Interactive Devotional

[IKTCA]

Where have you come from and where are you going? (Genesis 16:8)

When Hagar became pregnant, she looked with contempt on Sarai. Sarai dealt harshly with her and she fled. Angel appeared to her and said, “Where have you come from and where are you going?”

God’s words are so full of grace that when one hears them his soul and spirit are filled with thanksgiving. God knew about her affliction. And he consoled her with the question, “Where have you come from and where are you going?”

Hagar must have heard the question as, “I know where you have come from and where you are going. I have known you before you were born, and your future is also in my hand. Therefore, do not worry. Do not be fearful of Sarai and return to her. I will protect you and your son.”

Father,
Why am I hearing “Where have you come from and where are you going” as if you are saying it to me now? Since you say you know me in the past and also in the future, now I can believe I am wholly in your plan. Just as you were with the Israelites with fire and cloud, now I know you are with me, protecting me with your glory.


Father,
Let me see your glory that covers the heaven and the earth, and all creation. Though I am a sinner, I long to see your glory. Since I, though unworthy, am so much loved by you, I ask you give me to your Son Jesus as his possession. He will be my Master and I will serve him as a slave. Amen.

 

[IKTCA]

By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope…….(1 Peter 1:3)

Faith is for here and now. But hope is the eye of faith that sees far and great. Faith keeps my body and soul from the evil. But hope lets me see beyond afflictions and disappointments, and gives endurance.

Without faith I cannot see the Lord. But without hope I cannot wait for the Lord. Thousand years are a day to the Lord. Though my prayer may have to wait for thousand years, I can wait in hope as if it was a day.

How great a gift is this hope? How can a believer live without this hope? How could Paul endure such persecutions, had he not had this hope?

Lord,
Knowing how little faith I have, you gave me this hope. How precious a gift have you given me! Though my prayers seem to be unanswered, I can now wait because I have this hope. This hope lets me endure through rebellion and destruction in your house, and still exalt the name of the Father. Amen.

 

[IKTCA]

Then Jesus gave a loud cry and gave up the spirit. (Mark 15:37)

(When Joseph Arimathea asked Pilate for Jesus’ body) Pilate wondered if Jesus was already dead……(Mark 15:44)



I have foolishly thought that Jesus died because his body could no longer sustain his life. I did not understand what the bible said: Jesus died when he gave up the spirit.

No one can simply give up his life at will. It is because he does not have authority over his life. One may say that he can harm his body so that the body can no longer support his life. Yes, he has certain authority over his body, but not his life. Jesus was the only one who died in that manner because he had the authority over his life, in fact, all lives.

No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord,
and I have power to take it up again. (John 10:18)

Just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life,
so also the Son gives life to whomever he wishes. (John 5:21)

Lord,
Now I can see it clearly that you had the power to lay down your life and also the power to take it up again. You are the Lord of life. You are the Lord of all that have breath.

You can give life to anyone you choose. You are the Lord of my life. I submit to you in humility. Amen.

 

[nhzname]

By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope…….(1 Peter 1:3)

Faith is for here and now. But hope is the eye of faith that sees far and great. Faith keeps my body and soul from the evil. But hope lets me see beyond afflictions and disappointments, and gives endurance.

Without faith I cannot see the Lord. But without hope I cannot wait for the Lord. Thousand years are a day to the Lord. Though my prayer may have to wait for thousand years, I can wait in hope as if it was a day.

How great a gift is this hope? How can a believer live without this hope? How could Paul endure such persecutions, had he not had this hope?

Lord,
Knowing how little faith I have, you gave me this hope. How precious a gift have you given me! Though my prayers seem to be unanswered, I can now wait because I have this hope. This hope lets me endure through rebellion and destruction in your house, and still exalt the name of the Father. Amen.

This hope is my saving grace in times of trial. I trust in you, Lord God.

 

[angelwind]

Where have you come from and where are you going? (Genesis 16:8)

When Hagar became pregnant, she looked with contempt on Sarai. Sarai dealt harshly with her and she fled. Angel appeared to her and said, “Where have you come from and where are you going?”

God’s words are so full of grace that when one hears them his soul and spirit are filled with thanksgiving. God knew about her affliction. And he consoled her with the question, “Where have you come from and where are you going?”

Hagar must have heard the question as, “I know where you have come from and where you are going. I have known you before you were born, and your future is also in my hand. Therefore, do not worry. Do not be fearful of Sarai and return to her. I will protect you and your son.”

