WOODLAWN BAPTIST CHURCH
DAILY BIBLE DEVOTIONAL
OCTOBER 24, 2020
The Cost Of Integrity
So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” (Daniel 6:16)
It was once said that, “If anything counts it is going to cost. If it doesn’t cost, it doesn’t count.” If you know the story of Daniel, this wasn’t his first rodeo when it came to his integrity, but this would prove to be potentially the most costly. Since the kingdom administrators could find nothing immoral or unethical about Daniel, they decided to make his faith illegal.
This is where the rubber hit the road in Daniel’s faith. He had spent his entire life displaying honesty, decency, and godly integrity in government service. He had served faithfully and loyally under every king.
He had always done what was best for others, and now He had a choice to make between his faith and all that he had worked for. He could have played it safe and just quit praying for thirty days. He could have closed his windows and prayed in secret. He could have decided to take a month-long sabbatical and gone somewhere else. He could have laid in bed at night and prayed silently, but you see integrity never goes on vacation. Integrity never takes a break.
Daniel had a pretty high price to pay for a lifetime of integrity. Because he refused to give up his faith or practice his faith in secret, he received a death sentence and was forced into the lion’s den. I know what some of you are thinking. You are saying, “But wait a minute. Daniel was delivered from the lions’ den if you keep reading.” Yes, he was, but imagine for a minute that that is where the story stopped, because not everybody that gets thrown into a lions’ den comes out alive.
The only way you will ever maintain your integrity is when you make the same decision that Daniel made.
You’ve got to decide every day before you get out of bed, go to school or go to work. You’ve got to make up your mind that your integrity is more important than your safety, your security, your prosperity, or your popularity.
Dear Lord, I realize that the choice to live with integrity is a choice that is costly. So I ask that you would help me see that the cost is worth to life a life of integrity for your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The Cost Of Integrity
So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” (Daniel 6:16)
It was once said that, “If anything counts it is going to cost. If it doesn’t cost, it doesn’t count.” If you know the story of Daniel, this wasn’t his first rodeo when it came to his integrity, but this would prove to be potentially the most costly. Since the kingdom administrators could find nothing immoral or unethical about Daniel, they decided to make his faith illegal.
This is where the rubber hit the road in Daniel’s faith. He had spent his entire life displaying honesty, decency, and godly integrity in government service. He had served faithfully and loyally under every king.
He had always done what was best for others, and now He had a choice to make between his faith and all that he had worked for. He could have played it safe and just quit praying for thirty days. He could have closed his windows and prayed in secret. He could have decided to take a month-long sabbatical and gone somewhere else. He could have laid in bed at night and prayed silently, but you see integrity never goes on vacation. Integrity never takes a break.
Daniel had a pretty high price to pay for a lifetime of integrity. Because he refused to give up his faith or practice his faith in secret, he received a death sentence and was forced into the lion’s den. I know what some of you are thinking. You are saying, “But wait a minute. Daniel was delivered from the lions’ den if you keep reading.” Yes, he was, but imagine for a minute that that is where the story stopped, because not everybody that gets thrown into a lions’ den comes out alive.
The only way you will ever maintain your integrity is when you make the same decision that Daniel made.
You’ve got to decide every day before you get out of bed, go to school or go to work. You’ve got to make up your mind that your integrity is more important than your safety, your security, your prosperity, or your popularity.
Dear Lord, I realize that the choice to live with integrity is a choice that is costly. So I ask that you would help me see that the cost is worth to life a life of integrity for your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
OCTOBER 23, 2020
Where Is Heaven?
Luke 22:29 --- I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me.
Many people have asked, “Where is heaven?” We are not told in the Scripture where heaven is. Some students have tried to take some Scriptures and put them together and say that heaven is in the north. They quote Psalm 48:2, “The joy of the whole earth is . . . on the sides of the north . . . ” The magnetic needle points north. Perhaps the Celestial City is in the north. We do not know. But no matter where heaven is, it will be where Christ is.
Many people ask, “Do you believe that heaven is a literal place?” Yes! Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you.” The Bible teaches that Enoch and Elijah ascended in a literal body to a literal place that is just as real as Los Angeles, London, or Algiers! The Bible also teaches that heaven will be a place of beauty. It is described in the Bible as “a building of God”-“a city”-“a better country”-“an inheritance”-“a glory.”
The Bible also indicates that heaven will be a place of great understanding and knowledge of things that we never learned down here.
Prayer for the day --- Living Lord Jesus, the knowledge that You have prepared a place for me in heaven brings comfort and delight to my soul
Where Is Heaven?
Luke 22:29 --- I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me.
Many people have asked, “Where is heaven?” We are not told in the Scripture where heaven is. Some students have tried to take some Scriptures and put them together and say that heaven is in the north. They quote Psalm 48:2, “The joy of the whole earth is . . . on the sides of the north . . . ” The magnetic needle points north. Perhaps the Celestial City is in the north. We do not know. But no matter where heaven is, it will be where Christ is.
Many people ask, “Do you believe that heaven is a literal place?” Yes! Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you.” The Bible teaches that Enoch and Elijah ascended in a literal body to a literal place that is just as real as Los Angeles, London, or Algiers! The Bible also teaches that heaven will be a place of beauty. It is described in the Bible as “a building of God”-“a city”-“a better country”-“an inheritance”-“a glory.”
The Bible also indicates that heaven will be a place of great understanding and knowledge of things that we never learned down here.
Prayer for the day --- Living Lord Jesus, the knowledge that You have prepared a place for me in heaven brings comfort and delight to my soul
OCTOBER 22, 2020
Be, Then Do
We tend to think that our existence is only justified when we’re doing something, but that’s not true—we’re created to be human beings, not human doings. God doesn’t love us more when we’re doing something than He does when we’re enjoying some peace and quiet. Our busyness might make us feel important, but it doesn’t make us more important to God.
Many people feel more valued and accepted when they’re working than at any other time. Some of that comes from the way they were raised, some of it from their personality or work ethic. Whatever the reason is, the result is the same: overworking and feeling constantly exhausted. Too much activity without any rest can damage your future and prevent you from enjoying the present, so I encourage you to ask God to help you be intentional to make time to breathe and receive His peace in your daily life.
Let’s thank God and live in the reality that He hasn’t created us just to do, but also to be.
Prayer Starter: Father, please help me to see how and when I can make time to rest and just be in Your presence. Thank You for loving me just as much when I rest as You do when I work. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Be, Then Do
We tend to think that our existence is only justified when we’re doing something, but that’s not true—we’re created to be human beings, not human doings. God doesn’t love us more when we’re doing something than He does when we’re enjoying some peace and quiet. Our busyness might make us feel important, but it doesn’t make us more important to God.
Many people feel more valued and accepted when they’re working than at any other time. Some of that comes from the way they were raised, some of it from their personality or work ethic. Whatever the reason is, the result is the same: overworking and feeling constantly exhausted. Too much activity without any rest can damage your future and prevent you from enjoying the present, so I encourage you to ask God to help you be intentional to make time to breathe and receive His peace in your daily life.
Let’s thank God and live in the reality that He hasn’t created us just to do, but also to be.
Prayer Starter: Father, please help me to see how and when I can make time to rest and just be in Your presence. Thank You for loving me just as much when I rest as You do when I work. In Jesus’ name, amen.
OCTOBER 21, 2020
Inheriting God’s Promises
Hebrews 6:11-12
In the Bible, God made many promises because He loves to bless His children. But that doesn’t mean such blessings automatically belong to us. How can we claim His promises and petition Him with confidence? To test the needs we bring to the Lord, here are several questions to ask ourselves:
When I request that God keep this promise, do I ask with a spirit of submission?
Can God perform this request without harming another person or interfering with His will in someone else’s life?
Does the Holy Spirit bear witness to my spirit that God is pleased with my petition?
Will God be honored by fulfilling this promise?
Does my request contradict the Word of God in some way?
If the Lord fulfills this promise, will it serve to further my spiritual growth?
Once we have answered these questions, inheriting God’s promises depends upon three things. First, we need faith. Our Father wants to reward those who trust Him (Gen. 15:6; Heb. 11:6). Second, we must be obedient to God’s will for us—we won’t attain His best when we knowingly disobey. And third, we need patience to wait for His perfect timing. God’s promises are worth the wait, considering the blessings He longs to give us.
Bible in One Year: Luke 2-3
Inheriting God’s Promises
Hebrews 6:11-12
In the Bible, God made many promises because He loves to bless His children. But that doesn’t mean such blessings automatically belong to us. How can we claim His promises and petition Him with confidence? To test the needs we bring to the Lord, here are several questions to ask ourselves:
When I request that God keep this promise, do I ask with a spirit of submission?
Can God perform this request without harming another person or interfering with His will in someone else’s life?
Does the Holy Spirit bear witness to my spirit that God is pleased with my petition?
Will God be honored by fulfilling this promise?
Does my request contradict the Word of God in some way?
If the Lord fulfills this promise, will it serve to further my spiritual growth?
Once we have answered these questions, inheriting God’s promises depends upon three things. First, we need faith. Our Father wants to reward those who trust Him (Gen. 15:6; Heb. 11:6). Second, we must be obedient to God’s will for us—we won’t attain His best when we knowingly disobey. And third, we need patience to wait for His perfect timing. God’s promises are worth the wait, considering the blessings He longs to give us.
Bible in One Year: Luke 2-3
OCTOBER 20, 2020
I Must Work --- Dr. Paul Chappell
John 9:3-5 --- "Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
God places great value on work. Even before the Fall in the Garden of Eden, Adam was given assignments and responsibilities. It is not a curse to have to work, but a blessing to be able to work. Rather than groaning and complaining when it is time to work, we should approach our jobs with a joyful heart and a determination to bring credit and honor to the Lord by the way we do our work. Jesus approached life with the attitude that work was a necessity, and we should as well.
One preacher said, “The maid who sweeps her kitchen is doing the will of God just as much as the clergy who prays—not because she may sing a Christian hymn as she sweeps but because God loves clean floors.
The Christian shoemaker does his Christian duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship.”
Work is a holy calling, no matter what field it is in, and as such it is worthy of our very best. A pastor friend of mine observed, “I work for God and get paid by the church. Many of our members work for God and get paid by General Motors.” We should never lose sight of the fact that our ultimate accountability is not to a time clock or a supervisor, but to God. When we work as if He is watching, which of course He always is, we will not find it difficult to be diligent.
Today's Growth Principle: Strive to be the best employee where you work and to bring honor to Christ by your example of diligence.
I Must Work --- Dr. Paul Chappell
John 9:3-5 --- "Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
God places great value on work. Even before the Fall in the Garden of Eden, Adam was given assignments and responsibilities. It is not a curse to have to work, but a blessing to be able to work. Rather than groaning and complaining when it is time to work, we should approach our jobs with a joyful heart and a determination to bring credit and honor to the Lord by the way we do our work. Jesus approached life with the attitude that work was a necessity, and we should as well.
One preacher said, “The maid who sweeps her kitchen is doing the will of God just as much as the clergy who prays—not because she may sing a Christian hymn as she sweeps but because God loves clean floors.
The Christian shoemaker does his Christian duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship.”
Work is a holy calling, no matter what field it is in, and as such it is worthy of our very best. A pastor friend of mine observed, “I work for God and get paid by the church. Many of our members work for God and get paid by General Motors.” We should never lose sight of the fact that our ultimate accountability is not to a time clock or a supervisor, but to God. When we work as if He is watching, which of course He always is, we will not find it difficult to be diligent.
Today's Growth Principle: Strive to be the best employee where you work and to bring honor to Christ by your example of diligence.
OCTOBER 19, 2020
Set Free
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die…’” John 11:25
I was reading about a Bible class of young children and the teacher was teaching about what happened on Easter Sunday. She decided to see how well they paid attention. She asked them what they remembered about the story of Easter. One little boy said, “They put a big rock in front of the cave so Jesus couldn’t get out.” A little girl said, “An angel came and rolled that rock away so He could get out.” Then a little boy said, “Then, He came out the third day, saw His shadow, and went back in and they had six more weeks of winter!”
What really happened on that first Easter? Yes, Jesus did come out of the tomb in a resurrection body. But so what? What does that really mean for us today? The moment Jesus Christ stepped out of that tomb everything changed for generations to come. For the first time in history, there was freedom from the penalty of sin. The separation between God and man could end. Jesus had paid the debt once and for all on the cross. But He didn’t stop there. He rose from the dead to give us new life so that we could live in relationship with God.
Not only did Jesus free us from sin’s penalty, but also from sin’s power. We are more than just forgiven – we are free to live righteously. We don’t have to be perfect…in fact we can’t be. But Jesus was perfect for us. He met the righteous requirements of the law on our behalf. And through the Holy Spirit living in us, we have the power to live for God and not ourselves.
Finally, because of Easter one day we will be free from sin’s presence. The day is coming when every believer will be given a new body free from the ravages of sin. We will live forever in this perfect body as we praise and worship the Lamb of God who died to take away our sins forever. Can you imagine that?
Celebrating Easter in heaven around the Throne of Grace? Free from sin’s penalty, free from sin’s power, and free from sin’s presence…that is what happened at Easter.
Dear Father, thank you for the freedom I have in Christ because of Jesus' willingness to die for my sins. Help me to never take that gift for granted and to live in that freedom every day. In Jesus' name, amen.
Set Free
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die…’” John 11:25
I was reading about a Bible class of young children and the teacher was teaching about what happened on Easter Sunday. She decided to see how well they paid attention. She asked them what they remembered about the story of Easter. One little boy said, “They put a big rock in front of the cave so Jesus couldn’t get out.” A little girl said, “An angel came and rolled that rock away so He could get out.” Then a little boy said, “Then, He came out the third day, saw His shadow, and went back in and they had six more weeks of winter!”
What really happened on that first Easter? Yes, Jesus did come out of the tomb in a resurrection body. But so what? What does that really mean for us today? The moment Jesus Christ stepped out of that tomb everything changed for generations to come. For the first time in history, there was freedom from the penalty of sin. The separation between God and man could end. Jesus had paid the debt once and for all on the cross. But He didn’t stop there. He rose from the dead to give us new life so that we could live in relationship with God.
Not only did Jesus free us from sin’s penalty, but also from sin’s power. We are more than just forgiven – we are free to live righteously. We don’t have to be perfect…in fact we can’t be. But Jesus was perfect for us. He met the righteous requirements of the law on our behalf. And through the Holy Spirit living in us, we have the power to live for God and not ourselves.
Finally, because of Easter one day we will be free from sin’s presence. The day is coming when every believer will be given a new body free from the ravages of sin. We will live forever in this perfect body as we praise and worship the Lamb of God who died to take away our sins forever. Can you imagine that?
Celebrating Easter in heaven around the Throne of Grace? Free from sin’s penalty, free from sin’s power, and free from sin’s presence…that is what happened at Easter.
Dear Father, thank you for the freedom I have in Christ because of Jesus' willingness to die for my sins. Help me to never take that gift for granted and to live in that freedom every day. In Jesus' name, amen.
OCTOBER 18, 2020
Isaiah 26:3 --- Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee ...
Are you searching for peace? Are you longing for it? You thought you would find it if you made a lot of money, but you didn’t find it. You thought you would find it in getting and accumulating a lot of knowledge, so you got all the degrees you could, but you didn’t find it, this peace.
You’ve searched the religions of the world, but you haven’t found it. There are a thousand ways you’ve turned, trying to find peace, but you haven’t found it. When you come to Christ by an act of faith, He gives you the Holy Spirit who produces the fruit of the Spirit and gives you the peace that passes all understanding.
Prayer for the day --- Your presence fills my mind with peace, Lord, bringing into perspective all that I need—You, my heavenly Father.
Isaiah 26:3 --- Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee ...
Are you searching for peace? Are you longing for it? You thought you would find it if you made a lot of money, but you didn’t find it. You thought you would find it in getting and accumulating a lot of knowledge, so you got all the degrees you could, but you didn’t find it, this peace.
You’ve searched the religions of the world, but you haven’t found it. There are a thousand ways you’ve turned, trying to find peace, but you haven’t found it. When you come to Christ by an act of faith, He gives you the Holy Spirit who produces the fruit of the Spirit and gives you the peace that passes all understanding.
Prayer for the day --- Your presence fills my mind with peace, Lord, bringing into perspective all that I need—You, my heavenly Father.
