Daybreak Devotionals

I lost the money. It was true. But it would not be the last time I ever made a mistake. And when the money was returned, oh -- the rejoicing I had in my heart. Plus, the fact that I'd get to keep my job. Take this woman in Luke 15, who had 10 coins, she lost one and went on a frantic search. And when she found it, she rejoiced with all of her friends! In this same way, Jesus rejoices as do the angels in heaven when one person turns from sin. Jesus longs to find each of us, despite our mishaps, mistakes and blunders!

What has you all tied up? Learn a lesson from these two boys as a blanket wraps itself up in the life of one of these kids. Then, think of how God shows up, touches and unravels our problems. He's the one touch healer, and He wants to cradle us in His arms. Check out my new book "See You in the Funny Papers" a bit of Good News." Stories to make you smile, permission to have fun. Releasing mid-November 2008, and it will be on my site soon after, www.pamkumpe.com.

I drop things. Make messes. Break stuff. But since God made me, I can walk in the shoes that fit my feet and trust Him. I can serve. I can carry the message like Phoebe and deliver Good News. Who do you think of when you think of a woman who serves? Are you this woman, one who lives a reverent life? God can take us, fix us and use us. He's in the fixing business, then again -- it is the carpenter in Him, I suppose.

Does she? Did she accept Christ? I believe that if she had, her story along with that of her husband Felix -- that their conversions would have made history and would have been in God's Word. She heard about Jesus for two years when Paul was in jail. And her husband Felix was hoping for a bribe from Paul, but Paul's faith was not for sale. Yes, for me -- Drusilla is the prodigal poster girl. Many hear, many listen and some never respond to the tug on their hearts. Will you?

So what are you selling? Would you give your profit toward helping others in need? Would you lie to God and try to keep some for yourself? Well, Sapphira not only lied about the money, it cost her - her life and her husband's life. God knows our heart. He knows. Is the truth still the truth? Something to think about!

Yes, Mothers are known for having pet sayings for their children. Noah's mom is tired of the animals. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo's mom told them never to play with fire. David's mom wanted him to practice his harp. So what sayings does your mom have for you? Take a trip down memory lane and see what comes to mind.

Rhoda wasn't crazy! She saw Peter at the front door of the house, and at the very moment -- the others were praying for his safety and release from prison, God had performed the miracle. They did not believe her, thinking she was seeing things. But Rhoda saw Peter, the first to witness his great escape from prison. Rhoda was seemingly unimportant, but God used her. She was the first to witness the miracle!

Do you have your Easter all planned out? Got the eggs so you can have an Easter Egg hunt? What if God had different plans? Would you change your schedule? Well, Paul had a vision and got sent him to Philippi where Lydia lived. She heard him preaching and received Christ that day by the river. Yes, God changed Paul's plan -- because He cared so much for Lydia. He cares this much for you -- let him inside your heart and have the best Easter you ever could -

Jingle. Jingle. She dropped the two coins into the offering. She gave all she had. But what about you? Do you hold onto your money, keeping it for your little kingdom on earth? Or do you give all you have for your Savior? Who do you love? Who do show your allegiance to? What can you do to improve?

Mary gave her best, would you? She poured perfume on Jesus' feet, worth a year's salary. The most expensive things she probably owned - and Judas complained about her choice. When did you last give Jesus your best? What would it cost you? The sweet smell of perfume is like the sound of bird singing -- it will touch your heart when you give your best to the Lord!!!

What would happen if you died? Would your friends mourn? Would they celebrate? Or would they send for Peter so he could pray for you? Tabitha died, and her friends sent for Peter -- he prayed and she came back to life. She cared for so many, helped the poor and widows. She was a great example of how we can show our love for others. Can you say the same?

Have you ever gone camping? Do you know how to put up a tent? Do you know a tent maker - personally? If not, then meet Priscilla, she has a tent ministry and she's telling others about Christ. She took God to the people right where she lived, committed to sharing the gospel with people. Are you as committed? Do you serve with all you have, all the time with the right attitude? We can do the same - as Priscilla - stitching believers together for God's kingdom.

Are you foolish or wise? How would you know? Do you live in such a way you are ready to meet Christ? In our parable, ten virgins all have lamps, but not everyone has enough oil to keep them lit into the night. So when the bridegroom comes, five are out shopping for oil - would that be you? Live ready - to meet your Lord!

Mary sits at Jesus' feet - her sister Martha gets too busy to hear what God is saying - or wants to say to her. Do you need to slow down? Do you spend time in quiet devotion with Jesus? Take a few minutes, see which sister shows us what is really important, then pull up a chair and listed the Lord.

Anna spent her life devoted to God, to the Temple. She was committed to service. Will we be able to say the same? Are we as devoted? Do you serve now? Is your motive pure? Will you see Jesus face to face? Will he say well done thy faithful servant? This woman is an example for me, let her be one for you too! Just as a squirrel devotes himself to the safety of this tree, let God be the safe haven for you. You can find him at the temple with Anna.

When will Jesus return? Are you ready? Don't be left behind - be prepared to meet Jesus. Give him your heart, soul and mind. He will come when you least expect him!

Salome, a mother who appeared a little pushy asked Jesus for a favor. She wanted her two boys to sit on each side of the King of Kings; but Jesus was not happy with her request -- A seat beside of King was a place of power -- God provides and he just wants you to sit near him, to love him, to tell others of his grace. Grab a chair, there's enought seats for everyone!

I don't know how many times you have heard an angel speak,to you, but Mary Magdalene not only heard angels talking, she heard the voice of her Savior -- the risen Jesus standing behind her talking...his tomb was empty. At first she had no idea who he was but when he said her name...she grabbed onto her King.... He's calling each of us...are you listening?

The Canaanite Woman pleaded for Jesus to deliver from demons, he paused...no answer - She pleaded again... Jesus recognized her faith...and healed the girl! How hard to you pursue Jesus?

Taking revenge into your own hands, makes one foolish. Herodias wanted John the Baptist silenced, she got her way -- having him killed and the head brought to her... But, she never accomplished silencing the voice of Jesus, he lives on today, through you and me; he whispers his way into hearts. Sometimes, it's the still small voice that's the loudest...listen to God, he calls ...