Father,
Why am I hearing “Where have you come from and where are you going” as if you are saying it to me now? Since you say you know me in the past and also in the future, now I can believe I am wholly in your plan. Just as you were with the Israelites with fire and cloud, now I know you are with me, protecting me with your glory.


Father,
Let me see your glory that covers the heaven and the earth, and all creation. Though I am a sinner, I long to see your glory. Since I, though unworthy, am so much loved by you, I ask you give me to your Son Jesus as his possession. He will be my Master and I will serve him as a slave. Amen.

You know, I am hearing this "personally" today too: "Where have you come from and where are you going".

The Lord has brought me thousands of miles In Him from my conversion; He has always been here...and I am going to meet Him someday face to face. I am going to see Him and be LIKE HIM...beholding Him in all His glory. I am not lost...I am found...for sure.

Sometimes I do get like Hagar...a little bewildered in the wilderness...but He usually opens the eyes of my heart to "see" the well.

 

[IKTCA]

Sisters NHN and AW:

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Even in "end situations," I will remember to ask the Lord to open my eyes and let me see a well. Amen.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

You (the Thessalonian believers) always remember us kindly and long to see us – just as we long to see you. (1 Thessalonians 3:6)

Those whom I love I long to see. But those whom I am not comfortable with I do not long to see. In fact, I am dreadful to be with them.

Longing to see is a good measure of faith. I ask myself if I long to see the Lord and my brothers. If my answer is yes, then I am at peace with the Lord. If there is even one brother whom I do not long to see, I am not at peace with the Lord.

Admonish the idlers,
encourage the faint hearted,
help the weak,
be patient with all of them. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

It is easy to love those who seek the Lord day and night. No one would need Lord’s rebuke on this. But I must also long to see idlers, busy bodies, and mere talkers because they have the same Lord. This is where I am still in disobedience. It will take my repentance and Lord’s grace for me to long to see all of them.

Lord,
Help me so that I will long to see all my brothers. Amen.

 

[woman.at.the.well]

i, as you can tell from my userid, have come from and gone to completely different worlds - one fleshy, the other more spiritual minded. His grace saved me and has brought me too far to discuss in one post. it has been an awesome journey. if you'd care to hear it feel free to pm me. otherwise . . .in a nutshell my story comes straight from

PR 24:16 - tho a righteous (wo)man falls 7 times (s)he will rise again! praise Him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[IKTCA]

I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. (Philippians 4:12)



At the opportunity of making a little more money my mind races blindly. At the notice of a little fame I lose peace. I do not know yet what it is to have plenty.

Lord,
Unlike Paul, I still do not know what it is to have plenty. Therefore, do not place wealth before me. Neither let fame tempt me for I know I will lose peace.

I am afraid I might run far away from you in pursuit of wealth and fame. Help me, Lord, and let Satan no sift me like wheat with fame and wealth. Amen.

 

[IKTCA]

It does not depend upon human will or exertion, but on God who shows mercy. (Romans 9:16)


My mind longs for obedience to Christ one moment. But the next moment it knows anger. If my salvation depends upon my effort, I am doomed. But because it depends upon God, I have a chance.

He has mercy on whomever he chooses, and he hardens the heart of whomever he chooses. (v.18)

Though my heart is hardened with disobedience, after my allotted time of rebellion, our merciful God will show mercy on me. And call me, “My son.”

Those who were not my people I will call “My people.” (v.25)

For a while, I foolishly thought God was unfair because he hardens some but shows mercy on others. Little did I know that his unfairness is fairer than man’s fairness. His unfairness is thousand times more merciful than man’s mercy.

Father,
Now I can rest because all are in your hands. My salvation, my obedience, my hope, my faith, all are in your mercy. I find delight in your whip, and I find refuge in your wrath. Therefore, Father, only fulfill your will in me, whether it is hardening of heart or mercy of mercies. I give thanks and praise to you in the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

 

[IKTCA]

I received mercy ...... Jesus Christ ...... made me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:16)

Paul was confessing how violently he persecuted church, and how Jesus forgave him and showed mercy to him.

He said nothing about the miracles he witnessed. Had the author of Acts not recorded how great a miracle he performed through a handkerchief, I would not have known about it. Had the author not recorded how the Holy Spirit came down upon new believers as Paul laid hands on them, I would not have know about it.

Paul said nothing about these. All he said was how merciful Jesus was.

How could a super apostle be so humble? He is so different from me, too different for me to imitate. Was he an angel that became an apostle? How could he be so different?