OCTOBER 17, 2020
Choose Your Fountain
You and I have two huge vats of information within us. One is carnal information that comes off the top of our head. The other is spiritual information (truth) which wells up out of our hearts. One is like muddy, polluted water, and the other is like pure, clean drinking water. It’s up to us to decide which source we’re going to drink from. Some people try to drink from both sources—which is what the Bible calls being double-minded—and it only leads to confusion and discouragement.
Do you know what it looks like to be double-minded? It means that your mind is trying to tell you one thing, but your spirit is trying to tell you just the opposite. Instead of saying, "I'm not going to believe that because it's a lie," you get caught in a crossfire, going back and forth between the two thoughts.
If you and I are ever going to live the happy, victorious, and successful Christian life Jesus wants for us, we’re going to have to decide which fountain of information we’re going to drink from. We are going to have to learn to draw from the well of our spirit and not out of our own reasoning. When we do this, life is so much better, and we can actually move forward in our walk with God!
Prayer Starter: Father, please help me develop the habit of drawing from Your Spirit in me instead of my old ways of thinking. Thank You for renewing my mind today! In Jesus’ name, amen.
Choose Your Fountain
You and I have two huge vats of information within us. One is carnal information that comes off the top of our head. The other is spiritual information (truth) which wells up out of our hearts. One is like muddy, polluted water, and the other is like pure, clean drinking water. It’s up to us to decide which source we’re going to drink from. Some people try to drink from both sources—which is what the Bible calls being double-minded—and it only leads to confusion and discouragement.
Do you know what it looks like to be double-minded? It means that your mind is trying to tell you one thing, but your spirit is trying to tell you just the opposite. Instead of saying, "I'm not going to believe that because it's a lie," you get caught in a crossfire, going back and forth between the two thoughts.
If you and I are ever going to live the happy, victorious, and successful Christian life Jesus wants for us, we’re going to have to decide which fountain of information we’re going to drink from. We are going to have to learn to draw from the well of our spirit and not out of our own reasoning. When we do this, life is so much better, and we can actually move forward in our walk with God!
Prayer Starter: Father, please help me develop the habit of drawing from Your Spirit in me instead of my old ways of thinking. Thank You for renewing my mind today! In Jesus’ name, amen.
OCTOBER 16, 2020
Satan’s Strategy
John 8:43-44
Deception is Satan’s trademark, and it’s nothing new. The very first book of the Bible tells of his trickery with Eve in the Garden of Eden: He planted seeds of doubt about God’s words by asking, “Indeed, has God said ... ?” (Gen. 3:1). And this is still the devil’s primary tactic because deception blinds people to the truth.
If you’ve ever accepted a false belief or been intentionally deceived, you know how devastating it is to feel betrayed. Now imagine the utter ruination Satan causes by blinding people to the truth of the gospel. It’s hard to imagine the countless souls who will suffer eternally because of his trickery.
However, the devil doesn’t limit his efforts to preventing faith. He also works diligently to deceive believers by feeding us discouraging thoughts: he insinuates God doesn’t care when we’re going through difficulties and suggests He’s unjust for allowing our suffering. Our enemy also prompts us to dwell on the wrongs done to us or the things God hasn’t provided so we’ll hold grudges, complain, and find fault.
All this robs us of the joy, gratitude, and peace that are ours in Christ. Our first defense against deception is a mind filled with truth from God’s Word so we can discern the lies before they poison our emotions and contaminate our behavior.
Satan’s Strategy
John 8:43-44
Deception is Satan’s trademark, and it’s nothing new. The very first book of the Bible tells of his trickery with Eve in the Garden of Eden: He planted seeds of doubt about God’s words by asking, “Indeed, has God said ... ?” (Gen. 3:1). And this is still the devil’s primary tactic because deception blinds people to the truth.
If you’ve ever accepted a false belief or been intentionally deceived, you know how devastating it is to feel betrayed. Now imagine the utter ruination Satan causes by blinding people to the truth of the gospel. It’s hard to imagine the countless souls who will suffer eternally because of his trickery.
However, the devil doesn’t limit his efforts to preventing faith. He also works diligently to deceive believers by feeding us discouraging thoughts: he insinuates God doesn’t care when we’re going through difficulties and suggests He’s unjust for allowing our suffering. Our enemy also prompts us to dwell on the wrongs done to us or the things God hasn’t provided so we’ll hold grudges, complain, and find fault.
All this robs us of the joy, gratitude, and peace that are ours in Christ. Our first defense against deception is a mind filled with truth from God’s Word so we can discern the lies before they poison our emotions and contaminate our behavior.
OCTOBER 15, 2020
Spiritual Warfare --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Ephesians 6:12-13 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."
When we drove a Ryder truck with our belongings into Lancaster on a hot July day more than twenty-five years ago, we had two children under five and another on the way. We didn’t have a whole lot of stuff, so it didn’t take us long to get moved in. We started going soulwinning with zeal in our hearts to do God’s work.
You might think that no one would oppose such a good purpose, but one of the lessons we learned very early on was that anything we do for God involves spiritual warfare.
Anything good that you try to accomplish will result in opposition. Dr. Bob Jones Sr. said, “The door to the room of success swings on the hinges of opposition.” The devil is not interested in seeing you succeed as a Christian, and he is especially unhappy if you are having a positive influence on others. Just as a soldier would not go onto the battlefield without his weapons and equipment, we should never start a day without taking time to equip ourselves for the battles that lie ahead.
There is an old story about a boxer who was losing badly during a match. In an attempt to encourage him, his manager said, “He hasn’t laid a glove on you.” The battered boxer replied, “Then watch the referee this round because somebody is beating the daylights out of me!” We have a very real enemy, and he will use any and every means possible to try to get us to quit doing what God has called us to do.
Today's Growth Principle: Though our enemy is powerful, we have been given the armor to protect ourselves and the weapons to defeat him
Spiritual Warfare --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Ephesians 6:12-13 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."
When we drove a Ryder truck with our belongings into Lancaster on a hot July day more than twenty-five years ago, we had two children under five and another on the way. We didn’t have a whole lot of stuff, so it didn’t take us long to get moved in. We started going soulwinning with zeal in our hearts to do God’s work.
You might think that no one would oppose such a good purpose, but one of the lessons we learned very early on was that anything we do for God involves spiritual warfare.
Anything good that you try to accomplish will result in opposition. Dr. Bob Jones Sr. said, “The door to the room of success swings on the hinges of opposition.” The devil is not interested in seeing you succeed as a Christian, and he is especially unhappy if you are having a positive influence on others. Just as a soldier would not go onto the battlefield without his weapons and equipment, we should never start a day without taking time to equip ourselves for the battles that lie ahead.
There is an old story about a boxer who was losing badly during a match. In an attempt to encourage him, his manager said, “He hasn’t laid a glove on you.” The battered boxer replied, “Then watch the referee this round because somebody is beating the daylights out of me!” We have a very real enemy, and he will use any and every means possible to try to get us to quit doing what God has called us to do.
Today's Growth Principle: Though our enemy is powerful, we have been given the armor to protect ourselves and the weapons to defeat him
OCTOBER 14, 2020
Living Hope
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3
One of the most unique aspects of Christianity, compared to every other faith movement, is that it traces its origin to one particular event, in one particular moment, on one particular day in history. That is just not true for Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, or even Atheism. This historic day is what Christians celebrate as “Easter.”
Something happened on that day that has never happened before and has never happened since. It is literally the most unique day in all of human history. It is the day that Jesus Christ physically, visibly, and eternally came back from the dead. No doubt, if you are a Christian you believe that. But do you understand exactly what happened on that first Easter?
When Jesus Christ walked out of the tomb, hope was born. A new and living hope, according to 1 Peter 1:3.
Because death was defeated, we have the hope of eternal life. We have the hope of abundant life now. We have the hope of heaven. There is hope for the lost, the lonely, the desperate, and the wicked. Because Jesus is alive, all things are possible.
Have you been born again into this living hope that is only found in Jesus? I hope you have. If not, I plead with you to give your life to Christ today and receive His gift of forgiveness and eternal life. The price for your sins has been paid. There is nothing you must do except believe.
Dear Lord, thank you for the living hope that is always available to me through Jesus Christ. Help me to cling to that hope through all of life's ups and downs, and give me the strength to withstand the temptation to think hope is lost when life gets hard. In Jesus' name, amen.
Living Hope
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3
One of the most unique aspects of Christianity, compared to every other faith movement, is that it traces its origin to one particular event, in one particular moment, on one particular day in history. That is just not true for Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, or even Atheism. This historic day is what Christians celebrate as “Easter.”
Something happened on that day that has never happened before and has never happened since. It is literally the most unique day in all of human history. It is the day that Jesus Christ physically, visibly, and eternally came back from the dead. No doubt, if you are a Christian you believe that. But do you understand exactly what happened on that first Easter?
When Jesus Christ walked out of the tomb, hope was born. A new and living hope, according to 1 Peter 1:3.
Because death was defeated, we have the hope of eternal life. We have the hope of abundant life now. We have the hope of heaven. There is hope for the lost, the lonely, the desperate, and the wicked. Because Jesus is alive, all things are possible.
Have you been born again into this living hope that is only found in Jesus? I hope you have. If not, I plead with you to give your life to Christ today and receive His gift of forgiveness and eternal life. The price for your sins has been paid. There is nothing you must do except believe.
Dear Lord, thank you for the living hope that is always available to me through Jesus Christ. Help me to cling to that hope through all of life's ups and downs, and give me the strength to withstand the temptation to think hope is lost when life gets hard. In Jesus' name, amen.
OCTOBER 13, 2020
Christianity Is Serious
James 1:22 --- Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only . . .
Jesus indicated that there will be a permissive society just before He comes back. “As in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the coming of the Son of man.” The world today is on an immoral binge that has not been known since the days of Rome. We are in a hedonistic society, and what we are seeing is human nature expressing itself without God.
Many have fallen into an antinomianism in which they believe intellectually and then go out and live like the devil, imagining that God will forgive them and take them to heaven. I believe there is an obedience to the Gospel, there is a self-denial and a bearing of the cross, if you are to be a follower of Christ. Being a Christian is serious business.
Prayer for the day --- Teach me to deny my selfish desires and obey Your commandments, Lord Jesus. Cleanse me so that I might be used to penetrate society deeply for You.
Christianity Is Serious
James 1:22 --- Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only . . .
Jesus indicated that there will be a permissive society just before He comes back. “As in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the coming of the Son of man.” The world today is on an immoral binge that has not been known since the days of Rome. We are in a hedonistic society, and what we are seeing is human nature expressing itself without God.
Many have fallen into an antinomianism in which they believe intellectually and then go out and live like the devil, imagining that God will forgive them and take them to heaven. I believe there is an obedience to the Gospel, there is a self-denial and a bearing of the cross, if you are to be a follower of Christ. Being a Christian is serious business.
Prayer for the day --- Teach me to deny my selfish desires and obey Your commandments, Lord Jesus. Cleanse me so that I might be used to penetrate society deeply for You.
OCTOBER 12, 2020
The Worth of God’s Word
2 Timothy 3:14-17
The Bible is the most amazing book ever written because its author is the Lord God. Although it was penned by men, the Holy Spirit inspired every word He wanted them to record. The Scriptures contain the Lord’s revelation of Himself and His plan of redemption. Among the many topics it covers are: the creation of the world; the fall of man; the presence, power, and penalty of sin; the provision of a Savior; the final judgment; and the eternal kingdom. The Bible also answers questions about humanity’s value, wise living, and existence after death.
All sections of God’s Word are valuable and interconnected. For example, the Gospels tell about the Messiah, whose coming was predicted in the Old Testament. He is called “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29), and His death is the fulfillment of the sacrificial system in Leviticus. What’s more, the gospel of salvation by grace through faith is first seen in the story of Abraham, whose belief was credited as righteousness (Gen. 15:6).
Scripture was given to us so we might know the Father, be reconciled to Him through His Son, and bring glory to His name. Therefore, we should make it a goal to become familiar His precious Word.
The Worth of God’s Word
2 Timothy 3:14-17
The Bible is the most amazing book ever written because its author is the Lord God. Although it was penned by men, the Holy Spirit inspired every word He wanted them to record. The Scriptures contain the Lord’s revelation of Himself and His plan of redemption. Among the many topics it covers are: the creation of the world; the fall of man; the presence, power, and penalty of sin; the provision of a Savior; the final judgment; and the eternal kingdom. The Bible also answers questions about humanity’s value, wise living, and existence after death.
All sections of God’s Word are valuable and interconnected. For example, the Gospels tell about the Messiah, whose coming was predicted in the Old Testament. He is called “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29), and His death is the fulfillment of the sacrificial system in Leviticus. What’s more, the gospel of salvation by grace through faith is first seen in the story of Abraham, whose belief was credited as righteousness (Gen. 15:6).
Scripture was given to us so we might know the Father, be reconciled to Him through His Son, and bring glory to His name. Therefore, we should make it a goal to become familiar His precious Word.
OCTOBER 11, 2020
Take Your Stand --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Ephesians 6:13-16 --- "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."
Some years ago I received a letter from Dr. Curtis Hutson as he was nearing the end of his life. He had served God faithfully and effectively, and knew he would soon be going to Heaven. He wrote: “I challenge you to take your place in the long line of independent Baptists who have stood for separation (I speak here of ecclesiastical separation) and soulwinning, and hold that banner high until Jesus comes or God calls you home.�
It is an honor for a soldier to be tasked with holding a challenging position. Union General Joshua Chamberlain became one of the most noted heroes of the Civil War for leading his men to hold the Union line at Little Round Top during the decisive battle of Gettysburg. There will always be opportunities for us to make concessions to the enemy and give in to temptation. But when faced with those, we must stand firm.
Those who have gone before us have set an example that should encourage us to hold our ground.
I recognize that one day I too will reach the end of my ministry when either the Lord returns or my life ends.
When that day comes, I want to be known as someone who stood firmly for the truth. May all of us choose today to take our place in the line of those who have stood. Our Lord expects and deserves nothing less than our full devotion.
Today's Growth Principle: The armor of God equips us to withstand all the attacks of the enemy and to hold fast to the truth.
Take Your Stand --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Ephesians 6:13-16 --- "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."
Some years ago I received a letter from Dr. Curtis Hutson as he was nearing the end of his life. He had served God faithfully and effectively, and knew he would soon be going to Heaven. He wrote: “I challenge you to take your place in the long line of independent Baptists who have stood for separation (I speak here of ecclesiastical separation) and soulwinning, and hold that banner high until Jesus comes or God calls you home.�
It is an honor for a soldier to be tasked with holding a challenging position. Union General Joshua Chamberlain became one of the most noted heroes of the Civil War for leading his men to hold the Union line at Little Round Top during the decisive battle of Gettysburg. There will always be opportunities for us to make concessions to the enemy and give in to temptation. But when faced with those, we must stand firm.
Those who have gone before us have set an example that should encourage us to hold our ground.
I recognize that one day I too will reach the end of my ministry when either the Lord returns or my life ends.
When that day comes, I want to be known as someone who stood firmly for the truth. May all of us choose today to take our place in the line of those who have stood. Our Lord expects and deserves nothing less than our full devotion.
Today's Growth Principle: The armor of God equips us to withstand all the attacks of the enemy and to hold fast to the truth.
OCTOBER 10, 2020
Reclaiming and Rebuilding
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2
Whenever we realize that a believer is away from God and he is caught in a sin, Paul tells us that not only are we to take our doctor’s bag to his house but reminds us that our bedside manner is extremely important. He tells us not just what to do, but that we are to honestly and lovingly confront that believer, and he tells us how to do it: “...restore that person gently...” (Galatians 6:1). One of the biggest problems the church has today is that we shoot our own wounded. That is why people dealing with sin in their life don’t come back to church.
In addition to this problem, we also have a tendency to see only the best in ourselves and the worst in everyone else. That is why we need to restore burdened believers not just gently, but humbly. Paul encourages the Galatians to do the same, saying, “But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted,” (Galatians 6:1). Any sin a believer can fall into is a sin every believer can fall into. You don’t want to approach a hurting person with a pointed finger, but rather with a helping hand.
As Paul continues in verse 2, he shifts gears from one type of burden to another, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ,” (Galatians 6:2). The assumption behind this verse is that we all have burdens, and God never intends for us to carry those burdens alone. Did you know that one of the ways God helps us bear our burdens is through the believers He has brought into our life? One of the responsibilities of family members is to bear each other’s burdens. When you are bearing burdens, you are really sharing blessings. No believer is ever a burden to another believer. If you refuse to allow others to share your burden, you are robbing them of the blessing of bearing your burden. Let us be a body of
believers who show tender loving care to the burdened believers around us as we reclaim them and rebuild them with the love of Jesus Christ.
