Devotions

Revelation 20-22 Read these final chapters of the Bible today. They're full of hope and promise that lasts all the way to modern day, even though they were written so long ago. You can read with your Bible, or online at http://www.biblegateway.com/ . You can also access them with the BIBLE READER widget to the right of this post. LIFE IS GOOD. This phrase is mostly overused in our society... people say it without thinking, and I do too. Life is Good. La la la. But because I'm such an over thinker, I've decided to take this three word phrase and decipher its meaning. The book of Revelation is all about what will happen when God comes again. Some people find it super hopeful, and others argue that it's one of the most depressing books in the Bible. Both sides can agree that God hasn't come yet -- and we're still living with our own decisions here on earth. All who are reading this devotion have life, and their heart is beating to a beat in which they can't co...

Revelation 18-19 It seems like it was yesterday since I started the Bible, and tomorrow I will be finished with it! It's crazy! And although most people are just surprised that I managed such an accomplishment... I don't really consider it a major thing to accomplish. I think that everyone should try and read the Bible! And if this is considered an accomplishment, it's truly one that gives back much more than I put into it. This has been one of the best years of my short life, because every single day I have a renewed sense of hope and understanding in the God that created me and it's AWESOME! So, anyway. Enough venting for Carly... back to the devotion. The treatments in today's reading were really vivid and insane. I suggest you it now with the BIBLE READER to the right of this post or at http://www.biblegateway.com/ . Did any of you think that the punishments were a little undeserving in today's reading? For the nonbelievers, that is? Sometimes I get a littl...

Revelation 15-17 Read these 3 chapters now with the BIBLE READER to the right of this post or at http://www.biblegateway.com/ . GET THE HINT-- REPENT! Don't you just hate it when people don't get the hint? You're trying your hardest to get the point across, but they just don't seem to pick up on it. It's annoying, right? So, then, imagine what God will feel when he's trying so desperately to get His people to believe and have faith in Him, and they still refuse. He'll send plagues and earthquakes to try and get people to understand that He is God, and no one else can be stronger than Him. But instead of understanding that, people will reluctantly fail to take hope in Him, and their chances will be up. The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was allowed to scorch people with fire. They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him. The fifth ...

Revelation 12-14 Read these chapters now with the BIBLE READER to the right of this post or at http://www.biblegateway.com/ . I'm just going to start of by saying that today's reading was just a little WEIRD. And don't get all defensive and be like "Carly! How can you say that?! It's the BIBLE! Have a little respect!" because no matter how many times you look at it... a dragon trying to eat a sun-woman's baby is just a little out there. In fact, I thought that the reading was even a little scary at times. It kept mentioning this dragon that everyone believed in instead of Jesus... and it was a little scary. But all of the sudden, out of nowhere, I found this awesome little burst of hope for us: Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” Revelation 14:13 So there ya go, folks. All who have faith and goo...

Revelation 7-11 THE ONE CERTAIN THING IN LIFE. In life, only one thing is certain: death. I know, you're probably applauding me sarcastically, like "very good, Carly! Thanks for sharing that with us! Now everyone is depressed. Great job." And I know that sometimes, things are depressing. But there is a surprising, happy twist to today's devotion. Yes, we'll be talking about death and destruction, but that happy part is that we who have faith in Jesus will be saved by Him. We won't have to be scorched like dirt or drown by hurricanes... but through God's grace, we'll be saved. So, take everything with a grain of salt... and understand that the things we'll talk about WILL be depressing, and it's our job to help as many people as we can, before the day of Judgement comes. Right now, our lives are free. We can be saved... each and every person on the earth. But later, this won't be true! We have to take advantage of the freedom we now posses a...

