WOODLAWN BAPTIST CHURCH
DAILY BIBLE DEVOTIONAL
SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
Sin Sick
“Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” Psalm 51:5
There are sicknesses and then there are sicknesses. Doctors were recently asked their opinion of the most terrifying, horrifying sicknesses in history. These were their top three. The first is what is called the “Black Death,” or now known as the “Plague.” It happened 700 years ago and was caused by a single bacteria carried through the air by rats and fleas. It caused the death of 75 million people – 60% of the population of Europe. The second disease they listed was Smallpox. Between 1880 and 1980, it killed about 500 million people until it became the first disease ever to be radiated from earth. The last disease is HIV/AIDS. Globally, 75 million people are now infected with this disease and 36 million people have died. Though there are drugs to manage it, as of now, there is no cure for this disease.
As horrifying as these diseases are, there is one sickness that is worse than all of them put together. This sickness is called sin. There is no sickness that can compare to sin sickness in the life of a true follower of Jesus. It is so debilitating, depressing, disabling, and demoralizing in the life of someone who should be delivered from sin. Now understand, I am not referring to sin that has been confessed, but rather sin that is concealed. Sin that is kept in the dark in the life of a believer is absolutely devastating.
You see, when you give your life to Jesus Christ and God’s Holy Spirit enters into you it does not make you suddenly immune to sin. It does, however, make you more aware of and sensitive to sin. The mark of a healthy body is one that wants to fight infection and get rid of infection as soon as it detects it. In the same way, a healthy believer is someone whose spirit wants to get rid of sin as soon as it experiences sin. One of the marks that you are healthy in your walk with God is in how much you hate sin and how sensitive you are to sin.
In Psalm 51:5, King David recognized the origin of His own sin sickness after he had been caught concealing his sin of adultery. When we are born, we all carry the sin gene within us. Each of us is born sin-sick. No doctor, surgery, therapy, or medication can cure this sickness. Only God can.
Dear Father, thank you so much for the cure for my sin sickness that is found in Jesus. I pray that you would help me to continue to pursue a healthy life in all areas - physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually - because my soul has been healed by you. In Jesus' name, amen.
Sin Sick
“Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” Psalm 51:5
There are sicknesses and then there are sicknesses. Doctors were recently asked their opinion of the most terrifying, horrifying sicknesses in history. These were their top three. The first is what is called the “Black Death,” or now known as the “Plague.” It happened 700 years ago and was caused by a single bacteria carried through the air by rats and fleas. It caused the death of 75 million people – 60% of the population of Europe. The second disease they listed was Smallpox. Between 1880 and 1980, it killed about 500 million people until it became the first disease ever to be radiated from earth. The last disease is HIV/AIDS. Globally, 75 million people are now infected with this disease and 36 million people have died. Though there are drugs to manage it, as of now, there is no cure for this disease.
As horrifying as these diseases are, there is one sickness that is worse than all of them put together. This sickness is called sin. There is no sickness that can compare to sin sickness in the life of a true follower of Jesus. It is so debilitating, depressing, disabling, and demoralizing in the life of someone who should be delivered from sin. Now understand, I am not referring to sin that has been confessed, but rather sin that is concealed. Sin that is kept in the dark in the life of a believer is absolutely devastating.
You see, when you give your life to Jesus Christ and God’s Holy Spirit enters into you it does not make you suddenly immune to sin. It does, however, make you more aware of and sensitive to sin. The mark of a healthy body is one that wants to fight infection and get rid of infection as soon as it detects it. In the same way, a healthy believer is someone whose spirit wants to get rid of sin as soon as it experiences sin. One of the marks that you are healthy in your walk with God is in how much you hate sin and how sensitive you are to sin.
In Psalm 51:5, King David recognized the origin of His own sin sickness after he had been caught concealing his sin of adultery. When we are born, we all carry the sin gene within us. Each of us is born sin-sick. No doctor, surgery, therapy, or medication can cure this sickness. Only God can.
Dear Father, thank you so much for the cure for my sin sickness that is found in Jesus. I pray that you would help me to continue to pursue a healthy life in all areas - physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually - because my soul has been healed by you. In Jesus' name, amen.
AUGUST 31, 2021
God’s Grace in the Savior
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
Jim Irwin was one of the astronauts who went to the moon. After he got back, he said this, “When I looked out and saw the earth, about as big as a little marble, I thought, ‘How big am I? I am just a speck of dust – if that big – compared to the universe.’ Yet, this little speck has the capacity to know God! To know the One who holds the universe, to know His love, and have His direction. For the first time, I saw – felt – God’s love for the earth…I realized then that God loved that little blue marble, that little blue planet. He loved all the billions of people on it, and He loved me! I realized at that moment that my relationship with Jesus Christ was the most precious thing I had.”
Can you believe that we can actually come into the presence of the God of the universe and be pleasing to Him, and accepted by Him, because of our Rock and our Redeemer? In Psalm 19:14, the psalmist writes about the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. He is the Rock of Ages. Jesus, by dying on the cross, became the Redeemer of the human race. God has spoken in many ways. He has spoken in the skies. He has spoken in the Scriptures. He has spoken in the soul. But He saved His best word for last when He spoke through Jesus.
In Jesus, we discover all of God we can know and in Jesus we have all of God that we need. We see the glory of God in the skies, the guidance of God in the Scriptures, the goodness of God in the soul, but we see the grace of God in the Savior.
I agree with the early Church leader, Augustine, who was once confronted by a Pagan who showed him his idol and said, “Augustine, here is my god, where is yours?” Augustine replied, “I cannot show you my God, not because there is no God to show, but because you have no eyes to see Him.” Astronaut Jim Irwin was right. Whether you are on earth looking up at the moon, or on the moon looking back at the earth, God is here…He is everywhere; and you can find Him at a cross and an empty tomb where He is ready to meet you any time.
Dear Lord, I am so grateful for the gift of grace you've given me. I pray that I would live every day by your grace, never forgetting the price you paid so that I could have a relationship with you. In Jesus' name, amen.
AUGUST 30, 2021
God’s Goodness in the Soul
“But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep Your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.” Psalm 19:12-13
Only God can detect, correct, and forgive our hidden faults. When you do something wrong, others can forgive you. You might even be able to forgive yourself; but you will never be fully, freely, and finally forgiven until God forgives you, because all sin is first and foremost against God. This is why a guilty conscience is evidence of the goodness of God. A guilty conscience awakens our minds to the sin that has darkened all of our hearts; and God wants us to live a life that is free from the one thing that pollutes and poisons all of life – and that is sin.
Dear Lord, thank you for this reminder today and for helping me to understand that a guilty conscience is evidence of your goodness, because it reveals our sin and shows us our need for a Savior. I pray that your Holy Spirit would continue to convict me whenever I fall short so that I can become more like you through sanctification. In Jesus' name, amen.
God’s Goodness in the Soul
“But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep Your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.” Psalm 19:12-13
Only God can detect, correct, and forgive our hidden faults. When you do something wrong, others can forgive you. You might even be able to forgive yourself; but you will never be fully, freely, and finally forgiven until God forgives you, because all sin is first and foremost against God. This is why a guilty conscience is evidence of the goodness of God. A guilty conscience awakens our minds to the sin that has darkened all of our hearts; and God wants us to live a life that is free from the one thing that pollutes and poisons all of life – and that is sin.
Dear Lord, thank you for this reminder today and for helping me to understand that a guilty conscience is evidence of your goodness, because it reveals our sin and shows us our need for a Savior. I pray that your Holy Spirit would continue to convict me whenever I fall short so that I can become more like you through sanctification. In Jesus' name, amen.
AUGUST 29, 2021
On Things Above
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 1:2)
Yesterday, we started talking about how to aim your life in the direction of the Lord’s best. We discussed the importance of looking up at the risen Lord. Today, let’s continue this conversation.
The next thing we can do to make sure our aim is in alignment with Christ is to look up at a reigning Lord.
When life is raining on your parade, Jesus is reigning over your parade. Jesus reigns over disease whether it is Covid-19 or cancer. Jesus reigns over disaster whether it is a shattered economy or a lost child. Jesus reigns over death no matter how, when, or where you die. The world spins on its axis 24/7, but it never spins out of control. That is why Jesus goes on to say, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 1:2).
He says, “Set your affection on Jesus, on things heavenly, not things earthly.” Then he says, “Put your attention on Jesus on things heavenly not things earthly.” Where you put your affection and where you place your attention is going to determine how you live. Our feet may be on earth, but our mind should be in heaven.
Finally, in addition to looking up to a risen Lord and a reigning Lord, we should be looking up for a returning Lord. Paul concluded by saying this, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). The best way to live in this world is to stay above this world.
What Paul has said so far is this: When you remember you don’t belong to this world you will know how to behave in this world. The real life is not the life people can see; it is the life people can’t see. That is why unbelievers don’t understand believers, because the life that we have within us, the power that we have within us, the person that we have within us, the presence we have within us is hidden with Christ in God.
Then, Paul closes with a bang, “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:4). Listen to those five words, “Christ who is your life.” Jesus is not just the source of our life. Jesus is not just the support of our life. Jesus is not just the supply of our life. Jesus is not just the strength of our life. Jesus is our life!
Dear Lord, I want nothing more than to be in alignment with you. So I’m asking for your help. Give me the wisdom to do what Paul encourages us to do in today’s key passage and help me to set my mind on things above rather than earthly things. Give me eyes to see things the way you see them so that I can live my life with a focus on eternity. In Jesus’ name, amen.
On Things Above
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 1:2)
Yesterday, we started talking about how to aim your life in the direction of the Lord’s best. We discussed the importance of looking up at the risen Lord. Today, let’s continue this conversation.
The next thing we can do to make sure our aim is in alignment with Christ is to look up at a reigning Lord.
When life is raining on your parade, Jesus is reigning over your parade. Jesus reigns over disease whether it is Covid-19 or cancer. Jesus reigns over disaster whether it is a shattered economy or a lost child. Jesus reigns over death no matter how, when, or where you die. The world spins on its axis 24/7, but it never spins out of control. That is why Jesus goes on to say, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 1:2).
He says, “Set your affection on Jesus, on things heavenly, not things earthly.” Then he says, “Put your attention on Jesus on things heavenly not things earthly.” Where you put your affection and where you place your attention is going to determine how you live. Our feet may be on earth, but our mind should be in heaven.
Finally, in addition to looking up to a risen Lord and a reigning Lord, we should be looking up for a returning Lord. Paul concluded by saying this, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). The best way to live in this world is to stay above this world.
What Paul has said so far is this: When you remember you don’t belong to this world you will know how to behave in this world. The real life is not the life people can see; it is the life people can’t see. That is why unbelievers don’t understand believers, because the life that we have within us, the power that we have within us, the person that we have within us, the presence we have within us is hidden with Christ in God.
Then, Paul closes with a bang, “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:4). Listen to those five words, “Christ who is your life.” Jesus is not just the source of our life. Jesus is not just the support of our life. Jesus is not just the supply of our life. Jesus is not just the strength of our life. Jesus is our life!
Dear Lord, I want nothing more than to be in alignment with you. So I’m asking for your help. Give me the wisdom to do what Paul encourages us to do in today’s key passage and help me to set my mind on things above rather than earthly things. Give me eyes to see things the way you see them so that I can live my life with a focus on eternity. In Jesus’ name, amen.
AUGUST 28, 2021
On Things Above
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 1:2)
Yesterday, we started talking about how to aim your life in the direction of the Lord’s best. We discussed the importance of looking up at the risen Lord. Today, let’s continue this conversation.
The next thing we can do to make sure our aim is in alignment with Christ is to look up at a reigning Lord.
When life is raining on your parade, Jesus is reigning over your parade. Jesus reigns over disease whether it is Covid-19 or cancer. Jesus reigns over disaster whether it is a shattered economy or a lost child. Jesus reigns over death no matter how, when, or where you die. The world spins on its axis 24/7, but it never spins out of control. That is why Jesus goes on to say, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 1:2).
He says, “Set your affection on Jesus, on things heavenly, not things earthly.” Then he says, “Put your attention on Jesus on things heavenly not things earthly.” Where you put your affection and where you place your attention is going to determine how you live. Our feet may be on earth, but our mind should be in heaven.
Finally, in addition to looking up to a risen Lord and a reigning Lord, we should be looking up for a returning Lord. Paul concluded by saying this, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). The best way to live in this world is to stay above this world.
What Paul has said so far is this: When you remember you don’t belong to this world you will know how to behave in this world. The real life is not the life people can see; it is the life people can’t see. That is why unbelievers don’t understand believers, because the life that we have within us, the power that we have within us, the person that we have within us, the presence we have within us is hidden with Christ in God.
Then, Paul closes with a bang, “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:4). Listen to those five words, “Christ who is your life.” Jesus is not just the source of our life. Jesus is not just the support of our life. Jesus is not just the supply of our life. Jesus is not just the strength of our life. Jesus is our life!
Dear Lord, I want nothing more than to be in alignment with you. So I’m asking for your help. Give me the wisdom to do what Paul encourages us to do in today’s key passage and help me to set my mind on things above rather than earthly things. Give me eyes to see things the way you see them so that I can live my life with a focus on eternity. In Jesus’ name, amen
On Things Above
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 1:2)
Yesterday, we started talking about how to aim your life in the direction of the Lord’s best. We discussed the importance of looking up at the risen Lord. Today, let’s continue this conversation.
The next thing we can do to make sure our aim is in alignment with Christ is to look up at a reigning Lord.
When life is raining on your parade, Jesus is reigning over your parade. Jesus reigns over disease whether it is Covid-19 or cancer. Jesus reigns over disaster whether it is a shattered economy or a lost child. Jesus reigns over death no matter how, when, or where you die. The world spins on its axis 24/7, but it never spins out of control. That is why Jesus goes on to say, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 1:2).
He says, “Set your affection on Jesus, on things heavenly, not things earthly.” Then he says, “Put your attention on Jesus on things heavenly not things earthly.” Where you put your affection and where you place your attention is going to determine how you live. Our feet may be on earth, but our mind should be in heaven.
Finally, in addition to looking up to a risen Lord and a reigning Lord, we should be looking up for a returning Lord. Paul concluded by saying this, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). The best way to live in this world is to stay above this world.
What Paul has said so far is this: When you remember you don’t belong to this world you will know how to behave in this world. The real life is not the life people can see; it is the life people can’t see. That is why unbelievers don’t understand believers, because the life that we have within us, the power that we have within us, the person that we have within us, the presence we have within us is hidden with Christ in God.
Then, Paul closes with a bang, “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:4). Listen to those five words, “Christ who is your life.” Jesus is not just the source of our life. Jesus is not just the support of our life. Jesus is not just the supply of our life. Jesus is not just the strength of our life. Jesus is our life!
Dear Lord, I want nothing more than to be in alignment with you. So I’m asking for your help. Give me the wisdom to do what Paul encourages us to do in today’s key passage and help me to set my mind on things above rather than earthly things. Give me eyes to see things the way you see them so that I can live my life with a focus on eternity. In Jesus’ name, amen
AUGUST 27, 2021
Fear Not --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Isaiah 41:10-13 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Because we live in a fallen world, we have trouble in our lives. Christians are not exempt from the impact sin had on God's creation design. We get sick, lose loved ones, struggle with temptation, and face obstacles that seem to be overwhelming. God does not promise that we will avoid these things. In fact, He tells us to expect them. But that does not mean that we are condemned to lives of worry and fear. While God does not promise that we will escape trouble, He does promise that He will never abandon us in our difficulties.
Instead, like a parent taking a child by the hand to make sure they do not fall, He will strengthen, uplift, and encourage us all the way through.
As Martin Luther put it in the hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” this is our only hope. He wrote, “Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing.” God's strength, power, and support guide us through every challenge. But His promise offers us even more. That precious promise offers us peace and comfort in place of the fear that naturally accompanies difficult circumstances. Fear is not required. Fear is not overpowering. Fear is a choice to ignore or doubt the promises of God rather than trust that He will do as He promised.
Today's Growth Principle: God's children have no need to fear anything that life can throw at them, for He is always with us.
Fear Not --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Isaiah 41:10-13 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Because we live in a fallen world, we have trouble in our lives. Christians are not exempt from the impact sin had on God's creation design. We get sick, lose loved ones, struggle with temptation, and face obstacles that seem to be overwhelming. God does not promise that we will avoid these things. In fact, He tells us to expect them. But that does not mean that we are condemned to lives of worry and fear. While God does not promise that we will escape trouble, He does promise that He will never abandon us in our difficulties.
Instead, like a parent taking a child by the hand to make sure they do not fall, He will strengthen, uplift, and encourage us all the way through.
As Martin Luther put it in the hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” this is our only hope. He wrote, “Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing.” God's strength, power, and support guide us through every challenge. But His promise offers us even more. That precious promise offers us peace and comfort in place of the fear that naturally accompanies difficult circumstances. Fear is not required. Fear is not overpowering. Fear is a choice to ignore or doubt the promises of God rather than trust that He will do as He promised.