Dear Lord, thank you for giving us a community of believers so that we can help carry each other’s burdens. Give us the grace and compassion we need to extend a helping hand, reminding each other that we are not alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Reclaiming and Rebuilding
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2
Whenever we realize that a believer is away from God and he is caught in a sin, Paul tells us that not only are we to take our doctor’s bag to his house but reminds us that our bedside manner is extremely important. He tells us not just what to do, but that we are to honestly and lovingly confront that believer, and he tells us how to do it: “...restore that person gently...” (Galatians 6:1). One of the biggest problems the church has today is that we shoot our own wounded. That is why people dealing with sin in their life don’t come back to church.
In addition to this problem, we also have a tendency to see only the best in ourselves and the worst in everyone else. That is why we need to restore burdened believers not just gently, but humbly. Paul encourages the Galatians to do the same, saying, “But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted,” (Galatians 6:1). Any sin a believer can fall into is a sin every believer can fall into. You don’t want to approach a hurting person with a pointed finger, but rather with a helping hand.
As Paul continues in verse 2, he shifts gears from one type of burden to another, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ,” (Galatians 6:2). The assumption behind this verse is that we all have burdens, and God never intends for us to carry those burdens alone. Did you know that one of the ways God helps us bear our burdens is through the believers He has brought into our life? One of the responsibilities of family members is to bear each other’s burdens. When you are bearing burdens, you are really sharing blessings. No believer is ever a burden to another believer. If you refuse to allow others to share your burden, you are robbing them of the blessing of bearing your burden. Let us be a body of
believers who show tender loving care to the burdened believers around us as we reclaim them and rebuild them with the love of Jesus Christ.
Dear Lord, thank you for giving us a community of believers so that we can help carry each other’s burdens. Give us the grace and compassion we need to extend a helping hand, reminding each other that we are not alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.
OCTOBER 9, 2020
The Real Source of Power
Matthew 6:33 --- But seek ye first the kingdom of God . . .
A man or a woman who has been focusing all attention on financial gains, or business, or social prestige, or who has centered all his affection on some one person, experiences a devastating sense of loss when denied the thing that has given life its meaning. In these tragic moments, the individual recognizes how terribly and completely alone he is.
In that moment the Holy Spirit may cause the worldly bandages to fall from his eyes so that he sees clearly for the first time. He recognizes that God is the only source of real power, and the only enduring fountainhead of love and companionship.
Prayer for the day ---From out of the depths, Lord, my eyes have seen that only You are unchanging, eternal love. Help me to put You first in every thing I do
The Real Source of Power
Matthew 6:33 --- But seek ye first the kingdom of God . . .
A man or a woman who has been focusing all attention on financial gains, or business, or social prestige, or who has centered all his affection on some one person, experiences a devastating sense of loss when denied the thing that has given life its meaning. In these tragic moments, the individual recognizes how terribly and completely alone he is.
In that moment the Holy Spirit may cause the worldly bandages to fall from his eyes so that he sees clearly for the first time. He recognizes that God is the only source of real power, and the only enduring fountainhead of love and companionship.
Prayer for the day ---From out of the depths, Lord, my eyes have seen that only You are unchanging, eternal love. Help me to put You first in every thing I do
OCTOBER 8, 2020
Put Smiles on Faces
It’s deeply important to God that we’re mindful to bless others with what He’s entrusted to us (see Galatians 6:9-10). We must all make sure that we’re not like the stingy man in the Bible who had so much that all of his barns were full with no room for more. Instead of giving any of it away, he decided that he would tear down the barns he had and just build bigger ones to collect more stuff for himself. Personally, I think he was the dumbest man in the Bible.
He could have decided to use what he had to bless others, but he must’ve been a fearful, selfish man who only had room in his life for himself (see Luke 12:16–20). God called the man a fool and said, This very night they [the messengers of God] will demand your soul of you; and all the things that you have prepared, whose will they be?(Luke 12:20 AMPC). The man was going to die that night and all he would leave behind was “stuff.” He could have added to so many lives, put smiles on thousands of faces and left a beautiful legacy, but he chose to only care about himself.
Guess what: We don’t have to do the same thing! God’s Word says that He provides for our needs and gives us seed to sow into the lives of others (see 2 Corinthians 9:6-15). So we can decide to invest our time, our finances, our talent, and our efforts into blessing others and building His kingdom—and when we do, we’ll never regret it.
Prayer Starter: Lord, my barns may not be full, but thank You that I still can give in such a way that others are blessed. Help me to be willing to give of my “stuff," my time, and myself to invest in eternity. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Put Smiles on Faces
It’s deeply important to God that we’re mindful to bless others with what He’s entrusted to us (see Galatians 6:9-10). We must all make sure that we’re not like the stingy man in the Bible who had so much that all of his barns were full with no room for more. Instead of giving any of it away, he decided that he would tear down the barns he had and just build bigger ones to collect more stuff for himself. Personally, I think he was the dumbest man in the Bible.
He could have decided to use what he had to bless others, but he must’ve been a fearful, selfish man who only had room in his life for himself (see Luke 12:16–20). God called the man a fool and said, This very night they [the messengers of God] will demand your soul of you; and all the things that you have prepared, whose will they be?(Luke 12:20 AMPC). The man was going to die that night and all he would leave behind was “stuff.” He could have added to so many lives, put smiles on thousands of faces and left a beautiful legacy, but he chose to only care about himself.
Guess what: We don’t have to do the same thing! God’s Word says that He provides for our needs and gives us seed to sow into the lives of others (see 2 Corinthians 9:6-15). So we can decide to invest our time, our finances, our talent, and our efforts into blessing others and building His kingdom—and when we do, we’ll never regret it.
Prayer Starter: Lord, my barns may not be full, but thank You that I still can give in such a way that others are blessed. Help me to be willing to give of my “stuff," my time, and myself to invest in eternity. In Jesus’ name, amen.
OCTOBER 7, 2020
A Personal Invitation From God
Isaiah 55:1-7
The Creator of the universe, who formed us and sustains our life, bids us come to Him for food and drink without cost. He’s not referring to free material provision but instead has in mind a far greater gift: salvation. This blessing is freely offered to all who will come to His Son and discover the truth that Jesus is the Bread of Life and Living Water who alone can give eternal life.
Have you come to the Lord Jesus Christ to be forgiven of sins and reconciled to the heavenly Father? If so, are you continually partaking of the spiritual sustenance He provides? Just as we need a consistent supply of food and drink to live and thrive physically, so too do we need daily spiritual nourishment through God’s Word and abiding presence.
Are you trying to live the Christian life in your own strength by working hard to serve the Lord and become a better person? Such an approach leads only to fruitless exhaustion. To flourish and grow, a person must be completely dependent on Christ for spiritual nutrition. That involves drawing near to Him each morning through His Word and prayer and receiving His grace all day long.
Bible in One Year: Matthew 13-1
A Personal Invitation From God
Isaiah 55:1-7
The Creator of the universe, who formed us and sustains our life, bids us come to Him for food and drink without cost. He’s not referring to free material provision but instead has in mind a far greater gift: salvation. This blessing is freely offered to all who will come to His Son and discover the truth that Jesus is the Bread of Life and Living Water who alone can give eternal life.
Have you come to the Lord Jesus Christ to be forgiven of sins and reconciled to the heavenly Father? If so, are you continually partaking of the spiritual sustenance He provides? Just as we need a consistent supply of food and drink to live and thrive physically, so too do we need daily spiritual nourishment through God’s Word and abiding presence.
Are you trying to live the Christian life in your own strength by working hard to serve the Lord and become a better person? Such an approach leads only to fruitless exhaustion. To flourish and grow, a person must be completely dependent on Christ for spiritual nutrition. That involves drawing near to Him each morning through His Word and prayer and receiving His grace all day long.
Bible in One Year: Matthew 13-1
OCTOBER 6, 2020
Hard Work --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Exodus 20:8-11 --- "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it."
President Ronald Reagan was the oldest man elected to the highest office in the land. He would sometimes take naps during the day, for which he was criticized. Once when a reporter asked about his practice Reagan replied, “They say hard work never killed anybody, but I figure, why take chances?” Of course in reality he did work hard, and so should we.
The Fourth Commandment is about more than the day of rest. It is also about our work. God created man for a purpose. Even before the Fall when sin entered the world, Adam was given tasks and responsibilities. Work is harder since the curse, but it existed before then. Beyond that, work has a purpose. God told Adam, "cursed is the ground for thy sake" (Genesis 3:17). We should not fear or resent work because it helps build character so that we can resist temptation.
Paul wrote that we are to view our work not just as employees but "as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart" (Ephesians 6:6). When that is our attitude toward our work, we will not find it difficult to be diligent about our tasks. Not every assignment will be pleasant or enjoyable, but each assignment is still important. Give it your whole heart, and you will find that God will reward you even if no one else notices.
Today's Growth Principle: Be diligent in everything you do, remembering that you are working for the Lord.
Hard Work --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Exodus 20:8-11 --- "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it."
President Ronald Reagan was the oldest man elected to the highest office in the land. He would sometimes take naps during the day, for which he was criticized. Once when a reporter asked about his practice Reagan replied, “They say hard work never killed anybody, but I figure, why take chances?” Of course in reality he did work hard, and so should we.
The Fourth Commandment is about more than the day of rest. It is also about our work. God created man for a purpose. Even before the Fall when sin entered the world, Adam was given tasks and responsibilities. Work is harder since the curse, but it existed before then. Beyond that, work has a purpose. God told Adam, "cursed is the ground for thy sake" (Genesis 3:17). We should not fear or resent work because it helps build character so that we can resist temptation.
Paul wrote that we are to view our work not just as employees but "as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart" (Ephesians 6:6). When that is our attitude toward our work, we will not find it difficult to be diligent about our tasks. Not every assignment will be pleasant or enjoyable, but each assignment is still important. Give it your whole heart, and you will find that God will reward you even if no one else notices.
Today's Growth Principle: Be diligent in everything you do, remembering that you are working for the Lord.
OCTOBER 5, 2020
Community
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” --- Psalm 133:1
A 2012 Pew Research Poll asked Americans who said that spirituality and religion was somewhat important in their lives, but either did not attend church, or at best attended sporadically, why they didn’t attend more often. The number one answer given by almost 40% of the people was that they didn’t consider attending worship services important. The “drop-out rate” of people regularly attending church has never been higher. In fact, there is now a category called “Nones,” which are people who do not attend any church – and it is the fastest growing “religious group” in America.
God did not create the church because He was looking for a way to waste our time, keep us busy, or just give us something else to do. God designed the church, not primarily for His benefit, but for ours. The truth is that it is God’s gift to His family. Therefore, no Christ follower should ever quit the church.
Interestingly, the problem of quitting church is not just a modern-day problem. Evidently, the early church had an attendance deficit as well. Some believers had begun to slack off, drop out, and sleep in. The Book of
Hebrews lays out why the Church is important to God and why it should be important to every believer. Throughout Hebrews the author uses the phrase, “Let us…” He is talking to the Church as a whole, not just to individual believers, but also to every follower of Jesus collectively. He encourages the believers to worship together, share their faith together, serve together, and never stop living life together.
A great New Testament scholar once said: “We do not find an un-churched Christian in the New Testament…
A person was not saved for the sole purpose of enjoying a personal relationship with God…A person is saved to community.” No Christian is an island. We need each other. And the local church is our connection point to one another.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of community. I pray that you would help me not to take this gift for granted, and that you would surround me with fellow believers so that we might encourage each other and spur one another on in our walk with you. In Jesus' name, amen.
Community
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” --- Psalm 133:1
A 2012 Pew Research Poll asked Americans who said that spirituality and religion was somewhat important in their lives, but either did not attend church, or at best attended sporadically, why they didn’t attend more often. The number one answer given by almost 40% of the people was that they didn’t consider attending worship services important. The “drop-out rate” of people regularly attending church has never been higher. In fact, there is now a category called “Nones,” which are people who do not attend any church – and it is the fastest growing “religious group” in America.
God did not create the church because He was looking for a way to waste our time, keep us busy, or just give us something else to do. God designed the church, not primarily for His benefit, but for ours. The truth is that it is God’s gift to His family. Therefore, no Christ follower should ever quit the church.
Interestingly, the problem of quitting church is not just a modern-day problem. Evidently, the early church had an attendance deficit as well. Some believers had begun to slack off, drop out, and sleep in. The Book of
Hebrews lays out why the Church is important to God and why it should be important to every believer. Throughout Hebrews the author uses the phrase, “Let us…” He is talking to the Church as a whole, not just to individual believers, but also to every follower of Jesus collectively. He encourages the believers to worship together, share their faith together, serve together, and never stop living life together.
A great New Testament scholar once said: “We do not find an un-churched Christian in the New Testament…
A person was not saved for the sole purpose of enjoying a personal relationship with God…A person is saved to community.” No Christian is an island. We need each other. And the local church is our connection point to one another.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of community. I pray that you would help me not to take this gift for granted, and that you would surround me with fellow believers so that we might encourage each other and spur one another on in our walk with you. In Jesus' name, amen.
OCTOBER 4, 2020
Wisdom for Today
James 1:5 --- If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God . . . and it shall be given him.
Peace with God and the peace of God in a man’s heart and the joy of fellowship with Christ have in themselves a beneficial effect upon the body and mind, and will lead to the development and preservation of physical and mental power. Thus, Christ promotes the best interest of the body and mind as well as of the spirit—in addition to inward peace, the development of spiritual life, the joy and fellowship with Christ, and the new strength that come with being born again. There are certain special privileges that only the true Christian can enjoy. There is, for example, the privilege of having divine wisdom and guidance continually.
Prayer for the day --- Let me live so close to You, almighty
God, that Your wisdom will invade my mind continually.
Wisdom for Today
James 1:5 --- If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God . . . and it shall be given him.
Peace with God and the peace of God in a man’s heart and the joy of fellowship with Christ have in themselves a beneficial effect upon the body and mind, and will lead to the development and preservation of physical and mental power. Thus, Christ promotes the best interest of the body and mind as well as of the spirit—in addition to inward peace, the development of spiritual life, the joy and fellowship with Christ, and the new strength that come with being born again. There are certain special privileges that only the true Christian can enjoy. There is, for example, the privilege of having divine wisdom and guidance continually.
Prayer for the day --- Let me live so close to You, almighty
God, that Your wisdom will invade my mind continually.
OCTOBER 3, 2020
Life’s a Mystery
mystery = A profound secret; something wholly unknown or something kept cautiously concealed
We might say that life is a mystery unfolding. As teenagers and young adults, we try to formulate a plan for the future, but in reality, it is a mystery what our lives will hold. Many times, not knowing everything is what urges us to seek God!
One thing we can see throughout Scripture about God is that He’s actually fond of mystery. We can start with the mystery of our birth. The Bible says we’re formed in secret and in the region of mystery (our mother’s womb) (see Psalm 139:15), Job said the dealings of God with the ungodly are a mystery (see Job 21:16), and in Mark 4:11, the kingdom of God is said to be a mystery. Everywhere we look, life is full of unknowns.
You might have some kind of a plan for the future—which is good—but only God ultimately knows for sure what will happen, so it’s important to keep that plan surrendered to Him. Thankfully, you can live in peace, trusting Him with whatever happens, because He’s promised to work everything together for your good (see Romans 8:28).
Today you can trust God to guide you and be with you no matter what—you have nothing to fear (see Romans 8:31, 37-39). So embrace the mystery!
Prayer Starter: Father, please give me the grace to trust You with what I don’t see, and to take care of me today. Thank You for working together everything in my life—even the things that don’t make sense—for my good. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Life’s a Mystery
mystery = A profound secret; something wholly unknown or something kept cautiously concealed
We might say that life is a mystery unfolding. As teenagers and young adults, we try to formulate a plan for the future, but in reality, it is a mystery what our lives will hold. Many times, not knowing everything is what urges us to seek God!
One thing we can see throughout Scripture about God is that He’s actually fond of mystery. We can start with the mystery of our birth. The Bible says we’re formed in secret and in the region of mystery (our mother’s womb) (see Psalm 139:15), Job said the dealings of God with the ungodly are a mystery (see Job 21:16), and in Mark 4:11, the kingdom of God is said to be a mystery. Everywhere we look, life is full of unknowns.
