Daily Devotional - April 17, 2021

💜 Worship: If you'd like to play a song before you begin or while you read, may we recommend "Reign Above It All" by Bethel Music. Why not try asking alexa, siri, or google to play it for you?!

💚 Daily Verse: Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.
☆ Ephesians 2:1‭-‬3 NLT


❤ Let's Talk About It: This verse pretty much sums up the plight of every human who does not know God or who has chosen not to respond to His Gospel message.

The truth is, we wouldn't even be able to respond to the message without the Holy Spirit drawing us in because we are depraved humans who are blinded by our own lustful natural inclinations and sinful desires. Not only are we blind, but the truth is, without the Holy Spirit, we are also deaf.

Each and every one of us is in an unregenerate state until God sends His Holy Spirit to help us. He calls out to us and draws us in.

All you have to do to realize we need help is look around. Violence fills the streets and news. Parents have turned on their children and children against their parents.

Paul says that those who are not saved have a darkened-mind (Eph. 4:18). The Bible is clear about this.

Jeremiah reminds us that our heart is desperately corrupt (Jer. 17:9). We absolutely need Jesus if there is any hope that we can learn to think about others rather than ourselves. Without Christ, we are selfish and self-centered.

Paul actually tells us that we are slaves of the devil in our unregenerate state (2 Tim. 2:25-26). Let that sink in. Jesus Himself makes this claim when He says if you are not for Him, you are against Him (Matt. 12:30).

But the Holy Spieit helps to keep us humble. He helps to convict us of sin and help us see where we may have missed the mark and how to remedy that in the future.

Mankind absolutely needs a Savior because without one we are lost, ignorant, worthless and wicked. I know this is not popular teaching, but the truth is, there is no good person, only a good God.

If a person is considered good it is because that which is good (the Spirit of God) is in Him; without that, we are helpless and hopeless. It is why we need Jesus, and why the Holy Spirit is so precious to every true follower of Christ.

🧡 Prayer: Dear God, I am so thankful for Your plan of Salvation and for Your precious Holy Spirit that has saved, and is still saving me today. Thank You for giving me wisdom to understand Your Word. Thank You for making Yourself known to me. You are a good God and I am so grateful to have a relationship with You; to speak to You like a friend, and to come to You in prayer whenever I desire. Lord, I desire more of You. Open my eyes to Your workings in my life so that I can give You praise for all You do. Help me to be Your hands and feet, Jesus. I love You Lord, may Your perfect will be done, Father. In Jesus mighty name I pray, amen.