Today's Growth Principle: God's children have no need to fear anything that life can throw at them, for He is always with us.
AUGUST 26, 2021
Aim High
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:1-2)
Every life should have a target, a bullseye, a goal, an aim and any healthy individual I think would want the following for his life: You want to live the best life you can. Be the best person you can be. Have the best influence you can have. Leave the best legacy you can. In order to do that, you’ve got to aim high.
I am convinced the reason most people will live a life of little consequence, little influence, and little impact is because they aimed too low. We should all aim high with the life that God has given us. Where should our aim be and how high should it go? What your heart loves the most and what your mind thinks about the most will determine the life that you live.
So, every day where should we be aiming? You aim at what you look at, so how can we know that we are looking at the right target and we are looking at the right altitude? We’re going to be answering that question over the next couple of days, so let’s dive in.
For starters, if we want to have the right aim, we must look up at the risen Lord. If your heart is set on Jesus, you won’t focus on things below you. You won’t focus on things around you. You will focus on the one who is above you. He will guide the way you walk. He will guide the way you talk.
When you are looking up at a risen lord you are always asking, “What would Jesus do?” “What would Jesus say?” “What would Jesus think?” If Jesus is the Lord of your life, Jesus will be the love of your life. If he is not the love of your life, he is not the Lord of your life. If you want to be what you ought to be, do what you ought to do, and finally go where you ought to go, aim high and look up at a risen Lord.
Dear Father, I want to my aim to be aligned with your best for me. And I know in order to for that to be the case, I need to fix my eyes on you. I pray that you would give me wisdom and focus to be in alignment with you so that I can move towards all that you have in store for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Aim High
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:1-2)
Every life should have a target, a bullseye, a goal, an aim and any healthy individual I think would want the following for his life: You want to live the best life you can. Be the best person you can be. Have the best influence you can have. Leave the best legacy you can. In order to do that, you’ve got to aim high.
I am convinced the reason most people will live a life of little consequence, little influence, and little impact is because they aimed too low. We should all aim high with the life that God has given us. Where should our aim be and how high should it go? What your heart loves the most and what your mind thinks about the most will determine the life that you live.
So, every day where should we be aiming? You aim at what you look at, so how can we know that we are looking at the right target and we are looking at the right altitude? We’re going to be answering that question over the next couple of days, so let’s dive in.
For starters, if we want to have the right aim, we must look up at the risen Lord. If your heart is set on Jesus, you won’t focus on things below you. You won’t focus on things around you. You will focus on the one who is above you. He will guide the way you walk. He will guide the way you talk.
When you are looking up at a risen lord you are always asking, “What would Jesus do?” “What would Jesus say?” “What would Jesus think?” If Jesus is the Lord of your life, Jesus will be the love of your life. If he is not the love of your life, he is not the Lord of your life. If you want to be what you ought to be, do what you ought to do, and finally go where you ought to go, aim high and look up at a risen Lord.
Dear Father, I want to my aim to be aligned with your best for me. And I know in order to for that to be the case, I need to fix my eyes on you. I pray that you would give me wisdom and focus to be in alignment with you so that I can move towards all that you have in store for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
AUGUST 25, 2021
God’s Guidance in the Scriptures
“The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.” Psalm 19:8-9
Psalm 19 reminds us that we do not have to look far to find God. In the first six verses, we are reminded that God’s glory is on display in the world He created. Everywhere we look we can see His handiwork…the evidence of His existence and the display of His character. In verse seven, the Psalm shifts from God’s world to God’s Word. We look up at the skies and see the power of God; but when we look into the Scriptures we also see the person of God. We see God’s power in the skies, but we hear God’s voice in the Scripture.
God’s Word is right. In verse 8, the word “precepts” means literally to “order or direct.” It is like a road map that helps you to find the best and right way to a destination. God’s Word will show you all you need to see to walk the right path in your life. It is also called “radiant” in verse 8, because it will shine a light when you are in the dark to make sure you are on the right path, and to help you stay there. God does not intend for us to wander around in the darkness of life wondering what we are supposed to do, where we are supposed to go, and who we are supposed to be. In a dark world we have the flashlight of God’s truth to guide us, and to help us to guide others.
The truth of God’s Word is always relevant and reliable. It never changes. It tells you what is right…and what is right is always right. It is firm, according to verse 9. It is not going anywhere. God’s Word is a rock that can’t be broken, a sound that can’t be silenced, a fire that can’t be quenched, and a light that can’t be extinguished. The Word of God does not inform us, it transforms us into the image of Jesus.
Dear Lord, I want to be able to see who you are in your Word. I pray that you would help me to prioritize spending time in Scripture, and that you would reveal yourself to me as I dive into my Bible in search of you and your will for my life. In Jesus' name, amen.
God’s Guidance in the Scriptures
“The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.” Psalm 19:8-9
Psalm 19 reminds us that we do not have to look far to find God. In the first six verses, we are reminded that God’s glory is on display in the world He created. Everywhere we look we can see His handiwork…the evidence of His existence and the display of His character. In verse seven, the Psalm shifts from God’s world to God’s Word. We look up at the skies and see the power of God; but when we look into the Scriptures we also see the person of God. We see God’s power in the skies, but we hear God’s voice in the Scripture.
God’s Word is right. In verse 8, the word “precepts” means literally to “order or direct.” It is like a road map that helps you to find the best and right way to a destination. God’s Word will show you all you need to see to walk the right path in your life. It is also called “radiant” in verse 8, because it will shine a light when you are in the dark to make sure you are on the right path, and to help you stay there. God does not intend for us to wander around in the darkness of life wondering what we are supposed to do, where we are supposed to go, and who we are supposed to be. In a dark world we have the flashlight of God’s truth to guide us, and to help us to guide others.
The truth of God’s Word is always relevant and reliable. It never changes. It tells you what is right…and what is right is always right. It is firm, according to verse 9. It is not going anywhere. God’s Word is a rock that can’t be broken, a sound that can’t be silenced, a fire that can’t be quenched, and a light that can’t be extinguished. The Word of God does not inform us, it transforms us into the image of Jesus.
Dear Lord, I want to be able to see who you are in your Word. I pray that you would help me to prioritize spending time in Scripture, and that you would reveal yourself to me as I dive into my Bible in search of you and your will for my life. In Jesus' name, amen.
AUGUST 24, 2021
God’s Glory in the Skies
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” Psalm 19:1-4".
The billboard in Time’s Square in New York City is the largest and most technically advanced HD billboard in the world. It spans a full city block and has more than 25,000 square feet of digital canvas. Featuring the highest contrast LED display in the world, it has wide vertical viewing angles making sure you can see the display whether you are in the darkness of night or in broad daylight. There is another billboard, however, that puts the one in Time’s Square to shame. Creation is God’s billboard announcing 24/7, “I am here!” You can hear God day and night. You can see God in the dark and in the light. When you look up you are not just seeing physical, natural beauty; you are seeing spiritual, supernatural glory.
There are two aspects of the skies above that clue us in immediately to the existence of God. First is the immensity of what is up there and out there. The word for “skies” in verse 1 literally means, “The expanse of the heavens.” Traveling at the speed of light, you would have to travel 4 ½ years just to get to the nearest star. If you traveled 10 billion years at that speed, you still wouldn’t have reached the end of the known universe…and that universe is expanding every day. It is not just the immensity of the universe that reveals God to us; it is also the complexity of it. The word for “pour forth” in verse 2 literally means, “To gush out.”
The skies are furiously gushing out the glory of God like a waterfall. Day follows night and night follows day.
There is an order, symmetry, and a harmony to the universe that can only be from the work of a divine hand.
There are at least 25 different characteristics of the universe that are now recognized as precisely fixed. If they were to be different by even slight amounts, there would be no possibility for life to exist on this planet.
Scientists now know that if either the sun or the moon were 100 miles closer or further away from earth, life on our planet would not be possible.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “I can understand how someone might look down at the earth and say there is no God, but how can you look up into the heavens and say there is no God?” God’s handiwork is on display.
The immensity and complexity of the universe is gushing out His glory to the ends of the earth. If any of us cannot see God’s glory in the skies it is not God’s problem, it is ours.
Dear Lord, thank you for your creation and for giving me the ability to soak it all in. I pray that you would remind me each to day pause and look around so that I might marvel in all your glory that is reflected around me. Help me not to skip over your amazing creation because I'm too distracted by things that don't eternally matter. In Jesus' name, amen.
God’s Glory in the Skies
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” Psalm 19:1-4".
The billboard in Time’s Square in New York City is the largest and most technically advanced HD billboard in the world. It spans a full city block and has more than 25,000 square feet of digital canvas. Featuring the highest contrast LED display in the world, it has wide vertical viewing angles making sure you can see the display whether you are in the darkness of night or in broad daylight. There is another billboard, however, that puts the one in Time’s Square to shame. Creation is God’s billboard announcing 24/7, “I am here!” You can hear God day and night. You can see God in the dark and in the light. When you look up you are not just seeing physical, natural beauty; you are seeing spiritual, supernatural glory.
There are two aspects of the skies above that clue us in immediately to the existence of God. First is the immensity of what is up there and out there. The word for “skies” in verse 1 literally means, “The expanse of the heavens.” Traveling at the speed of light, you would have to travel 4 ½ years just to get to the nearest star. If you traveled 10 billion years at that speed, you still wouldn’t have reached the end of the known universe…and that universe is expanding every day. It is not just the immensity of the universe that reveals God to us; it is also the complexity of it. The word for “pour forth” in verse 2 literally means, “To gush out.”
The skies are furiously gushing out the glory of God like a waterfall. Day follows night and night follows day.
There is an order, symmetry, and a harmony to the universe that can only be from the work of a divine hand.
There are at least 25 different characteristics of the universe that are now recognized as precisely fixed. If they were to be different by even slight amounts, there would be no possibility for life to exist on this planet.
Scientists now know that if either the sun or the moon were 100 miles closer or further away from earth, life on our planet would not be possible.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “I can understand how someone might look down at the earth and say there is no God, but how can you look up into the heavens and say there is no God?” God’s handiwork is on display.
The immensity and complexity of the universe is gushing out His glory to the ends of the earth. If any of us cannot see God’s glory in the skies it is not God’s problem, it is ours.
Dear Lord, thank you for your creation and for giving me the ability to soak it all in. I pray that you would remind me each to day pause and look around so that I might marvel in all your glory that is reflected around me. Help me not to skip over your amazing creation because I'm too distracted by things that don't eternally matter. In Jesus' name, amen.
AUGUST 23, 2021
Heaven's Playlist
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.” Psalm 19:1
There is a train of thought, led by groups ranging from the New Atheists to many scientists and philosophers, which says God does not exist. In fact, such people deny that there is any evidence for God’s existence. Many say that God is merely a crutch used to help us get through life’s difficulties or to cope with the problem of death. God is a creation of our own imagination to try and make sense of the world we live in. Others say evil and suffering in the world makes Him either a bad or impotent God if He even does exist.
None of these ideas are true.
Do you have a favorite playlist? A playlist is a list of video or audio files – usually of music – that is collected on a cell phone or computer that people love to listen to at their leisure. Did you know God created the first playlist? He put together a playlist of biblical songs that addresses some of the major questions about God, evil, and suffering. We call this playlist, “Psalms.” Psalms are actually heaven’s songs. They are biblical truths put to music. And Psalm 19, written by King David, is for sure one of the greatest hits in of them all. If it had a name, I think it should be called, “Here, There, and Everywhere,” because this song says that is exactly where you find God.
C.S. Lewis called Psalm 19, “The greatest poem in the Psalms and one of the greatest lyrics in the world.”
The theme is simple – God has spoken loudly enough that everyone can hear Him, and God has shown Himself clearly enough that everybody can see Him. The Psalm tells us that we don’t have to look far to find God.
Whether it is daytime or nighttime, what do you see when you look up in the sky? In the four stanzas of Psalm 19, David tells us that God has spoken and revealed Himself in the expanse of the heavens so that we can know not only that He is, but also who He is. In other words, we can see God here, there, and everywhere if we will just open our eyes and look.
David opens this greatest-hit psalm with these words, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.” Throughout the rest of the song David sings of how we can see God’s glory in the skies (verses 1-6), His guidance in the Scriptures (verses 7-11), His goodness in the soul (verses 12-13), and His grace in Christ our Savior (verse 14). It’s as if God is beckoning the hearts of the doubters through this song…”Look up,” He whispers. “Don’t miss Me. I am here!”
Dear Lord, I know it's been a while since I have just looked up and soaked in the evidence of your existence and marveled at your glory and handiwork in creation. I'm asking that you would help me to be diligent to carve out some time today to sit in your presence and reflect on all of your amazing work that is so evident around me. May I never take for granted how amazing you are. In Jesus' name, amen.
Heaven's Playlist
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.” Psalm 19:1
There is a train of thought, led by groups ranging from the New Atheists to many scientists and philosophers, which says God does not exist. In fact, such people deny that there is any evidence for God’s existence. Many say that God is merely a crutch used to help us get through life’s difficulties or to cope with the problem of death. God is a creation of our own imagination to try and make sense of the world we live in. Others say evil and suffering in the world makes Him either a bad or impotent God if He even does exist.
None of these ideas are true.
Do you have a favorite playlist? A playlist is a list of video or audio files – usually of music – that is collected on a cell phone or computer that people love to listen to at their leisure. Did you know God created the first playlist? He put together a playlist of biblical songs that addresses some of the major questions about God, evil, and suffering. We call this playlist, “Psalms.” Psalms are actually heaven’s songs. They are biblical truths put to music. And Psalm 19, written by King David, is for sure one of the greatest hits in of them all. If it had a name, I think it should be called, “Here, There, and Everywhere,” because this song says that is exactly where you find God.
C.S. Lewis called Psalm 19, “The greatest poem in the Psalms and one of the greatest lyrics in the world.”
The theme is simple – God has spoken loudly enough that everyone can hear Him, and God has shown Himself clearly enough that everybody can see Him. The Psalm tells us that we don’t have to look far to find God.
Whether it is daytime or nighttime, what do you see when you look up in the sky? In the four stanzas of Psalm 19, David tells us that God has spoken and revealed Himself in the expanse of the heavens so that we can know not only that He is, but also who He is. In other words, we can see God here, there, and everywhere if we will just open our eyes and look.
David opens this greatest-hit psalm with these words, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.” Throughout the rest of the song David sings of how we can see God’s glory in the skies (verses 1-6), His guidance in the Scriptures (verses 7-11), His goodness in the soul (verses 12-13), and His grace in Christ our Savior (verse 14). It’s as if God is beckoning the hearts of the doubters through this song…”Look up,” He whispers. “Don’t miss Me. I am here!”
Dear Lord, I know it's been a while since I have just looked up and soaked in the evidence of your existence and marveled at your glory and handiwork in creation. I'm asking that you would help me to be diligent to carve out some time today to sit in your presence and reflect on all of your amazing work that is so evident around me. May I never take for granted how amazing you are. In Jesus' name, amen.
AUGUST 22, 2021
The Importance of Confession
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Do you know what an epicenter is? The epicenter is the location directly above the surface of the earth where an earthquake begins. But I don’t want to talk about literal earthquakes today. Instead, I want to talk about the metaphorical earthquakes that can happen in our relationships.
The epicenter of every fault that causes every earthquake in our relationships is this: Sin is always against God first. You can sin against God and not sin against others, but every sin against others is first a sin against God. The first step that must always be taken to restore relationships, fix friendships, and mend marriages is confession. Confession in most cases always has two dimensions: vertical and horizontal. When our sin or our thought has hurt someone else, we must confess that sin first to God.
Listen to the first few words of today’s key verse, “If we confess our sins, he ...” The “he” that John is referring to is obviously God. Confession does not always end with God, but it must always begin with God.
The reason for that is every sin, first and foremost, is always against God. Remember this principle:
Whenever you sin against anyone full and final forgiveness only comes through confession to that one you have sinned against. Since our sin always begins with God, confession begins with God.
When you are in the wrong, or you have done someone wrong, the first person you should talk to is God.
You should talk openly, transparently, and honestly as you confess your sins to Him. As painful as it may be, you’ve got to fess up to your mess up. You don’t have the right to remain silent before God. You can’t plead the fifth Amendment against God. If you want to come clean, you must confess completely.
Dear Lord, I want confession to become a routine in my life. I know I mess up every single day, but I don’t always confess my sins to you. Give me a humble heart and a sensitive spirit so that I might be quick to confess and repent of my mistakes. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The Importance of Confession
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Do you know what an epicenter is? The epicenter is the location directly above the surface of the earth where an earthquake begins. But I don’t want to talk about literal earthquakes today. Instead, I want to talk about the metaphorical earthquakes that can happen in our relationships.
The epicenter of every fault that causes every earthquake in our relationships is this: Sin is always against God first. You can sin against God and not sin against others, but every sin against others is first a sin against God. The first step that must always be taken to restore relationships, fix friendships, and mend marriages is confession. Confession in most cases always has two dimensions: vertical and horizontal. When our sin or our thought has hurt someone else, we must confess that sin first to God.
