-=STORM MINISTRIES=-

Today's Devotional:

Theme: Pursuing Peacemakers

Verse: Romans 14:19 (ESV): "So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding."


Reflection

World Peace & Understanding Day is a reminder that our world is a tapestry woven with diverse cultures, beliefs, and experiences. Amidst this beautiful complexity, conflict and division all too easily arise. The apostle Paul, writing in Romans 14:19, calls us to a different path, one where we actively become agents of peace and builders of understanding.

The word "pursue" in this verse evokes intentionality. The pursuit of peace isn't passive or accidental. It requires a conscious choice to seek out what leads to peaceful coexistence and genuine connections with others. At its core, "mutual upbuilding" implies that through peace, we not only preserve the status quo but also strive to create spaces where others can thrive and be their best selves.



PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS:
How can we translate the ideals of this devotional into tangible actions?

Self-Reflection:
Examine your own heart. Are there unresolved biases, preconceived notions, or lingering judgments hindering your ability to truly embrace peace and understanding?


Listen Deeply:
Engage in conversations where you genuinely seek to understand those with different perspectives. Practice active listening, putting aside your own assumptions.

Seek Common Ground:
Celebrate what we share. Instead of focusing solely on our differences, look for shared values, hopes, and dreams. Find ways to collaborate, creating bridges across divides.

Choose Kindness:
Even when disagreements arise, let kindness, respect, and empathy guide your interactions. Remember that words hold power, and we can either wound or uplift others.

Challenges and Hope

Pursuing peace and understanding is not always easy. It requires breaking out of our comfort zones and, at times, humbling ourselves. Old wounds might resurface, and conflicts might seem insurmountable. Yet, this pursuit is worthwhile. Our faith reminds us that in God's eyes, every individual is precious, and in His kingdom, true peace prevails.




Dear God, you are the author of peace. Grant us the wisdom and courage to actively pursue peace and foster understanding, beginning within our own hearts, families, and communities. Help us to be instruments of reconciliation, kindness, and hope. In your name, we pray. Amen.

Let us embrace this World Peace and Understanding Day as a challenge to build a world where peace is not just an idea but a lived reality.

1 year ago | [YT] | 1

-=STORM MINISTRIES=-

MAY 27, 2023 Devotional:

BIBLE VERSE:

2 Timothy 4:7 (NLT) says: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful."

DEVOTIONAL:

This verse is a powerful statement by the Apostle Paul, who was nearing the end of his life and ministry. He had faced many challenges and hardships in his service to God, including persecution, imprisonment, and opposition from both within and outside the church. Yet, he remained committed to his calling and faithful to the gospel message that he had preached throughout his life.

As followers of Christ, we can learn much from Paul's example. Like him, we are called to fight the good fight of faith, to run the race set before us, and to remain faithful to the end. This means that we must be willing to endure hardships, to overcome obstacles, and to persevere in the face of opposition and adversity.

But how can we do this? How can we remain faithful to God and his calling on our lives when the going gets tough? The answer lies in our relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the one who gives us the strength and courage we need to face whatever challenges come our way. He is the one who empowers us to fight the good fight, to run the race with perseverance, and to remain faithful to the end.

In Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT), we read: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us stripoff every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne."

This passage reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us, including Paul and the other apostles, as well as countless men and women throughout history who have remained faithful to God in the face of great opposition and persecution. But most importantly, we have Jesus Christ himself as our example and our source of strength.

So, let us press on in the fight, let us run with endurance the race set before us, and let us remain faithful to the end. For as Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:8 (NLT), "And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing." May we too eagerly look forward to that day, when we will be rewarded for our faithfulness and receive the ultimate prize of eternal life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 years ago | [YT] | 4

-=STORM MINISTRIES=-

MAY 22, 2023 Devotional:

BIBLE VERSE:

Luke 5:16 (NIV) - But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

DEVOTIONAL:

Luke 5:16 (NIV) says, "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." This verse provides a powerful example for us as believers to follow. Like Jesus, we too need to find moments of solitude and prayer in our busy lives in order to connect with God and find the strength and wisdom we need to navigate the challenges of life.

Jesus was a busy man. Crowds of people followed Him everywhere He went, seeking healing, teaching, and guidance. Yet, despite His many demands, Jesus recognized the importance of taking time to withdraw from the crowds and spend time alone with His Father in prayer. He knew that in order to fulfill His mission and do the work that God had called Him to do, He needed to be connected to the source of His strength and wisdom.

For us as believers, it can be easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and neglect our spiritual lives. We may find ourselves rushing from one task to another, without taking time to pause and reflect on our relationship with God. Yet, like Jesus, we need to make intentional choices to prioritize our spiritual lives and seek moments of solitude and prayer in the midst of our busy schedules.

One way to do this is to create intentional rhythms of prayer and reflection in our daily lives. We can set aside time each day to read the Bible, pray, and connect with God in a quiet and focused way. We can also look for opportunities throughout the day to pause and reflect on God's presence and guidance, whether it's during our commute, while we're doing household chores, or during our lunch break.

