Devotion for Today

The Spiritual Realm

December 20, 2013

He was zealous for my sake . . .
–Numbers 25:11

It is strange that the world accepts enthusiasm in every realm but the spiritual. The world appreciates and understands emotion and enthusiasm, until it becomes a religious fervor—then immediately it is suspect. When you bring a grand and glorious abandon to your dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ, you are thought by many of your neighbors to be mad, to have “gone too far” in religion.

The whole history of missionary enterprise is filled with names like William Carey, Hudson Taylor, John Paton, David Livingstone, and others, who were thought by their generations to be mad. Their dedication was beyond the understanding of those who loved the smugness and the ease of contemporary life . . . And yet, in the last analysis, who are the mad ones? Are they not the complacent, self-centered, and smug who are so selfish that they tire of their own smugness, tire of their pleasures, and even tire of themselves?

Prayer for the day

Let me rededicate my life to You, with complete abandonment, Lord Jesus.

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21 Comments

Deb says 12.23.2012, 05:57 a.m.

What an honor to serve God may he keep us in his hand and light the path we are to take forgive us all for we are sinners and of the flesh. He will never leave you.

Glenda says 12.20.2012, 3:29 p.m.

Jesus changes lives beyond human comprehension. Thankful for Jesus Christ and his finished work on earth. God knew what he was doing from the beginning and it is only through his never-ending love that transforms us through powers of the Holy Spirit.

connie says 12.20.2012, 11:42 a.m.

People say Im crazy but Im coming to a place in my life that I dont care what people say or think about me! The only person that makes sense to me is JESUS and HIS Word! I love you Lord God and Thank you for Loving me and holding onto me!

l c says 12.20.2012, 09:15 a.m.

Let's love JESUS with great abandon! (please pray again as today, like yesterday, re: I must deal with something that has to do with Ephesians 6 issues. Thank you in Jesus. Amen.)

Joe says 12.20.2012, 07:34 a.m.

Amen.

Gerry says 12.20.2012, 06:55 a.m.

The Bible is clear, many will reject God. The price to follow him is "too difficult and restrictive" in a very permissive society. Believers are mocked, ridiculed and persecuted. All this is a very small price to pay for Eternal Salvation, with God.

Tom says 12.20.2012, 00:11 a.m.

I just want to thank the BGEA for this website. I spend many Christmases apart from my biological family, mainly due to their persecution of me and their mockery of their true meaning of Christmas. This site brings comfort to me.

Deepak says 12.20.2011, 2:45 p.m.

In an age when "Christmas" is considered a profane word, we must pray that the joy of the Holy Spirit shines out through us! We must humbly, clearly.

Luc says 12.20.2011, 11:36 a.m.

Seigneur, aide-nous, par ton Saint-Esprit, d'Ãªtre une lumiÃ¨re dans ce monde et de tÃ©moigner de ton Grand amour, non par nos propres voies, mais par La tienne. Dans le nom de JÃ©sus Christ que je te prie Seigneur, Amen ! (Lord, help us by your Holy Spirit to be a light in the world and of your great love, not by our own ways, but Yours. In the name of Jesus above Christ I pray thee Lord, Amen!)

Jonathan says 12.20.2011, 08:10 a.m.

I have felt such an heart-felt tugging of the Lord to stay in His presents lately, saying no to most out-side tugging the Holy Spirit has gently showed me a much better way. Out loud my hearts crying for more of Jesus, I love Him, I will obey Him.

Joe says 12.20.2011, 07:51 a.m.

Jesus please help us to abandon ourselves completely to You. For you alone are deserving of all the glory and all our love.

Nancy says 12.20.2011, 06:58 a.m.

Well said, Gerry. And like Sheryl, I pray that the Lord have mercy on us all.

Gerry says 12.20.2011, 05:39 a.m.

What a privilege and honour it is if someone considers me to be "one of those weirdo followers of Jesus" , Bible thump-er, etc., etc. . Its a very small price to pay when I think of many others who gave their lives for their beliefs . Thank you Lord

Annie says 12.18.2011, 10:42 a.m.

Crucifying selfishness daily, then there will be room for the LOVE OF JESUS..... in me! Holy God, Holy Spirit, Please help me LORD to live a life with..... a humble heart, in Jesus mighty name I pray, Amen!

mick says 12.15.2011, 2:03 p.m.

we often do not show to others our true Christian enthusiasm!

Patricia says 12.20.2010, 9:35 p.m.

Each day and night I feel the Spirit as I go about my life. God leads me by the hand of Jesus in my Mind and Heart. I feel joyous, happy and full of the excitement thinking about the day I will meet my Jesus my Lord and Savior. I don't know how people live without the Lord in their life. Thank you Father, I praise the name of Jesus as long as I live, on earth and then in Heaven. Praise his Holy Name. Amen

Monica says 12.20.2010, 3:37 p.m.

Hallelujah!!! Amen and amen!!! Let me rededicate my life to You, LORD!!!!

mick says 12.20.2010, 12:21 a.m.

The Maker made us to mission!

sheryl says 12.20.2010, 11:02 a.m.

WOW. amen to that Gerry. Have mercy on us Lord..

Bob says 12.20.2010, 10:55 a.m.

As Christians, we are to live our lives for Jesus Christ. We are different from the world, which has different values. Our intimate relationship with Jesus allows us to share his gospel and live our lives for him. For those who don't want to know Jesus, 1 Corinthians 16:22 tell us their fate. - "Let anyone who does not love the Lord Jesus Christ be accursed, O Lord Come."

Gerry says 12.20.2010, 06:46 a.m.

It is a sad statement that there are many today that will anxiously line up outside a store for many hours in the cold to be the first to own the latest new electronic device or to buy tickets to see a Pop star espousing the so-called fun lifestyle of sex, drugs, etc., to our teens. Then in the next moment ridicule anyone taking the time to go to church or volunteer help at a seniors home etc. ,and label them "Do Gooder fanatics" . Thank you Lord for the Holy Spirit's strength and the ability to stay focused on you and your word while enduring unfair, mean-spirited comments and other types of hurtful persecution. Your word is clear that many have suffered far worse , before us, as you yourself did and we should expect it. However we must continue to pray for the lost and steadfastly to let our light shine in this ever darkening world.