Listen to the first few words of today’s key verse, “If we confess our sins, he ...” The “he” that John is referring to is obviously God. Confession does not always end with God, but it must always begin with God.
The reason for that is every sin, first and foremost, is always against God. Remember this principle:
Whenever you sin against anyone full and final forgiveness only comes through confession to that one you have sinned against. Since our sin always begins with God, confession begins with God.
When you are in the wrong, or you have done someone wrong, the first person you should talk to is God.
You should talk openly, transparently, and honestly as you confess your sins to Him. As painful as it may be, you’ve got to fess up to your mess up. You don’t have the right to remain silent before God. You can’t plead the fifth Amendment against God. If you want to come clean, you must confess completely.
Dear Lord, I want confession to become a routine in my life. I know I mess up every single day, but I don’t always confess my sins to you. Give me a humble heart and a sensitive spirit so that I might be quick to confess and repent of my mistakes. In Jesus’ name, amen.
AUGUST 21, 2021
Looking for Signs --- Dr. Paul Chappell
John 2:18-22 --- Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
Jesus was not accepted with open arms by most of the religious leaders of His day. There were a few exceptions (such as Nicodemus), but by and large Jesus was viewed with suspicion and skepticism throughout His ministry. This was not because of anything He did that was wrong, for He was perfect.
Instead it was because they did not want to believe. More than once they asked Jesus to provide them some kind of sign that He was the Messiah. Yet to demand a sign was really a demand for more signs. Jesus had already been declared to be the Messiah by John the Baptist. He was working miracles, casting out demons, healing the sick, and even bringing the dead back to life. If those were not enough, what sign would be?
Before we may look back on the religious leaders' failure with too much judgment, we should remember that the disciples didn't get it either. Those men who had been chosen and spent time with Jesus day after day failed to grasp what He meant. It was not until after the resurrection that they put the pieces together.
We live in an age that thrives on display. Bigger and louder and longer are the driving forces of our culture.
Yet we don't need signs any more than the Pharisees did. We need instead to do what the disciples did after
Jesus rose from the dead—believe the Scriptures.
Today's Growth Principle: We do not need any kind of special signs to believe that all God says in His Word is true.
Looking for Signs --- Dr. Paul Chappell
John 2:18-22 --- Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
Jesus was not accepted with open arms by most of the religious leaders of His day. There were a few exceptions (such as Nicodemus), but by and large Jesus was viewed with suspicion and skepticism throughout His ministry. This was not because of anything He did that was wrong, for He was perfect.
Instead it was because they did not want to believe. More than once they asked Jesus to provide them some kind of sign that He was the Messiah. Yet to demand a sign was really a demand for more signs. Jesus had already been declared to be the Messiah by John the Baptist. He was working miracles, casting out demons, healing the sick, and even bringing the dead back to life. If those were not enough, what sign would be?
Before we may look back on the religious leaders' failure with too much judgment, we should remember that the disciples didn't get it either. Those men who had been chosen and spent time with Jesus day after day failed to grasp what He meant. It was not until after the resurrection that they put the pieces together.
We live in an age that thrives on display. Bigger and louder and longer are the driving forces of our culture.
Yet we don't need signs any more than the Pharisees did. We need instead to do what the disciples did after
Jesus rose from the dead—believe the Scriptures.
Today's Growth Principle: We do not need any kind of special signs to believe that all God says in His Word is true.
AUGUST 20, 2021
Sin Debt
“Having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:14)
Yesterday we talked about two things that were nailed to the cross, along with Jesus, so that we might experience true forgiveness and redemption. The first was our sins and the next was our destiny. Today, we’re going to talk about the final thing that was nailed to the cross for us, and that is our shameful debt.
Paul is going the extra mile in today’s key passage to make sure that we really understand the transaction that took place at the cross and how valuable that nail was that went through his hand. The reason why we can be forgiven of all our sins is found in this next statement, “Having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:14).
The word for “legal indebtedness” is only used here in the entire New Testament. It literally means “something written with the hand” or what we could call today an “IOU.” It was then called a “record of debt.” It was used in two ways back in the day.
If you borrowed some money from someone you would write them out a certificate of debt in your own handwriting and you would sign it. It would be kept in the possession of the person who loaned you the money until you paid it back. It was also used as an indictment of a crime that you had committed. If you were imprisoned, your crime would be written out on this certificate of debt until you paid your debt to society and at that point you could go free, and the certificate would tell your debt had been paid.
That is what Paul means when he calls this record of debt something that “stood against us.” Paul was saying all the way back to beginning with Adam and Eve we have all broken God’s law. Remember, every sin has to be paid for. There was this massive sin-debt that had been accumulating for thousands of years and the human race was running this massive spiritual deficit with God. Thankfully, all of that debt was nailed to the cross as well and was paid for in full.
Dear Lord, thank you for paying for my debt. Thank you for washing away my sins so that I might be a new creation in you. Help me not to live in shame anymore, for it is because of you that all my shame is gone, and I’ve been set free. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Sin Debt
“Having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:14)
Yesterday we talked about two things that were nailed to the cross, along with Jesus, so that we might experience true forgiveness and redemption. The first was our sins and the next was our destiny. Today, we’re going to talk about the final thing that was nailed to the cross for us, and that is our shameful debt.
Paul is going the extra mile in today’s key passage to make sure that we really understand the transaction that took place at the cross and how valuable that nail was that went through his hand. The reason why we can be forgiven of all our sins is found in this next statement, “Having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:14).
The word for “legal indebtedness” is only used here in the entire New Testament. It literally means “something written with the hand” or what we could call today an “IOU.” It was then called a “record of debt.” It was used in two ways back in the day.
If you borrowed some money from someone you would write them out a certificate of debt in your own handwriting and you would sign it. It would be kept in the possession of the person who loaned you the money until you paid it back. It was also used as an indictment of a crime that you had committed. If you were imprisoned, your crime would be written out on this certificate of debt until you paid your debt to society and at that point you could go free, and the certificate would tell your debt had been paid.
That is what Paul means when he calls this record of debt something that “stood against us.” Paul was saying all the way back to beginning with Adam and Eve we have all broken God’s law. Remember, every sin has to be paid for. There was this massive sin-debt that had been accumulating for thousands of years and the human race was running this massive spiritual deficit with God. Thankfully, all of that debt was nailed to the cross as well and was paid for in full.
Dear Lord, thank you for paying for my debt. Thank you for washing away my sins so that I might be a new creation in you. Help me not to live in shame anymore, for it is because of you that all my shame is gone, and I’ve been set free. In Jesus’ name, amen.
AUGUST 19, 2021
Nailed To The Cross
“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses” (Colossians 2:13).
No other book in the Bible focuses more on Jesus, who he was, what he did, and why it is so important than the book of Colossians. In Colossians chapter 2, we can see exactly why Jesus was nailed to the cross that day, because it was more than just the body of a man and everything that needed to be nailed along with Him.
In fact, what was nailed that day took care of my past, my present, and my future, and the same is true for you. So let’s look specifically at what was nailed to the cross with Jesus so that we can understand all that had to die so that we could have a relationship with God and be reconciled to Him. We’ll look at the first two things today, and one more tomorrow.
First, our sinful disobedience has been nailed to the cross. Paul is describing not from just a purely physical viewpoint, but more of a theological viewpoint, exactly what happened when Jesus was nailed to the cross.
He begins with these words, “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses” (Colossians 2:13).
There is a magic word in that verse. It is the word “forgiven.” That word contains the only antidote to the virus of sin through the veins of the entire human race. It literally means to take away. You see, there is only one barrier that separates the human race from God and that is sin. The only cure for sin is forgiveness. But for that forgiveness to happen, our sins first had to be nailed to the cross with Christ.
Second, our spiritual destiny has been nailed to the cross. How many of our sins were future and still out in the future when Jesus Christ died on the cross? All of them! God had already factored in those sins and included it in that death. In other words, Jesus died not only for all of the sins of people in the past, but all the sins of the people in the present and all of the sins of the people in the future.
In other words, what about the sins we will commit tomorrow, and next week, and next month, and next year? Those sins have already been forgiven too! Since the only thing that could ever keep me away from God or out of heaven is sin, as all of my sins (past, present and future) have already been forgiven, then my spiritual destiny has been nailed to the cross.
Dear Jesus, thank you that when you were nailed to the cross, so were my sins and so was my destiny. Thank you for your forgiveness that makes it possible for me to have a relationship with God. What a gift that forgiveness is! May I strive to never take it for granted. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Nailed To The Cross
“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses” (Colossians 2:13).
No other book in the Bible focuses more on Jesus, who he was, what he did, and why it is so important than the book of Colossians. In Colossians chapter 2, we can see exactly why Jesus was nailed to the cross that day, because it was more than just the body of a man and everything that needed to be nailed along with Him.
In fact, what was nailed that day took care of my past, my present, and my future, and the same is true for you. So let’s look specifically at what was nailed to the cross with Jesus so that we can understand all that had to die so that we could have a relationship with God and be reconciled to Him. We’ll look at the first two things today, and one more tomorrow.
First, our sinful disobedience has been nailed to the cross. Paul is describing not from just a purely physical viewpoint, but more of a theological viewpoint, exactly what happened when Jesus was nailed to the cross.
He begins with these words, “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses” (Colossians 2:13).
There is a magic word in that verse. It is the word “forgiven.” That word contains the only antidote to the virus of sin through the veins of the entire human race. It literally means to take away. You see, there is only one barrier that separates the human race from God and that is sin. The only cure for sin is forgiveness. But for that forgiveness to happen, our sins first had to be nailed to the cross with Christ.
Second, our spiritual destiny has been nailed to the cross. How many of our sins were future and still out in the future when Jesus Christ died on the cross? All of them! God had already factored in those sins and included it in that death. In other words, Jesus died not only for all of the sins of people in the past, but all the sins of the people in the present and all of the sins of the people in the future.
In other words, what about the sins we will commit tomorrow, and next week, and next month, and next year? Those sins have already been forgiven too! Since the only thing that could ever keep me away from God or out of heaven is sin, as all of my sins (past, present and future) have already been forgiven, then my spiritual destiny has been nailed to the cross.
Dear Jesus, thank you that when you were nailed to the cross, so were my sins and so was my destiny. Thank you for your forgiveness that makes it possible for me to have a relationship with God. What a gift that forgiveness is! May I strive to never take it for granted. In Jesus’ name, amen.
AUGUST 18, 2021
Choose to See
“Opening his mouth, Peter said, ‘I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.’” Acts 10:34-35
The Hope Diamond is the most valuable jewel in the world. It is in the Smithsonian Institute. It weighs 45.52 karats and its value is estimated between $300-$350 million. I want to ask you a question. If you took that Hope Diamond and put it in the ugliest cardboard box you could find, would it all of a sudden lose all of its value?
There is a Hope Diamond within every human being called “the soul.” That soul is far more valuable than every diamond in the world, because that soul is going to live somewhere forever. Is that soul less valuable just because it comes in a box that is different than someone else’s box? Absolutely not. Every single person ever conceived is of equal value in the eyes of God. We should look at people the way God looks at people.
Jesus died for all of us. There is no discrimination at the foot of the cross. We can all sing that song, Amazing Grace, because God believes in amazing grace for every race. Jesus died for every race, because He loves every race. He died for everyone equally, because He loves everyone equally.
As believers in Jesus Christ, we must do all we can to bring racial harmony and peace to our communities.
We must show empathy to those who are in a minority. We must choose to look at the world through the eyes of others, because let’s face it; we all tend to see through our own rose-colored glasses. The truth is, however, that we can see farther when we look through other people’s eyes.
Dear Lord, I want to see people the way you see people. I want to see everyone as equal regardless of their race, regardless of the way they look, because you have created us all equally. And you have created all of us in your image. Give me your eyes to see the people around me, God. In Jesus' name, amen.
Choose to See
“Opening his mouth, Peter said, ‘I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.’” Acts 10:34-35
The Hope Diamond is the most valuable jewel in the world. It is in the Smithsonian Institute. It weighs 45.52 karats and its value is estimated between $300-$350 million. I want to ask you a question. If you took that Hope Diamond and put it in the ugliest cardboard box you could find, would it all of a sudden lose all of its value?
There is a Hope Diamond within every human being called “the soul.” That soul is far more valuable than every diamond in the world, because that soul is going to live somewhere forever. Is that soul less valuable just because it comes in a box that is different than someone else’s box? Absolutely not. Every single person ever conceived is of equal value in the eyes of God. We should look at people the way God looks at people.
Jesus died for all of us. There is no discrimination at the foot of the cross. We can all sing that song, Amazing Grace, because God believes in amazing grace for every race. Jesus died for every race, because He loves every race. He died for everyone equally, because He loves everyone equally.
As believers in Jesus Christ, we must do all we can to bring racial harmony and peace to our communities.
We must show empathy to those who are in a minority. We must choose to look at the world through the eyes of others, because let’s face it; we all tend to see through our own rose-colored glasses. The truth is, however, that we can see farther when we look through other people’s eyes.
Dear Lord, I want to see people the way you see people. I want to see everyone as equal regardless of their race, regardless of the way they look, because you have created us all equally. And you have created all of us in your image. Give me your eyes to see the people around me, God. In Jesus' name, amen.
AUGUST 17, 2021
The Royal Command
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34
There is really only one antidote to the poison of prejudice. There is only one cure for the disease of discrimination. It is the love of God. If you look at every person the way God does – and love the way God does – racism and prejudice in all forms will have to disappear from your life. This is why James calls the command, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” the “royal law,” (James 2:8) because it really is the king of all laws. When you love others as you love yourself, you automatically are going to see others as equal to yourself.
Prejudice of any kind, especially racial prejudice, is not just a weakness; it is wickedness. Racism isn’t primarily a skin problem, but rather a sin problem. In fact, the only reason we look at skin is because of sin.
To show just how terrible a sin it is, James said in James 2:10-11, “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For He who said, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘You shall not commit murder.’ If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.” What he is saying is that sin is sin. So if you are guilty of prejudice or racism of any kind, to any degree, for any reason, your sin is just as bad as adultery or murder, which were considered the two worst sins in the eyes of legalistic Pharisees during that time.
All people are created equal. In the very first chapter of the Bible we are told that both male and female were created in the image of God. Every human being who has ever, or will ever, come into the world bears the image of God. All human beings have equal worth because we are all created in the image of the God who is worthy of all honor and praise. Larry King, who has interviewed countless celebrities, politicians, and world leaders over five decades, was asked to pick out the one interview he felt was his most important.
Without hesitation he said, “I was with Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1961 when he was trying to get into a hotel in Tallahassee, Florida. The hotel wouldn’t give him a room even though he had a reservation. The police squad cars were coming because he was blocking the entrance. He knows he is going to be arrested. I am there right next to him, because his lawyer invited me there. King sits down on this porch in front of this small, twenty-room hotel. The owner of the hotel comes out, walks up to King and with a stern look on his face asks, ‘What do you want?’ Dr. King said nothing. The owner asked again in a stronger tone of voice, ‘What do you want?’ Dr. King looked up at him and simply said, ‘My dignity.’ Dr. King was right. He wanted the dignity that we were all born with as creations in the image of God.”
That is what racial prejudice does – it downgrades people from the way God sees them and it degrades them from what they really are – creations in God’s image.
Dear Lord, I'm asking you right now to help me take an honest look at my heart and reveal to me if I'm guilty of prejudice in any form. If I am, I confess my sin to you and ask you to forgive me and to change my heart so that I might be more like you. In Jesus' name, amen.
The Royal Command
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34
There is really only one antidote to the poison of prejudice. There is only one cure for the disease of discrimination. It is the love of God. If you look at every person the way God does – and love the way God does – racism and prejudice in all forms will have to disappear from your life. This is why James calls the command, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” the “royal law,” (James 2:8) because it really is the king of all laws. When you love others as you love yourself, you automatically are going to see others as equal to yourself.
Prejudice of any kind, especially racial prejudice, is not just a weakness; it is wickedness. Racism isn’t primarily a skin problem, but rather a sin problem. In fact, the only reason we look at skin is because of sin.
To show just how terrible a sin it is, James said in James 2:10-11, “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For He who said, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘You shall not commit murder.’ If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.” What he is saying is that sin is sin. So if you are guilty of prejudice or racism of any kind, to any degree, for any reason, your sin is just as bad as adultery or murder, which were considered the two worst sins in the eyes of legalistic Pharisees during that time.
All people are created equal. In the very first chapter of the Bible we are told that both male and female were created in the image of God. Every human being who has ever, or will ever, come into the world bears the image of God. All human beings have equal worth because we are all created in the image of the God who is worthy of all honor and praise. Larry King, who has interviewed countless celebrities, politicians, and world leaders over five decades, was asked to pick out the one interview he felt was his most important.
