2Timothy 2:21

Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

All of Gods true disciples are vessels the Lord wants to use. I see us all as different shaped pots.  We are all different and unique and are  all different colors.  All have different personalities. I see us having different spouts. Some have wide spouts that pour out quickly. Some have narrow spouts that pour out slowly and some have such narrow spouts that they may just trickle.

The Lord wants to pour his oil through us. He wants to put his spirit to work through us if we will allow him to. The way it comes out may vary from person to person but we can all be used by the Lord to be glory carriers if we are obedient to carry out his perfect plan for our lives. Some are bold and the words they speak for the Lord may come  gushing out and others may be quiet and choose their words very carefully but all personalities can be used for different purposes.

We all have gifts that the Lord has given us to be used for our specific calling.

1Corinthians 12:4-11 says,

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given one for the profit of all. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

I encourage to seek the Lord about your gifts and how he wants you to use them.

Prayer

Lord, I pray that I will know my gifts and my purposes  clearly that you have for me to show your glory. I want to fulfill my calling that you have specifically for me. Le me be a clean vessel that you can pour through.  In Jesus name. Amen.

Devotion by Tonia in service to Christ “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13)

What does the bible say about spiritual warfare?

2 Corinthians 10;4-5 tells us that the weapons we fight with are not weapons of this world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds, We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

in Ephesians 6:12 it says for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against the rulers, the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Spiritual warfare is very real and we must believe in it so that we can overcome the devourer. The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I come that they may have life and have it abundantly.  John 10:10

Believing is the first step. Knowing what the Word says about who we are in Christ is vital.

1 Corinthians 6:20 says, for you are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are Gods.

and Romans 8:37 says, yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loves us.

We have to remember, the battle has already been won! Jesus defeated Satan when he died on the cross and we have the blood of Jesus as children of God. It is more than enough!

We must have faith knowing this and reminding the devil who we are in Christ! We are warriors who know who backs us up- the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

We need to shout our victory, speak the Word of God and believe it faithfully. Standing firm and true. Recognizing what the Lord has given us in Ephesians 6:10-18 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities , against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist in truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the firey darts of the wicked one. And take take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

This powerful armor is a gift from the Father to overcome the evil one in our lives.

Praise God we have everything we need to fight spiritual battles. We win!

Prayer

Lord,

Thank you for giving us all we need for spiritual warfare. Thank you that you are fighting for us and that we have power over the enemy. Please help me to use all you have given me to see the evil one overcome in my life.  In Jesus name. Amen

Devotion by Tonia in service to Christ “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13)

Hebrews 12:29

For our God is a consuming fire.

1Peter 1:7

that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Metals are refined by fire.  it removes the impurities. In the same way, going through the fire spiritually can help to refine us from impurities.

“Going through the fire” is not pleasant in our lives but it can help us go through the process of dying to self and learning through these tough times to trust in the Lord more. It can build our faith when we walk through trials and the Lord is guiding and leading us through them.

He is always with us no matter what we face. Hebrews13:5 says, For He Himself said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”   There is a lot of fear in the world today. A lot of uncertainty about the future if you look in the natural but we serve the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He is our King of Glory! He reigns! He can give peace when there is no peace in the world.

He can use these hard times to refine us and draw us into a deeper understanding of who He is and a deeper and more intimate relationship if we will let Him.

Prayer

Lord, Thank you for being with me in difficult times. Even in times when I am tested by fire, I know you are with me and using those times to purify me more into your image. Let me not despise those times, but let them draw me closer and closer to you. Let me hear you speak more clearly and direct my path. In Jesus name. Amen.

Devotion by Tonia in service to Christ “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13)

Snowflakes are beautiful and all different. Our masterful Creator demonstrates his power in many majestic ways. Even in snowflakes, he created diversity.

He cares about the intricate details in life. There are so many wonders to behold. There is so much in nature he created that shows his miraculous glory. Even in the different seasons of the year, there is variety in what grows and blooms. In winter, snowflakes fall and beautiful holly berry trees grow.

He puts so much variety in nature for us to enjoy. He gives us beautiful scenery and a variety of plants, fruits, and vegetables that grow year round. He can and does also give us variety in our lives of things to enjoy. He gives us delights to enjoy from him. Laughter and joy and true friends that encourage us and help us keep going during hard times. He cares about the details of our life. He is a very personal God and wants to bless us with things that are meaningful to us specifically.

I am thankful for this variety he gives us in this world. It makes life more enjoyable and not mundane. He is a God that cares about the details. In 1Timothy 6:17 it says, Charge those who are rich in this world that they be not haughty, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.

Look around at what the Lord has freely given you to enjoy in your life. It is good to be thankful and observe the personal blessings he gives us specifically  because he know what we like and wants to bless us.

Prayer

Lord, Thank you for rich blessings you give your children. Thank you for the personal gifts you give us to enjoy in this life. Let us not take them for granted but have a thankful heart. In Jesus name. Amen.

Devotion by Tonia in service to Christ “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13)

Daniel 12:3

Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.

We are to be a light to the world through Christ.

In John 8:12 it says, Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

We should let the Lord shine through us to a dark world. So many people are deceived and confused and need to know the love of Christ.  We are to be the example of God’s love and forgiveness.