You might have some kind of a plan for the future—which is good—but only God ultimately knows for sure what will happen, so it’s important to keep that plan surrendered to Him. Thankfully, you can live in peace, trusting Him with whatever happens, because He’s promised to work everything together for your good (see Romans 8:28).
Today you can trust God to guide you and be with you no matter what—you have nothing to fear (see Romans 8:31, 37-39). So embrace the mystery!
Prayer Starter: Father, please give me the grace to trust You with what I don’t see, and to take care of me today. Thank You for working together everything in my life—even the things that don’t make sense—for my good. In Jesus’ name, amen.
OCTOBER 2, 2020
Why We Can Trust God
Romans 11:33-36
What situations cause you to doubt God? Do fears come because the future seems uncertain? Are hardships a challenge since they make the Lord appear unkind? Or perhaps your expectations and dreams have come crashing down, and it seems God is nowhere to be found.
Since our heavenly Father is omniscient, sovereign, and loving, we have every reason to trust Him regardless of the circumstance.
God is infinitely wise. We may have all the information that is humanly possible to gather, but God alone knows the future, the details of every situation, and the best possible plan for our life.
The Lord has complete authority over all events. Even though God’s ways are beyond our comprehension, we can trust Him, knowing that His control is exercised perfectly according to His complete knowledge and great love.
God’s love is unfailing. No matter what we are facing, nothing can separate us from His love, which is in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:31-39).
Let’s take some time today to ponder God’s limitless love, wisdom, and sovereignty. When you are trusting in Him, you’ll be able to follow His path for your life, and your heart won’t be troubled (John 14:1).
Why We Can Trust God
Romans 11:33-36
What situations cause you to doubt God? Do fears come because the future seems uncertain? Are hardships a challenge since they make the Lord appear unkind? Or perhaps your expectations and dreams have come crashing down, and it seems God is nowhere to be found.
Since our heavenly Father is omniscient, sovereign, and loving, we have every reason to trust Him regardless of the circumstance.
God is infinitely wise. We may have all the information that is humanly possible to gather, but God alone knows the future, the details of every situation, and the best possible plan for our life.
The Lord has complete authority over all events. Even though God’s ways are beyond our comprehension, we can trust Him, knowing that His control is exercised perfectly according to His complete knowledge and great love.
God’s love is unfailing. No matter what we are facing, nothing can separate us from His love, which is in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:31-39).
Let’s take some time today to ponder God’s limitless love, wisdom, and sovereignty. When you are trusting in Him, you’ll be able to follow His path for your life, and your heart won’t be troubled (John 14:1).
OCTOBER 1, 2020
Try the Spirits --- Dr. Paul Chappell
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."
During the administration of President Ronald Reagan, one of the main international issues facing the United States was a new arms control agreement with the then Soviet Union. As part of his negotiations with Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev, Reagan refused to agree to a new treaty unless there were significant measures put in place to ensure that both sides complied with its terms. Reagan used an old Russian proverb doveryai, no proveryai—trust, but verify—to drive home his point. When the two men finally did sign the treaty, Reagan used that proverb again, and Gorbachev said, “You say that all the time!”
In our day, there are many who claim to be Christians who are teaching false doctrines and leading people astray. Just because someone uses Bible terms does not mean that their teaching can be accepted without comparing it to Scripture. We need to heed the warning of John when he wrote under the inspiration of God, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1).
Most of us would recognize the devil if he showed up dressed as the cartoon image with a pitchfork and horns and tail. But he is subtle and, as part of his deception, presents himself as a force for good rather than evil. Remember that in the Garden of Eden the serpent tempted Eve by telling her the fruit would make her like God. Is it good to be like God? Of course. But the means proposed by Satan do not lead to that end, so we must be on guard.
Today's Growth Principle: Be sure to compare the teaching you hear with the Word of God to determine whether it is true.
Try the Spirits --- Dr. Paul Chappell
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."
During the administration of President Ronald Reagan, one of the main international issues facing the United States was a new arms control agreement with the then Soviet Union. As part of his negotiations with Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev, Reagan refused to agree to a new treaty unless there were significant measures put in place to ensure that both sides complied with its terms. Reagan used an old Russian proverb doveryai, no proveryai—trust, but verify—to drive home his point. When the two men finally did sign the treaty, Reagan used that proverb again, and Gorbachev said, “You say that all the time!”
In our day, there are many who claim to be Christians who are teaching false doctrines and leading people astray. Just because someone uses Bible terms does not mean that their teaching can be accepted without comparing it to Scripture. We need to heed the warning of John when he wrote under the inspiration of God, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1).
Most of us would recognize the devil if he showed up dressed as the cartoon image with a pitchfork and horns and tail. But he is subtle and, as part of his deception, presents himself as a force for good rather than evil. Remember that in the Garden of Eden the serpent tempted Eve by telling her the fruit would make her like God. Is it good to be like God? Of course. But the means proposed by Satan do not lead to that end, so we must be on guard.
Today's Growth Principle: Be sure to compare the teaching you hear with the Word of God to determine whether it is true.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2020
Your Story
“Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of Me.” Acts 26:16
There is a story about an old grandfather who was sitting on the porch of his country home with his grandson. He had 6 dogs lying underneath the porch. About 100 yards across the field, a rabbit darted out of a bush, stared at the house for a second and then ran away. One of the dogs perked up, let out a yelp and took off across the field. Immediately, the other 5 dogs jumped to their feet, barking like crazy in hot pursuit of the first dog. The grandfather looked at his grandson and said, “Let me tell you what is about to happen. In about 10 minutes, those other 5 dogs are going to come back one-by-one with their heads hanging down and their tongues hanging out. In about 30 minutes, that first dog will come back with a rabbit in his mouth.” That is exactly what happened. The grandson said, “Pop, how did you know that was going to happen?” The grandfather answered, “Because, that first dog is the only one who actually saw the rabbit. The others were just running and barking because there was some excitement.”
Our mission as believers in Jesus Christ goes beyond an emotional response to hearing a great message.
That won’t last. It goes beyond repeating Bible stories that we have heard others teach, or reciting some speech that we have been taught. We are Christ’s witnesses. A witness is someone who has seen with his own eyes. In court, a witness is not allowed to testify to what he heard from someone else. That is called hearsay. Testimony is confined to what the witness has personally experienced, seen and heard. The same is true of us as witnesses of Christ.
We testify by sharing our personal stories of how we met Jesus. We share how we have come to know Him.
We share stories of His faithfulness. That is what it means to be His witness. And we do this not by our own strength or ability, but by the power of His Spirit living in us. There is a world of people around us living lives that are broken, empty, and hopeless. But we personally know a risen Lord that can radically change every life, just as He has changed ours. We just need to go beyond our borders and share His story, and our own.
Dear Lord, thank you for my story of salvation and for the work you've done in my life. Help me to not be ashamed of my story, but rather to share it so that others might come to know you. Amen.
Your Story
“Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of Me.” Acts 26:16
There is a story about an old grandfather who was sitting on the porch of his country home with his grandson. He had 6 dogs lying underneath the porch. About 100 yards across the field, a rabbit darted out of a bush, stared at the house for a second and then ran away. One of the dogs perked up, let out a yelp and took off across the field. Immediately, the other 5 dogs jumped to their feet, barking like crazy in hot pursuit of the first dog. The grandfather looked at his grandson and said, “Let me tell you what is about to happen. In about 10 minutes, those other 5 dogs are going to come back one-by-one with their heads hanging down and their tongues hanging out. In about 30 minutes, that first dog will come back with a rabbit in his mouth.” That is exactly what happened. The grandson said, “Pop, how did you know that was going to happen?” The grandfather answered, “Because, that first dog is the only one who actually saw the rabbit. The others were just running and barking because there was some excitement.”
Our mission as believers in Jesus Christ goes beyond an emotional response to hearing a great message.
That won’t last. It goes beyond repeating Bible stories that we have heard others teach, or reciting some speech that we have been taught. We are Christ’s witnesses. A witness is someone who has seen with his own eyes. In court, a witness is not allowed to testify to what he heard from someone else. That is called hearsay. Testimony is confined to what the witness has personally experienced, seen and heard. The same is true of us as witnesses of Christ.
We testify by sharing our personal stories of how we met Jesus. We share how we have come to know Him.
We share stories of His faithfulness. That is what it means to be His witness. And we do this not by our own strength or ability, but by the power of His Spirit living in us. There is a world of people around us living lives that are broken, empty, and hopeless. But we personally know a risen Lord that can radically change every life, just as He has changed ours. We just need to go beyond our borders and share His story, and our own.
Dear Lord, thank you for my story of salvation and for the work you've done in my life. Help me to not be ashamed of my story, but rather to share it so that others might come to know you. Amen.
SEPTEMBER 29, 2020
The Holy Spirit
Your body is the home of the Holy Spirit . . . 1 Corinthians 6:19
Who is the Holy Spirit? He is God, just as God the Father and God the Son are also God. We speak of them as the Trinity. You ask me to explain the Trinity. Our minds can but dimly grasp these great spiritual facts, because we are finite and God is infinite.
It may help to remember that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit have all existed from eternity. The work of creation was given to the Son and we are told that, “All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made.” But when you read the second verse of the first chapter of Genesis, you will find that the Holy Spirit was also there, moving upon the face of His creation. In time, the Son of God came into the world as a man, to redeem the world which He had created. After His death on the cross, and His resurrection, He went back to the Father in heaven.
During His earthly ministry His work and life were spent within a circumscribed area in Palestine. When He went back to heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to exercise a worldwide ministry. Today the Holy Spirit illuminates the minds of people, makes us yearn for God, and takes spiritual truth and makes it understandable to us. All over the world the Holy Spirit is wooing men to Christ, and He lives in the hearts of believers and helps us each day. To be Spirit-filled Christians is to be the kind of Christians that God wants us to be.
Prayer for the day --- The knowledge of Your Holy Spirit living in my heart gives me comfort and strength, Lord Jesus.
The Holy Spirit
Your body is the home of the Holy Spirit . . . 1 Corinthians 6:19
Who is the Holy Spirit? He is God, just as God the Father and God the Son are also God. We speak of them as the Trinity. You ask me to explain the Trinity. Our minds can but dimly grasp these great spiritual facts, because we are finite and God is infinite.
It may help to remember that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit have all existed from eternity. The work of creation was given to the Son and we are told that, “All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made.” But when you read the second verse of the first chapter of Genesis, you will find that the Holy Spirit was also there, moving upon the face of His creation. In time, the Son of God came into the world as a man, to redeem the world which He had created. After His death on the cross, and His resurrection, He went back to the Father in heaven.
During His earthly ministry His work and life were spent within a circumscribed area in Palestine. When He went back to heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to exercise a worldwide ministry. Today the Holy Spirit illuminates the minds of people, makes us yearn for God, and takes spiritual truth and makes it understandable to us. All over the world the Holy Spirit is wooing men to Christ, and He lives in the hearts of believers and helps us each day. To be Spirit-filled Christians is to be the kind of Christians that God wants us to be.
Prayer for the day --- The knowledge of Your Holy Spirit living in my heart gives me comfort and strength, Lord Jesus.
SEPTEMBER 28, 2020
Ministers of Comfort
Psalm 72:12-14
During hard seasons or times of disaster—whether natural or man-made, national or local—we are called to show kindness. True compassion tries to understand people’s pain, but it also provides practical help. So, how we can express care and concern for others?
First, remember we have the wonderful privilege of prayer anytime, anywhere. As soon as word of a tragedy reaches you, lift up the victims, rescue workers, and others involved. Let the Holy Spirit guide you in petitioning God for protection, provision, comfort, awareness of His presence, and whatever else He deems fitting (Rom. 8:26).
Second, labor and donations of money, food, clothing, or household goods are usually high priority. So donations of time and resources are helpful (after wisely consulting trusted sources about what’s needed).
You also can express compassion with words of comfort, a warm embrace, or a listening ear. Through this kind of love, the world will recognize the true Light—Jesus Christ, who brings good news, binds up the brokenhearted, and comforts all who mourn (Isa. 61:1-2).
We should notice the needs around us and reach out with Christ’s love. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal ways to pray for those around you. Your concern can have a profound impact.
Ministers of Comfort
Psalm 72:12-14
During hard seasons or times of disaster—whether natural or man-made, national or local—we are called to show kindness. True compassion tries to understand people’s pain, but it also provides practical help. So, how we can express care and concern for others?
First, remember we have the wonderful privilege of prayer anytime, anywhere. As soon as word of a tragedy reaches you, lift up the victims, rescue workers, and others involved. Let the Holy Spirit guide you in petitioning God for protection, provision, comfort, awareness of His presence, and whatever else He deems fitting (Rom. 8:26).
Second, labor and donations of money, food, clothing, or household goods are usually high priority. So donations of time and resources are helpful (after wisely consulting trusted sources about what’s needed).
You also can express compassion with words of comfort, a warm embrace, or a listening ear. Through this kind of love, the world will recognize the true Light—Jesus Christ, who brings good news, binds up the brokenhearted, and comforts all who mourn (Isa. 61:1-2).
We should notice the needs around us and reach out with Christ’s love. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal ways to pray for those around you. Your concern can have a profound impact.
SEPTEMBER 27, 2020
Be Wise
When my mom was in her eighties and still alive, she had a bad habit of thinking she could spend whatever she saw on her bank statement, so she did. She would often forget to look ahead and manage her money in such a way that would last her the whole month.
Sadly, many people struggle with this same tendency, and it causes them problems—sometimes major problems. We should always be diligent to know what we have to spend and how much we owe. God has called us to be people of integrity who steward our finances wisely. If we use what we have well, He will gradually give us more.
If managing finances is a challenge for you, I encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to lead you and help you grow in this area. As you do, He’ll empower you to do so much better than you thought you could.
Prayer Starter: Father, please help me be intentional to manage my finances in a healthy way. Thank You for guiding my steps so I can learn to spend, save and give in the right amounts. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Be Wise
When my mom was in her eighties and still alive, she had a bad habit of thinking she could spend whatever she saw on her bank statement, so she did. She would often forget to look ahead and manage her money in such a way that would last her the whole month.
Sadly, many people struggle with this same tendency, and it causes them problems—sometimes major problems. We should always be diligent to know what we have to spend and how much we owe. God has called us to be people of integrity who steward our finances wisely. If we use what we have well, He will gradually give us more.
If managing finances is a challenge for you, I encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to lead you and help you grow in this area. As you do, He’ll empower you to do so much better than you thought you could.
Prayer Starter: Father, please help me be intentional to manage my finances in a healthy way. Thank You for guiding my steps so I can learn to spend, save and give in the right amounts. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
SEPTEMBER 26, 2020
Loving God from Prison --- Dr. Paul Chappell
2 Timothy 4:6-8 --- For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Near the end of his life, Paul wrote to his young protégée Timothy one final letter to encourage him to continue in the ministry and in service to God. The aged missionary knew that his life would soon end. He was being held in the Mamertine Prison in Rome, an underground dungeon where prisoners who had been condemned were held before they were executed.
Yet despite his circumstances, Paul did not complain. He was focused on what was to come—the crown that he would receive from the hand of the Lord for his love of Christ’s appearing. Most of us have never enduring anything like the physical suffering and abuse that Paul experienced for preaching. He was beaten and stoned and persecuted. But the love in his heart kept him going. “The love of Christ constraineth us” he wrote to the church at Corinth (2 Corinthians 5:14).
I am sure that Paul did not enjoy being chained in a damp, dark underground cell. Yet he regarded his surroundings as an opportunity to witness. Every six hours a new shift of soldiers would arrive to guard him.
Clearly that witness bore fruit, because Paul told the church at Philippi about the saints, “that are of Caesar's household” (Philippians 4:22). Rather than focusing on your struggles, focus on your love for the Lord. One day we will see His face, and if we have been faithful to love and serve Him, we will hear Him say, “Well done.”
Today's Growth Principle: When we love God as we should, nothing in our circumstances will keep us from continuing to serve Him.
Loving God from Prison --- Dr. Paul Chappell
2 Timothy 4:6-8 --- For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Near the end of his life, Paul wrote to his young protégée Timothy one final letter to encourage him to continue in the ministry and in service to God. The aged missionary knew that his life would soon end. He was being held in the Mamertine Prison in Rome, an underground dungeon where prisoners who had been condemned were held before they were executed.
Yet despite his circumstances, Paul did not complain. He was focused on what was to come—the crown that he would receive from the hand of the Lord for his love of Christ’s appearing. Most of us have never enduring anything like the physical suffering and abuse that Paul experienced for preaching. He was beaten and stoned and persecuted. But the love in his heart kept him going. “The love of Christ constraineth us” he wrote to the church at Corinth (2 Corinthians 5:14).