Revelation 4-7 FOLLOW THE HOLY ONE Sometimes people make religion super confusing and unnecessary. Like we have to find which "god" is better or something. And I know each religion claims to have all the answers, but faith isn't like a grocery store! You don't pick which one you think is best, but which one you KNOW is best. No other faith claims to take care of you like Christianity, no other "god" let's you have a relationship with them. God lets you get to know Him, through His Son. They will never go hungry or be thirsty again, and the sun will not beat down on them, nor any burning heat, because the Lamb in the middle of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Revelation 7:16-17 Our God will take care of us. He won't let us fail, if our faith is in Him. One day, Jesus will come again. Every prophesy has come true in the Bible, so it's not like thongs are made...

Revelation 1-3 THE ULTIMATE GIFT. So, it's pretty much Christmas time right about now... and I thought the devotion should have a Christmas theme. I know what you're thinking-- that I'm going to go on and on about how "Jesus is the best gift ever given!" I'm a little more creative that that, don't you think? In today's reading, we started the final book of the Bible, *gasp!* Revelation. John is writing to seven churches about this dream he had, in which some heavenly creature revealed this crazy vision to him. He then understood it as a dream about the coming of Jesus, when He comes again to save all the believers. I know, this sounds a little sketchy. A little weird, perhaps? I'll be honest, when I was reading, I couldn't help by wonder if this is too crazy to be true. But then, I began to read all about the promise that was foretold in John's dream. And soon enough, I came up with this clever little way to process all that's happening...

2nd and 3rd John, Jude. Yeah, there are three books to read today. But each one only has like half a page in it, so it's a really easy read. I read all three books in less than 5 minutes, so get your read on at http://www.biblegateway.com/ or with the BIBLE READER to the right of this post! HARSH, BUT APPROPRIATE. Have you ever had those moments in your life where you're like "Wow. That was super harsh." But then, later in that same moment, you realize that without the harshness, nothing could ever be resolved. Sometimes people need to be harsh to get their point across, especially when it comes to important stuff. And what's more important than faith, right? In today's reading, it talks about how to deal with the unbelievers, and those who refuse to listen. We're supposed to love everyone, especially those who are struggling, but it's appropriate to be harsh sometimes, too. Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire;...

1st John 1-5 This book is absolutely phenomenal. I love it. Read the short 5 chapters now with the BIBLE READER to the right of this post or at http://www.biblegateway.com/ GOD, LOVE, AND US. We all know that the trinity is made of three parts, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It's a package deal, right? They all go hand-in-hand. While reading today's chapters, I started to realize that God, His love, and us... we're all connected, too. Check out these awesome verses: See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1st John 3:1 Here, it's stating that because of love, we are connected to God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1st John 4:8 And here, it says that God is also love. ...God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 1st John 4:16 And again, it states that God is love and we...

2nd Peter 1-3 Read these chapters now with the BIBLE READER to the right of this post or at http://www.biblegateway.com/ . LOOK FORWARD TO THE DAY OF THE LORD. Sorry I'm a day late with this devotion. I got really sick yesterday, and I was shaking like crazy with the chills. I got home late, and couldn't fine the strength to write a devotion. I know, I know, excuses, excuses. I apologize for missing a day, but I'm going to make it up right now, along with another post afterwards for today's devotion! Sometimes, I think God sends certain messages to you through scripture, and this particular passage stuck out to me: But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed it...

1st Peter 1-5 Read these chapters now with the BIBLE READER to the right of this post or at http://www.biblegateway.com/ , or with your own Bible, if you have it! This is a fantastic book to read, people, and it'll only take around 10 minutes. PERSECUTE: to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict; specifically : to cause to suffer because of belief. People are a little confused when it comes to being a Christian. They think that all the sudden their lives will be fine and dandy, and that Jesus fixes everything. But sadly, that isn't the case. Yeah, Jesus will always be there to help you get through stuff. But do we get made fun of and persecuted for believing in Jesus? Yes. And do we have to go out of our comfort zones to reach people we normally wouldn't? Yes again . And do we have to put aside our wonderful lives to help others? Yes yet another time. So, I don't know where this rumor about Christians having it easy came about. Whoever star...