Without hesitation he said, “I was with Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1961 when he was trying to get into a hotel in Tallahassee, Florida. The hotel wouldn’t give him a room even though he had a reservation. The police squad cars were coming because he was blocking the entrance. He knows he is going to be arrested. I am there right next to him, because his lawyer invited me there. King sits down on this porch in front of this small, twenty-room hotel. The owner of the hotel comes out, walks up to King and with a stern look on his face asks, ‘What do you want?’ Dr. King said nothing. The owner asked again in a stronger tone of voice, ‘What do you want?’ Dr. King looked up at him and simply said, ‘My dignity.’ Dr. King was right. He wanted the dignity that we were all born with as creations in the image of God.”
That is what racial prejudice does – it downgrades people from the way God sees them and it degrades them from what they really are – creations in God’s image.
Dear Lord, I'm asking you right now to help me take an honest look at my heart and reveal to me if I'm guilty of prejudice in any form. If I am, I confess my sin to you and ask you to forgive me and to change my heart so that I might be more like you. In Jesus' name, amen.
AUGUST 16, 2021
The Sin of Favoritism
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.” James 2:1
There is a tremendous passage in the Bible written by James, the brother of Jesus, which deals with the problem of prejudice. In this particular case, James wrote about the prejudice of affluence and achievement; but what James said to the Church applies to all types of prejudice and racism.
Whether you are a believer in Jesus or not, racism, prejudice, and favoritism are wrong. They are especially wrong for people who claim they are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Two things cannot coexist in the same heart – redemption and racism. Real faith evaluates all people by what is on the inside, not by what is on the outside. In today’s key verse, the word for “favoritism” is a combination of two words. One word means “face,” and the other word means “to hold or to grab.” It literally means, “to take hold of a person’s face.” So favoritism is when we judge someone strictly based on what we see on the outside. Whenever we do this, it causes a misjudgment because it is impossible to know who someone is based solely on outward appearance.
It is wrong to judge people based on any external factor whether it be the way they dress, whether they have tattoos, or especially the color of their skin. Genetic research shows that the races are actually not as different as we think. What we call “racial characteristics” are only minor variations among all people groups. If you were to take any two people anywhere in the world, scientists have found that the basic genetic differences between those two people would typically be around 0.2%. These “racial” characteristics that we think are major differences account for only .012% of human biological variation. We now know that all human DNA is 99.9% identical.
To put it simply, to distinguish or discriminate among groups of people on the basis of race is not just spiritually wrong, it is scientifically dumb. There is no scientific or physiological reason to distinguish between anyone just on the basis of the color of his skin. The Bible says in Acts 17:26, “From one man God made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth.” The truth is that we all come from one man and his name is Adam. We all need to give our hearts to the God-man named Jesus Christ. We must choose to see one another as God does…as sinners in need of a Savior.
Dear Lord, how grateful I am that you didn't show favoritism when you died on the cross. You extend your free gift of salvation to all people, and so I want to follow your lead and not show favoritism either. Help me to love all people, not just those who are like me or who are easy to love. In Jesus' name, amen.
The Sin of Favoritism
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.” James 2:1
There is a tremendous passage in the Bible written by James, the brother of Jesus, which deals with the problem of prejudice. In this particular case, James wrote about the prejudice of affluence and achievement; but what James said to the Church applies to all types of prejudice and racism.
Whether you are a believer in Jesus or not, racism, prejudice, and favoritism are wrong. They are especially wrong for people who claim they are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Two things cannot coexist in the same heart – redemption and racism. Real faith evaluates all people by what is on the inside, not by what is on the outside. In today’s key verse, the word for “favoritism” is a combination of two words. One word means “face,” and the other word means “to hold or to grab.” It literally means, “to take hold of a person’s face.” So favoritism is when we judge someone strictly based on what we see on the outside. Whenever we do this, it causes a misjudgment because it is impossible to know who someone is based solely on outward appearance.
It is wrong to judge people based on any external factor whether it be the way they dress, whether they have tattoos, or especially the color of their skin. Genetic research shows that the races are actually not as different as we think. What we call “racial characteristics” are only minor variations among all people groups. If you were to take any two people anywhere in the world, scientists have found that the basic genetic differences between those two people would typically be around 0.2%. These “racial” characteristics that we think are major differences account for only .012% of human biological variation. We now know that all human DNA is 99.9% identical.
To put it simply, to distinguish or discriminate among groups of people on the basis of race is not just spiritually wrong, it is scientifically dumb. There is no scientific or physiological reason to distinguish between anyone just on the basis of the color of his skin. The Bible says in Acts 17:26, “From one man God made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth.” The truth is that we all come from one man and his name is Adam. We all need to give our hearts to the God-man named Jesus Christ. We must choose to see one another as God does…as sinners in need of a Savior.
Dear Lord, how grateful I am that you didn't show favoritism when you died on the cross. You extend your free gift of salvation to all people, and so I want to follow your lead and not show favoritism either. Help me to love all people, not just those who are like me or who are easy to love. In Jesus' name, amen.
AUGUST 15, 2021
Directed By The Will Of God
“...the knowledge of his will comes through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.” (Colossians 1:9)
At the beginning of the book of Colossians, there is a prayer that Paul prayed for a people whom he had never even seen. It is one of the greatest prayers ever prayed, and it is a perfect model on how you and I can pray for people we don’t even know.
If we were to write a book called “Prayer for Dummies” you could write the entire book based on this one prayer. Many times you are praying to God because you really don’t know what you should be saying to God.
But this is a one-size fits all prayer. It is a prayer you can pray for anybody, anytime, under any circumstances, for family members, friends, and employees. I would ask you to pray this prayer for me and it is a prayer we need to pray for our church.
Today, let’s start looking at the components Paul includes in this prayer specifically.
First, Paul tells us to pray that we would be directed by the will of God. Have you ever asked yourself the question, “Where do I find God’s will?” Well, not to make it sound too easy, but we find God’s will in God’s Word. The vast majority of God’s will for your life has already been revealed. It’s not as much of a mystery as you might think.
We don’t have time today to go through every scripture and verse, but we are told over and over in the Bible, it is the will of God that we be sexually pure. It is the will of God that we be grateful. It is the will of God that we love others. It is the will of God that we should be saved. It is the will of God that we keep the Golden Rule. But unfortunately, the reason why many people never find the will of God that they don’t know is because they are not already obeying the will of God that they do know.
That is why Paul goes on to say, “...the knowledge of his will comes through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives” (Colossians 1:9). In other words, the Spirit of God takes the Word of God and gives you the wisdom of God to know and do the will of God.
So if you’re trying to figure out God’s will for your life, take the time today to dive into His Word. He will give you wisdom and understanding to follow His path if you will open the Scriptures and look for Him there.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your holy Word and for revealing your will within your Word. I pray that you would give me the desire and the discipline to spend time in your Word every day so that I might learn more about your will for my life and that I would live according to that will. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Directed By The Will Of God
“...the knowledge of his will comes through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.” (Colossians 1:9)
At the beginning of the book of Colossians, there is a prayer that Paul prayed for a people whom he had never even seen. It is one of the greatest prayers ever prayed, and it is a perfect model on how you and I can pray for people we don’t even know.
If we were to write a book called “Prayer for Dummies” you could write the entire book based on this one prayer. Many times you are praying to God because you really don’t know what you should be saying to God.
But this is a one-size fits all prayer. It is a prayer you can pray for anybody, anytime, under any circumstances, for family members, friends, and employees. I would ask you to pray this prayer for me and it is a prayer we need to pray for our church.
Today, let’s start looking at the components Paul includes in this prayer specifically.
First, Paul tells us to pray that we would be directed by the will of God. Have you ever asked yourself the question, “Where do I find God’s will?” Well, not to make it sound too easy, but we find God’s will in God’s Word. The vast majority of God’s will for your life has already been revealed. It’s not as much of a mystery as you might think.
We don’t have time today to go through every scripture and verse, but we are told over and over in the Bible, it is the will of God that we be sexually pure. It is the will of God that we be grateful. It is the will of God that we love others. It is the will of God that we should be saved. It is the will of God that we keep the Golden Rule. But unfortunately, the reason why many people never find the will of God that they don’t know is because they are not already obeying the will of God that they do know.
That is why Paul goes on to say, “...the knowledge of his will comes through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives” (Colossians 1:9). In other words, the Spirit of God takes the Word of God and gives you the wisdom of God to know and do the will of God.
So if you’re trying to figure out God’s will for your life, take the time today to dive into His Word. He will give you wisdom and understanding to follow His path if you will open the Scriptures and look for Him there.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your holy Word and for revealing your will within your Word. I pray that you would give me the desire and the discipline to spend time in your Word every day so that I might learn more about your will for my life and that I would live according to that will. In Jesus’ name, amen.
AUGUST 14, 2021
Looking for Signs --- Dr. Paul Chappell
John 2:18-22 --- Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
Jesus was not accepted with open arms by most of the religious leaders of His day. There were a few exceptions (such as Nicodemus), but by and large Jesus was viewed with suspicion and skepticism throughout His ministry. This was not because of anything He did that was wrong, for He was perfect.
Instead it was because they did not want to believe. More than once they asked Jesus to provide them some kind of sign that He was the Messiah. Yet to demand a sign was really a demand for more signs. Jesus had already been declared to be the Messiah by John the Baptist. He was working miracles, casting out demons, healing the sick, and even bringing the dead back to life. If those were not enough, what sign would be?
Before we may look back on the religious leaders' failure with too much judgment, we should remember that the disciples didn't get it either. Those men who had been chosen and spent time with Jesus day after day failed to grasp what He meant. It was not until after the resurrection that they put the pieces together.
We live in an age that thrives on display. Bigger and louder and longer are the driving forces of our culture.
Yet we don't need signs any more than the Pharisees did. We need instead to do what the disciples did after
Jesus rose from the dead—believe the Scriptures.
Today's Growth Principle: We do not need any kind of special signs to believe that all God says in His Word is true.
Looking for Signs --- Dr. Paul Chappell
John 2:18-22 --- Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
Jesus was not accepted with open arms by most of the religious leaders of His day. There were a few exceptions (such as Nicodemus), but by and large Jesus was viewed with suspicion and skepticism throughout His ministry. This was not because of anything He did that was wrong, for He was perfect.
Instead it was because they did not want to believe. More than once they asked Jesus to provide them some kind of sign that He was the Messiah. Yet to demand a sign was really a demand for more signs. Jesus had already been declared to be the Messiah by John the Baptist. He was working miracles, casting out demons, healing the sick, and even bringing the dead back to life. If those were not enough, what sign would be?
Before we may look back on the religious leaders' failure with too much judgment, we should remember that the disciples didn't get it either. Those men who had been chosen and spent time with Jesus day after day failed to grasp what He meant. It was not until after the resurrection that they put the pieces together.
We live in an age that thrives on display. Bigger and louder and longer are the driving forces of our culture.
Yet we don't need signs any more than the Pharisees did. We need instead to do what the disciples did after
Jesus rose from the dead—believe the Scriptures.
Today's Growth Principle: We do not need any kind of special signs to believe that all God says in His Word is true.
AUGUST 13, 2021
Taking The Walk Of A Lifetime
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:6-7)
Yesterday, we talked about the first step we should take if we want to take the walk of a lifetime with the Lord, and that is to love Jesus fully. Today, I want us to take a look at the other two steps we should be taking.
The second step to taking the walk of a lifetime is to faithfully live for Jesus. Every time I lead a person to faith in Jesus Christ, the very first thing I say to that person is this, “What you have done is not the end of the Christian life. It is just the beginning.” The first step is not a stop. It is a start to a walk. So Paul continues, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him” (Colossians 2:6).
In the Christian life you never stand still. It is impossible. You are either going forward or you are slipping backwards. Now that phrase “continue to live” is one word in the Greek language and it means “to walk.” To walk was a picture of conduct. Your walk is the way you live your life. It is the way you act. It is the way you react. It is the way you treat other people. It is the way you conduct yourself. It is the way you live.
Paul says we are to walk in Jesus in his path before us. We are to walk in his purpose for us. We are to walk in his promises to us. As we do, we will do what a child does. We will mature and we will grow. When a child learns to walk, guess what else they do? They learn to run. They learn to jump, and as they grow, they can walk longer, run stronger, jump higher. That is the sign of growth, and the sign of health is growth.
Anything that is healthy should grow. Anything not healthy will die. So we in order to live a healthy Christian life, we have so start walking with, toward, and in Jesus.
The third and final step to taking the walk of a lifetime is to firmly look to Jesus. At the moment you walk to Jesus, the world, the flesh, and the devil will do everything they can to stop your walk with Jesus and keep you from walking for Jesus. Paul goes on to say, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8).
That phrase “take you captive” is a great literal translation. That is exactly what you have to guard against all of your Christian life - to not let other people take you captive to either human thinking or human tradition which goes against the truth of God’s Word. Only then, when you firmly look to Jesus in all things, can you walk with completely devoted because He is THE way, THE truth, and THE life.
Dear Lord, thank you for Paul’s guidance in Colossians chapter 2 so that we can know what it looks like to truly walk with and follow and Jesus. I pray that you would help me to faithfully live for Jesus and to firmly look to Jesus every single day so that I might be obedient in how you’ve called me to live and what you’re leading me to do. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Taking The Walk Of A Lifetime
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:6-7)
Yesterday, we talked about the first step we should take if we want to take the walk of a lifetime with the Lord, and that is to love Jesus fully. Today, I want us to take a look at the other two steps we should be taking.
The second step to taking the walk of a lifetime is to faithfully live for Jesus. Every time I lead a person to faith in Jesus Christ, the very first thing I say to that person is this, “What you have done is not the end of the Christian life. It is just the beginning.” The first step is not a stop. It is a start to a walk. So Paul continues, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him” (Colossians 2:6).
In the Christian life you never stand still. It is impossible. You are either going forward or you are slipping backwards. Now that phrase “continue to live” is one word in the Greek language and it means “to walk.” To walk was a picture of conduct. Your walk is the way you live your life. It is the way you act. It is the way you react. It is the way you treat other people. It is the way you conduct yourself. It is the way you live.
Paul says we are to walk in Jesus in his path before us. We are to walk in his purpose for us. We are to walk in his promises to us. As we do, we will do what a child does. We will mature and we will grow. When a child learns to walk, guess what else they do? They learn to run. They learn to jump, and as they grow, they can walk longer, run stronger, jump higher. That is the sign of growth, and the sign of health is growth.
Anything that is healthy should grow. Anything not healthy will die. So we in order to live a healthy Christian life, we have so start walking with, toward, and in Jesus.
The third and final step to taking the walk of a lifetime is to firmly look to Jesus. At the moment you walk to Jesus, the world, the flesh, and the devil will do everything they can to stop your walk with Jesus and keep you from walking for Jesus. Paul goes on to say, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8).
That phrase “take you captive” is a great literal translation. That is exactly what you have to guard against all of your Christian life - to not let other people take you captive to either human thinking or human tradition which goes against the truth of God’s Word. Only then, when you firmly look to Jesus in all things, can you walk with completely devoted because He is THE way, THE truth, and THE life.
Dear Lord, thank you for Paul’s guidance in Colossians chapter 2 so that we can know what it looks like to truly walk with and follow and Jesus. I pray that you would help me to faithfully live for Jesus and to firmly look to Jesus every single day so that I might be obedient in how you’ve called me to live and what you’re leading me to do. In Jesus’ name, amen.
AUGUST 12, 2021
Fully Loving Jesus
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him. (Colossians 2:6)
The Bible elevates Jesus more, exalts Jesus more, and extols Jesus more than anything ever created. The walk of a lifetime should be centered around Him. A Christian is someone who has walked to Jesus and now walks with Jesus and always walks for Jesus.
Therein lies a big problem that we as Christians and as a church face greatly today. Too many people who call themselves Christians have either never truly walked to Jesus or they have quit walking with Jesus and for Jesus, and now they are walking in the wrong direction.
Thankfully we have the words of Paul in the book of Colossians to help make sure we keep walking with and for Jesus, even when we’re tempted to stray off the path. Paul reminds us of what a true Christian looks like and what a Christian does with their lives. They take the walk of a lifetime, and this walk always involves three steps. We’re going to cover the first step today and look at the other two steps tomorrow.
First, to take the walk of a lifetime, a Christian must fully love Jesus. Paul talks about this in the first part of Colossians 2:6 when he writes, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord.”
Practically every word in that partial sentence is tremendously important. It is the perfect definition of someone who has become a Christian. A Christian is someone who has received Christ Jesus as Lord. That word “received” means “to take with you” or even more “to take into you.”
Let me make this as plain as I know how to make it. You can believe in Jesus, but never receive Jesus. There is a difference between believing that Jesus is Lord and Jesus as Lord. Harvard Religion Professor Harvey Cox said there is a difference between believing in Jesus and receiving Jesus. There is a difference between believing in Jesus in your head and placing your faith in Jesus with your heart.
We can believe something to be true without it making much difference to us, but we place our faith only in something that is vital for the way we live. That’s how we know we fully love something. My prayer is that as we walk out our faith, we will first and foremost fall fully in love with Jesus and receive Him, not just believe Him.