I am sure that Paul did not enjoy being chained in a damp, dark underground cell. Yet he regarded his surroundings as an opportunity to witness. Every six hours a new shift of soldiers would arrive to guard him.
Clearly that witness bore fruit, because Paul told the church at Philippi about the saints, “that are of Caesar's household” (Philippians 4:22). Rather than focusing on your struggles, focus on your love for the Lord. One day we will see His face, and if we have been faithful to love and serve Him, we will hear Him say, “Well done.”
Today's Growth Principle: When we love God as we should, nothing in our circumstances will keep us from continuing to serve Him.
SEPTEMBER 25, 2020
Understanding the Law --- Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.” law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. – Galatians 3:11-14
There are three things we must understand about the law when it comes to our walk with Christ.
First, the law is a barrier, not a bridge to God. The law separates you from God because it causes you to focus more on your works than on your faith. We were given the law not so we can see how good we are, but how sinful we are. The law tells us what a godly life looks like and then shows us how ungodly we are because we don’t keep it. We can’t get to God through the law because the law doesn’t draw you closer to God; it drives you further from Him when you are not able to keep it.
Second, the law is a reference for, not a rival with Jesus. While the law reminds us of our shortcomings and our inability to meet God’s standard, it also refers us to the One who died for our shortcomings and met the standard for us, and that is Jesus. The only remedy for our faults, our failures, our foul ups, our mistakes, and our mess ups is redemption, not religion, not rules, not regulations, not restrictions, not righteousness, but redemption. The only way to find redemption is through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Finally, the law is an advocate for, not an addition to faith. We must realize that God only accepts us one way. It has nothing to do with our performance, our position, or our popularity. It’s not a matter of what we do for Him. It is a matter of simply accepting by faith what He has done for us. The law always pointed to grace, not goodness. It always pointed to faith, not fulfillment. Because of that truth, you only have two choices to make when it comes to having a relationship with God: your goodness or God’s grace; your religion or His redemption. Once you make these choices, lay down the law, and lose your religion, you will find everything you need at the cross of Jesus Christ.
Dear Lord, thank for Paul’s explanation of the law and the great reminders in today’s text. Help me to understand the law the way you intended for it to be understood. Amen.
Understanding the Law --- Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.” law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. – Galatians 3:11-14
There are three things we must understand about the law when it comes to our walk with Christ.
First, the law is a barrier, not a bridge to God. The law separates you from God because it causes you to focus more on your works than on your faith. We were given the law not so we can see how good we are, but how sinful we are. The law tells us what a godly life looks like and then shows us how ungodly we are because we don’t keep it. We can’t get to God through the law because the law doesn’t draw you closer to God; it drives you further from Him when you are not able to keep it.
Second, the law is a reference for, not a rival with Jesus. While the law reminds us of our shortcomings and our inability to meet God’s standard, it also refers us to the One who died for our shortcomings and met the standard for us, and that is Jesus. The only remedy for our faults, our failures, our foul ups, our mistakes, and our mess ups is redemption, not religion, not rules, not regulations, not restrictions, not righteousness, but redemption. The only way to find redemption is through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Finally, the law is an advocate for, not an addition to faith. We must realize that God only accepts us one way. It has nothing to do with our performance, our position, or our popularity. It’s not a matter of what we do for Him. It is a matter of simply accepting by faith what He has done for us. The law always pointed to grace, not goodness. It always pointed to faith, not fulfillment. Because of that truth, you only have two choices to make when it comes to having a relationship with God: your goodness or God’s grace; your religion or His redemption. Once you make these choices, lay down the law, and lose your religion, you will find everything you need at the cross of Jesus Christ.
Dear Lord, thank for Paul’s explanation of the law and the great reminders in today’s text. Help me to understand the law the way you intended for it to be understood. Amen.
SEPTEMBER 24, 2020
Acts 4:12 (TLB) --- There is salvation in no one else! Under all heaven there is no other name for men to call upon to save them.
Salvation is an act of God. It is initiated by God, wrought by God, and sustained by God. The faith that saves the soul is described as faith in Christ as the Son of God—not as a good man or a great man, but as the uniquely begotten Son of the living God!
This is consistent with the witness of the entire New Testament and with the proclamations of the first preachers of the Gospel. All proclaim the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ as deity.
Prayer for the day --- Lord Jesus, Son of God, I worship You unreservedly and praise Your holy name.
Acts 4:12 (TLB) --- There is salvation in no one else! Under all heaven there is no other name for men to call upon to save them.
Salvation is an act of God. It is initiated by God, wrought by God, and sustained by God. The faith that saves the soul is described as faith in Christ as the Son of God—not as a good man or a great man, but as the uniquely begotten Son of the living God!
This is consistent with the witness of the entire New Testament and with the proclamations of the first preachers of the Gospel. All proclaim the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ as deity.
Prayer for the day --- Lord Jesus, Son of God, I worship You unreservedly and praise Your holy name.
SEPTEMBER 23, 2020
Let Your Tears Flow
Nehemiah was not afraid of emotion, or reluctant to show it. Notice that he “wept and mourned.” Some of us flat-out refuse to show any of our emotions, which is not healthy. Pent‑up feelings are harmful if not dealt with, and need to be released in healthy ways. If we don’t release our emotions at appropriate times, as Nehemiah did when he heard the walls of Jerusalem had been destroyed, our emotions will eat away at us on the inside.
Stuffing or suppressing our feelings can also cause physical problems like trouble sleeping, or even digestive issues. Maybe you know someone who went to the doctor because they felt so bad and were convinced something was wrong with them, only to find out—after all kinds of medical tests—that the doctor found nothing and simply said their symptoms were related to stress or anxiety.
Our emotions will always manifest in some way, so it’s best to deal with them before they deal with us. God created us with tear glands and the ability to cry, which must mean there will be times in life when we, like Nehemiah, need to cry. In the Old Testament, Hannah wept and even stopped eating because she was brokenhearted over not having a child (see 1 Samuel 1:7). When David and the men with him discovered the Amalekites had burned the city of Ziklag and taken everyone in it (including their own wives and children) captive, they “raised their voices and wept until they had no more strength to weep” (1 Samuel 30:4). David also wept when his son became deathly ill (see 2 Samuel 12:21–22). Even Jesus wept over the death of His friend Lazarus (see John 11:35).
Tears are certainly part of the process of healing in our soul. God speaks through the prophet Jeremiah:
“Pour out your heart like water before the presence of the LORD” (Lamentations 2:19). This proves to us that God wants us to bring our pain to Him. We can tell Him everything, holding nothing back. He knows it all anyway, but getting it out in the open is incredibly helpful to us.
Though it is important to express our deep feelings through tears at times, God didn’t create us to stay in a season of weeping forever. There is “a time to weep, and a time to laugh” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). God’s Word promises us that “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5 NKJV).
Whatever you’re going through right now, ask God to help you deal with it in a healthy way. Cry when you need to, and know that this season of sadness will come to an end. As you walk with God, He will heal your heart and lead you into new seasons with joy.
Prayer Starter: Father, please help me express and deal with my emotions in a healthy way. If there’s anything I’ve been putting off dealing with, please show me and give me the strength to deal with it. Thank You for being there for me, for listening, and for healing me from the inside out. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Let Your Tears Flow
Nehemiah was not afraid of emotion, or reluctant to show it. Notice that he “wept and mourned.” Some of us flat-out refuse to show any of our emotions, which is not healthy. Pent‑up feelings are harmful if not dealt with, and need to be released in healthy ways. If we don’t release our emotions at appropriate times, as Nehemiah did when he heard the walls of Jerusalem had been destroyed, our emotions will eat away at us on the inside.
Stuffing or suppressing our feelings can also cause physical problems like trouble sleeping, or even digestive issues. Maybe you know someone who went to the doctor because they felt so bad and were convinced something was wrong with them, only to find out—after all kinds of medical tests—that the doctor found nothing and simply said their symptoms were related to stress or anxiety.
Our emotions will always manifest in some way, so it’s best to deal with them before they deal with us. God created us with tear glands and the ability to cry, which must mean there will be times in life when we, like Nehemiah, need to cry. In the Old Testament, Hannah wept and even stopped eating because she was brokenhearted over not having a child (see 1 Samuel 1:7). When David and the men with him discovered the Amalekites had burned the city of Ziklag and taken everyone in it (including their own wives and children) captive, they “raised their voices and wept until they had no more strength to weep” (1 Samuel 30:4). David also wept when his son became deathly ill (see 2 Samuel 12:21–22). Even Jesus wept over the death of His friend Lazarus (see John 11:35).
Tears are certainly part of the process of healing in our soul. God speaks through the prophet Jeremiah:
“Pour out your heart like water before the presence of the LORD” (Lamentations 2:19). This proves to us that God wants us to bring our pain to Him. We can tell Him everything, holding nothing back. He knows it all anyway, but getting it out in the open is incredibly helpful to us.
Though it is important to express our deep feelings through tears at times, God didn’t create us to stay in a season of weeping forever. There is “a time to weep, and a time to laugh” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). God’s Word promises us that “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5 NKJV).
Whatever you’re going through right now, ask God to help you deal with it in a healthy way. Cry when you need to, and know that this season of sadness will come to an end. As you walk with God, He will heal your heart and lead you into new seasons with joy.
Prayer Starter: Father, please help me express and deal with my emotions in a healthy way. If there’s anything I’ve been putting off dealing with, please show me and give me the strength to deal with it. Thank You for being there for me, for listening, and for healing me from the inside out. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
SEPTEMBER 22, 2020
Our Great High Priest
Hebrews 7:23-28
When you feel convicted about a particular sin, how do you react? Do you mourn with regret for days? Many Christians act as though God’s desire is for them to continually wallow in guilt, but this could not be further from the truth.
We saw yesterday that the Old Testament sacrifices had to be repeated over and over. Why? Because those animal offerings were only a temporary substitute for the perfect sacrifice God required. The New Testament tells us that the once-for-all, fully sufficient, substitutionary atonement has been accomplished—it took place when God’s own Son died on the cross in our place. As the hymn lyrics state, Jesus truly “paid it all.”
In the old system, a high priest took an animal into the temple and offered it as a sacrifice to God on behalf of the sinner. Christ, however, entered heaven itself and presented His life to the Father as the perfect atoning sacrifice (Heb. 9:13-14).
This means that the work of forgiveness is done. If you are in Christ, then His sacrifice has already paid for your sin. So, when the Holy Spirit brings conviction, address the sin and move on. Do not cling to burden of unforgiveness that Jesus has lifted from your shoulders
Our Great High Priest
Hebrews 7:23-28
When you feel convicted about a particular sin, how do you react? Do you mourn with regret for days? Many Christians act as though God’s desire is for them to continually wallow in guilt, but this could not be further from the truth.
We saw yesterday that the Old Testament sacrifices had to be repeated over and over. Why? Because those animal offerings were only a temporary substitute for the perfect sacrifice God required. The New Testament tells us that the once-for-all, fully sufficient, substitutionary atonement has been accomplished—it took place when God’s own Son died on the cross in our place. As the hymn lyrics state, Jesus truly “paid it all.”
In the old system, a high priest took an animal into the temple and offered it as a sacrifice to God on behalf of the sinner. Christ, however, entered heaven itself and presented His life to the Father as the perfect atoning sacrifice (Heb. 9:13-14).
This means that the work of forgiveness is done. If you are in Christ, then His sacrifice has already paid for your sin. So, when the Holy Spirit brings conviction, address the sin and move on. Do not cling to burden of unforgiveness that Jesus has lifted from your shoulders
SEPTEMBER 21, 2020
Power in Prayer --- Dr. Paul Chappell
John 15:5-7
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."
The promises of prayer in the Bible are many, yet if we are honest, we would have to admit that most Christians do not see their prayers answered in a great and powerful way. We know that God never changes from age to age. His power is as great as it was in the days of Moses, David, Daniel, John, and Paul. The reason we do not see great answers is not found in God but in our own lives.
Charles Spurgeon said, "If you want that splendid power in prayer, you must remain in loving, living, lasting, conscious, practical, abiding union with the Lord Jesus Christ." Sometimes we treat prayer like a fire escape.
It remains available but unused, until we have an emergency! Using prayer that way forfeits the close communion and fellowship that our time with God presenting our requests to Him is meant to provide for us.
God certainly does not need us to pray to inform Him of what we need. He already knows not only what we will ask, but whether what we ask is best for us. However, like a loving parent, He still encourages us to come to Him and create a meaningful relationship that includes, in part, prayer. The time that we spend in the Word and in prayer is about far more than just getting our needs met. It is the resulting fellowship that brings abundant joy.
Today's Growth Principle: Your power in prayer is directly proportional to your abiding in Christ.
Power in Prayer --- Dr. Paul Chappell
John 15:5-7
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."
The promises of prayer in the Bible are many, yet if we are honest, we would have to admit that most Christians do not see their prayers answered in a great and powerful way. We know that God never changes from age to age. His power is as great as it was in the days of Moses, David, Daniel, John, and Paul. The reason we do not see great answers is not found in God but in our own lives.
Charles Spurgeon said, "If you want that splendid power in prayer, you must remain in loving, living, lasting, conscious, practical, abiding union with the Lord Jesus Christ." Sometimes we treat prayer like a fire escape.
It remains available but unused, until we have an emergency! Using prayer that way forfeits the close communion and fellowship that our time with God presenting our requests to Him is meant to provide for us.
God certainly does not need us to pray to inform Him of what we need. He already knows not only what we will ask, but whether what we ask is best for us. However, like a loving parent, He still encourages us to come to Him and create a meaningful relationship that includes, in part, prayer. The time that we spend in the Word and in prayer is about far more than just getting our needs met. It is the resulting fellowship that brings abundant joy.
Today's Growth Principle: Your power in prayer is directly proportional to your abiding in Christ.
SEPTEMBER 20, 2020
Look to Scripture
I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain? So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” – Galatians 3:2-6
Today’s key passage of Scripture is Paul’s response to the Galatians as they were saying Jesus is not enough and God’s grace is not enough for God to accept them. Instead, they insisted in performing, living up to a certain standard, and keeping the rules and regulations of the law. But Paul shuts down that kind of legalistic thinking by referring to the godfather of all Jews, Abraham. He says, “So also Abraham ‘believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’” (Galatians 3:6).
Basically, Paul was reminding the legalists that God accepted Abraham despite him never having been circumcised, nor ever having kept the law because Abraham lived centuries before the law would be given to Israel through Moses. Do you know how Abraham was saved? By faith. Everyone who has ever come to God and been accepted by God has come by faith.
God wants you to start strong and finish well. God started with you by grace. You started with Him by faith.
God will finish with you by grace and you will finish with Him by faith. Then, you will start strong and you will finish well.
Dear Lord, thank you that Jesus is always enough. I pray that you would remind me of this truth when I’m tempted to earn your love and acceptance and help me to remember that there’s nothing I can do in my own power to save myself. Amen.
Look to Scripture
I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain? So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” – Galatians 3:2-6
Today’s key passage of Scripture is Paul’s response to the Galatians as they were saying Jesus is not enough and God’s grace is not enough for God to accept them. Instead, they insisted in performing, living up to a certain standard, and keeping the rules and regulations of the law. But Paul shuts down that kind of legalistic thinking by referring to the godfather of all Jews, Abraham. He says, “So also Abraham ‘believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’” (Galatians 3:6).
Basically, Paul was reminding the legalists that God accepted Abraham despite him never having been circumcised, nor ever having kept the law because Abraham lived centuries before the law would be given to Israel through Moses. Do you know how Abraham was saved? By faith. Everyone who has ever come to God and been accepted by God has come by faith.
God wants you to start strong and finish well. God started with you by grace. You started with Him by faith.
God will finish with you by grace and you will finish with Him by faith. Then, you will start strong and you will finish well.
Dear Lord, thank you that Jesus is always enough. I pray that you would remind me of this truth when I’m tempted to earn your love and acceptance and help me to remember that there’s nothing I can do in my own power to save myself. Amen.
SEPTEMBER 19, 2020
Change Yourself, Change the World
Romans 14:12 Every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
I do not quarrel with Karl Marx’s statement that “religion is the opiate of the people.” I never try to defend religion. Religion has spawned wars. Many so-called religious people have been characterized by prejudice, pride, bickering, and even tolerance for slavery. However, I would call you to a simple faith in Jesus, who said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Are you really concerned? Are you disappointed with society? If you are, I challenge you to take the first step. I challenge you to look at yourself.