You shine best when you are spending time with the Lord and enjoying an intimate relationship with him. When you have this relationship with the Lord, he has access to speak to you about how to love others and how to be a light to the world.  Spending time in the Word of God will help you be sharp in knowing the scripture and being able to share it with others.  As you know him more, he will be able to shine more brightly in you.

Let him fill you up with his spirit and then let it shine bright in your relationships with your family, friends, and co workers. Speak truth to them and tell testimonies of the things the Lord has done for you. It will be an encouragement to them and build their faith.

Prayer: Lord, Let me be shine for you like the brightest star. Let me be an example of your love and grace to others. Let me truly be a light for Jesus for all those that I am around. In Jesus name. Amen.

Devotion by Tonia in service to Christ

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13)

Psalm 25:4-5 Make me know Your ways, O Lord; Teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day.

Everyone comes to a crossroads at some point in their life and need to make a decision. Seek the Lord to find out what direction to turn. he wants to lead the way. He wants to light up our path.

He wants to take the wheel of your life if you will trust him and let him lead.  Sometimes letting him take control of every part of our lives can seem uncomfortable. We want to give him some parts but not others. We will say, “Lord you can have these areas of my life, but I will hold on to these other parts.”

We need to give him full reign for everything in our lives. He is trustworthy. He is loyal. He is worthy to be trusted for everything. We may not understand what he is doing along the way and sometimes he may speak to us to and lead us to do something we don’t understand and  most of the time it will be different than what we think it will be.

The full picture is not shown right away but we can always trust in our Lord that he will direct us with security in Him.  It is our faith and total trust in him that he wants his children to walk in.

Let him lead every direction you take on your path of life.

Devotion by Tonia in service to Christ

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13)

Mathew 17:20

So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”

This scripture talks about a faith I would like to have. We may have faith but do we waver our faith when we don’t see things change?

Putting our faith in God is trusting him and knowing who he is and what he can do: ANYTHING!!! he is a healer, a restorer, a deliverer, our redeemer.  Luke 1:37 says, For nothing will be impossible with God.

When the things we believe  he will do are not seen, we tend to lose faith but we have to press through and remember what it says in Isiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord, For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, an my thoughts than your thoughts.

We have to trust him no matter what it looks like. He is a mountain moving God! it is in his timing though not ours. When things look uncertain, we should always remember how faithful he is. He makes a way when there is no way. He did this countless times in the bible. Reading the Word and hearing the testimonies encourage us to believe and keep our faith.

Romans 10:17 says, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Devotion by Tonia in service to Christ

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13)

1Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on  the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

The work of the cross is the completed work of Jesus Christ shedding his blood for us to redeem us from sin when we repent and turn from it.  As we look to serve the Lord wholeheartedly and live for him, we show the Lord our  appreciation for what he has done for us.

What a tremendous gift this is for those who accept it. This gift from the Lord changes everything! Its all about the blood of Jesus that was sacrificed for us and covers us daily.

The blood of Jesus is a powerful weapon against the enemy because of the ultimate sacrifice the Lord made on our behalf.  We  can now be in right relationship with our Heavenly Father because Jesus’ blood was shed to pay for all our sins. There is no more separation between us and the Lord when we receive this. The enemy hates this and he knows the blood of Jesus defeats him.

Nothing but the blood of Jesus can cleanse us as white as snow. We are totally redeemed by him and now joint heirs with Christ as we accept what was done for us on the cross and live for him.

Praise God for this precious gift!  Let us never take it for granted.

Devotion by Tonia in service to Christ

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13)

Romans 5:8

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

The Lord gives a love that is like a blanket. He covers his people completely with his love and mercy.  He surrounds us with righteousness and grace.  It is a love like no other,

He sent his son to die on the cross and shed his blood for us. This is the ultimate sacrifice the Lord did for us.  Accept the fullness of his love and follow him with all your heart.

His love is unconditional and it is greater than we can comprehend.  It is the greatest love we can ever know.

Ephesians 3: 17-18 says, May you have the power to understand as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how deep his love is.

Prayer

Lord, help me to accept the fullness of your love and be able to take the love you have for me and learn how to love others as you would have me to.  In Jesus name, Amen

Devotion by Tonia in service to Christ “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13)

Ephesians 2:10 We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

The Lord gives many gifts to his children.  He  gives us a treasure chest of spiritual gifts but some people never open their box.  They are too distracted with the cares of life.

Some people have a box that just collects dust. They don’t even open it to find out what is inside. The Lord has assignments for all of us to do on this earth.  If  we take time to spend time with the Lord and really know him and seek out what he desires us to do, he will show us. He wants to use us as his vessels to pour out his love.

He give us unique talents, personalities and abilities to fulfil the calling he has for our lives. It can be compared to a box of fine jewels. Sparkling diamonds, red rubies and other precious stones that if opened and discovered can be enjoyed and you can let them shine.

Don’t leave your treasure box unopened. Yours is unique and special just for you. The Lord loves for us to discover the things he has for us. He takes delight in seeing us use our gifts for his purposes.

Devotion by Tonia in service to Christ “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13)