Lemon or Lemonade: Devotions from a Preschool Teacher

Peace seems fleeting.  Even during my devotion, my cockatiel sang the song of his people and didn't give me peace while I recorded it.  However, God promises everlasting peace.  Dive into Isaiah 26 and learn about this peace with God.  

Does God really expect you to find Him?  Or did He find you first?  How exactly does this work, and how does it relate to Isaiah 55?  That's the topic of today's devotion.  

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 

Sometimes, I can't help but worry.  Does God understand or is it still a sin?  What does it mean if it is a sin?  Does that mean I am condemned?  Nope.  Then why does Jesus speak so harshly about worry?  Does he really?  Maybe we need to look at Matthew 6 a little closer!

There are many "how to" books out there that will tell you how to be a Christian, but many leave off the vital important parts of what it means to be a Christian.  Take a look at Philippians 1:3 - 11 for a peek on what it means to be a complete Christian living a Christian life.  

Nicodemus was confused as a learned man.  It's not hard to see, since the church has been arguing over baptism seemingly ever since.  However, Jesus was clear where our human understanding can be faulty.  

It's hard to give up control. It's even harder to realize it was never ours to hold. But when it has always been in the hands of the Creator of heaven and earth, and He reveals His goodness and grace through His Word, we can trust by faith that it is where it is meant to be.  

Judge not lest ye be judged... this is a phrase that is used to silence Christians from sharing their faith.  However, we aren't doing the judging, God is.  Sharing our faith is an act of love, not a harsh critique.  Learn how to share boldly.

There are so many places where we can gain confidence in life; however, the confidence of our salvation comes from Christ alone.  

As Christians, we have Christian freedom to do a great many things.  But, are all things good, especially when it can cause others to wonder about their own faith?  Read and study Romans 14 with St. Paul for answers to this tough question.  

Have a great Monday!  I'll be back with awesome devotions soon!  

True wisdom only comes from God.  Good works only flow from faith in Christ Jesus.  Wisdom to do good works then only comes from faith in Christ Jesus.  James 3 teaches how this works.  

True love is different than love that the world has to offer.  This brings a Godly perspective to the term "God is love."  

Working out salvation doesn't quite mean what you think it means.  God did it all.  Trust me.  You don't have to do anything.  

Where is God when bad things happen?  As if it's His fault!  Take a look at Psalm 121 for answers to where God is when bad things happen in the world.  

The Lord does everything for your salvation.  All you need to do is receive.  

Where did King David look when he felt that all hope was lost?  The same place that we should look.  To Christ alone.  

I am sure you have heard the Great Commission. but so many think it is for missionaries, church workers, pastors, and, well, anyone else besides the average person.  Would it surprise you to know it applies to you?  No one is asking you to leave your town, though!  It can be done in your daily life! 

So many people try to dismiss Jesus as a moral teacher or someone who never said that he was God, this was just an invention of His followers, but this isn't the case.  Allow Scripture to interpret Scripture and see how Isaiah 48 points to Jesus.