Prayer for the day --- Forgive me, for so often failing to love my neighbor. May my life speak to others of Your love and compassion, Lord Jesus Christ.
Change Yourself, Change the World
Romans 14:12 Every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
I do not quarrel with Karl Marx’s statement that “religion is the opiate of the people.” I never try to defend religion. Religion has spawned wars. Many so-called religious people have been characterized by prejudice, pride, bickering, and even tolerance for slavery. However, I would call you to a simple faith in Jesus, who said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Are you really concerned? Are you disappointed with society? If you are, I challenge you to take the first step. I challenge you to look at yourself.
Prayer for the day --- Forgive me, for so often failing to love my neighbor. May my life speak to others of Your love and compassion, Lord Jesus Christ.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2020
Spiritual Shortsightedness
Luke 12:13-21
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a condition in which the eye cannot focus on distant objects. Today this physical defect is easily treatable with corrective lenses. But spiritual myopia is more dangerous because it has consequences throughout eternity.
To emphasize the importance of an eternal perspective, Jesus told a story about a rich man who couldn’t see beyond his present life. His enjoyment and security were wrapped up in the abundance of his wealth, possessions, and comforts. Although he may have been honored and respected by others for his great achievements, in God’s eyes he was a fool. That’s because he stored up treasure for himself but was bankrupt before the Lord.
In order to make deposits in heaven’s bank, following Christ must be more important than any worldly ambition or priority. His kingdom and righteousness should direct our plans, pursuits, and pleasures. Colossians 3:1-4 says that instead of having an earthly focus, it is better to set our minds on things above, where Christ is. If we do this, our affections and ambitions will follow, and we will become rich toward God.
Spiritual Shortsightedness
Luke 12:13-21
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a condition in which the eye cannot focus on distant objects. Today this physical defect is easily treatable with corrective lenses. But spiritual myopia is more dangerous because it has consequences throughout eternity.
To emphasize the importance of an eternal perspective, Jesus told a story about a rich man who couldn’t see beyond his present life. His enjoyment and security were wrapped up in the abundance of his wealth, possessions, and comforts. Although he may have been honored and respected by others for his great achievements, in God’s eyes he was a fool. That’s because he stored up treasure for himself but was bankrupt before the Lord.
In order to make deposits in heaven’s bank, following Christ must be more important than any worldly ambition or priority. His kingdom and righteousness should direct our plans, pursuits, and pleasures. Colossians 3:1-4 says that instead of having an earthly focus, it is better to set our minds on things above, where Christ is. If we do this, our affections and ambitions will follow, and we will become rich toward God.
SEPTEMBER 17, 2020
Let Him Carry You
We all have different times in our lives where we feel like we’re getting “out of our depth” or “in over our heads.” These moments are usually when we’re facing big problems: a job is lost, someone dies, there’s strife in the family, or a bad report comes from the doctor. When things like this happen, it’s easy to panic because we feel like we’ve lost control.
But think about it for a minute: The truth is, we’ve never been in control when it comes to life’s hardest moments. The only thing that holds us up — and the thing we can be most grateful for — is the grace and love of God, our Father, which is fixed, stable and unchanging.
The good news is that God is never caught off guard or out of His depth (He created the entire universe after all!), so if you’re in life’s “deep end”, know that He’s ready and willing to carry you through it. When you come to Him for help, He’ll hold you up in the hardest times (see Psalm 34:4, 18-19).
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for being my safe place, no matter what. Please help me trust You more today, knowing that I can be at peace because You’ll never let me go. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Let Him Carry You
We all have different times in our lives where we feel like we’re getting “out of our depth” or “in over our heads.” These moments are usually when we’re facing big problems: a job is lost, someone dies, there’s strife in the family, or a bad report comes from the doctor. When things like this happen, it’s easy to panic because we feel like we’ve lost control.
But think about it for a minute: The truth is, we’ve never been in control when it comes to life’s hardest moments. The only thing that holds us up — and the thing we can be most grateful for — is the grace and love of God, our Father, which is fixed, stable and unchanging.
The good news is that God is never caught off guard or out of His depth (He created the entire universe after all!), so if you’re in life’s “deep end”, know that He’s ready and willing to carry you through it. When you come to Him for help, He’ll hold you up in the hardest times (see Psalm 34:4, 18-19).
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for being my safe place, no matter what. Please help me trust You more today, knowing that I can be at peace because You’ll never let me go. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
SEPTEMBER 16, 2020
Put Down Roots --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Ephesians 3:16-19 --- "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."
I heard about a farmer who had received abundant rain on his soybean and corn crops. A friend congratulated him on the green state of his fields after the rain and was surprised when the farmer replied, "My crops are especially vulnerable right now. Even a short drought could have a devastating effect."
"Why?" the friend asked. The farmer explained that while we see the frequent rains as a benefit, during that time the plants are not required to push roots deeper in search of water. The roots remain near the surface. A drought would find the plants unprepared and quickly kill them.
While we should rejoice in the times where we see an extra measure of the goodness and blessings of God, it is usually in times of struggle and testing of our faith that we develop strength as believers. We need to be putting down our roots, reaching into the Word and spending time with God in prayer so that we have the strength to stand the test.
It is popular today to teach that God's children receive only good things and will live in abundance, but that is not what the Bible says. We find in actuality that we are in a battle–war that will last as long as we live.
Prepare to fight and win the battle today by digging deep roots in faith.
Today's Growth Principle: Dig your roots deeply into the Word so that you will be prepared to stand the test when it comes
Put Down Roots --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Ephesians 3:16-19 --- "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."
I heard about a farmer who had received abundant rain on his soybean and corn crops. A friend congratulated him on the green state of his fields after the rain and was surprised when the farmer replied, "My crops are especially vulnerable right now. Even a short drought could have a devastating effect."
"Why?" the friend asked. The farmer explained that while we see the frequent rains as a benefit, during that time the plants are not required to push roots deeper in search of water. The roots remain near the surface. A drought would find the plants unprepared and quickly kill them.
While we should rejoice in the times where we see an extra measure of the goodness and blessings of God, it is usually in times of struggle and testing of our faith that we develop strength as believers. We need to be putting down our roots, reaching into the Word and spending time with God in prayer so that we have the strength to stand the test.
It is popular today to teach that God's children receive only good things and will live in abundance, but that is not what the Bible says. We find in actuality that we are in a battle–war that will last as long as we live.
Prepare to fight and win the battle today by digging deep roots in faith.
Today's Growth Principle: Dig your roots deeply into the Word so that you will be prepared to stand the test when it comes
SEPTEMBER 15, 2020
Make Disciples
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” Matthew 28:19
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” These were the words Jesus spoke before giving His final command to His followers. For 33 years He had willingly humbled Himself in order to make a way for sinners to be right with God. For 33 years He chose to look like us, live with us, and struggle among us…but most importantly, He chose to model for us the ministry that He would leave in our hands – the ministry of making disciples.
By His authority, Jesus issued His final command to the followers He dearly loved. Most Christians know it as, “The Great Commission.” The purpose of each and every Christian begins with one little word, “Go.” It must have been one of Jesus’ favorite words, especially after He rose from the grave. In five of His ten resurrection appearances, Jesus told His disciples to “go.” Christianity is a faith on the go.
Somehow along the way, Christians have gotten the idea that our primary responsibility as Christ-followers is to come instead of to go. Our primary responsibility is not to come to the church, but to go out from the church to the people who need Jesus. We come to the church so that we can grow and mature. This equips us to go out and make disciples in the name of Jesus.
The only way anyone becomes a disciple of Jesus is when someone who already knows Him shares the Gospel. This is what we call evangelism. Evangelism is not making Baptists or Methodists or Presbyterians. It is making disciples – fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. If you are a follower of Jesus, your number one reason for being here is to make other followers of Jesus.
There is one of two things true about every person on the face of the earth. You either need to become a disciple because you are not a follower of Christ; or, you need to become a disciple maker, because you are a follower of Christ. Christianity is the most culturally diverse faith movement in history, and it should be, because we have been commanded to, “Go and make disciples of all nations…”
Dear Lord, thank you for your Word and how it teaches us to become and to make disciples. Help me to continue to grow as a disciple, and give me the opportunity to make disciples as well. Amen.
Make Disciples
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” Matthew 28:19
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” These were the words Jesus spoke before giving His final command to His followers. For 33 years He had willingly humbled Himself in order to make a way for sinners to be right with God. For 33 years He chose to look like us, live with us, and struggle among us…but most importantly, He chose to model for us the ministry that He would leave in our hands – the ministry of making disciples.
By His authority, Jesus issued His final command to the followers He dearly loved. Most Christians know it as, “The Great Commission.” The purpose of each and every Christian begins with one little word, “Go.” It must have been one of Jesus’ favorite words, especially after He rose from the grave. In five of His ten resurrection appearances, Jesus told His disciples to “go.” Christianity is a faith on the go.
Somehow along the way, Christians have gotten the idea that our primary responsibility as Christ-followers is to come instead of to go. Our primary responsibility is not to come to the church, but to go out from the church to the people who need Jesus. We come to the church so that we can grow and mature. This equips us to go out and make disciples in the name of Jesus.
The only way anyone becomes a disciple of Jesus is when someone who already knows Him shares the Gospel. This is what we call evangelism. Evangelism is not making Baptists or Methodists or Presbyterians. It is making disciples – fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. If you are a follower of Jesus, your number one reason for being here is to make other followers of Jesus.
There is one of two things true about every person on the face of the earth. You either need to become a disciple because you are not a follower of Christ; or, you need to become a disciple maker, because you are a follower of Christ. Christianity is the most culturally diverse faith movement in history, and it should be, because we have been commanded to, “Go and make disciples of all nations…”
Dear Lord, thank you for your Word and how it teaches us to become and to make disciples. Help me to continue to grow as a disciple, and give me the opportunity to make disciples as well. Amen.
SEPTEMBER 14, 2020
Philippians 3:8 (TLB) --- Everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus . . .
“Where is Jesus Christ?” Innumerable students are studying Him and deciding whether or not Christ and the Gospel really matter—whether He is relevant in this modern age. C.S. Lewis, a professor of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Oxford and later at Cambridge, had to do the same thing. He spent his life exploring the great literature of centuries. In his remarkable autobiography, Surprised by Joy, he tells of his pilgrimage from atheism to Christianity. His turning point came with the realization that the writing with the deepest meaning and greatest content was based on a deep, personal faith in God, by men like Augustine, Blaise Pascal, George Macdonald.
Find peace with God today.
Prayer for the day --- There is nothing more I desire, Lord Jesus, than to walk closely with You—my Savior and Lord.
Philippians 3:8 (TLB) --- Everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus . . .
“Where is Jesus Christ?” Innumerable students are studying Him and deciding whether or not Christ and the Gospel really matter—whether He is relevant in this modern age. C.S. Lewis, a professor of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Oxford and later at Cambridge, had to do the same thing. He spent his life exploring the great literature of centuries. In his remarkable autobiography, Surprised by Joy, he tells of his pilgrimage from atheism to Christianity. His turning point came with the realization that the writing with the deepest meaning and greatest content was based on a deep, personal faith in God, by men like Augustine, Blaise Pascal, George Macdonald.
Find peace with God today.
Prayer for the day --- There is nothing more I desire, Lord Jesus, than to walk closely with You—my Savior and Lord.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2020
The Righteousness of Believers
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus made a statement His listeners probably found shocking—He said they wouldn’t enter the kingdom of heaven unless their righteousness “surpasse[d] that of the scribes and Pharisees” (Matt. 5:20). The Pharisees were considered the definition of righteous: They were the religious elite, who often elevated their own self-worth and standing in the community. Frankly, the righteousness they projected would have seemed tough to surpass.
Thankfully, Jesus wasn’t saying to beat them at their own game; He was pointing to a different standard altogether. Godliness isn’t attained by pursuing perfection, dressing a certain way, or by holding positions of influence in society. Rather, we become righteous by making oneness with God the focus and substance of our daily life, and boasting only in Him. (See 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.)
Think about it
The Righteousness of Believers
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus made a statement His listeners probably found shocking—He said they wouldn’t enter the kingdom of heaven unless their righteousness “surpasse[d] that of the scribes and Pharisees” (Matt. 5:20). The Pharisees were considered the definition of righteous: They were the religious elite, who often elevated their own self-worth and standing in the community. Frankly, the righteousness they projected would have seemed tough to surpass.
Thankfully, Jesus wasn’t saying to beat them at their own game; He was pointing to a different standard altogether. Godliness isn’t attained by pursuing perfection, dressing a certain way, or by holding positions of influence in society. Rather, we become righteous by making oneness with God the focus and substance of our daily life, and boasting only in Him. (See 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.)
Think about it
- As we pursue godliness, people may respond to us with persecution and hate or interest and conversion. How can you prepare to respond in either situation?
- Jesus challenged the Pharisees because their motives were wrong.
- What motivates you to be righteous?
SEPTEMBER 12, 2020
God Sees Your Possibilities
None of us is perfect. In fact, we’re sometimes painfully aware of our weaknesses and imperfections, but God always looks at us through the eyes of possibility. He not only sees where we can grow, but He sees who we can become, and He’s always hopeful about our future. It can take a long time for us to truly understand the hope God has for us, but I pray you'll begin that journey today.
To realize how much hope God can have for a person, all I have to do is think about what I was like when He called me into full-time ministry. When God began using me to minister to others, I was so far from perfect, it was almost laughable. When I started leading that home Bible study, I was wearing short shorts and smoking--while I was teaching!
Thank God He didn’t wait until I was "fixed" before He started working in me and through me to help people. He looked beyond what my current reality was at the time and saw the potential of who I would become with His help. He started changing me right where I was, and He’ll do the same for you.
Prayer Starter: Lord, help me to remember that when You see me, You see the possibilities and hope for my future that I can’t see. Thank You for patiently working with me and helping me grow today.
In Jesus’ Name, amen.
SEPTEMBER 11, 2020
Doing God’s Business --- Dr. Paul Chappell
John 9:1-4
"And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work."
As D. L. Moody walked down a Chicago street one day, he saw a man leaning against a lamppost. The evangelist gently put his hand on the man's shoulder and asked him if he were a Christian. The fellow raised his fists and angrily exclaimed, "Mind your own business!" "I'm sorry if I've offended you," said Moody, "but to be very frank, that is my business!"
Ephesians 2:10 says we are “created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” There are works that God has planned for you to accomplish today—witnessing, giving, encouraging, loving—and it is vitally important that you are busy doing God’s work while there is still time.
Some weeks after he spoke to the man on the street, Mr. Moody was in bed when he heard a tremendous pounding at his front door. He jumped out of bed and rushed to the door. He thought the house was on fire. He opened the door, and there stood that same man. He said, “Mr. Moody, I have not had a good night’s sleep since that night you spoke to me under the lamppost, and I have come around at this unearthly hour of the night for you to tell me what I have to do to be saved.” If you are faithful to share the Gospel with those you meet, God will use you to bring in the harvest.
Today's Growth Principle: Do not allow anything to deter you from doing God’s business today.
SEPTEMBER 10, 2020
One Way to Live
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20
There is a phenomenal quote from the movie “Braveheart” that says, “Every man dies, but not every man truly lives.” There is so much truth in this statement, because the vast majority of people who live on this earth will live and die in slavery and bondage – in bondage to lust, pornography, jealousy, anger, bitterness, pride, or arrogance. In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he talks about how to be free – free from sin, free from self, and free from shame. He explains that this kind of freedom can only be found in Christ, saying, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me,” (Galatians 2:20).
Simply put, Paul is saying the only way to live is to die, but when you die, you really live. In Galatians 2:20, we learn something that, once believed and acted upon as if they are true, we will experience the only way to live, and that is to die to yourself and your past.
Two people had to die in order for an unbeliever to become a believer. Jesus had to die for you, but then you have to die to you as well. This happens when you surrender your life to Christ. Everything you were, everything you used to be, everything in your past, every sin, every failure, every mistake, and every regret died with Jesus on the cross. The reason why all of that dies is because the old you died when you choose to become a follower of Jesus.
Have you died to yourself and to your past? Or are you still holding onto sins and behaviors that are keeping you from living in the fullness of Christ? My prayer is that if you haven’t completely died to yourself, that you would ask the Lord to forgive you and free you from your past so you can move forward into the future He has for you.