James 1-5 The book of James in fantastic, and you can read its short 5 chapters now with the BIBLE READER widget to the right of this post or at http://www.biblegateway.com/ GOD'S WILL. So we've all heard of God's will, right? Something that God has set out for you... His special plan for everything. He is ultimately in charge, and yeah, we can make our own decisions... but for everything else, God has a plan. This can be comforting, at times, because it reminds us that everything is going to be okay. But in the thick of it all, when God works in our lives, sometimes we doubt His plan. In today's reading, there was major talk about God's will, and I loved what it had to say: Now listen, you who say, �Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.� 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,...

Hebrews 11-13 BY FAITH... I absoloutely loved today's reading. Please read these three chapters now with the BIBLE READER to the right of this post or at http://www.biblegateway.com/ The first chapter of today's reading is so comforting to me. It talks about how so many Biblical figures came to know what faith means, and overcame trillions of obstacles because of their faith in God. I loved this passage about all of the things they overcame, just by faith. And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Hebrews 11:32-34 These people were considered heroes, not because of a superpower given to them but beca...

Hebrews 9-10 Read these two chapters now with the BIBLE READER widget to the right of this post or at http://www.biblegateway.com/ . STUFF THAT LASTS FOREVER. When I think of things that last forever, unfortunately, society has brought these few things to my mind: Beef Jerky Vampires and, of course, God's Love. I want to remind all of you that although beef jerky and vampires do live forever, they should come to mind AFTER the obvious thing: God's love for us. His forgiveness. His grace. Because these things can't expire, no matter what you think. In the book of Hebrews today, it's talking about how the old sacrifices are obsolete and don't need to be sacrificed anymore. I loved this passage: Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll— I have come to do your wil...

Hebrews 5-8 WHAT MAKES HIM SO SPECIAL. In today's reading, it talked a lot about how Jesus is the highest of the high... the high priest. It tells us all about why he is called this, and how, and when, and a bunch of other random facts about the high priest. But what I'm wondering is "Why is this so special?" "What makes Him the high priest, and not some other 'god'?" Then I read the promise God gave to us, and it became more clear. This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. Hebrews 8:10-12 It's a pretty prestigious promise, so don't forget it. Take i...

Hebrews 1-4 These chapters are extremely short. Read 'em now with the BIBLE READER widget to the right of this post or at http://www.biblegateway.com/ ! THE WORD IS ALIVE. Have you ever just been completely fascinated with the Bible? Maybe a certain verse or passage just totally speaks to you and your life. It's amazing how God can move through the Word and I love every second of it! Sometimes when I'm frustrated or confused, I just flip open the Bible to a random page, and sure enough, God finds a way to speak to my heart. His Word is alive, people! Don't believe me? Take this passage from Hebrews, then! For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13 The book of Hebr...

Titus and Philemon These two books are immensely short. Only a page each... so read 'em now with the BIBLE READER widget to the right of this post or at http://www.biblegateway.com/ . GIVE IN A LITTLE. WARNING: the following blog may be a huge shocker to those who think highly of themselves. Because being a Christians sometimes requires us to let others have the spotlight every once in a while... I loved in Philemon how Paul was willing to take the blame for Philemon. It was pretty caring, and loving, and Christ-like of Him. And although we want to make others know that WE'RE the best, or the prettiest, or the smartest... sometimes we have to glorify others. We aren't perfect, and we don't have to try and make others jealous. In fact, the Bible teaches us to try NOT to be hated by others, even if it requires us to give up a little of our power. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. Titus 2:...

2nd Timothy 1-4 Read these short chapters now with the BIBLE READER to the right of this post or at http://www.biblegateway.com/ . TRY TO PUT YOURSELF IN HIS SHOES. People hear this kind of cliche stuff all the time. And as much as it kills me to say it-- it's pretty spot on to today's reading and the central message in a short passage I found. If we think of Jesus and all of His suffering, and try to even comprehend how much that would affect us, we might learn a little from it. Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. 2nd Timothy 11-13 It's pretty confusing and profound, but I love it. Let's try to make some sense of it, shall we? First, if we die with Jesus in our hearts, we'll live with Him in our hearts. That wasn't so bad. If we endure the hardships that come with...