Dear Lord, I don’t want to just believe in you in my head. I want to place my faith in you with my heart. I want to fully love you so that I can take the walk of a lifetime with you and for you. I’m asking for your help. Give me a heart that loves you wholly and completely as I continue to grow in my relationship with you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Fully Loving Jesus
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him. (Colossians 2:6)
The Bible elevates Jesus more, exalts Jesus more, and extols Jesus more than anything ever created. The walk of a lifetime should be centered around Him. A Christian is someone who has walked to Jesus and now walks with Jesus and always walks for Jesus.
Therein lies a big problem that we as Christians and as a church face greatly today. Too many people who call themselves Christians have either never truly walked to Jesus or they have quit walking with Jesus and for Jesus, and now they are walking in the wrong direction.
Thankfully we have the words of Paul in the book of Colossians to help make sure we keep walking with and for Jesus, even when we’re tempted to stray off the path. Paul reminds us of what a true Christian looks like and what a Christian does with their lives. They take the walk of a lifetime, and this walk always involves three steps. We’re going to cover the first step today and look at the other two steps tomorrow.
First, to take the walk of a lifetime, a Christian must fully love Jesus. Paul talks about this in the first part of Colossians 2:6 when he writes, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord.”
Practically every word in that partial sentence is tremendously important. It is the perfect definition of someone who has become a Christian. A Christian is someone who has received Christ Jesus as Lord. That word “received” means “to take with you” or even more “to take into you.”
Let me make this as plain as I know how to make it. You can believe in Jesus, but never receive Jesus. There is a difference between believing that Jesus is Lord and Jesus as Lord. Harvard Religion Professor Harvey Cox said there is a difference between believing in Jesus and receiving Jesus. There is a difference between believing in Jesus in your head and placing your faith in Jesus with your heart.
We can believe something to be true without it making much difference to us, but we place our faith only in something that is vital for the way we live. That’s how we know we fully love something. My prayer is that as we walk out our faith, we will first and foremost fall fully in love with Jesus and receive Him, not just believe Him.
Dear Lord, I don’t want to just believe in you in my head. I want to place my faith in you with my heart. I want to fully love you so that I can take the walk of a lifetime with you and for you. I’m asking for your help. Give me a heart that loves you wholly and completely as I continue to grow in my relationship with you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
AUGUST 11, 2021
Superiority Complex
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
Discriminate: To make a difference in treatment or favor on a basis other than individual merit (Merriam-Webster).
Discrimination is a global problem. It is a sin that we have all fallen victim to for different reasons. Pastor and Best-Selling Author, Rick Warren, says there are at least five areas where we are tempted to discriminate. First, we can discriminate on the basis of appearance (to judge people by their physical appearance). We favor people who are good looking or have straight teeth. Second, we discriminate on the basis of age. If we are older we look down at inexperienced younger people; and if we are younger we look down at “old-fashioned” people. Third, we discriminate on the basis of achievement. We tend to hold the CEO of a company in much higher esteem than we do the janitor or stockperson. Fourth, we discriminate on the basis of affluence. We tend to give wide-berth to people who are rich and famous, but ignore people who are not. Finally, we discriminate on the basis of ancestry. We look at people of one color one way, and people of another color another way. We can be sure of one thing: Discrimination, in all of its various forms, is wrong.
Why do we do this? Why do we discriminate against one another? The second president of the United States, John Adams, who was the first president who did not ever own slaves and was against slavery, said this: “I believe there is no one principle which predominates in human nature so much in every stage of life from the cradle to the grave, in males and females, old and young, black and white, rich and poor, high and low as the passion for superiority.” I think President Adams hit the nail on the head, don’t you?
The only way to combat discrimination, in all of its forms, is to humble ourselves and put others first. As Philippians 2:3 teaches, we must “count others” as more significant than we count ourselves. This goes against every natural fiber of our being. It requires, therefore, supernatural strength from the Holy Spirit.
This does not mean that you are insignificant. Rather, it is choosing to think of how our actions and attitudes affect others at all times, in all things. It is putting the feelings of others ahead of our own. And this will mean choosing to acknowledge and empathize, even when we might not understand or agree.
Dear Lord, thank you for the humbling reminder in your Word to count others as more significant than I do myself. I pray that you would help me to consider how my actions and attitudes make others feel so that I can honor others above myself, since that's what you did when you came to earth. In Jesus' name, amen.
Superiority Complex
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
Discriminate: To make a difference in treatment or favor on a basis other than individual merit (Merriam-Webster).
Discrimination is a global problem. It is a sin that we have all fallen victim to for different reasons. Pastor and Best-Selling Author, Rick Warren, says there are at least five areas where we are tempted to discriminate. First, we can discriminate on the basis of appearance (to judge people by their physical appearance). We favor people who are good looking or have straight teeth. Second, we discriminate on the basis of age. If we are older we look down at inexperienced younger people; and if we are younger we look down at “old-fashioned” people. Third, we discriminate on the basis of achievement. We tend to hold the CEO of a company in much higher esteem than we do the janitor or stockperson. Fourth, we discriminate on the basis of affluence. We tend to give wide-berth to people who are rich and famous, but ignore people who are not. Finally, we discriminate on the basis of ancestry. We look at people of one color one way, and people of another color another way. We can be sure of one thing: Discrimination, in all of its various forms, is wrong.
Why do we do this? Why do we discriminate against one another? The second president of the United States, John Adams, who was the first president who did not ever own slaves and was against slavery, said this: “I believe there is no one principle which predominates in human nature so much in every stage of life from the cradle to the grave, in males and females, old and young, black and white, rich and poor, high and low as the passion for superiority.” I think President Adams hit the nail on the head, don’t you?
The only way to combat discrimination, in all of its forms, is to humble ourselves and put others first. As Philippians 2:3 teaches, we must “count others” as more significant than we count ourselves. This goes against every natural fiber of our being. It requires, therefore, supernatural strength from the Holy Spirit.
This does not mean that you are insignificant. Rather, it is choosing to think of how our actions and attitudes affect others at all times, in all things. It is putting the feelings of others ahead of our own. And this will mean choosing to acknowledge and empathize, even when we might not understand or agree.
Dear Lord, thank you for the humbling reminder in your Word to count others as more significant than I do myself. I pray that you would help me to consider how my actions and attitudes make others feel so that I can honor others above myself, since that's what you did when you came to earth. In Jesus' name, amen.
AUGUST 10, 2021
"The New House Is Better" --- Dr. Paul Chappell
2 Corinthians 5:1-4 --- For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.
The story is told of an old Scottish preacher who, late in his life and unable to live alone anymore, was facing a move to a new home where he could be cared for. But his home held many memories for him as his children had been born there, he had studied for his sermons there, and it had been a place of hospitality and outreach to others for many years. He was reluctant to leave, but then one of the men who was helping with the move came to him and said, “Sir, everything's gone; and the new house is better than this one. Come away.” Hearing that, he went gladly to his new home.
Every child of God has the hope of Heaven and the perfection that awaits us. The aches and pains of our bodies, the sins and temptations that beset us, and the sorrows and griefs we endure will all be wiped away forever. Instead, we will eternally dwell in the presence of God in splendor and beauty. The things of this world on which we place such great importance should not be allowed to draw our desire and attention away from our eternal home. The perfect place, “not made with hands,” should be our desire. If we are more attached to earthly things than heavenly ones, we are not living as we should. If we are to live here as we should, our hearts must be fixed above, rather than on things of this world.
Today's Growth Principle: Our focus must be more on the next world than this one if we are to live as God directs.
"The New House Is Better" --- Dr. Paul Chappell
2 Corinthians 5:1-4 --- For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.
The story is told of an old Scottish preacher who, late in his life and unable to live alone anymore, was facing a move to a new home where he could be cared for. But his home held many memories for him as his children had been born there, he had studied for his sermons there, and it had been a place of hospitality and outreach to others for many years. He was reluctant to leave, but then one of the men who was helping with the move came to him and said, “Sir, everything's gone; and the new house is better than this one. Come away.” Hearing that, he went gladly to his new home.
Every child of God has the hope of Heaven and the perfection that awaits us. The aches and pains of our bodies, the sins and temptations that beset us, and the sorrows and griefs we endure will all be wiped away forever. Instead, we will eternally dwell in the presence of God in splendor and beauty. The things of this world on which we place such great importance should not be allowed to draw our desire and attention away from our eternal home. The perfect place, “not made with hands,” should be our desire. If we are more attached to earthly things than heavenly ones, we are not living as we should. If we are to live here as we should, our hearts must be fixed above, rather than on things of this world.
Today's Growth Principle: Our focus must be more on the next world than this one if we are to live as God directs.
AUGUST 9, 2021
The Mystery of Creation
“May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in His works – He who looks at the earth, and it trembles, Who touches the mountains, and they smoke." Psalm 104:31-32
At the moment of conception, the newly fertilized egg contains a staggering amount of genetic information sufficient to control a human’s growth and development for an entire lifetime. A single thread of DNA from one human cell contains information equivalent to a library of 1,000 volumes or 600,000 printed pages with 500 words on every page. At conception, one embryo has the equivalent of 50 times the amount of information contained in the Encyclopedia Britannica.
The entire process is mind-blowing! A few years ago, Alexander Tsiaras, a mathematician at Yale University, presented a TED Talk on the birth process. He showed never-before-seen videos and photos of the stages of development of the unborn child. Tsiaras was so astounded by what he saw, this is how He concluded his presentation, “The complexity of these things, the mathematical model of how these things are indeed done, is beyond human comprehension. Even though I am a mathematician I look at this with the marvel of,
‘How did these instruction sets build that which is us?’ It is a mystery. It is magic. It is divinity.”
It is God’s intention and purpose that we are stunned and awed by His work of creation. But not for the sake of the created but for the Creator. God means for us to always look at what He has created and marvel at Him. If what He has created is so wonderful and majestic, what must He be like?
A day is coming when it won’t be the oceans or the mountains, the stars or the galaxies that fill us with wonder. It won’t be what God has made that we marvel at and praise. It will be God Himself. All of our wonder, awe, and worship will be directed at Him and Him alone. This is the purpose of creation – to point us to Him and to prepare us for the great day when at last we will meet Him face to face.
Dear Lord, as amazing as your creation is, you as the Creator are even more amazing. I pray that I would not get so distracted by what you have made that I forget to stand in awe of you as my Maker. In Jesus' name, amen.
The Mystery of Creation
“May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in His works – He who looks at the earth, and it trembles, Who touches the mountains, and they smoke." Psalm 104:31-32
At the moment of conception, the newly fertilized egg contains a staggering amount of genetic information sufficient to control a human’s growth and development for an entire lifetime. A single thread of DNA from one human cell contains information equivalent to a library of 1,000 volumes or 600,000 printed pages with 500 words on every page. At conception, one embryo has the equivalent of 50 times the amount of information contained in the Encyclopedia Britannica.
The entire process is mind-blowing! A few years ago, Alexander Tsiaras, a mathematician at Yale University, presented a TED Talk on the birth process. He showed never-before-seen videos and photos of the stages of development of the unborn child. Tsiaras was so astounded by what he saw, this is how He concluded his presentation, “The complexity of these things, the mathematical model of how these things are indeed done, is beyond human comprehension. Even though I am a mathematician I look at this with the marvel of,
‘How did these instruction sets build that which is us?’ It is a mystery. It is magic. It is divinity.”
It is God’s intention and purpose that we are stunned and awed by His work of creation. But not for the sake of the created but for the Creator. God means for us to always look at what He has created and marvel at Him. If what He has created is so wonderful and majestic, what must He be like?
A day is coming when it won’t be the oceans or the mountains, the stars or the galaxies that fill us with wonder. It won’t be what God has made that we marvel at and praise. It will be God Himself. All of our wonder, awe, and worship will be directed at Him and Him alone. This is the purpose of creation – to point us to Him and to prepare us for the great day when at last we will meet Him face to face.
Dear Lord, as amazing as your creation is, you as the Creator are even more amazing. I pray that I would not get so distracted by what you have made that I forget to stand in awe of you as my Maker. In Jesus' name, amen.
AUGUST 8, 2021
Truly Know God
There is a big difference in knowing God and knowing about God. When we truly know God, we also experience (know) His power. Many Christians live too much by feeling. If they feel joyful and happy, then they say God is blessing them, but if they feel blah, cold, or flat, then they might be heard asking, "Where is God today?" If their prayer is not answered to their satisfaction, they ask where God is. When we experienced the attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City on 9/11, a newscaster asked, "Where was God when all of this happened?" Had this newscaster known God, he would never have asked such a question.
If we have a true knowledge of God, we are not disturbed by any scientific view, or any theories of evolution, or so-called contradictions in Bible translations. We have a perfect assurance that God is, and knowing that, then we know that nothing else matters. We do not feel a need to explain things, because we know what cannot be explained in words. Paul said he saw things when he had visions of heaven that he could not explain. Men always want to explain God, but if we know Him truly, then the first thing we give up
is trying to understand Him or explain Him. The person who knows spiritually has no need to understand everything mentally.
Pray daily for a spirit of wisdom and revelation that you might know God and His Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One. Celebrate that you know God, that you are an eternal being, and that you are progressively coming to know Him better as each day passes by. What an amazing blessing it is to know God. It should make us want to shout for joy. Celebrate because you have joined Jesus' party!
Trust in Him. Spend time with God today, getting to know Him a little more each day. You won't be able to truly trust in Him if you don't truly know Him!
Prayer Starter: Lord God, I want to get to know You, really know You. Help me walk in wisdom today and every day, and help me truly get to know You, In Jesus’ name, amen.
Truly Know God
There is a big difference in knowing God and knowing about God. When we truly know God, we also experience (know) His power. Many Christians live too much by feeling. If they feel joyful and happy, then they say God is blessing them, but if they feel blah, cold, or flat, then they might be heard asking, "Where is God today?" If their prayer is not answered to their satisfaction, they ask where God is. When we experienced the attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City on 9/11, a newscaster asked, "Where was God when all of this happened?" Had this newscaster known God, he would never have asked such a question.
If we have a true knowledge of God, we are not disturbed by any scientific view, or any theories of evolution, or so-called contradictions in Bible translations. We have a perfect assurance that God is, and knowing that, then we know that nothing else matters. We do not feel a need to explain things, because we know what cannot be explained in words. Paul said he saw things when he had visions of heaven that he could not explain. Men always want to explain God, but if we know Him truly, then the first thing we give up
is trying to understand Him or explain Him. The person who knows spiritually has no need to understand everything mentally.
Pray daily for a spirit of wisdom and revelation that you might know God and His Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One. Celebrate that you know God, that you are an eternal being, and that you are progressively coming to know Him better as each day passes by. What an amazing blessing it is to know God. It should make us want to shout for joy. Celebrate because you have joined Jesus' party!
Trust in Him. Spend time with God today, getting to know Him a little more each day. You won't be able to truly trust in Him if you don't truly know Him!
Prayer Starter: Lord God, I want to get to know You, really know You. Help me walk in wisdom today and every day, and help me truly get to know You, In Jesus’ name, amen.
AUGUST 7, 2021
Increasing Faith
1 Kings 17
We’d all like to have great faith that stands firm in the face of challenges and difficulties. But God doesn’t enlarge our faith instantly; it’s a slow process that happens over our lifetime and often involves trials. Each time we choose to believe the Lord and step out in obedience, we gain greater confidence to trust Him the next time.
Elijah shows us what increasing faith looks like. He relied on the Lord to provide food and water at the brook, and he did so again in Zarephath—the miracle this time providing for a widow and her son as well.
Then, we read about an even greater demonstration of faith, when he prayed that the Lord would raise the widow’s son to life. On each of these occasions, Elijah stepped out in obedience and experienced the reliability of God. As a result, his faith grew stronger.
There will be opportunities for you to believe in the Lord and respond with obedience. These situations are what we often call “problems.” Try looking at each difficulty as an opportunity designed by God specifically for the purpose of increasing your faith as you see His dependability in action. With each step of obedience, your trust in Him will strengthen.
Increasing Faith
1 Kings 17
We’d all like to have great faith that stands firm in the face of challenges and difficulties. But God doesn’t enlarge our faith instantly; it’s a slow process that happens over our lifetime and often involves trials. Each time we choose to believe the Lord and step out in obedience, we gain greater confidence to trust Him the next time.
Elijah shows us what increasing faith looks like. He relied on the Lord to provide food and water at the brook, and he did so again in Zarephath—the miracle this time providing for a widow and her son as well.
Then, we read about an even greater demonstration of faith, when he prayed that the Lord would raise the widow’s son to life. On each of these occasions, Elijah stepped out in obedience and experienced the reliability of God. As a result, his faith grew stronger.
There will be opportunities for you to believe in the Lord and respond with obedience. These situations are what we often call “problems.” Try looking at each difficulty as an opportunity designed by God specifically for the purpose of increasing your faith as you see His dependability in action. With each step of obedience, your trust in Him will strengthen.
AUGUST 6, 2021
Devoted To Our Walk With God
“...so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:10)
Yesterday we talked about how Paul told us to pray that we would be directed by the will of God. Today we are going to look further at how Paul tells us that we should pray.