Dear Lord, thank you for offering me freedom from all of my sin and past mistakes. Help me to live in the freedom that can only be found in a relationship with you and help me to no longer cling to my past. Amen.
One Way to Live
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20
There is a phenomenal quote from the movie “Braveheart” that says, “Every man dies, but not every man truly lives.” There is so much truth in this statement, because the vast majority of people who live on this earth will live and die in slavery and bondage – in bondage to lust, pornography, jealousy, anger, bitterness, pride, or arrogance. In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he talks about how to be free – free from sin, free from self, and free from shame. He explains that this kind of freedom can only be found in Christ, saying, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me,” (Galatians 2:20).
Simply put, Paul is saying the only way to live is to die, but when you die, you really live. In Galatians 2:20, we learn something that, once believed and acted upon as if they are true, we will experience the only way to live, and that is to die to yourself and your past.
Two people had to die in order for an unbeliever to become a believer. Jesus had to die for you, but then you have to die to you as well. This happens when you surrender your life to Christ. Everything you were, everything you used to be, everything in your past, every sin, every failure, every mistake, and every regret died with Jesus on the cross. The reason why all of that dies is because the old you died when you choose to become a follower of Jesus.
Have you died to yourself and to your past? Or are you still holding onto sins and behaviors that are keeping you from living in the fullness of Christ? My prayer is that if you haven’t completely died to yourself, that you would ask the Lord to forgive you and free you from your past so you can move forward into the future He has for you.
Dear Lord, thank you for offering me freedom from all of my sin and past mistakes. Help me to live in the freedom that can only be found in a relationship with you and help me to no longer cling to my past. Amen.
SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
Be Honest with God
2 Corinthians 9:7 --- God loveth a cheerful giver.
The greatest blessing of giving is not on the financial side of the ledger but on the spiritual side. You receive a sense of being honest with God. You receive a consciousness that you are in partnership with God—that you are doing something constructive—that you are working with Him to reach the world for Jesus Christ.
You are also enabled to hold on to this world’s goods loosely because the eternal values are always in view.
How do you give? Is it liberally and cheerfully? Or is it sparingly and grudgingly? If you have been giving God the leftovers of your substance and your life, you have been missing the true joy and blessing of Christian giving and living.
Prayer for the day --- Forgive me, almighty God, for so often giving You the leftovers. In my heart I know I can never out give You.
Be Honest with God
2 Corinthians 9:7 --- God loveth a cheerful giver.
The greatest blessing of giving is not on the financial side of the ledger but on the spiritual side. You receive a sense of being honest with God. You receive a consciousness that you are in partnership with God—that you are doing something constructive—that you are working with Him to reach the world for Jesus Christ.
You are also enabled to hold on to this world’s goods loosely because the eternal values are always in view.
How do you give? Is it liberally and cheerfully? Or is it sparingly and grudgingly? If you have been giving God the leftovers of your substance and your life, you have been missing the true joy and blessing of Christian giving and living.
Prayer for the day --- Forgive me, almighty God, for so often giving You the leftovers. In my heart I know I can never out give You.
SEPTEMBER 8, 2020
Face the Truth and Find Freedom
Facing the truth about ourselves is a vital key to experiencing breakthrough and freedom. If you want to consistently live in new levels of victory, we need to remain open and receptive to the truth about ourselves.
This is not just a superficial acknowledgment of wrong thinking and behavior— it’s an open and honest recognition of your sin to God that brings an attitude of repentance, which is a willingness to go in the right direction.
It can be painful, but receiving the Holy Spirit’s direction and correction about your mindsets, motives, and methods of doing things will enable you to move beyond despair and experience a wonderful, deep fellowship with God. As you continue in His Word, the truth will set you free (see John 8:32).
Prayer Starter: Father, please help me be willing to face the truth about myself, no matter how much it might hurt. Thank You for always being there to help me grow and mature more and more every day. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Face the Truth and Find Freedom
Facing the truth about ourselves is a vital key to experiencing breakthrough and freedom. If you want to consistently live in new levels of victory, we need to remain open and receptive to the truth about ourselves.
This is not just a superficial acknowledgment of wrong thinking and behavior— it’s an open and honest recognition of your sin to God that brings an attitude of repentance, which is a willingness to go in the right direction.
It can be painful, but receiving the Holy Spirit’s direction and correction about your mindsets, motives, and methods of doing things will enable you to move beyond despair and experience a wonderful, deep fellowship with God. As you continue in His Word, the truth will set you free (see John 8:32).
Prayer Starter: Father, please help me be willing to face the truth about myself, no matter how much it might hurt. Thank You for always being there to help me grow and mature more and more every day. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
SEPTEMBER 7, 2020
Made in the Image of God
Genesis 1:26-27
In the beginning God created Adam and Eve in His image. That likeness, however, was soon marred by sin, and the ripple effect continues in humanity to this day. The Lord was gracious, however, and didn’t wipe out the human race; instead, He set in motion a redemptive plan to rescue anyone willing to repent.
Someday all who have trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation will be fully restored to God’s image. In the meantime, the heavenly Father is molding believers into the likeness of His Son. It’s a process that will continue until we each receive our new eternal body and, like a flawless mirror, reflect a true image of our Lord. But while we remain on earth, we are called to reveal Jesus to those in our sphere of influence.
Like any parent, God the Father is pleased to see His children maturing to look more like Christ, and to that end He continually works in us. Becoming more and more like Him should be our goal as well, because nothing can compare to the joy we will have when we eventually stand before God in heaven, fully restored to resemble Him.
Made in the Image of God
Genesis 1:26-27
In the beginning God created Adam and Eve in His image. That likeness, however, was soon marred by sin, and the ripple effect continues in humanity to this day. The Lord was gracious, however, and didn’t wipe out the human race; instead, He set in motion a redemptive plan to rescue anyone willing to repent.
Someday all who have trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation will be fully restored to God’s image. In the meantime, the heavenly Father is molding believers into the likeness of His Son. It’s a process that will continue until we each receive our new eternal body and, like a flawless mirror, reflect a true image of our Lord. But while we remain on earth, we are called to reveal Jesus to those in our sphere of influence.
Like any parent, God the Father is pleased to see His children maturing to look more like Christ, and to that end He continually works in us. Becoming more and more like Him should be our goal as well, because nothing can compare to the joy we will have when we eventually stand before God in heaven, fully restored to resemble Him.
SEPTEMBER 6, 2020
Sound the Alarm --- Dr. Paul Chappell
2 Peter 2:4-6 "For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;"
Rick Rescorla was born in England, but moved to the United States as a young man. He served with distinction in the Army during the Vietnam War and received awards for his courage. After his military career ended, he became head of security for Morgan Stanley. He feared the World Trade Center would be the target of a terrorist attack, so he insisted on frequent evacuation drills to teach people how to quickly and safely exit the building.
Many of the people who worked there resented the constant drills and thought it was a waste of time. On the morning of September 11, 2001, when the first World Trade Tower was hit by a terrorist plane, Rescorla ordered the evacuation that had been practiced for so long. Despite the urging of authorities for people to remain in the building, he got virtually every Morgan Stanly employee out, and many others as well, before the second tower was hit. Rescorla was last seen going back into the building attempting to rescue more people just before it collapsed.
You and I have a message from God to sound to the world. There is a coming judgment that must be faced.
Many people prefer not to hear that message, wanting to live as they please rather than dealing with a Holy God. But we have a responsibility to tell them the truth whether they listen or not.
Today's Growth Principle: Even those who do not want to hear the truth need to hear it tell them in love, but tell them plainly.
Sound the Alarm --- Dr. Paul Chappell
2 Peter 2:4-6 "For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;"
Rick Rescorla was born in England, but moved to the United States as a young man. He served with distinction in the Army during the Vietnam War and received awards for his courage. After his military career ended, he became head of security for Morgan Stanley. He feared the World Trade Center would be the target of a terrorist attack, so he insisted on frequent evacuation drills to teach people how to quickly and safely exit the building.
Many of the people who worked there resented the constant drills and thought it was a waste of time. On the morning of September 11, 2001, when the first World Trade Tower was hit by a terrorist plane, Rescorla ordered the evacuation that had been practiced for so long. Despite the urging of authorities for people to remain in the building, he got virtually every Morgan Stanly employee out, and many others as well, before the second tower was hit. Rescorla was last seen going back into the building attempting to rescue more people just before it collapsed.
You and I have a message from God to sound to the world. There is a coming judgment that must be faced.
Many people prefer not to hear that message, wanting to live as they please rather than dealing with a Holy God. But we have a responsibility to tell them the truth whether they listen or not.
Today's Growth Principle: Even those who do not want to hear the truth need to hear it tell them in love, but tell them plainly.
SEPTEMBER 5, 2020
The Truth Sets Us Free
Matthew 11:28 --- Come unto me, all ye that labor . . .
The mark of a true Christian is found in his personal relationship to the Person of Jesus Christ. Christianity is Christ. Christ is Christianity. I speak reverently when I say that Jesus is more than His ideas. All that He said was true, but without Him even the truth would have been powerless. Men know the power of truth, and truth is that which sets men free. Jesus said, “I am the truth.”
Prayer for the day --- Thank You, Jesus, for the shackles that have been broken in my life!
The Truth Sets Us Free
Matthew 11:28 --- Come unto me, all ye that labor . . .
The mark of a true Christian is found in his personal relationship to the Person of Jesus Christ. Christianity is Christ. Christ is Christianity. I speak reverently when I say that Jesus is more than His ideas. All that He said was true, but without Him even the truth would have been powerless. Men know the power of truth, and truth is that which sets men free. Jesus said, “I am the truth.”
Prayer for the day --- Thank You, Jesus, for the shackles that have been broken in my life!
SEPTEMBER 4, 2020
The Gospel Changes Everything
I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. – Galatians 1:11-12
When you take a look at all of the different religions and belief systems in the world, Christianity stands out as different than the rest. Why? Because of one thing: the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel has the power to change everything, because it is directly from the Lord. No human came up with Christianity, rather it is based on Christ Himself, and therefore the gospel is the tool that has been used by God to change the lives of so many people throughout history.
As Paul is writing to the church in Galatia, he explains to the to them where the true Gospel comes from, saying, “I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the Gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ,” (Galatians 1:11-12). The Gospel is not something a person made up. The Gospel is something God set down. As Charles Spurgeon said, “The Gospel is perfect in all of its parts and perfect as a whole. It is a crime to add to it, treason to alter it, and a felony to take from it.”
For the first several years after Jesus’ resurrection the earliest Christians became known for how different they were from the world. What was it that made them so radically different? There is only one explanation. It was the story of the Gospel that they heard, that they believed, and that they preached. It is the only Gospel that turned the world upside down two- thousand years ago and the only one that can still do it today.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of the gospel and the impact it's made on history. Let other people see that I'm different because I've received the gospel and surrendered my life to you. Amen.
The Gospel Changes Everything
I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. – Galatians 1:11-12
When you take a look at all of the different religions and belief systems in the world, Christianity stands out as different than the rest. Why? Because of one thing: the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel has the power to change everything, because it is directly from the Lord. No human came up with Christianity, rather it is based on Christ Himself, and therefore the gospel is the tool that has been used by God to change the lives of so many people throughout history.
As Paul is writing to the church in Galatia, he explains to the to them where the true Gospel comes from, saying, “I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the Gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ,” (Galatians 1:11-12). The Gospel is not something a person made up. The Gospel is something God set down. As Charles Spurgeon said, “The Gospel is perfect in all of its parts and perfect as a whole. It is a crime to add to it, treason to alter it, and a felony to take from it.”
For the first several years after Jesus’ resurrection the earliest Christians became known for how different they were from the world. What was it that made them so radically different? There is only one explanation. It was the story of the Gospel that they heard, that they believed, and that they preached. It is the only Gospel that turned the world upside down two- thousand years ago and the only one that can still do it today.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of the gospel and the impact it's made on history. Let other people see that I'm different because I've received the gospel and surrendered my life to you. Amen.
SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
Expect Joy
Joy in life is a wonderful thing to have. We may want to see changes in our circumstances, but when we have joy, we can stay calm in the meantime, and not let frustrating situations make us miserable. We can be grateful that joy makes some of those less-than-desirable circumstances more bearable.
Joy can vary in intensity from calm delight to extreme hilarity, and it’s closely connected to our expectations (what we think and believe). One meaning of joy is: “The passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good.” So even when we’re going through something difficult, we can release joy in our lives by looking for and expecting something positive to happen.
In other words, our joy is directly affected by how much we hope for and trust God to come through for us (see Isaiah 40:31). Don’t stay stuck in fear, always watching for bad things to come your way. Pray, believe, and expect God’s best for your life—then watch your joy grow!
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for Your joy. Today, help me live with hope-filled expectation of Your goodness in my life. Thank You for Your constant, unchanging love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Expect Joy
Joy in life is a wonderful thing to have. We may want to see changes in our circumstances, but when we have joy, we can stay calm in the meantime, and not let frustrating situations make us miserable. We can be grateful that joy makes some of those less-than-desirable circumstances more bearable.
Joy can vary in intensity from calm delight to extreme hilarity, and it’s closely connected to our expectations (what we think and believe). One meaning of joy is: “The passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good.” So even when we’re going through something difficult, we can release joy in our lives by looking for and expecting something positive to happen.
In other words, our joy is directly affected by how much we hope for and trust God to come through for us (see Isaiah 40:31). Don’t stay stuck in fear, always watching for bad things to come your way. Pray, believe, and expect God’s best for your life—then watch your joy grow!
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for Your joy. Today, help me live with hope-filled expectation of Your goodness in my life. Thank You for Your constant, unchanging love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
SEPTEMBER 2, 2020
Freedom’s Responsibility
1 Corinthians 9
Our rights are among the most difficult things for us to relinquish, and that’s because letting go of them often feels unjust. After all, they are by definition a claim that we are morally or legally entitled to have something or to act in a certain way. Yet in order to serve Christ more effectively, the apostle Paul chose not to insist on certain rights and privileges.
Godly freedom carries responsibility and therefore shouldn’t be a selfish means of making others treat us as we desire. As 1 Peter 2:16 says, our freedom is not to be a covering for evil, but we’re to “use it as bondslaves of God.” Jesus set us free from the power of sin so we could obey the Lord, and part of obedience is serving one another unselfishly. God also wants His followers to share the good news of salvation and forgiveness of sins through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
If we believe that God has liberated us only for ourselves, then we have missed the point and are abusing our freedom. Paul likened the Christian life to competition at Olympic-style games. In the world’s system, a person wins by demanding his or her rights. But in God’s race, we’re victorious when we discipline ourselves to obey Him and fulfill His purpose.
Freedom’s Responsibility
1 Corinthians 9
Our rights are among the most difficult things for us to relinquish, and that’s because letting go of them often feels unjust. After all, they are by definition a claim that we are morally or legally entitled to have something or to act in a certain way. Yet in order to serve Christ more effectively, the apostle Paul chose not to insist on certain rights and privileges.
Godly freedom carries responsibility and therefore shouldn’t be a selfish means of making others treat us as we desire. As 1 Peter 2:16 says, our freedom is not to be a covering for evil, but we’re to “use it as bondslaves of God.” Jesus set us free from the power of sin so we could obey the Lord, and part of obedience is serving one another unselfishly. God also wants His followers to share the good news of salvation and forgiveness of sins through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
If we believe that God has liberated us only for ourselves, then we have missed the point and are abusing our freedom. Paul likened the Christian life to competition at Olympic-style games. In the world’s system, a person wins by demanding his or her rights. But in God’s race, we’re victorious when we discipline ourselves to obey Him and fulfill His purpose.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
A Certain Hope --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Titus 2:11–13 "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;"
Because sin is part of our world, we have to deal with the reality of death. But for a believer, death is not the end. We have the promise of eternal life if we die before the Lord returns—and the promise of being transformed in a moment if we are alive on that blessed day. This is a hope that we can be sure of, because the promises of God never fail. Others may not keep their promises to us, but He always does—and thus we can be certain of the future.
On a trip to the East Coast, I was able to visit Mt. Vernon. While I was there I saw the tomb in which George and Martha Washington are buried. On the back wall of the open vault, there is a plaque with Jesus’ words inscribed: "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die" (John 11:25-26). The "Father of our Nation" found confidence in the hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ.
There is no more powerful comfort than the knowledge that we who know Christ have a hope for the future, even after death. When Jesus went to the grave of His friend Lazarus, He declared His power over death in an unmistakable way. This great enemy has already been defeated. We need no longer fear what will come—for our Lord has already faced death and conquered it. And because of His victory, we can have full certainty in our hope for the future.
