God is SO good! He always is. He is love, just, all-knowing, everywhere, powerful and faithful! As Christians, we must build our faith on the firm foundation of who God is. He is the solid rock on which we stand.

The presence of God was so heavy on my spirit when I recorded this message. I pray it changes you.

READ ALONG - PODCAST TRANSCRIPT

Hello and welcome! I'm Samantha Carberry and you're listening to Prayer Closet Devotionals. I invite you to spend this time with me learning about God and building your faith through encouraging words and the truth that only God can bring through His Son Jesus Christ. 

Jesus taught us that it was imperative to rise early and use the quiet of our morning to pray and be with God. When we do this, our relationship with our Heavenly Father grows stronger and his voice becomes clearer. Be sure to leave a comment and share with your friends. 

Let's get started. 

Good morning! Today is August 19. We are going to learn about building and standing on a firm foundation. So I hope that you enjoy what I have planned for you. 

We are going to quickly read Isaiah 52:7, and Romans 10:15 and then begin our devotional and our study. 

So Isaiah 52:7 says, 

"How beautiful upon the mountains

    are the feet of him who brings good news,

who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness,

    who publishes salvation,

    who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

You're going to notice there's a trend today of feet. Yes, feet. 

All right, and then over to Romans 10:15. And I'm actually going to read a little bit around that. So I'm going to read 14 to 17. 

14How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

So in this you hear a series of rhetorical questions, as Paul considered the chain of events necessary for a person to be saved. In verse 14, it is likened to verse 13, the word call. The logic of these verses is clear. 

People will call on Jesus to save them only if they believe he can do so. That belief in Christ cannot exist without knowledge about him. One who hears about Christ only when someone proclaims the saving message. The message about Christ will not be proclaimed unless someone is sent by God to do so. 

So this is why Paul was so urgent about spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth. For he believe that the only way to be saved was to hear and believe in the Gospel. And since salvation comes only from hearing the gospel, the feet of those who bring the message about Christ are beautiful. Probably because the feet carry the messengers to their destinations. 

So this would be about us as Christians sharing our testimonies with others through our everyday life. 

I've never been very Good about winning people to Christ. I, I don't know, I just I don't know what those conversations look like. And so I've just kind of shrunk away. 

But, even though I'm not very evangelical in that sense, I was when I was younger, you know, when I first became a Christian, but then life kind of happened and I can give you a million excuses. With that said, I do believe that I've done a really good job in my life of sharing the goodness of God through the different times of my life. 

And I do believe that I've shined a little brighter just by being me, just by loving God and bringing glory to Him through what I speak. So I guess I tell you that I share with you that so that you kind of understand and it was revealed to me that lis

We are to live our lives as a sacrifice to Christ. Let's take a look at how we are to live that out in our real lives day by day.

Romans 12 - Rewritten Through Study

I ask of you, brothers & sisters because God has shown you great mercy, you treat your bodies as the temple of God. It is an act of worship to do this as it is Holy and pleasing to God.

Do not live like the world. Allow yourself to be changes for the better. Beginning with your mind, proving the good, acceptable and perfect, will of God. 

Because God has chosen me (Paul), and found favor with me, I am speaking to you (the church), do not be vain or arrogant. Think clearly as God has given each h of us a specific amount of faith and we cannot take credit.

There are many of us in the Body of Christ (the church), and we all have different tasks and things to be done. 

There are many of us in the Body of Christ (the church), and we all have different tasks and things to be done. 

There are many of us, but we are made one because of Christ. 

God gives power and gifts as he chooses and sees fit to each of us when we are faithful and look for ways to serve others with what Christ gives us. 

If God has granted the gift of prophecy let him preach God’s messages.

If your strength is in ministry, serve other and faithful and loyal. 

If you’ve been given the gifts of clear thought, teach others. 

If you know how to motivate people use your gifts of exhortation. 

Be sure to use your God given gifts generously. Be diligent as you lead. Give mercy and be happy doing it. 

Love each other sincerely and without faking it. Hate what is Evil. Firmly hold on to what is good. 

With the loving kindness of a parent to a child, love each other as tenderly as brother and sister. Take the lead in honoring each other. 

Do not waste time waiting around when there is work to be done. Have passion in your spirit when serving the Lord. 

Rejoice in hope and be glad. Be patient when you feel pressure and experience trouble. Be always devoted to prayer. 

Share in the needs of strangers because this is pleasing to God. Even if you are tired give a place to stay or something to eat. 

Pray blessings over those who harass you or cause trouble in your life. And do not wish harm on them.

Share in joy with one another and mourn with those who feel pain or grief. 

Cherish the views of your fellow brothers & sisters and be harmonious. Do not think so highly of yourselves that you cannot be bothered with helping anyone who is down on their luck or in desperate need of your help. 

Seek Christ’s wisdom instead of your own. 

Do not stoop so low that you repay a wrong doing with more wicked behavior. Act in a way that is honorable and true for everyone to witness.

If you are able, and with everything inside of you, cultivate harmony and be at peace with everyone. 

Dearly Beloved, do not seek revenge, but rather trust God to punish those who have wronged you. 

Because God has said, “Vengeance is mine!”, we are too forgive the actions of those who have hurt us. Treat them as you would a friend — send a gift, smile at them, help them when they need help. 

By doing this you will overwhelm them with the love of God — in essence dumping burning coals over there head. 

Do not let the ways of evil people entice you to act the same. Just God has shown you mercy and grace — give this to those who have wronged you; overcome Evil with Good. 

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Where would we be today without the fervent faith of God?

Hebrews 11 - Faith in Action

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.

3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

4 By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.

5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.

8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11 And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12 And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.

13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

17 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, 18 even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” 19 Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.

20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.

21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.