Not only should we pray that we be directed by the will of God. But we should also pray that we would be devoted to our walk with God. What is the purpose of being directed by the will of God? What is God’s endgame? Paul tells us: “...so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10). Now the phrase, “live a life,” is actually the Greek word for “walking.” Frequently in Scripture, living for God was described as a walk. If you think about it, that is the way you live your life.
Every day you take certain steps to go in certain directions and do certain things. It is the will of God that every step you take would be worthy of the Lord and would please him in every way. When you are trying to make a decision about whether you ought to take a certain action or not, say a certain word or not, move to a different place or not, here are a couple of great questions to ask: Is what I am about to do, say or think worthy of the Lord? Is what I am about to do, say or think pleasing to the Lord? As you ask these questions, you will begin to live your life devoted to your walk with God.
Dear Lord, I want to walk through live totally devoted to you. I pray that you would give me the focus and the wisdom I need to stay locked in on you and your will for me so that I don’t get distracted by the lesser things this world has to offer. In Jesus’ name.
Devoted To Our Walk With God
“...so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:10)
Yesterday we talked about how Paul told us to pray that we would be directed by the will of God. Today we are going to look further at how Paul tells us that we should pray.
Not only should we pray that we be directed by the will of God. But we should also pray that we would be devoted to our walk with God. What is the purpose of being directed by the will of God? What is God’s endgame? Paul tells us: “...so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10). Now the phrase, “live a life,” is actually the Greek word for “walking.” Frequently in Scripture, living for God was described as a walk. If you think about it, that is the way you live your life.
Every day you take certain steps to go in certain directions and do certain things. It is the will of God that every step you take would be worthy of the Lord and would please him in every way. When you are trying to make a decision about whether you ought to take a certain action or not, say a certain word or not, move to a different place or not, here are a couple of great questions to ask: Is what I am about to do, say or think worthy of the Lord? Is what I am about to do, say or think pleasing to the Lord? As you ask these questions, you will begin to live your life devoted to your walk with God.
Dear Lord, I want to walk through live totally devoted to you. I pray that you would give me the focus and the wisdom I need to stay locked in on you and your will for me so that I don’t get distracted by the lesser things this world has to offer. In Jesus’ name.
AUGUST 5, 2021
Directed By The Will Of God
“...the knowledge of his will comes through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.” (Colossians 1:9)
At the beginning of the book of Colossians, there is a prayer that Paul prayed for a people whom he had never even seen. It is one of the greatest prayers ever prayed, and it is a perfect model on how you and I can pray for people we don’t even know.
If we were to write a book called “Prayer for Dummies” you could write the entire book based on this one prayer. Many times you are praying to God because you really don’t know what you should be saying to God.
But this is a one-size fits all prayer. It is a prayer you can pray for anybody, anytime, under any circumstances, for family members, friends, and employees. I would ask you to pray this prayer for me and it is a prayer we need to pray for our church.
Today, let’s start looking at the components Paul includes in this prayer specifically.
First, Paul tells us to pray that we would be directed by the will of God. Have you ever asked yourself the question, “Where do I find God’s will?” Well, not to make it sound too easy, but we find God’s will in God’s Word. The vast majority of God’s will for your life has already been revealed. It’s not as much of a mystery as you might think.
We don’t have time today to go through every scripture and verse, but we are told over and over in the Bible, it is the will of God that we be sexually pure. It is the will of God that we be grateful. It is the will of God that we love others. It is the will of God that we should be saved. It is the will of God that we keep the Golden Rule. But unfortunately, the reason why many people never find the will of God that they don’t know is because they are not already obeying the will of God that they do know.
That is why Paul goes on to say, “...the knowledge of his will comes through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives” (Colossians 1:9). In other words, the Spirit of God takes the Word of God and gives you the wisdom of God to know and do the will of God.
So if you’re trying to figure out God’s will for your life, take the time today to dive into His Word. He will give you wisdom and understanding to follow His path if you will open the Scriptures and look for Him there.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your holy Word and for revealing your will within your Word. I pray that you would give me the desire and the discipline to spend time in your Word every day so that I might learn more about your will for my life and that I would live according to that will. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Directed By The Will Of God
“...the knowledge of his will comes through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.” (Colossians 1:9)
At the beginning of the book of Colossians, there is a prayer that Paul prayed for a people whom he had never even seen. It is one of the greatest prayers ever prayed, and it is a perfect model on how you and I can pray for people we don’t even know.
If we were to write a book called “Prayer for Dummies” you could write the entire book based on this one prayer. Many times you are praying to God because you really don’t know what you should be saying to God.
But this is a one-size fits all prayer. It is a prayer you can pray for anybody, anytime, under any circumstances, for family members, friends, and employees. I would ask you to pray this prayer for me and it is a prayer we need to pray for our church.
Today, let’s start looking at the components Paul includes in this prayer specifically.
First, Paul tells us to pray that we would be directed by the will of God. Have you ever asked yourself the question, “Where do I find God’s will?” Well, not to make it sound too easy, but we find God’s will in God’s Word. The vast majority of God’s will for your life has already been revealed. It’s not as much of a mystery as you might think.
We don’t have time today to go through every scripture and verse, but we are told over and over in the Bible, it is the will of God that we be sexually pure. It is the will of God that we be grateful. It is the will of God that we love others. It is the will of God that we should be saved. It is the will of God that we keep the Golden Rule. But unfortunately, the reason why many people never find the will of God that they don’t know is because they are not already obeying the will of God that they do know.
That is why Paul goes on to say, “...the knowledge of his will comes through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives” (Colossians 1:9). In other words, the Spirit of God takes the Word of God and gives you the wisdom of God to know and do the will of God.
So if you’re trying to figure out God’s will for your life, take the time today to dive into His Word. He will give you wisdom and understanding to follow His path if you will open the Scriptures and look for Him there.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your holy Word and for revealing your will within your Word. I pray that you would give me the desire and the discipline to spend time in your Word every day so that I might learn more about your will for my life and that I would live according to that will. In Jesus’ name, amen.
AUGUST 4, 2021
Don't Bow Down --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Daniel 3:16-18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Nebuchadnezzar was the most powerful man on earth in his day. As the unquestioned leader of the massive Babylonian Empire, he could command individuals as well as vast groups of people, and he could enforce consequences on anyone who disobeyed. He was used to getting his way. Yet despite his command to bow down and worship the huge golden idol he had erected, Nebuchadnezzar found himself confronted with three young men who refused his edict. They did not care that the king had the power to command them to be killed. They did not care that the furnace was glowing with a furious heat. They cared about God, and they were committed to being true to Him no matter what. They would not bow to any idol, regardless of the consequences.
There are many wonderful promises in the Bible, but there are no promises that if we obey God and serve Him we will never have trouble. Sometimes it is our obedience that creates the difficulties in which we find ourselves. The temptation in those moments is to try to compromise to avoid the problem, but that is the wrong approach. Instead we should stand more firmly than ever for the truth when it is unpopular or even dangerous to do so. From a prison cell in Rome where he was awaiting execution, Paul wrote, “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God” (2 Timothy 1:8).
Today's Growth Principle: No matter what our circumstances may be, we can and must remain faithful to God.
Don't Bow Down --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Daniel 3:16-18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Nebuchadnezzar was the most powerful man on earth in his day. As the unquestioned leader of the massive Babylonian Empire, he could command individuals as well as vast groups of people, and he could enforce consequences on anyone who disobeyed. He was used to getting his way. Yet despite his command to bow down and worship the huge golden idol he had erected, Nebuchadnezzar found himself confronted with three young men who refused his edict. They did not care that the king had the power to command them to be killed. They did not care that the furnace was glowing with a furious heat. They cared about God, and they were committed to being true to Him no matter what. They would not bow to any idol, regardless of the consequences.
There are many wonderful promises in the Bible, but there are no promises that if we obey God and serve Him we will never have trouble. Sometimes it is our obedience that creates the difficulties in which we find ourselves. The temptation in those moments is to try to compromise to avoid the problem, but that is the wrong approach. Instead we should stand more firmly than ever for the truth when it is unpopular or even dangerous to do so. From a prison cell in Rome where he was awaiting execution, Paul wrote, “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God” (2 Timothy 1:8).
Today's Growth Principle: No matter what our circumstances may be, we can and must remain faithful to God.
AUGUST 3, 2021
Powerfully Claimed
“Your eyes saw my unformed body; all of the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:16
In Jeremiah 1:5 God makes an astounding statement. He says, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you…” Let the truth of those words sink into your head and your heart for just a moment. The word for “knew” in this verse doesn’t just mean to recognize or be familiar with. It is the world that is used to refer to the way a husband comes to know his wife on their honeymoon. It can be translated, “love,” but it refers to the most powerful and intimate love. We know the Bible teaches that God loves us, but go back again to the first part of the verse. God says to Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew/loved you.”
Do you see the truth in these words? This is not just before birth; this is before conception! (For more on this, read yesterday’s devotion) Birth is not our beginning. Conception is not even our real beginning. God says He knows us, and He loved, us before our parents even met. Before your biological parents conceived you, God conceived of you. You were not their idea; you were God’s idea!
Do you understand what that means? Love precedes life. God loved you before He gave you life. That is why the matter of unborn children is more than just being pro-life; it is being pro-love. God loved us before we were conceived. God loved us, which is why we were conceived. Every life is precious to God – born, unborn, conceived, or not yet conceived.
But it goes deeper. Not only did God conceive of us before we were conceived, but He claims us after we are conceived. God tells Jeremiah in the second part of verse 5, “…before you were born I set you apart…” What did God mean by this? He means that there was a plan and purpose for Jeremiah’s life…and for every life He creates. Each of us are conceived and born for a reason. Life is not a random existence, coming from nothing and heading to nothing. Life is not about luck or lottery; it is about the Lord.
King David said the same thing in Psalm 139:16, “…all of the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.” From our first breath to our last, every breath is to be breathed fulfilling the plan and purpose of God for our life. God has a script for each one of us in this play of life and a role divinely created for all of us. Whatever our part, God wants our lives to belong to Him.
Dear Lord, thank you that before I was ever even created, you thought of me. You loved me. You had a plan and a purpose for me. When I am tempted to question my value, my worth, and my significance, I pray that you would remind me of these truths so that I can remember how valuable and loved I am in your eyes. In Jesus' name, amen.
Powerfully Claimed
“Your eyes saw my unformed body; all of the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:16
In Jeremiah 1:5 God makes an astounding statement. He says, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you…” Let the truth of those words sink into your head and your heart for just a moment. The word for “knew” in this verse doesn’t just mean to recognize or be familiar with. It is the world that is used to refer to the way a husband comes to know his wife on their honeymoon. It can be translated, “love,” but it refers to the most powerful and intimate love. We know the Bible teaches that God loves us, but go back again to the first part of the verse. God says to Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew/loved you.”
Do you see the truth in these words? This is not just before birth; this is before conception! (For more on this, read yesterday’s devotion) Birth is not our beginning. Conception is not even our real beginning. God says He knows us, and He loved, us before our parents even met. Before your biological parents conceived you, God conceived of you. You were not their idea; you were God’s idea!
Do you understand what that means? Love precedes life. God loved you before He gave you life. That is why the matter of unborn children is more than just being pro-life; it is being pro-love. God loved us before we were conceived. God loved us, which is why we were conceived. Every life is precious to God – born, unborn, conceived, or not yet conceived.
But it goes deeper. Not only did God conceive of us before we were conceived, but He claims us after we are conceived. God tells Jeremiah in the second part of verse 5, “…before you were born I set you apart…” What did God mean by this? He means that there was a plan and purpose for Jeremiah’s life…and for every life He creates. Each of us are conceived and born for a reason. Life is not a random existence, coming from nothing and heading to nothing. Life is not about luck or lottery; it is about the Lord.
King David said the same thing in Psalm 139:16, “…all of the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.” From our first breath to our last, every breath is to be breathed fulfilling the plan and purpose of God for our life. God has a script for each one of us in this play of life and a role divinely created for all of us. Whatever our part, God wants our lives to belong to Him.
Dear Lord, thank you that before I was ever even created, you thought of me. You loved me. You had a plan and a purpose for me. When I am tempted to question my value, my worth, and my significance, I pray that you would remind me of these truths so that I can remember how valuable and loved I am in your eyes. In Jesus' name, amen.
AUGUST 2 , 2021
Personally Created
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” Jeremiah 1:5
A little girl went to visit her grandparents over Christmas. She loved to sit in her grandfather’s lap. One night before bedtime, she was staring right into his face. She looked at her grandfather’s balding head, wrinkled her face and said, “Grandpa, did God make you?” He said, “I’m afraid He did.” She said, “Did He make me, too?” He said, “He sure did!” She thought for a moment and said, “I think He is doing a lot better job now than He used to!”
Jeremiah 1:5 makes it perfectly clear that it is God who creates life. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” He said to Jeremiah; and He would say the same thing to each of us. The word “formed” here means, “to weave,” like you would weave a blanket or take the pieces of a puzzle and put it together. In this context it refers to how conception and the birth process takes place. King David put it this way in Psalm 139:13-14: “For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” That phrase, “knit me together,” is the same Hebrew root word as the word “formed” used by Jeremiah.
Then David continues in verse 16, “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.” The word for “unformed body” is the only use of the Hebrew word for “embryo” found in Scripture. David is referring here to the very beginning of conception.
Further, in Psalm 139:13, the words for “inmost being” in Hebrew literally translates, “my kidneys.” Why would King David say, “You formed my kidneys?” The term “kidneys” was used to refer to the entire complex of organs that make up the inside of the human body. Right down to the DNA strips of our humanity, God knit all of us together. It was God that built this incredible machinery called “the human body” and from its very beginning put all the pieces together so they would work as magnificently as they do.
Both King David and the Prophet Jeremiah, just like all of us, had biological parents. But the truth is God Himself fashions us – knits us together and begins life in the womb. The next time your little child asks you,
“Where do babies come from?” all you have to do is say, “They come from God.” That is not only good theology, but also good science.
Dear Lord, what an amazing thing it is that you, God, formed me inside of my mother’s womb. I pray that this incredible truth would change the way I think about myself and about you so that I might have a more biblical perspective of your view of me. In Jesus' name, amen.
Personally Created
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” Jeremiah 1:5
A little girl went to visit her grandparents over Christmas. She loved to sit in her grandfather’s lap. One night before bedtime, she was staring right into his face. She looked at her grandfather’s balding head, wrinkled her face and said, “Grandpa, did God make you?” He said, “I’m afraid He did.” She said, “Did He make me, too?” He said, “He sure did!” She thought for a moment and said, “I think He is doing a lot better job now than He used to!”
Jeremiah 1:5 makes it perfectly clear that it is God who creates life. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” He said to Jeremiah; and He would say the same thing to each of us. The word “formed” here means, “to weave,” like you would weave a blanket or take the pieces of a puzzle and put it together. In this context it refers to how conception and the birth process takes place. King David put it this way in Psalm 139:13-14: “For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” That phrase, “knit me together,” is the same Hebrew root word as the word “formed” used by Jeremiah.
Then David continues in verse 16, “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.” The word for “unformed body” is the only use of the Hebrew word for “embryo” found in Scripture. David is referring here to the very beginning of conception.
Further, in Psalm 139:13, the words for “inmost being” in Hebrew literally translates, “my kidneys.” Why would King David say, “You formed my kidneys?” The term “kidneys” was used to refer to the entire complex of organs that make up the inside of the human body. Right down to the DNA strips of our humanity, God knit all of us together. It was God that built this incredible machinery called “the human body” and from its very beginning put all the pieces together so they would work as magnificently as they do.
Both King David and the Prophet Jeremiah, just like all of us, had biological parents. But the truth is God Himself fashions us – knits us together and begins life in the womb. The next time your little child asks you,
“Where do babies come from?” all you have to do is say, “They come from God.” That is not only good theology, but also good science.
Dear Lord, what an amazing thing it is that you, God, formed me inside of my mother’s womb. I pray that this incredible truth would change the way I think about myself and about you so that I might have a more biblical perspective of your view of me. In Jesus' name, amen.
AUGUST 1, 2021
You Can Begin Again
Are you doing what you really believe you should be doing at this stage in your life, or have you allowed fear and a lack of confidence to prevent you from stepping out into new things—or higher levels of old things? If you don't like your answer, then let me give you some good news: It is never too late to begin again! Don't spend one more day living a narrow life that has room for only you and your fears. Make a decision right now that you will learn to live boldly, aggressively, and confidently. Don't let fear rule you any longer.
It's important to note that you can't just sit around and wait for fear to go away. You will have to feel the fear and take action anyway. Or, as John Wayne put it, "Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway." In other words, courage is not the absence of fear; it is action in the presence of fear. Bold people do what they know they should do—not what they feel like doing.
Prayer Starter: Lord, show me any narrowness in my life and help me to take the steps of faith that break the rule of fear over my life, amen.