Another way to follow Jesus' example is to seek out moments of solitude and retreat. This could mean taking a weekend away to attend a spiritual retreat, or simply finding a quiet spot in nature to spend some time alone with God. Whatever form it takes, the important thing is to create space in our lives for God to speak to us and refresh our spirits.

There are many verses in the Bible that speak to the importance of solitude and prayer. Here are a few examples:

- Psalm 46:10 (NIV) says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." This verse encourages us to be still and quiet before God, recognizing His sovereignty and power.

- Mark 1:35 (NIV) says, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." This verse provides another example of Jesus seeking out moments of solitude and prayer.

- Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This verse reminds us of the power of prayer to bring us peace and comfort in times of anxiety or stress.

As we seek to follow Jesus' example and prioritize moments of solitude and prayer in our lives, let us remember that these moments are not just for our own benefit, but also for the benefit of those around us. When we are connected to God and filled with His wisdom and strength, we are better equipped to serve and love others in the way that God calls us to.

May we be inspired by Jesus' example and empowered by the Holy Spirit to make intentional choices to seek God in solitude and prayer, so that we can live fully and joyfully in His presence.

2 years ago | [YT] | 4

-=STORM MINISTRIES=-

May 18, 2023 Devotional:

BIBLE VERSE:

John 15:17 (NIV) : This is my command: Love each other.


DEVOTIONAL

John 15:17 says, "This is my command: Love each other." This simple yet profound statement is part of a larger passage where Jesus is speaking to his disciples shortly before his arrest and crucifixion. In this passage, Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine and branches to illustrate the importance of staying connected to him and abiding in his love.

In John 15:1-11, Jesus explains that he is the true vine and his Father is the gardener. He goes on to say that those who remain in him will bear much fruit, but apart from him, they can do nothing. Jesus then tells his disciples that he has spoken these things so that his joy may be in them and their joy may be complete.

But then in verse 12, Jesus says something truly radical: "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." This is not just a suggestion or an option; it is a commandment. And it's not just any commandment, but the greatest commandment, as Jesus himself later affirms in Matthew 22:37-40.

So what does it mean to love each other as Jesus loved us? It means sacrificial love, putting others' needs before our own, even to the point of laying down our lives for them. This is the kind of love that Jesus demonstrated on the cross, when he willingly died for our sins.

But how can we possibly love others in this way? The answer is found in the rest of John 15:1-11. We must remain in Jesus, abiding in his love and allowing his love to flow through us to others. As we stay connected to him through prayer, reading the Bible, and fellowship with other believers, his love will transform us from the inside out, enabling us to love others as he loved us.

In fact, the entire New Testament is filled with exhortations to love one another. For example, 1 John 4:7-12 says, "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."

In conclusion, John 15:17 is a powerful reminder that our highest calling as followers of Jesus is to love one another as he loved us. This is not always easy, but it is essential if we are to fulfill the commandment of our Lord and experience the abundant life he promises. Through remaining in him and allowing his love to flow through us, we can love others as he loved us, and in so doing, bear much fruit for his kingdom.

2 years ago | [YT] | 2

-=STORM MINISTRIES=-

May 17, 2023 Devotional:

BIBLE VERSE:

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

DEVOTIONAL:

Deuteronomy 31:6 says, "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."

This verse is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and presence in our lives. As believers, we can take comfort in the fact that we are never alone, even in the face of challenges and difficulties.

One way to apply this verse to our lives is to take courage in the midst of fear and uncertainty. We can trust in God's promises and His unfailing love for us, knowing that He will never leave us or forsake us.

In Joshua 1:9, God tells Joshua, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." This verse reinforces the idea that we can be strong and courageous because God is with us.

In Isaiah 41:10, God says, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." This verse offers further assurance that God is always with us, ready to strengthen and help us when we need it most.

As we meditate on Deuteronomy 31:6 and these other verses, let us take comfort in the fact that we serve a God who is faithful and true. May we be encouraged to face whatever challenges come our way, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

2 years ago | [YT] | 7

-=STORM MINISTRIES=-

MAY 16, 2023 Devotional:

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE:

Romans 12:12 (NIV): "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

DEVOTIONAL:


Romans 12:12 is a powerful verse that reminds us of three important qualities that we need to cultivate in our lives as followers of Christ: joy, patience, and faithfulness. In this devotional, we'll explore what each of these qualities mean, and how we can apply them to our lives.

First, let's look at the first part of the verse: "Be joyful in hope." The word "hope" in the Bible is not just wishful thinking or a vague sense of optimism. Biblical hope is a confident expectation that God will fulfill His promises, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. So when Paul tells us to be joyful in hope, he is encouraging us to find joy in the knowledge that God is faithful and that He will keep His promises to us.

One way we can cultivate joy in hope is by focusing on the many promises that God has given us in His Word. For example, we can find joy in the promise of eternal life, the promise of God's presence with us, and the promise of His provision for our needs. By meditating on these promises and reminding ourselves of them often, we can find joy even in the midst of trials and difficulties.