1st Timothy 1-6 Read this wonderful book of the Bible now with the BIBLE READER to the right of this post or at http://www.biblegateway.com/ ON THE FLIP SIDE... Today's world is constantly looking at things on the down side. Have you SEEN the news lately? It's incredibly depressing beyond belief. I hate the news these days. I felt like there were a few select verses that really urged people to look on the flip side of tragedy, and to turn it into something good. It can be tough to look at things in a different light, but it's worth it in the end. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. 1st Timothy 4:4-5 The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever. 1st Timothy 5:24-25 Receive things w...

2nd Thessalonians 1-3 Read these short chapters now with the BIBLE READER to the right of this post or at http://www.biblegateway.com/ HOW TO TREAT THOSE WHO WRONGED YOU... Unfortunately, there's no specific handbook on how to handle jerks. But in today's reading, Paul talks about how we should act to others, and how to treat those who are mislead. Sometimes a simple "Hey, you should get to know Jesus!" isn't enough to get the idea across, and as bad as that sounds, I believe it to be partially true. Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer. 2nd Thessalonians 3:14-15 It's a pretty harsh way to deal with people... try to make them ashamed. I guess it can be interpretted in many ways, depending on the people. I just thought that you might be able to learn from this verse, and apply ...

1st Thessalonians 1-5 NO ONE IS WATCHING...? These chapters are SUPER short. Read 'em now with the BIBLE READER to the right of this post or at http://www.biblegateway.com/ . People are faced with choices. Big surprise, right? Duhhhh. But I often question myself, and wonder "Why am I doing the right thing here?" "What's promoting me to do the RIGHT thing?" Sometimes people don't understand that, even though people on earth might not see the wrong we do, God DOES. He sees everything. I mean yeah, He understands that we sin from time to time, but the simple choices we make every day... we can do the right thing or wrong thing. We can respond to things positively or negatively. And even though sometimes we REALLY want to do the best thing for us in the moment, today's scripture reminded me that God rewards us in much bigger ways if we try and do things right. The little intro to Thessalonians my Bible talked about rewards for the right choices. In the m...

Colossians 1-4 Read the entire book of Colossians now with the BIBLE READER to the right of this post or at http://www.biblegateway.com/ HE DOESN'T PICK FAVORITES. Often, I think people might put themselves before others. I'll admit I do it all the time! I think "Why can't this person be smart as I am?" or "That person doesn't look half as pretty as I do." And yeah, it sounds conceited, but I'm not the only one, right? We all have the times where we feel as if we're superior to someone. We're better at something, we're more educated, etc. I loved the verse in today's reading about God not picking favorites, because He lives in ALL of us. All races, all beliefs. He speaks to people of all tongues, and He loves them all the same. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Colossians 3:11 Jesus is everyone, and He is inside of everyone. It's...

Philippians 1-4 You have an opportunity to read the entire book of Philippians now with the BIBLE READER to the right of this post or at http://www.biblegateway.com/ !!! PEACE In case you haven't noticed, I've ended every post I've posted with some form of "peace" or "peace out" or "peace be with you." And I don't just say that to be like the peace-addicts these days that have the peace shirts, the peace folders, the jewelery-- don't get me wrong, it's a great thing to advertise-- peace. But it's important to recognize that peace comes only from God. He is the God of peace, and we need to ask of Him when we need a little peace in our lives. Because believe it or not, no matter how long we try and make peace ourselves-- the world is a busy, bustling place. We need to pray to the God of peace to grant us a little peace in our lives, because we all know we need some every now and then! Do not be anxious about anything, but in eve...

Ephesians 1-6 (WHOLE BOOK!) The book of Ephesians is a short book, and we can read the whole thing for today's reading. It's full of great analogies and verses I'm sure you'll enjoy :) MADE ALIVE. Paul had an interesting theory he expressed in today's reading. He's mentioned it a few times, but it has become known pretty clearly to me today and I thought I'd share it with you all: As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:1-5...