Lord Jesus,
What separates Paul so far from me? Was he born differently? If not, how could he be so humble? Did you make him humble or was he born humble? I cannot even fathom the depth of his humility. I count as best as I can, but his humility is still greater.

Lord,
Take me into your humility. Teach me obedience and unceasing thanksgiving so that 10 years from now, I can start to understand Paul’s humility. Amen.

 

[angelwind]

My thoughts here with you are these...centered around what happens with Jesus and this woman:

"Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears, and wiped them with her hair. You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet.
You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little." Luke 7:44-47

I think Paul knew how great a sinner he was and how much He had been forgiven...he loved much.

I would like a deeper knowing of my sins before God and a deeper knowing of His forgiveness to me...I've had several seasons with repentance and forgiveness...but there are other ways to learn humility too...simple obedience and waiting a long time for the Lord to move can bring much humility.

 

[IKTCA]

Sister AW:
Thank you for praying for me so that humility grows in me through obedience.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

For certain men have crept in unnoticed..... who turn the grace of God into lewdness… (Jude 4)



In the old days, apostles and prophets warned the church when evil doers crept in. Nowadays apostles are gone and prophets are no more. Alas, who’s going to warn the church?

Evil doers purpose one thing: to degenerate the purity of saints into lewdness, physical and spiritual. A man covets neighbor’s woman. A bride already betrothed to Christ lustfully seeks the love of the world. How often do I see this!

Lord,
Who can you send to warn me when I fall into lewdness? How many apostles and prophets do you have? How do I know if I am not in lewdness already, since I have none to blow trumpets for me?

Lord,
Raise apostles and prophets. There are many like me who need your servants, who will stay watchful all night for me until dawn brings light to my mind, who will stay on knees until your righteousness is established in your church. Only if you will raise five hundred righteous men for this nation! Amen.

 

[IKTCA]

We were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. (1 Thessalonians 2:7)

I am a parent, too, and know what it is like to raise children. I can appreciate how Paul behaved among believers. When some turned to the old way, he did not scold them harshly. Instead, he prayed for them.

He did not feed them as I fed my children. But he kept them in his prayers and wept for them. His letters to them are the pouring of his heart for them. All the words in his letters are heart-words.

Some became arrogant and did not recognize his authority. But he did not insist. Rather he prayed for them and exhorted only gently.

He was full of power and authority. He had the authority to give a man to Satan for destruction. But his demeanor was so meek that, at times, he was looked down upon. But he did not return evil for evil. Rather, he blessed them.

He stood taller than all in spirituality and grace. But he regarded others better than himself, and served all as if he were a slave.

He truly cared for them gently and tenderly as his own children. Because of this, my Lord commands me, “Imitate Paul,” and, “Gently and tenderly care for your brothers as your own children.”

Lord,
Often I complain bitterly about my brothers. Though I am to imitate Paul, I refuse to serve them. There are two minds in me. One mind wants to serve them. The other wants to run away from them. I do not know which is the truer mind.

Lord,
How can I care for grownups as my own children? You know how they treat me. All my intuition rebels against your command. Therefore, Lord, have mercy on me, and plant Paul’s heart in me. Paul’s humility and Paul’s meekness, I need them all.

Lord,
I have a mouth but cannot utter a word before you since all words that come out of the mouth are rebellious. Have mercy on me, Lord Jesus. Amen.

 

[IKTCA]

You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit……(John 15:16)

Amen. If I were to choose him, I would have to examine myself. Am I worthy of him? Do I still have roots of resentment in my soul? Will others see me pure and accept my testimony? Am I well pruned to bear fruit?

But I did not choose him. He chose me. He chose me even though I had bitterness, anger, selfishness, and greed. He still chose me and started to work on me. Lies first. Anger next. One by one, day by day.

Since he chose me, he will complete his work in me and make me ready to bear fruit. I don’t have to question my qualification or background. He will prepare me his way for his service.

Lord,
You are my Gardener and I am your tree. Prune me, fertilize me, rain me, and discipline me. I shill bear fruit since you are the Master Gardener of all souls. Amen.

 

[IKTCA]

Let your speech always be gracious...... (Colossians 4:6)

Why is it so difficult to be gracious in speech? Why do I speak words of arrogance and hurt others, and cause shame and guilt to myself?

I do not have to make an effort to say arrogant words. They just come out so naturally from me. They, stored in abundance in me, just flow out when I open my mouth.

Lord,
I spoke ill of my brother this morning, and caused a shame to myself and to your name. I didn’t know there was so much arrogance stored up in me. How I wish to speak words of grace only and how different I am from what I wish to be.

