devil’s foothold in our lives. We should ask God to help us deal with our emotions on a daily basis (Eph. 4:26-27).

  1. Stay away from angry people.

Some people are always angry about something. Stay away from them. They will drag you down (Prov. 22:24-25).

  1. Confront and forgive.

Confront the person or situation causing your anger. If it is a person, discuss the issue and choose to forgive. If it is a situation, give it to the Lord and ask the Holy Spirit to control your emotions.

Let’s talk to God about anger.

O Father, I can get angry about many things and my emotions can rise quickly. Please control my feelings. Help me to not react. Help me feel indignation for the right things and be moved to honor you in my actions. Help me forgive and move from resentment and bitterness. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Proverbs: An Introduction

Fulfilled

September 12, 2021

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Devotion Text
 

Matthew 5:17-18

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

The Old Testament was clear that a new day was coming, but when it would come and what it would look like were not detailed. So, when Jesus arrived there was a mixture of excitement and concern. The religious Jews wondered if Jesus had come to tear down their way of worship.

In today’s passage, Jesus made it known that he did not come to dismantle the Old Testament. In fact, he came to complete it. He came to add the finishing work.

  • The OT called for an annual sacrifice. Jesus sacrificed himself once for all.
  • The OT called for a perfect sacrifice. Jesus was sinless.
  • The OT contains nineteen direct prophecies about the coming Messiah. Jesus fulfilled them all.
  • The OT told of a suffering servant. Jesus came to die on a cross.
  • Jesus transitioned the physical kingdom to a spiritual one.

Jesus did not ignore or tear down the law. He completed it by his work on the cross. That same work will complete your life. Have you trusted in Jesus? If not, follow me in this prayer.

Talking to God

Lord Jesus, right now I trust in you to complete my life. I am empty, fill me. I am afraid, embrace me. I am a sinner, cleanse me. I am heading in the wrong direction, turn me around. I trust that you died for my sins on the cross. Make me your child. In your name, I pray. Amen.

 

If you have prayed that prayer, please let us know by emailing prayer@ronmoore.org. We want to thank God with you and send you some free resources to help you get started on your new journey.

 

 

This Week on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Proverbs

Time to Shine

September 11, 2021

Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download

Devotion Text
 

Matthew 5:14-16

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Light does two things: It exposes and explains. It chases away the darkness and reveals what is close. Darkness and light cannot exist in the same place. When light is present it illuminates the area and explains the way.

Jesus said that believers are the light of the world. Like a city built on a hill you cannot hide your relationship with Jesus. In his book, The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer explains that you have no choice but to shine. Bonhoeffer writes:

…It is not: “You are to be the light,” [believers] are already the light because Christ has called them, they are a light which is seen by men, they cannot be otherwise…

 Nor does Jesus say, “You have the light.” The light is not an instrument which has been put into their hands…. [He] says to his followers: “You are the light in your whole existence, provided you remain faithful to your calling. And since you are that light, you can no longer remain hidden, even if you want to.” It is the property of light to shine.

 [Followers of Jesus] must be what they really are—otherwise they are not followers of Jesus.

You are the light of the world! Let’s ask God to let us shine.

Talking to God

Father, help me shine in a way that others see how you are working in me and through me. May you always receive honor and glory for what you are doing in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

This Week on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Proverbs

Salt of the Earth

September 10, 2021

Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download

Devotion Text
 

Matthew 5:13

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

Jesus compares those who follow him to salt, a mineral that has many qualities.

Preservative. In many parts of the world, salt is rubbed into meat to keep it from spoiling. It extracts moisture leaving a less than desirable environment for bacteria to grow. Let’s pray that we will be a preserving influence in our families and communities, leaving a less desirable environment for sin to take hold.  

Healing Agent. Throughout history, salt packs have been used for wounds. Newborns were gently rubbed with salt to make their skin clean and firm. In a wounded and vulnerable world, let’s pray that we will serve as agents of healing.

Seasoning. I spoke with a chef who told me that if he had only one available seasoning, it would be salt. Salt is able to bring out and enhance the flavor of food. Let’s pray that we will be culture’s seasoning, bringing out the best “flavor” in our families and communities.

Most salt in Israel came from the Dead Sea and was filled with impurities. These impurities caused the salt to lose its flavor and effectiveness. Likewise, believers must follow hard after Jesus to guard against the impurities of sin and stay effective for Christ. Believers are the salt of the earth.