Galatians 4-6 THE ONLY THINGS THAT COUNTS. The Bible is a pretty lengthy book, don't you agree? It's not like there is one specific sentence that sums up everything it has to say, because there are SO many aspects to the Bible. However, there are also many things that can be used as guidelines, and I loved Paul's quote in today's reading: For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Galatians 5:6 I'm not saying we need to base our life off of this one verse. But I love how simple yet profound this verse is! It's just a perfect way to teach others about the love of Jesus-- that it's not about being perfect, or following laws. It's about expressing your faith to others by simply loving them, and that is just SO comforting to me, for some reason! We don't have to be perfect! God loves everyone, no exceptions. And we don't have to pray a certain way, or...

Galatians 1-3 Read these chapters now with the BIBLE READER to the right of this post or at http://www.biblegateway.com/ SONS AND DAUGHTERS . Today's devotion is another one of those reminder messages. And yeah, you might be all "Ohh Carly. I already know this. I've known this since I was 6 years old. Gosh." But take on messages with an open mind. Let the messages be reminders, and try to make them seem new. All the messages in the Bible have been here for hundreds of years, and all of them can still be new and exciting if we make them! So, with an open mind, take this passage, and apply it to your life: So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26-28 We are all one. All one church, one body, one people. We're all connected thro...

2nd Corinthians 10-13 Read the last chapters of 2nd Corinthians now with the BIBLE READER to the right of this post or at http://www.biblegateway.com/ . MAY THE WEAK BE STRONG. There were some confusing parts to today's reading, all about boasting when you're suffering. It was a little weird to read-- some guy bragging all about how many times he's been beaten, or how many times he's been shipwrecked. I even put a big question mark next to the passages-- like "Why is all of this a good thing?" But then I read the following, and the light of God was shed on the passage. ...Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is ...

2nd Corinthians 5-9 A CHEERFUL GIVER. Hopefully you're all aware that the holidays are right around the corner, which starts off the season of giving! But when do we start becoming unhappy givers? We give gifts because we HAVE to. Or because that person gave us a gift. Or because you're trying to balance your giving throughout every member of the family, and making everyone equally "given." But God teaches us to give to those who it's HARD to give to. Love those who you're not required to love. Be cheerful in your acts, too. Because a gift given out of hate might as well not be given. We should have a loving heart, one that reaches everyone... not just the people who are on our Christmas card list. I loved the verse in today's reading about cheerful giving: Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctant...

2nd Corinthians 1-4 BETTER DAYS The suffering of people is constantly brought up and is reminding me of all the trouble in the world. It seems like everywhere I turn, there's a brand new tragedy that I try and pray for. But all this constant praying get pretty monotonous, and it makes me wonder-- when will things get better? Why do things go wrong in the first place? I almost cried reading the first chapter of today's reading. How AWESOME God is, that He was able to open my eyes and help me through everything! I'm so thankful for all He is constantly doing in my life, but especially what He opened my heart up to in today's reading. I loved this passage: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2nd Corinthians 1:3-4 Yes, sometimes trouble is thrown our way. It's sad, but ...

1st Corinthians 14-16 Read the last chapters of 1st Corinthians now with the BIBLE READER to the right of this post or at http://www.biblegateway.com/ YOU ARE WHO YOU ARE. I know this picture is cheesy. But bare with me. Sometimes we don't like what we've become. I, for one, feel as if I've turned into someone that doesn't make my friends happy, or my teachers... but no matter how many times I resent myself, it's simply the way God has made me. And the same goes for you! Take everything you've ever disliked about yourself and understand that God has a specific plan for your life, and who you are at this very moment! It brings me a chills to know that things that SEEM stupid to me are actually blessings from God, and He loves me for everything that I am. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect... 1st Corinthians 15:10 It's by the simple grace of God that we are able to live freely, and that we can be who we are! Not ...