My only hope is this command of yours: let your speech always be gracious. Lord, fulfill your word in me for I desire to obey. Have mercy on me for I am unable to obey on my own.

Comfort my brothers with your grace, and let this shame be etched in my soul as a reminder of my arrogance. Amen.

 

[IKTCA]

…..from the human heart evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, adultery…..(Mark 7:21)

The prince of the world wants my heart so that he can defile it. He wants to fill it with adultery, deceit, and all evil intentions. The same heart God also wants to have.

This people honors me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me. (Mark 7:6)

He wants to fill it with peace, joy and all heavenly blessings.

Father,
If I knew where my heart was, I would carve it out and give it to you. But I don’t know where it is, or how to guard it from the Devil. Therefore, I ask you Father to take possession of it with your power and authority.

Father,
I do not know why the Almighty, who is the Lord of All, wants my heart at the cost of his Son. What goodness is there that you want it? Out of it come words of arrogance and deception. What good can it be to you?

But because you want it so much, I give you my permission to take possession of it. Claim it as yours, yours alone. Do not share it with any being of the heavenly or the earthly. Put your seal on it so that neither the Devil nor I can tamper it.

Though my heart is within me, it does not follow my command. Therefore, Father, I ask you to become the Lord of it, in the name of your Son Jesus. Amen.

 

[IKTCA]

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law (Galatians 4:4)

Of all the words in the bible, I find time the most difficult to understand. Why was fullness of time then? Why are some prayers of my brothers not answered now? Until when must my brothers wait? When will my brothers and me be restored in his righteousness?

I tried to figure out the present time from Revelation. But the more I studied, the more I was confused. Many died asking the same questions. Prophets and apostles knew they had to wait.

Time is the most difficult because I must to wait until “the right time” that only God knows. Even Jesus said he didn’t know the end time.

Lord Almighty,
You are the Lord of time. Until when you say, “Now,” I must wait patiently, trusting your words. Though it saddens my heart to see my brothers die of cancer, I must wait in submission until you send healing to them.

It was you who created time and commanded me to wait. Therefore, give me the hope, patience, and diligence that I must have. Amen.

 

[IKTCA]

Save me, O God,
for the waters have come up to my neck.


I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched.
My eyes fail with waiting for my God. (Psalm 69:1,3)

This is how the psalmist waited for God. I look back the moments when I waited for God and compare my situation to his. Not even close.

What makes a man wait for God with such desperation? To me, today is as good as yesterday, and tomorrow is going to be as good as today. I find no reason to be so desperate. I start to reflect on this passage.

I find only one reason why I am not desperate. The eyes of my spirit are not opened. The eyes fail to see the state of this generation and this nation. Jesus said this generation is sinful and adulterous, but I don’t see it. Jesus said I should cry for righteousness day and night like the widow, but I don’t see it.

Lord Jesus,
Though I call myself a believer, I still do not see what a believer must see. If I am worthy, open my eyes and let me see the whoredom of me and my brothers. Let me see the drowning waters of sin reaching my neck. Then I, too, shall cry on to you until my throat is parched and my eyes fail. Amen.

 

[cyberwood]

iktca,

It's so great to read your devotions again! Thank you so much for your service in His kingdom. It has been and continues to be a great blessing in my life.

Stay strong in Christ brother,
Chris

 

[IKTCA]

Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord;
keep watch over the door of my lips.
Do not turn my heart to any evil….. (Psalm 141:3-4)

David was a godly man. God was so pleased with him that He made a covenant with him. He was strong with many chariots but humble in spirit. I have always looked up to him.

But I am seeing an ordinary man in this prayer. Like other believers, he saw the limit of himself. He wanted to guard his mouth, but couldn’t. He wanted to watch over his lips, but couldn’t. He wanted to keep his heart from evil, but couldn’t.

Confessing inability, he petitioned to God the Almighty to be a guard for him over his mouth, lips, and heart. I didn’t imagine David made such a prayer.

Father the God of All Creation,
Following the prayer of David, I admit my inability to stay pure and clean. My own tongue betrays me, causing guilt on me. My heart loses peace over a little wealth and a little fame. How I hate to lose peace, Father. But I can’t.

Therefore, Father, be my guard over my tongue and lips. Place an angel with a flaming sword over my heart so that no evil can enter it. Let my soul not fall in slumber lest I lose the sight of Jesus my Lord. Let my ears not be dull lest I fail to understand the Master’s command. I ask you in the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.