Today's Growth Principle: If you have trusted Christ as your Saviour, rejoice in the certain truth that God’s love has prepared a place in eternity for you.
A Certain Hope --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Titus 2:11–13 "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;"
Because sin is part of our world, we have to deal with the reality of death. But for a believer, death is not the end. We have the promise of eternal life if we die before the Lord returns—and the promise of being transformed in a moment if we are alive on that blessed day. This is a hope that we can be sure of, because the promises of God never fail. Others may not keep their promises to us, but He always does—and thus we can be certain of the future.
On a trip to the East Coast, I was able to visit Mt. Vernon. While I was there I saw the tomb in which George and Martha Washington are buried. On the back wall of the open vault, there is a plaque with Jesus’ words inscribed: "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die" (John 11:25-26). The "Father of our Nation" found confidence in the hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ.
There is no more powerful comfort than the knowledge that we who know Christ have a hope for the future, even after death. When Jesus went to the grave of His friend Lazarus, He declared His power over death in an unmistakable way. This great enemy has already been defeated. We need no longer fear what will come—for our Lord has already faced death and conquered it. And because of His victory, we can have full certainty in our hope for the future.
Today's Growth Principle: If you have trusted Christ as your Saviour, rejoice in the certain truth that God’s love has prepared a place in eternity for you.
AUGUST 29, 2020
Controlling Your Self
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:22-26)
Yesterday we talked about the importance of confronting your flesh and your sinful nature and crucifying yourself to your own desires so that you might submit to the control of the Father rather than trying to control things in your own power. But there’s one other step you must take if you want to learn how to truly control yourself.
If you want to practice self-control, once you’ve acknowledged and crucified the problem, you must begin to walk in the Spirit. That’s the difference between being a follower of Jesus and not being a follower of Jesus. If you’re not a Christ-follower, your “self”, or your sinful nature, calls the shots.
If you are a Christ-follower, the Holy Spirit within you calls the shots. Paul says it this way in Galatians 5:25, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
One very common thing the Spirit may ask you to do in the realm of self- control is to wait. He may prompt you to hit the pause button, whether that means you pause for a few seconds before you say something on your mind, or you pause for a few days as you’re considering a big decision.
Regardless of how He leads you, you will never be led astray if you choose to walk in the way of the Holy Spirit. And even though it won’t always be easy, you will never regret exercising self-control.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Thank you that I can always trust that wherever the Spirit is leading me is in my best interest. I pray that you would give me the patience to submit to the Holy Spirit when I’m told to wait, rather than trying to get ahead of you, for I know you know what
you’re doing so much better than I do. Amen
AUGUST 29, 2020
Controlling Your Self
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:22-26)
Yesterday we talked about the importance of confronting your flesh and your sinful nature and crucifying yourself to your own desires so that you might submit to the control of the Father rather than trying to control things in your own power. But there’s one other step you must take if you want to learn how to truly control yourself.
If you want to practice self-control, once you’ve acknowledged and crucified the problem, you must begin to walk in the Spirit. That’s the difference between being a follower of Jesus and not being a follower of Jesus. If you’re not a Christ-follower, your “self”, or your sinful nature, calls the shots.
If you are a Christ-follower, the Holy Spirit within you calls the shots. Paul says it this way in Galatians 5:25, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
One very common thing the Spirit may ask you to do in the realm of self- control is to wait. He may prompt you to hit the pause button, whether that means you pause for a few seconds before you say something on your mind, or you pause for a few days as you’re considering a big decision.
Regardless of how He leads you, you will never be led astray if you choose to walk in the way of the Holy Spirit. And even though it won’t always be easy, you will never regret exercising self-control.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Thank you that I can always trust that wherever the Spirit is leading me is in my best interest. I pray that you would give me the patience to submit to the Holy Spirit when I’m told to wait, rather than trying to get ahead of you, for I know you know what
you’re doing so much better than I do. Amen
AUGUST 29, 2020
Controlling Your Self
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:22-26)
Yesterday we talked about the importance of confronting your flesh and your sinful nature and crucifying yourself to your own desires so that you might submit to the control of the Father rather than trying to control things in your own power. But there’s one other step you must take if you want to learn how to truly control yourself.
If you want to practice self-control, once you’ve acknowledged and crucified the problem, you must begin to walk in the Spirit. That’s the difference between being a follower of Jesus and not being a follower of Jesus. If you’re not a Christ-follower, your “self”, or your sinful nature, calls the shots.
If you are a Christ-follower, the Holy Spirit within you calls the shots. Paul says it this way in Galatians 5:25, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
One very common thing the Spirit may ask you to do in the realm of self- control is to wait. He may prompt you to hit the paus
AUGUST 29, 2020
Controlling Your Self
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:22-26)
Yesterday we talked about the importance of confronting your flesh and your sinful nature and crucifying yourself to your own desires so that you might submit to the control of the Father rather than trying to control things in your own power. But there’s one other step you must take if you want to learn how to truly control yourself.
If you want to practice self-control, once you’ve acknowledged and crucified the problem, you must begin to walk in the Spirit. That’s the difference between being a follower of Jesus and not being a follower of Jesus. If you’re not a Christ-follower, your “self”, or your sinful nature, calls the shots.
If you are a Christ-follower, the Holy Spirit within you calls the shots. Paul says it this way in Galatians 5:25, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
One very common thing the Spirit may ask you to do in the realm of self- control is to wait. He may prompt you to hit the pause button, whether that means you pause for a few seconds before you say something on your mind, or you pause for a few days as you’re considering a big decision.
Regardless of how He leads you, you will never be led astray if you choose to walk in the way of the Holy Spirit. And even though it won’t always be easy, you will never regret exercising self-control.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Thank you that I can always trust that wherever the Spirit is leading me is in my best interest. I pray that you would give me the patience to submit to the Holy Spirit when I’m told to wait, rather than trying to get ahead of you, for I know you know what
you’re doing so much better than I do. Amene button, whether that means you pause for a few seconds before you say something on your mind, or you pause for a few days as you’re considering a big decision.
Regardless of how He leads you, you will never be led astray if you choose to walk in the way of the Holy Spirit. And even though it won’t always be easy, you will never regret exercising self-control.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Thank you that I can always trust that wherever the Spirit is leading me is in my best interest. I pray that you would give me the patience to submit to the Holy Spirit when I’m told to wait, rather than trying to get ahead of you, for I know you know what
you’re doing so much better than I do. Amen
AUGUST 29, 2020
Controlling Your Self
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:22-26)
Yesterday we talked about the importance of confronting your flesh and your sinful nature and crucifying yourself to your own desires so that you might submit to the control of the Father rather than trying to control things in your own power. But there’s one other step you must take if you want to learn how to truly control yourself.
If you want to practice self-control, once you’ve acknowledged and crucified the problem, you must begin to walk in the Spirit. That’s the difference between being a follower of Jesus and not being a follower of Jesus. If you’re not a Christ-follower, your “self”, or your sinful nature, calls the shots.
If you are a Christ-follower, the Holy Spirit within you calls the shots. Paul says it this way in Galatians 5:25, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
One very common thing the Spirit may ask you to do in the realm of self- control is to wait. He may prompt you to hit the pause button, whether that means you pause for a few seconds before you say something on your mind, or you pause for a few days as you’re considering a big decision.
Regardless of how He leads you, you will never be led astray if you choose to walk in the way of the Holy Spirit. And even though it won’t always be easy, you will never regret exercising self-control.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Thank you that I can always trust that wherever the Spirit is leading me is in my best interest. I pray that you would give me the patience to submit to the Holy Spirit when I’m told to wait, rather than trying to get ahead of you, for I know you know what
you’re doing so much better than I do. Amen
AUGUST 29, 2020
Controlling Your Self
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:22-26)
Yesterday we talked about the importance of confronting your flesh and your sinful nature and crucifying yourself to your own desires so that you might submit to the control of the Father rather than trying to control things in your own power. But there’s one other step you must take if you want to learn how to truly control yourself.
If you want to practice self-control, once you’ve acknowledged and crucified the problem, you must begin to walk in the Spirit. That’s the difference between being a follower of Jesus and not being a follower of Jesus. If you’re not a Christ-follower, your “self”, or your sinful nature, calls the shots.
If you are a Christ-follower, the Holy Spirit within you calls the shots. Paul says it this way in Galatians 5:25, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
AUGUST 29, 2020
Controlling Your Self
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:22-26)
Yesterday we talked about the importance of confronting your flesh and your sinful nature and crucifying yourself to your own desires so that you might submit to the control of the Father rather than trying to control things in your own power. But there’s one other step you must take if you want to learn how to truly control yourself.
If you want to practice self-control, once you’ve acknowledged and crucified the problem, you must begin to walk in the Spirit. That’s the difference between being a follower of Jesus and not being a follower of Jesus. If you’re not a Christ-follower, your “self”, or your sinful nature, calls the shots.
If you are a Christ-follower, the Holy Spirit within you calls the shots. Paul says it this way in Galatians 5:25, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
One very common thing the Spirit may ask you to do in the realm of self- control is to wait. He may prompt you to hit the pause button, whether that means you pause for a few seconds before you say something on your mind, or you pause for a few days as you’re considering a big decision.
Regardless of how He leads you, you will never be led astray if you choose to walk in the way of the Holy Spirit. And even though it won’t always be easy, you will never regret exercising self-control.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Thank you that I can always trust that wherever the Spirit is leading me is in my best interest. I pray that you would give me the patience to submit to the Holy Spirit when I’m told to wait, rather than trying to get ahead of you, for I know you know what
you’re doing so much better than I do. Amen
One very common thing the Spirit may ask you to do in the realm of self- control is to wait. He may prompt you to hit the pause button, whether that means you pause for a few seconds before you say something on your mind, or you pause for a few days as you’re considering a big decision.
Regardless of how He leads you, you will never be led astray if you choose to walk in the way of the Holy Spirit. And even though it won’t always be easy, you will never regret exercising self-control.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Thank you that I can always trust that wherever the Spirit is leading me is in my best interest. I pray that you would give me the patience to submit to the Holy Spirit when I’m told to wait, rather than trying to get ahead of you, for I know you know what
you’re doing so much better than I do. Amen
AUGUST 29, 2020
Controlling Your Self
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:22-26)
Yesterday we talked about the importance of confronting your flesh and your sinful nature and crucifying yourself to your own desires so that you might submit to the control of the Father rather than trying to control things in your own power. But there’s one other step you must take if you want to learn how to truly control yourself.
If you want to practice self-control, once you’ve acknowledged and crucified the problem, you must begin to walk in the Spirit. That’s the difference between being a follower of Jesus and not being a follower of Jesus. If you’re not a Christ-follower, your “self”, or your sinful nature, calls the shots.
If you are a Christ-follower, the Holy Spirit within you calls the shots. Paul says it this way in Galatians 5:25, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
One very common thing the Spirit may ask you to do in the realm of self- control is to wait. He may prompt you to hit the paus
AUGUST 29, 2020
Controlling Your Self
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:22-26)
Yesterday we talked about the importance of confronting your flesh and your sinful nature and crucifying yourself to your own desires so that you might submit to the control of the Father rather than trying to control things in your own power. But there’s one other step you must take if you want to learn how to truly control yourself.
If you want to practice self-control, once you’ve acknowledged and crucified the problem, you must begin to walk in the Spirit. That’s the difference between being a follower of Jesus and not being a follower of Jesus. If you’re not a Christ-follower, your “self”, or your sinful nature, calls the shots.
If you are a Christ-follower, the Holy Spirit within you calls the shots. Paul says it this way in Galatians 5:25, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
One very common thing the Spirit may ask you to do in the realm of self- control is to wait. He may prompt you to hit the pause button, whether that means you pause for a few seconds before you say something on your mind, or you pause for a few days as you’re considering a big decision.
Regardless of how He leads you, you will never be led astray if you choose to walk in the way of the Holy Spirit. And even though it won’t always be easy, you will never regret exercising self-control.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Thank you that I can always trust that wherever the Spirit is leading me is in my best interest. I pray that you would give me the patience to submit to the Holy Spirit when I’m told to wait, rather than trying to get ahead of you, for I know you know what
you’re doing so much better than I do. Amene button, whether that means you pause for a few seconds before you say something on your mind, or you pause for a few days as you’re considering a big decision.
Regardless of how He leads you, you will never be led astray if you choose to walk in the way of the Holy Spirit. And even though it won’t always be easy, you will never regret exercising self-control.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Thank you that I can always trust that wherever the Spirit is leading me is in my best interest. I pray that you would give me the patience to submit to the Holy Spirit when I’m told to wait, rather than trying to get ahead of you, for I know you know what
you’re doing so much better than I do. Amen
AUGUST 29, 2020
Controlling Your Self
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:22-26)
Yesterday we talked about the importance of confronting your flesh and your sinful nature and crucifying yourself to your own desires so that you might submit to the control of the Father rather than trying to control things in your own power. But there’s one other step you must take if you want to learn how to truly control yourself.
If you want to practice self-control, once you’ve acknowledged and crucified the problem, you must begin to walk in the Spirit. That’s the difference between being a follower of Jesus and not being a follower of Jesus. If you’re not a Christ-follower, your “self”, or your sinful nature, calls the shots.
If you are a Christ-follower, the Holy Spirit within you calls the shots. Paul says it this way in Galatians 5:25, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
One very common thing the Spirit may ask you to do in the realm of self- control is to wait. He may prompt you to hit the pause button, whether that means you pause for a few seconds before you say something on your mind, or you pause for a few days as you’re considering a big decision.
Regardless of how He leads you, you will never be led astray if you choose to walk in the way of the Holy Spirit. And even though it won’t always be easy, you will never regret exercising self-control.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Thank you that I can always trust that wherever the Spirit is leading me is in my best interest. I pray that you would give me the patience to submit to the Holy Spirit when I’m told to wait, rather than trying to get ahead of you, for I know you know what
you’re doing so much better than I do. Amen
AUGUST 29, 2020
Controlling Your Self
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:22-26)
Yesterday we talked about the importance of confronting your flesh and your sinful nature and crucifying yourself to your own desires so that you might submit to the control of the Father rather than trying to control things in your own power. But there’s one other step you must take if you want to learn how to truly control yourself.
If you want to practice self-control, once you’ve acknowledged and crucified the problem, you must begin to walk in the Spirit. That’s the difference between being a follower of Jesus and not being a follower of Jesus. If you’re not a Christ-follower, your “self”, or your sinful nature, calls the shots.
If you are a Christ-follower, the Holy Spirit within you calls the shots. Paul says it this way in Galatians 5:25, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
AUGUST 29, 2020
Controlling Your Self
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:22-26)
Yesterday we talked about the importance of confronting your flesh and your sinful nature and crucifying yourself to your own desires so that you might submit to the control of the Father rather than trying to control things in your own power. But there’s one other step you must take if you want to learn how to truly control yourself.
If you want to practice self-control, once you’ve acknowledged and crucified the problem, you must begin to walk in the Spirit. That’s the difference between being a follower of Jesus and not being a follower of Jesus. If you’re not a Christ-follower, your “self”, or your sinful nature, calls the shots.
If you are a Christ-follower, the Holy Spirit within you calls the shots. Paul says it this way in Galatians 5:25, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
One very common thing the Spirit may ask you to do in the realm of self- control is to wait. He may prompt you to hit the pause button, whether that means you pause for a few seconds before you say something on your mind, or you pause for a few days as you’re considering a big decision.
Regardless of how He leads you, you will never be led astray if you choose to walk in the way of the Holy Spirit. And even though it won’t always be easy, you will never regret exercising self-control.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Thank you that I can always trust that wherever the Spirit is leading me is in my best interest. I pray that you would give me the patience to submit to the Holy Spirit when I’m told to wait, rather than trying to get ahead of you, for I know you know what
you’re doing so much better than I do. Amen
One very common thing the Spirit may ask you to do in the realm of self- control is to wait. He may prompt you to hit the pause button, whether that means you pause for a few seconds before you say something on your mind, or you pause for a few days as you’re considering a big decision.
Regardless of how He leads you, you will never be led astray if you choose to walk in the way of the Holy Spirit. And even though it won’t always be easy, you will never regret exercising self-control.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Thank you that I can always trust that wherever the Spirit is leading me is in my best interest. I pray that you would give me the patience to submit to the Holy Spirit when I’m told to wait, rather than trying to get ahead of you, for I know you know what
you’re doing so much better than I do. Amen