Christian Devotionals and Scripture Applied to Everyday Life

What happens when we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ with our whole heart, soul, and mind, accepting His gift of salvation? There is a radical change that takes place. Anyone who is in Christ becomes a new creature. The old nature and way of living pass away and are replaced with a different and much better one - one that replicates the heart and mind of Christ.

The day was warm and inviting. While walking into my office I discovered that the yellow tulips planted by the front door had opened their petals wide to drink in the refreshing sunshine. I was able to see deep down into the heart of the beautiful flowers to the black parts that made such a striking contrast to the vibrant yellow. I smiled, greeted them back, and entered the door to begin another busy day of work.

The other morning while sitting at the counter eating breakfast I listened to Nathan reciting his English memorization assignment. 

The weary sun sunk behind the hills of Judea leaving the city of Jerusalem in darkness. Only those who had not succumbed to exhausted slumber may have seen the one small pinpoint of light as it moved quickly along the back streets of the town. A cloaked figure cautiously made his way through the winding passages looking for the place where he believed he could find the controversial rabbi. He had heard this man speak and had seen him do miraculous signs, but there were so many questions that needed to be answered. Something was different about him, yet the city's other religious leaders were adamantly opposed to his methods. They, in their jealousy and pride, could not seem to acknowledge the authority with which this man spoke and taught. By going to him personally to find out the truth, Nicodemus, himself a Pharisee, risked his standing and reputation with the rest of the leaders. But the questions burned in his heart screaming for answers and so he waited until night fell to make his visit.

John the Apostle began his gospel account by introducing Jesus Christ as the Word of God. In doing so he referred to the account of creation in Genesis to show that Jesus Christ truly was God. He was not a newcomer to the scene but the very One who participated in the creation of the world. Through Christ's powerful spoken word He made everything and without Him nothing would have come into being. With just a word the whole world was created - the sun, the seas, animals, and humans and without Him there would still be nothing.

In our world of positive image awareness it is easy to become obsessed with our appearance. Everywhere we look there are examples of what our world holds up as attractive and successful. Just shopping at the grocery store bombards the mind with the possibilities and expectations for outward beauty. You must be thin enough, have the right hair color & style, apply your makeup correctly, & wear tight-fitting and stylish clothes that will attract attention. All of these mental gymnastics create a feeling of failure or striving in many women. Men experience this same pressure, only in a different way. Rarely, if ever, do you read a magazine article or see a commercial suggesting the need for inner beauty - it is always external.