22 By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones.

23 By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.

24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger;

As believers we are called special by God. We will someday give an account for the way we lived, what will you say before Jesus?

Ephesians 4:1

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore it says,

“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,

    and he gave gifts to men.”

Ephesians 2:8-10

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Romans 14:10-12

10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written,

“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,

    and every tongue shall confess to God.”

12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

Grace is not something we earn, it is something we are given. Have you made the choice to accept God's grace?

Today, we hear the story of the Parable of the River. The story parallels how many of us view our relationships with God.

Many of us are trying to earn our way to Heaven and far too many have turned their backs on God for the things of this world or are so busy judging others, they cannot see their own sins.

Romans 8:1

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

John 8:36

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

John 16:33

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Colossians 2:6-7

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Devotional found in Jesus Always by Sarah Young

Parable read from the book In the Grip of Grace by Max Lucado

God is always faithful even when we are not. Living expectantly of God's goodness and glory may not come naturally but it is the way we were created to live.

Could you imagine living so faithfully expectant of God that you would be willing to sacrifice your only son to God? I know that would be difficult for me.

That is what Abraham did. God of course, came through for Abraham. God will provide for us even when we don't live expectantly. However, life is filled with more peace and joy when we do.

The Sacrifice of Isaac

Genesis 22

22 After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy[a] will go over there and worship and come again to you.” 6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. 7 And Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” 8 Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together.

9 When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 12 He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” 13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”

God's glory lives in each of us! Are you actively living in the spirit each day? If not, now is the time. God is active in this season of our lives and I believe he is calling his Church to live on purpose like never before.

Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Heirs with Christ

12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Future Glory

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows w

Pouring out our lives for Jesus to use for his glory is not something that comes naturally to us. Are you willing to let God change you?

Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners

1 Timothy 1:12-17

12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

My Message to You:

Are you paying attention to the hand of God in your life? Are you attuned to the subtle nuances of his provisions? 

Do you feel his love all around you on a daily basis? If not, I encourage you to look closer.

God is always on display in the small moments if only you are looking. 

His love is found in the beautiful landscape of budding flowers. The unforeseen kindness of a stranger. A joyous moment of a child playing in dewy grass squealing with joy. 

I believe His glory is on display each day in our lives if only we will slow down and pay attention. Each day we must be willing to yield our spirit to his presence. 

But then there are the BIG moments; the moments that knock you off your feet, steal your breath and shake your core. 

Have you ever experienced a moment that is an equal mix of heart wrenching and awe inspiring with a complexity and love that is both fully divine and fully personal?

As many of you may have noticed in my message from yesterday, my family experienced a painful situation. The details I cannot share, however, I would like to let you know, all is well. 

I hope you’ll allow me to pour out my heart and share my experience with you in as detailed a way as I can. Yesterday, God took me deeper into a relationship with Him than I’ve ever experienced. 

I had to surrender my expectations and understanding for his all knowing, infinitely expansive wisdom. 

I am in awe of how God quilted together a tapestry of events that could only be designed by a loving God. 

My heart was tired and my mind weary, yet just there, he illuminated the beauty of the situation with a heavenly strobe. I noticed things I hadn’t noticed before. I saw things from a transformative perceptive. I received insight not previously known. 

All day long he continued to faithful pour out his presence. My soul was tethered to Heaven. I leaned into Him. As my day went on I should have been feeling more and more tired. Yet through every prayer, every encouraging word, every worship song, every replaying of the days events it was like a thirst that was both intoxicating and thirst quenching at the same time.

All day he revealed to me details of how he protected us and supplied strength we didn’t know we’d need. I could feel his host of heavenly angels. There was no doubt in my mind that heaven was working all things for His glory. 

After a long day he revealed one final revelation to me. These earth shaking, glory-filled, God powered moments happen few and far between. And honestly, I’m grateful for that because they very seldom come as a welcomed testing of faith. 

They are the faith quaking moments that change you with only one requirement... that you be willing to be changed. 

Are you willing to let your heart be opened to the glory of God? Are you willing to be forever changed? Are you willing to let your faith be shaken and stre

Jesus is training us to be an overcomer and giving us the ability to find joy in the middle of uncertainty. Jesus speaks life into what previously should have devastated us.

He Heals the Brokenhearted

147 Praise the Lord!

For it is good to sing praises to our God;

    for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.

2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem;

    he gathers the outcasts of Israel.

3 He heals the brokenhearted

    and binds up their wounds.

4 He determines the number of the stars;

    he gives to all of them their names.

5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;

    his understanding is beyond measure.

6 The Lord lifts up the humble;

    he casts the wicked to the ground.

7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;

    make melody to our God on the lyre!

8 He covers the heavens with clouds;

    he prepares rain for the earth;

    he makes grass grow on the hills.

9 He gives to the beasts their food,

    and to the young ravens that cry.

10 His delight is not in the strength of the horse,

    nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,

11 but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,

    in those who hope in his steadfast love.

12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!

    Praise your God, O Zion!

13 For he strengthens the bars of your gates;

    he blesses your children within you.

14 He makes peace in your borders;

    he fills you with the finest of the wheat.

15 He sends out his command to the earth;

    his word runs swiftly.

16 He gives snow like wool;

    he scatters frost like ashes.

17 He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs;

    who can stand before his cold?

18 He sends out his word, and melts them;

    he makes his wind blow and the waters flow.

19 He declares his word to Jacob,

    his statutes and rules to Israel.

20 He has not dealt thus with any other nation;

    they do not know his rules.

Praise the Lord!

What do you think when you hear "God will supply all your needs"? God is often more concerned with the condition of your spirit before our physical needs.

This can often lead to frustration. However, our relationship with his son is his first concern. Let's read Pauls message to the Philippians.

Philippians 4:23

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

God's Provision

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3:14-21

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.