You Can Begin Again
Are you doing what you really believe you should be doing at this stage in your life, or have you allowed fear and a lack of confidence to prevent you from stepping out into new things—or higher levels of old things? If you don't like your answer, then let me give you some good news: It is never too late to begin again! Don't spend one more day living a narrow life that has room for only you and your fears. Make a decision right now that you will learn to live boldly, aggressively, and confidently. Don't let fear rule you any longer.
It's important to note that you can't just sit around and wait for fear to go away. You will have to feel the fear and take action anyway. Or, as John Wayne put it, "Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway." In other words, courage is not the absence of fear; it is action in the presence of fear. Bold people do what they know they should do—not what they feel like doing.
Prayer Starter: Lord, show me any narrowness in my life and help me to take the steps of faith that break the rule of fear over my life, amen.
JULY 31, 2021
The Grace to Overcome
Hebrews 4:14-16
The Lord said that though adversity is part of earthly life, He has overcome the world (John 16:33). And because of God’s abundant goodness, kindness, and love for His children, we don’t have to feel discouraged or walk away from His plan.
We’ll know His divine grace divine grace is working in us when we have ...
• Strength to persevere. Through the Holy Spirit, God releases His power into us so we might endure (Acts 1:8).
• A spirit of confidence. The Lord understands our troubles and urges us to approach Him boldly for help (Heb. 4:15-16).
• A sense of His presence. When grace is at work, we will be conscious of the Spirit’s abiding support.
• A focus on God. With divine help, we can shift our attention from our situation to God.
• Trust that God will bring us through—and not just barely but with deeper intimacy and greater faith at the end.
• Assurance of God’s sovereignty. We trust that He’s in control of our trials and will provide all we need in order to endure (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Paul had been through shipwrecks, imprisonments, and beatings—difficulties far worse than most of ours.
He didn’t quit because he drew on God’s grace and found it sufficient for every circumstance. Where do you need some grace in order not to give up and walk away?
The Grace to Overcome
Hebrews 4:14-16
The Lord said that though adversity is part of earthly life, He has overcome the world (John 16:33). And because of God’s abundant goodness, kindness, and love for His children, we don’t have to feel discouraged or walk away from His plan.
We’ll know His divine grace divine grace is working in us when we have ...
• Strength to persevere. Through the Holy Spirit, God releases His power into us so we might endure (Acts 1:8).
• A spirit of confidence. The Lord understands our troubles and urges us to approach Him boldly for help (Heb. 4:15-16).
• A sense of His presence. When grace is at work, we will be conscious of the Spirit’s abiding support.
• A focus on God. With divine help, we can shift our attention from our situation to God.
• Trust that God will bring us through—and not just barely but with deeper intimacy and greater faith at the end.
• Assurance of God’s sovereignty. We trust that He’s in control of our trials and will provide all we need in order to endure (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Paul had been through shipwrecks, imprisonments, and beatings—difficulties far worse than most of ours.
He didn’t quit because he drew on God’s grace and found it sufficient for every circumstance. Where do you need some grace in order not to give up and walk away?
JULY 30, 2021
"What Manner of Love" --- Dr. Paul Chappell
1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
When we think of the people in Jesus' day, it is hard not to wonder why so many of them did not accept and acknowledge Him as the Messiah. Though there were many reasons, one of the biggest hindrances to coming to Christ as the Savior was the feeling that things were fine the way they were—that the people didn't need God's deliverance. There were people who believed their standing with God was secured by their ancestry, but they were wrong. John the Baptist confronted this attitude in his ministry when he preached, “Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham” (Luke 3:8).
In truth, each one of us is hopelessly and helplessly lost from the moment were are born. We must have God's salvation to have a way to reach Heaven. And He extends the offer of salvation freely to all who believe, not because we are worthy or add something to His kingdom, but simply because of His amazing, overwhelming love for us. There is no earthly love that can compare. It is only Divine love that could provide a means of salvation for us. It is only His mercy, not our merit, that can open the door of Heaven. We must not lose sight of the greatness of God's love toward us. There is no other reason that we have been adopted into His family. And while we know that there will be many who will reject the message, just as they did during His lifetime, that should not stop us from speaking of the love of Jesus and sharing that hope of salvation with those around us.
Today's Growth Principle: The love of God is to be reflected to those around us so that they too have a chance to experience it.
"What Manner of Love" --- Dr. Paul Chappell
1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
When we think of the people in Jesus' day, it is hard not to wonder why so many of them did not accept and acknowledge Him as the Messiah. Though there were many reasons, one of the biggest hindrances to coming to Christ as the Savior was the feeling that things were fine the way they were—that the people didn't need God's deliverance. There were people who believed their standing with God was secured by their ancestry, but they were wrong. John the Baptist confronted this attitude in his ministry when he preached, “Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham” (Luke 3:8).
In truth, each one of us is hopelessly and helplessly lost from the moment were are born. We must have God's salvation to have a way to reach Heaven. And He extends the offer of salvation freely to all who believe, not because we are worthy or add something to His kingdom, but simply because of His amazing, overwhelming love for us. There is no earthly love that can compare. It is only Divine love that could provide a means of salvation for us. It is only His mercy, not our merit, that can open the door of Heaven. We must not lose sight of the greatness of God's love toward us. There is no other reason that we have been adopted into His family. And while we know that there will be many who will reject the message, just as they did during His lifetime, that should not stop us from speaking of the love of Jesus and sharing that hope of salvation with those around us.
Today's Growth Principle: The love of God is to be reflected to those around us so that they too have a chance to experience it.
JULY 29, 2021
A Holy Body
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
People tend to go to two extremes with their body. Some people don’t think their body is as important as God does. Other people think their body is more important than God does. Whichever group we happen to be in, I want us to see our body in a completely different way than maybe we ever have before.
How you see your body will determine how you treat your body. Whether you ignore your body, adore your body, or abhor your body is not a physical issue, but a spiritual issue. So, over the next couple of days, we’re going to learn that living healthy is part of living holy, and we’re going to look at the words of Paul to see how we can live a healthy and holy life.
The first thing we need to realize is that as believers, we should do what is holy with our body. There is a reason why our body is called “a temple.” In the Bible, the temple was a place of worship. That means your body, if you are a follower of Jesus, is a place of worship. Since the Holy Spirit lives in our temple 24 hours a day, every waking moment of our body is to be a place where God is worshipped and honored.
Since my body is a temple where the Holy Spirit lives, then it stands to reason that I am to do whatever is holy with my body. When you live otherwise, you make up your mind that you never subject your body to anything that might be unholy.
Tomorrow we are going to look at two other things we need to do to live a healthy and holy life. But for now, I would challenge you to think about whether or not you are doing what is holy with your body. If you are, may God continue to bless those decisions and healthy habits. But if not, I hope you’ll spend some time and prayer and ask the Lord to refocus your mind and your heart on doing only holy things with your body so that you might honor Him and take care of the temple He has given you.
Dear Lord, thank you for this reminder from Paul in today’s key Scripture that my body is a temple. It is your dwelling place, and therefore I want to take good care of it. Help me to live in a way that I am only doing holy things with my body and am honoring you with my body every single day. In Jesus’ name, amen.
A Holy Body
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
People tend to go to two extremes with their body. Some people don’t think their body is as important as God does. Other people think their body is more important than God does. Whichever group we happen to be in, I want us to see our body in a completely different way than maybe we ever have before.
How you see your body will determine how you treat your body. Whether you ignore your body, adore your body, or abhor your body is not a physical issue, but a spiritual issue. So, over the next couple of days, we’re going to learn that living healthy is part of living holy, and we’re going to look at the words of Paul to see how we can live a healthy and holy life.
The first thing we need to realize is that as believers, we should do what is holy with our body. There is a reason why our body is called “a temple.” In the Bible, the temple was a place of worship. That means your body, if you are a follower of Jesus, is a place of worship. Since the Holy Spirit lives in our temple 24 hours a day, every waking moment of our body is to be a place where God is worshipped and honored.
Since my body is a temple where the Holy Spirit lives, then it stands to reason that I am to do whatever is holy with my body. When you live otherwise, you make up your mind that you never subject your body to anything that might be unholy.
Tomorrow we are going to look at two other things we need to do to live a healthy and holy life. But for now, I would challenge you to think about whether or not you are doing what is holy with your body. If you are, may God continue to bless those decisions and healthy habits. But if not, I hope you’ll spend some time and prayer and ask the Lord to refocus your mind and your heart on doing only holy things with your body so that you might honor Him and take care of the temple He has given you.
Dear Lord, thank you for this reminder from Paul in today’s key Scripture that my body is a temple. It is your dwelling place, and therefore I want to take good care of it. Help me to live in a way that I am only doing holy things with my body and am honoring you with my body every single day. In Jesus’ name, amen.
JULY 27, 2021
Life and Death
“So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27
As a pastor, I believe that God has a special place in His heart for mothers. Rather than just drop the Son of God onto planet Earth via a parachute or by another divine way, He brought Him into this world through the womb of a mother. That is the one thing we all have in common with Jesus. Personally, I believe that God brings life to the womb, and mothers bring life into the world. However, there is a lot of disagreement today surrounding that statement.
There are some topics that people just don’t like to talk about. This is one of them. In fact, many pastors are adamant in saying they will never address this subject from the pulpit. The elephant in the room is just too big. This topic is abortion. And I believe it is so important to the heart of God that we must talk about it.
This is not going to be your typical abortion message, though. I am not going to share the evils of abortion.
Instead, I want to share what the Bible says about life.
Allow me to pose a question. To what or to whom do we owe our existence? This is a question that, regardless of where you stand on the issue, deserves an answer. It is a valid question because the way you answer it will determine the value you put on all human life – both born or unborn. University of Washington Psychology Professor, David Barash, begins his class to 200 undergraduates every year in his course, Animal Behavior, with this declaration: “The more we know of evolution, the more unavoidable is the conclusion that living things, including human beings, are produced by a natural totally amoral process, with no indication of a benevolent controlling creator.”
I could disagree with many parts of this statement. But at the core, there is a complete misunderstanding of how we got here. Before God was anything else to mankind, He was our Creator…and what a wonderful one He was! When we hear the term, Pro-Life, most of us think about two things: abortion and politics. But I would like the re-frame the way you think about that term. Our Creator is pro-life in the purest sense.
In the beginning, God created the heavens, the earth, and all that would inhabit it. With the power of His voice He spoke the skies and oceans into existence. He filled them with birds and with fish. Then He told the waters to gather so that dry land appeared. Then He filled that land with green vegetation and all sorts of crawling creatures. Next He filled the earth with land animals. Then, He did something completely different…instead of speaking, He fashioned with His hands the first human being and then filled his lungs with His own holy breath. In His own image He made man and woman. God saw what He had made and called it very good.
The world God created was one teeming with life. There was no death in His original design. There were no carnivores. There was no bloodshed. Only life. What does this have to do with abortion? Everything. There is a Creator, God Almighty, who loves life. He creates each life intentionally with value and purpose. Abortion isn’t about politics…it is about life and death.
Dear God, I acknowledge that I owe my entire existence to You. I pray that that truth would impact how I see everything and how I live my life each day. Help me to never forget or take for granted all that You have done for me. In Jesus' name amen.
Life and Death
“So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27
As a pastor, I believe that God has a special place in His heart for mothers. Rather than just drop the Son of God onto planet Earth via a parachute or by another divine way, He brought Him into this world through the womb of a mother. That is the one thing we all have in common with Jesus. Personally, I believe that God brings life to the womb, and mothers bring life into the world. However, there is a lot of disagreement today surrounding that statement.
There are some topics that people just don’t like to talk about. This is one of them. In fact, many pastors are adamant in saying they will never address this subject from the pulpit. The elephant in the room is just too big. This topic is abortion. And I believe it is so important to the heart of God that we must talk about it.
This is not going to be your typical abortion message, though. I am not going to share the evils of abortion.
Instead, I want to share what the Bible says about life.
Allow me to pose a question. To what or to whom do we owe our existence? This is a question that, regardless of where you stand on the issue, deserves an answer. It is a valid question because the way you answer it will determine the value you put on all human life – both born or unborn. University of Washington Psychology Professor, David Barash, begins his class to 200 undergraduates every year in his course, Animal Behavior, with this declaration: “The more we know of evolution, the more unavoidable is the conclusion that living things, including human beings, are produced by a natural totally amoral process, with no indication of a benevolent controlling creator.”
I could disagree with many parts of this statement. But at the core, there is a complete misunderstanding of how we got here. Before God was anything else to mankind, He was our Creator…and what a wonderful one He was! When we hear the term, Pro-Life, most of us think about two things: abortion and politics. But I would like the re-frame the way you think about that term. Our Creator is pro-life in the purest sense.
In the beginning, God created the heavens, the earth, and all that would inhabit it. With the power of His voice He spoke the skies and oceans into existence. He filled them with birds and with fish. Then He told the waters to gather so that dry land appeared. Then He filled that land with green vegetation and all sorts of crawling creatures. Next He filled the earth with land animals. Then, He did something completely different…instead of speaking, He fashioned with His hands the first human being and then filled his lungs with His own holy breath. In His own image He made man and woman. God saw what He had made and called it very good.
The world God created was one teeming with life. There was no death in His original design. There were no carnivores. There was no bloodshed. Only life. What does this have to do with abortion? Everything. There is a Creator, God Almighty, who loves life. He creates each life intentionally with value and purpose. Abortion isn’t about politics…it is about life and death.
Dear God, I acknowledge that I owe my entire existence to You. I pray that that truth would impact how I see everything and how I live my life each day. Help me to never forget or take for granted all that You have done for me. In Jesus' name amen.
JULY 26, 2021
Setting the Mind
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2
Former President Woodrow Wilson once said, “He that will not command his thoughts will soon lose command of his actions.” There is an ongoing, invisible battle for the control of your mind. I hope you understand why you cannot afford to lose this battle. You cannot afford to let your children lose this battle.
We cannot afford for our families to lose this battle. Why is winning the battle for your mind so important?
The answer is because the only way, like President Wilson said, to stay in control of you, is to stay in control of your mind.
I’m sure there are many of you who feel like you are fighting a losing battle against your mind. Perhaps your mind is full of sinful thoughts, or you are plagued with thoughts of regret, guilt, anxiety, depression, or even suicide. Whatever you are battling in your mind, please know this: If you know Jesus, you are not fighting for victory – you are fighting from victory.
Jesus Christ has already won the war for your mind. Now, you must learn how to win this battle through Him. And here is more good news…you already have all the weapons you need. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 tells us that we have access to supernatural weapons…weapons that destroy mental strongholds and anything that is set against the knowledge of God. What an amazing truth!
The first step to winning this battle through Christ is by directing your mind to the right things. Colossians 3:2 simply says to set your mind on eternal things, not the temporary, earthly things that seek to hijack your thought life. That one little word, “set,” is so important. It reveals that you decide where your mind is set.
You determine the direction of your thoughts. In Christ, you have been given the power to allow or resist certain thoughts and ideas.
So when those negative or sinful thoughts creep into your head, resist them. Redirect your mind to the things of God. Sing the words to your favorite hymn or worship song, or have Scripture cards handy with your favorite verses written on them. Be ready to fight back, knowing that the war has already been won.
Dear Father, I want to set my mind on the things of eternity, not the things that are temporary on this earth. Please give me wisdom and discernment as I seek to have an eternal, kingdom-focused perspective. In Jesus' name, amen.
Setting the Mind
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2
Former President Woodrow Wilson once said, “He that will not command his thoughts will soon lose command of his actions.” There is an ongoing, invisible battle for the control of your mind. I hope you understand why you cannot afford to lose this battle. You cannot afford to let your children lose this battle.
We cannot afford for our families to lose this battle. Why is winning the battle for your mind so important?
The answer is because the only way, like President Wilson said, to stay in control of you, is to stay in control of your mind.
I’m sure there are many of you who feel like you are fighting a losing battle against your mind. Perhaps your mind is full of sinful thoughts, or you are plagued with thoughts of regret, guilt, anxiety, depression, or even suicide. Whatever you are battling in your mind, please know this: If you know Jesus, you are not fighting for victory – you are fighting from victory.
Jesus Christ has already won the war for your mind. Now, you must learn how to win this battle through Him. And here is more good news…you already have all the weapons you need. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 tells us that we have access to supernatural weapons…weapons that destroy mental strongholds and anything that is set against the knowledge of God. What an amazing truth!
The first step to winning this battle through Christ is by directing your mind to the right things. Colossians 3:2 simply says to set your mind on eternal things, not the temporary, earthly things that seek to hijack your thought life. That one little word, “set,” is so important. It reveals that you decide where your mind is set.
You determine the direction of your thoughts. In Christ, you have been given the power to allow or resist certain thoughts and ideas.
So when those negative or sinful thoughts creep into your head, resist them. Redirect your mind to the things of God. Sing the words to your favorite hymn or worship song, or have Scripture cards handy with your favorite verses written on them. Be ready to fight back, knowing that the war has already been won.