The second part of the verse says, "patient in affliction." This is a challenging command, as it can be difficult to remain patient when we are going through hard times. But as Christians, we are called to persevere through trials and tribulations, trusting that God is working all things together for our good.

One way we can cultivate patience in affliction is by keeping an eternal perspective. When we focus on the temporary pain or discomfort we are experiencing, it can be easy to lose hope and grow discouraged. But when we remember that our present afflictions are producing an eternal weight of glory that far outweighs any temporary suffering (2 Corinthians 4:17), we can endure with patience and perseverance.

Finally, the verse says, "faithful in prayer." Prayer is a powerful tool that God has given us to communicate with Him and to receive His guidance, wisdom, and strength. By being faithful in prayer, we are acknowledging our dependence on God and inviting Him to work in our lives.

One way we can cultivate faithfulness in prayer is by making it a daily habit. Just as we need to eat and drink daily to sustain our physical bodies, we need to pray daily to sustain our spiritual lives. By setting aside time each day to pray, we can develop a deeper relationship with God and experience His presence and power in our lives.

In conclusion, Romans 12:12 is a powerful reminder of the qualities that we need to cultivate as followers of Christ: joy, patience, and faithfulness. By focusing on these qualities and applying them to our lives, we can experience the abundant life that God has promised us, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

2 years ago | [YT] | 2

-=STORM MINISTRIES=-

APR 30, 2023 Devotional:

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE:

1 John 5:13 (NIV) - 'I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.'

DEVOTIONAL:

Are you ever unsure about your salvation? Take heart, because 1 John 5:13 (NIV) says, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."

God wants us to know that we have eternal life through faith in his Son, Jesus Christ. It's not based on our own works or merit, but on the finished work of Jesus on the cross.

As it says in Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV), "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

We can have confidence in our salvation because it is not based on our own efforts, but on God's grace and love for us. And as we continue to walk in faith and obedience to him, we can have assurance of our salvation and a hope that is secure.

So don't let doubt and fear rob you of the joy and peace that comes from knowing Jesus. Hold fast to your faith in him and trust in his promises of eternal life.

2 years ago | [YT] | 4

-=STORM MINISTRIES=-

APR 29, 2023 Devotional

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE:

Isaiah 55:12 NIV - 'You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.'

DEVOTIONAL:

Are you feeling weighed down by the cares of this world? Take heart, because Isaiah 55:12 (NIV) says, "You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands."

God promises us joy and peace in the midst of our struggles. When we trust in him and lean on his strength, he will lead us into a life of abundance and fulfillment.

But how do we experience this joy and peace that God promises? It starts with surrendering our cares and worries to him. As it says in 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV), "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

When we give our burdens to God, we make room for his peace and joy to fill our hearts. And as we walk in faith, we will see his hand at work in our lives, causing mountains to move and trees to clap their hands in praise.

So don't be discouraged by the challenges of this world. Hold fast to your faith and trust in God's promises of joy and peace. With him by your side, you can overcome any obstacle and live a life that brings glory to him. Amen!

2 years ago | [YT] | 4

-=STORM MINISTRIES=-

APR 28, 2023 Devotional:

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE:

Romans 6:10 (NLT) - 'When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God.'


DEVOTIONAL:

Are you struggling with feelings of guilt and shame? Take heart, because Romans 6:10 (NLT) says, "When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God."

Jesus died to break the power of sin and shame in our lives. He took the weight of our guilt upon himself so that we could be set free from its grip.

But it doesn't stop there. Jesus also rose from the dead and now lives for the glory of God. And as his followers, we too can experience new life and freedom from sin and shame.

As it says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT), "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"

So don't let guilt and shame hold you back. Embrace the new life that Jesus offers and trust in his power to break the chains of sin in your life. As you walk in faith, you will experience the freedom and joy that comes from living for God's glory.

So hold fast to your faith and trust in the power of the risen Savior. He died and rose again to give you new life and freedom from sin and shame.

2 years ago | [YT] | 3

-=STORM MINISTRIES=-

APR 27, 2023 Devotional:

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE:

2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV) - 'Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.'

DEVOTIONAL:

Are you feeling unsure about your walk of faith? Take heart, because 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV) says, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."

God doesn't expect you to be perfect, but he wants you to study the Bible and seek to understand its truths. When we have a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding, we can confidently share our faith with others and live a life that brings glory to God.

But how do we correctly handle the word of truth? It starts with understanding the context and meaning of the Bible. As it says in 2 Peter 1:20-21 (NIV), "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."

When we read and study the Bible with a humble and teachable spirit, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in our understanding of its truths. And as we apply these truths to our lives, we become workers who do not need to be ashamed.

So don't be discouraged if you don't have all the answers or if you've made mistakes in the past. Keep seeking God and his truth through prayer and Bible study. With God's help, you can be a worker who correctly handles the word of truth and brings glory to him.

2 years ago | [YT] | 4