Talking to God

Lord Jesus, keep my heart pure from the impurities that render me ineffective. Help me serve you as a preserving and healing agent. Help me bring out the best in my family and friends. Help me be the salt of the earth. In your name, I pray. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Winning the Battle, Winning the War – Part 2

Reviled

September 9, 2021

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Devotion Text
 

Matthew 5:11-12

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Sometimes persecution leads to the loss of property or life. Sometimes persecution comes in the form of personal abuse. This mistreatment is not brought on by something you said or did. It comes because of your relationship with Jesus and your commitment to follow hard after him.

The word “revile” in today’s passage means, “to injure the reputation of,” “to malign.” This takes place when you are the subject of vicious rumors, when you are the target of a slander campaign, or when you are being laughed at for your faith. To be reviled may result in losing your position at work, being overlooked for advancement in your job, being ridiculed by your friends, and in some cases being disowned by your family.

Persecution is painful…no doubt about that. But Jesus tells us to put it in a historical and eternal perspective. You are not the first to be mistreated. They persecuted the prophets before you. And this earth is not your final destination. It is simply a layover. Great rewards are waiting for you in heaven.

Talking to God

Father, insult is painful. I feel the hurt and mistreatment. I want justice so I desire to strike back. Help me keep my eye on the eternal reward. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Winning the Battle, Winning the War – Part 1

Persecuted

September 8, 2021

Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download

Devotion Text
 

Matthew 5:10

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

All around the world, believers in Jesus are being persecuted. Today thousands of believers are living under the threat of oppression in Afghanistan. Under the Taliban, many Christians are in hiding as they fear for their lives. Let’s pray for those believers.

And let’s pray for Christians in our country. Many of the biblical principles we live by are under attack. While we do not face physical danger, it’s no secret that the values we hold dear are ridiculed and seen as antiquated. Some stated truth is now viewed as “hate speech.” In a world where truth is determined by groupthink, God’s unchangeable truth is seen as offensive. Let’s pray that we can stand strong and teach our children to do the same.

I recently read about Christians facing the Taliban takeover. Their response was courageous and profound. Facing death, they said, “In a short time we are going to see Jesus.” Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Talking to God

Father, we pray for believers around the world who are being persecuted. Our hearts go out to those who are fleeing for their lives, leaving everything behind. Lord, please be with the families of those who have given their lives instead of renouncing your name. Please protect your children around the world. As we pray for them, we pray for us too. Don’t let us grow hardhearted and soft. Help us use our freedom to live for you in a way that impacts all those in our lives. Move our hearts to always honor you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Under Attack: The Enemy’s Strategy – Part 2

Peacemakers

September 7, 2021

Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download

Devotion Text
 

Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Peacemakers. Just saying the word has a soothing effect. The word means:

  • Living in a state of harmony
  • Freedom from disorder
  • Ending strife and dissension
  • Uncontrolled by distraction

Peacemakers. These are people in command of their emotions, calm under fire. They stay composed even in the midst of excitement and danger. Some people like to keep things stirred up; peacemakers keep the waters still.

Peacemakers. The Son of God makes us children of God. Jesus has taken our sin and paid its penalty on the cross. Through him we can have peace with the eternal God. When we have peace with God, we can have peace with others. Are you at war with anyone? Go and make peace.

Talking Points:

  • Ask God to calm areas of your life where emotions quickly boil.
  • Ask God to help you make peace in relationships where the tension lives.

Father, move me to live in a state of harmony. Give me freedom from the disorder and chaos that clouds my soul. Give me the courage and desire to put an end to any dissension I have with others. Help me live uncontrolled by distractions. Keep my focus on Jesus. In his name, I pray. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Under Attack: The Enemy’s Strategy – Part 1

Pure in Heart

September 6, 2021

Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download

Devotion Text
 

Matthew 5:8

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Heart:

The headquarters of our person.

What we think—our mind and intellect.

What we feel—our emotions and desires.

What we do—our decisions and deeds.

The heart describes the whole person.

Pure:

Free from guilt.

Free from hypocrisy.

Free from immorality.

Free from stains.

Pure in Heart:

Undivided.

Commitment.

Devotion.

 

The Promise:

 We will see God!

Talking to God

Father, I desire to spend eternity with you. By the work of Jesus, free me from my hypocrisy, immorality, and stains of sin. By the work of Jesus, give me an undivided heart, committed and devoted to you alone. By the work of Jesus on the cross, give me a clean and pure heart. In his name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Under Attack: The Enemy – Part 4

Prayer

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