Dear Father, I want to set my mind on the things of eternity, not the things that are temporary on this earth. Please give me wisdom and discernment as I seek to have an eternal, kingdom-focused perspective. In Jesus' name, amen.
JULY 25, 2021
Thankfulness Leads to Good Change
Sometimes it seems the whole world is complaining. There is so much grumbling and murmuring and so little gratitude and appreciation. People complain about their job and their boss when they should be thankful to have regular work and appreciate the fact they are not living in a shelter for the homeless or standing in a food line. Many people would be thrilled to have that job, despite its imperfections. They would be more than willing to put up with a not-so-perfect boss in order to have a regular income, live in their own home, and cook their own food.
Maybe you need a better paying job or perhaps you have a boss who treats you unfairly. That is unfortunate, but the way out is not through complaining. Give God thanks tonight for every blessing He has given you.
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for Your Word. Help me to walk in victory thinking…and help me to never give up, even in my mind. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Thankfulness Leads to Good Change
Sometimes it seems the whole world is complaining. There is so much grumbling and murmuring and so little gratitude and appreciation. People complain about their job and their boss when they should be thankful to have regular work and appreciate the fact they are not living in a shelter for the homeless or standing in a food line. Many people would be thrilled to have that job, despite its imperfections. They would be more than willing to put up with a not-so-perfect boss in order to have a regular income, live in their own home, and cook their own food.
Maybe you need a better paying job or perhaps you have a boss who treats you unfairly. That is unfortunate, but the way out is not through complaining. Give God thanks tonight for every blessing He has given you.
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for Your Word. Help me to walk in victory thinking…and help me to never give up, even in my mind. In Jesus’ name, amen.
JULY 24, 2021
God Uses the Wicked
Genesis 50:15-21
At times ungodly people appear to triumph over the righteous, and it makes us scratch our heads, wondering why the Lord doesn’t intervene. But the truth is, He often uses the wicked to accomplish His purpose.
Joseph faced one hard-hearted individual after another during his life. His brothers sold him into slavery and had him shipped off to Egypt (Gen. 37:25-28). His master’s wife accused him of an unspeakable crime (Gen. 39:7-18). And even those he helped, like Pharaoh’s cupbearer, forgot about him (Gen. 40:23). But once the story of Joseph’s life was written in full, it was clear that everyone who harmed or neglected the young man contributed to God’s plan. The Lord used all the trials in bringing Joseph to power at the right moment to spare his family—who were the Messiah’s ancestors—from the effects of famine.
In our own life, we can see God’s actions only from the limited vantage point of our humanness. Often the
Lord’s goals and purposes are hidden from us until His plans come to fruition. We may wonder at the turns our life takes, but we can be certain God is sovereign over all the earth. The wicked may triumph for a season, but the final victory belongs to Christ and His righteous followers.
God Uses the Wicked
Genesis 50:15-21
At times ungodly people appear to triumph over the righteous, and it makes us scratch our heads, wondering why the Lord doesn’t intervene. But the truth is, He often uses the wicked to accomplish His purpose.
Joseph faced one hard-hearted individual after another during his life. His brothers sold him into slavery and had him shipped off to Egypt (Gen. 37:25-28). His master’s wife accused him of an unspeakable crime (Gen. 39:7-18). And even those he helped, like Pharaoh’s cupbearer, forgot about him (Gen. 40:23). But once the story of Joseph’s life was written in full, it was clear that everyone who harmed or neglected the young man contributed to God’s plan. The Lord used all the trials in bringing Joseph to power at the right moment to spare his family—who were the Messiah’s ancestors—from the effects of famine.
In our own life, we can see God’s actions only from the limited vantage point of our humanness. Often the
Lord’s goals and purposes are hidden from us until His plans come to fruition. We may wonder at the turns our life takes, but we can be certain God is sovereign over all the earth. The wicked may triumph for a season, but the final victory belongs to Christ and His righteous followers.
JULY 23, 2021
God Can Be Trusted
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)
Yesterday we talked about how testing is inevitable in our time on earth. There’s nothing we can do to fully escape being tested. But that doesn’t mean we can’t overcome temptation with the help of the Holy Spirit within us. So with yesterday’s devotion in mind, let’s continue talking about how to overcome the struggle of temptation.
Not only will we continue to be tested on this side of heaven, but we will be tempted as well. Paul is saying in today’s key passage that temptation is the oldest trick in the book. It comes with the territory. It is a part of everyone’s life. General temptation is common to everybody, and specific temptations are common to somebody. In fact, the Bible is full of every conceivable temptation that you can imagine and practically everybody struggled with it including some of the greatest people of the Bible: Abraham, Moses, David, Paul and even Jesus were all tempted.
There are people that get the idea that once you surrender your life to Christ temptation becomes a thing of the past. The truth of the matter is that when you truly decide you are going to get serious about Jesus, you will probably face more temptation and face temptation more than you ever did before you decided to become a follower of Christ.
Temptation is not removed when you become a Christ-follower. In fact, the moment you become a follower of Jesus, you become an enemy of Satan, and you get put on his most wanted list as public enemy #1.
But the good news is, even though I know I am going to be tempted, I also know that God can be trusted to make sure I will never face a temptation that is greater than my ability to handle it.
Jesus taught us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” When you pray that, God is faithful, and He will answer it. I saw a bumper sticker one time that said, “Lead me not into temptation – I can find it myself.” You don’t have to worry about finding temptation. Temptation will find you! But, when it does it will not be a temptation so strong that it gives you a beatdown you can’t resist. God can be trusted to lead you out when temptation tries to pull you in.
Dear Lord, even though testing and temptation are inevitable, I know that there is always victory to be found in you. Help me to remember that you can always be trusted to help me overcome any temptation that comes my way. In Jesus’ name, amen.
God Can Be Trusted
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)
Yesterday we talked about how testing is inevitable in our time on earth. There’s nothing we can do to fully escape being tested. But that doesn’t mean we can’t overcome temptation with the help of the Holy Spirit within us. So with yesterday’s devotion in mind, let’s continue talking about how to overcome the struggle of temptation.
Not only will we continue to be tested on this side of heaven, but we will be tempted as well. Paul is saying in today’s key passage that temptation is the oldest trick in the book. It comes with the territory. It is a part of everyone’s life. General temptation is common to everybody, and specific temptations are common to somebody. In fact, the Bible is full of every conceivable temptation that you can imagine and practically everybody struggled with it including some of the greatest people of the Bible: Abraham, Moses, David, Paul and even Jesus were all tempted.
There are people that get the idea that once you surrender your life to Christ temptation becomes a thing of the past. The truth of the matter is that when you truly decide you are going to get serious about Jesus, you will probably face more temptation and face temptation more than you ever did before you decided to become a follower of Christ.
Temptation is not removed when you become a Christ-follower. In fact, the moment you become a follower of Jesus, you become an enemy of Satan, and you get put on his most wanted list as public enemy #1.
But the good news is, even though I know I am going to be tempted, I also know that God can be trusted to make sure I will never face a temptation that is greater than my ability to handle it.
Jesus taught us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” When you pray that, God is faithful, and He will answer it. I saw a bumper sticker one time that said, “Lead me not into temptation – I can find it myself.” You don’t have to worry about finding temptation. Temptation will find you! But, when it does it will not be a temptation so strong that it gives you a beatdown you can’t resist. God can be trusted to lead you out when temptation tries to pull you in.
Dear Lord, even though testing and temptation are inevitable, I know that there is always victory to be found in you. Help me to remember that you can always be trusted to help me overcome any temptation that comes my way. In Jesus’ name, amen.
JULY 22, 2021
Yielding to the Holy Spirit --- Dr. Paul Chappell
1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
Every Christian receives the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation. It is not something that happens later on after we have started to grow in grace or reach a certain level in the Christian life. He is there from the beginning. Yet while every believer has that anointing and powerful presence, not every believer lives from day to day under the filling and control of the Holy Spirit. This is not something just for preachers or missionaries or other Christian workers, but for everyone who is part of God's family. A. W. Tozer said, “The Spirit-filled life is not a special, deluxe edition of Christianity. It is part and parcel of the total plan of God for His people.”
The Holy Spirit never leaves us. His presence is the assurance that our eternal destiny is settled. But our choices determine the extent to which He is in control of our lives. There is a constant battle taking place between the new nature and the fleshly nature we had at birth. We are not passive bystanders or observers to that battle. We have a responsibility to yield the control of our lives to the Holy Spirit and follow His direction. There is no way for us to fulfill God's purpose otherwise.
The ultimate direction of our lives is determined by who controls us. Paul asked, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16). As we yield to the direction and control of the Holy Spirit, we will produce His fruit in our lives and accomplish the work God has given us to do.
Today's Growth Principle: The power of the Holy Spirit is only displayed in the lives of those who have yielded control to Him.
Yielding to the Holy Spirit --- Dr. Paul Chappell
1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
Every Christian receives the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation. It is not something that happens later on after we have started to grow in grace or reach a certain level in the Christian life. He is there from the beginning. Yet while every believer has that anointing and powerful presence, not every believer lives from day to day under the filling and control of the Holy Spirit. This is not something just for preachers or missionaries or other Christian workers, but for everyone who is part of God's family. A. W. Tozer said, “The Spirit-filled life is not a special, deluxe edition of Christianity. It is part and parcel of the total plan of God for His people.”
The Holy Spirit never leaves us. His presence is the assurance that our eternal destiny is settled. But our choices determine the extent to which He is in control of our lives. There is a constant battle taking place between the new nature and the fleshly nature we had at birth. We are not passive bystanders or observers to that battle. We have a responsibility to yield the control of our lives to the Holy Spirit and follow His direction. There is no way for us to fulfill God's purpose otherwise.
The ultimate direction of our lives is determined by who controls us. Paul asked, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16). As we yield to the direction and control of the Holy Spirit, we will produce His fruit in our lives and accomplish the work God has given us to do.
Today's Growth Principle: The power of the Holy Spirit is only displayed in the lives of those who have yielded control to Him.
JULY 21,2021
Guarding the Mind
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
There is a battle that starts the moment you reach the point where you can begin to think on your own.
Once that battle starts, it is never over until you take your last breath. It is the battle for mind control. Your mind is like a castle…like a stronghold or a fort, which is constantly under attack. In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, certain words like war, weapons, fight, stronghold, and captives leap off the page. Indeed, you are in a war; and it is against the assault on your mind.
Why is the mind the bull’s eye of this war? Why is it so powerful? The answer is quite simple. Whatever controls your mind controls you. Your mind is the control center of who you are. Our belief determines our behavior. We live what we truly believe…the rest is just talk. The mind is the key that unlocks your heart, your hands, and your habits.
The world, the flesh, and Satan want to put any barrier they can between your mind and the knowledge of God. This is why we must be extremely discerning and careful about what we see, hear, and where we go.
Be careful what you see at the movie theater. Be careful what you allow to come through your television screen. Be careful to the kind of music you listen to. Be careful about the places you go. In your mind, you ought to have a guard that stands at the door of your brain 24 hours a day…who lets nothing go into that brain except what God would approve and what you know will bring you closer to Him.
Dear Lord, I want to be intentional about guarding my mind so that I am not allowing unholy thoughts and ideas to take root. Please give me the wisdom and the discipline to do so, so that even my thoughts bring honor and glory to you. In Jesus' name, amen.
Guarding the Mind
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
There is a battle that starts the moment you reach the point where you can begin to think on your own.
Once that battle starts, it is never over until you take your last breath. It is the battle for mind control. Your mind is like a castle…like a stronghold or a fort, which is constantly under attack. In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, certain words like war, weapons, fight, stronghold, and captives leap off the page. Indeed, you are in a war; and it is against the assault on your mind.
Why is the mind the bull’s eye of this war? Why is it so powerful? The answer is quite simple. Whatever controls your mind controls you. Your mind is the control center of who you are. Our belief determines our behavior. We live what we truly believe…the rest is just talk. The mind is the key that unlocks your heart, your hands, and your habits.
The world, the flesh, and Satan want to put any barrier they can between your mind and the knowledge of God. This is why we must be extremely discerning and careful about what we see, hear, and where we go.
Be careful what you see at the movie theater. Be careful what you allow to come through your television screen. Be careful to the kind of music you listen to. Be careful about the places you go. In your mind, you ought to have a guard that stands at the door of your brain 24 hours a day…who lets nothing go into that brain except what God would approve and what you know will bring you closer to Him.
Dear Lord, I want to be intentional about guarding my mind so that I am not allowing unholy thoughts and ideas to take root. Please give me the wisdom and the discipline to do so, so that even my thoughts bring honor and glory to you. In Jesus' name, amen.
JULY 20, 2021
Guiding the Mind
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
There is an invisible war raging at all times. It is not primarily a physical battle, but a spiritual one. It is not even just a moral battle, but also a mental one. It is a war that is in the mind, of the mind, and for the mind. According to 2 Corinthians 10:5, this battle is all about knowledge, thoughts, pretensions, and arguments. It is the war for the Christian mind.
The first thing that God changes once you become a follower of Jesus is not just your heart, but also your mind. Before you come to Jesus, your mind is enemy-held territory. Colossians 1:21 says, “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.” When you become a follower of Jesus, God moves in and takes control over your soul, your heart, your body, and your mind. He wants to guide you in your mind and thoughts. He wants to not only direct you in how you live, but in how you think.
As a follower of Christ, you are going to live in one of two ways. Either your mind is going to guide you in how you think and how you live, or, you are going to guide your mind in how it thinks, and therefore how you live. You have to guide your mind in where it can go and where it can’t, where it can stay and where it can’t, and where it can live and where it can’t.
So how do you make sure that you are guiding your mind? The answer is by taking control of your thought life and making it obedient to Christ. This means subjecting all of your thinking to the truth that is found in Christ alone. The more you saturate your mind with the things of Christ, the more you will guide your mind in the way that pleases and honors Him.
Dear Lord, thank you for this reminder of what a pivotal role my mind plays in my walk with you. Please help me to live a life where I guide my mind, rather than a life where my mind is guiding me. Help me to be diligent and intentional about dwelling in your presence and meditating on your truth so that my mind will be aligned with you. In Jesus' name, amen.
Guiding the Mind
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
There is an invisible war raging at all times. It is not primarily a physical battle, but a spiritual one. It is not even just a moral battle, but also a mental one. It is a war that is in the mind, of the mind, and for the mind. According to 2 Corinthians 10:5, this battle is all about knowledge, thoughts, pretensions, and arguments. It is the war for the Christian mind.
The first thing that God changes once you become a follower of Jesus is not just your heart, but also your mind. Before you come to Jesus, your mind is enemy-held territory. Colossians 1:21 says, “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.” When you become a follower of Jesus, God moves in and takes control over your soul, your heart, your body, and your mind. He wants to guide you in your mind and thoughts. He wants to not only direct you in how you live, but in how you think.
As a follower of Christ, you are going to live in one of two ways. Either your mind is going to guide you in how you think and how you live, or, you are going to guide your mind in how it thinks, and therefore how you live. You have to guide your mind in where it can go and where it can’t, where it can stay and where it can’t, and where it can live and where it can’t.
So how do you make sure that you are guiding your mind? The answer is by taking control of your thought life and making it obedient to Christ. This means subjecting all of your thinking to the truth that is found in Christ alone. The more you saturate your mind with the things of Christ, the more you will guide your mind in the way that pleases and honors Him.
Dear Lord, thank you for this reminder of what a pivotal role my mind plays in my walk with you. Please help me to live a life where I guide my mind, rather than a life where my mind is guiding me. Help me to be diligent and intentional about dwelling in your presence and meditating on your truth so that my mind will be aligned with you. In Jesus' name, amen.
JULY 19, 2021
Pathway to Freedom
“Jesus answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind…” Luke 10:27
There is a worldwide epidemic that is destroying countless lives and families. The statistics are not pretty.
Annually, pornography is a $97 billion global business. In the United States alone it tops $13 billion. It brings in more money than the NFL, NBA, and Major League Baseball combined; and pornographic Internet sites get more monthly visitors than Netflix, Amazon, and Twitter combined!
This is not just an adult epidemic, either. Research puts the first exposure to pornography, on average, at 11 years old for boys. The largest consumer category of Internet pornography is 12-17-year-old boys. By college, according to a survey of more than 800 students, 90% of men and one-third of women had viewed porn in the preceding year.
You may be wondering why I am so openly addressing the pornography epidemic. The reason is that many Christians wrongly assume this sin problem is “out there,” but it is not. This sewage of smut has infiltrated the plumbing of the Church. Fifty-seven percent of pastors admit they either do or have struggled with this secret sin; and 27% of Christian men admit having visited pornographic sites at least once or twice in the last month. Pornography has become a big elephant in the room.
My purpose here is not to convince you that pornography is a real problem, or even to convince you that it is harmful. Instead, I want to share a positive message with you. I believe there is a path to freedom from this addictive sin…and what most people don’t seem to understand is that this pathway is not just through the heart, but also through the mind. You see, pornography is not just a moral problem; it is a mental problem.
Research has shown that consistent exposure to pornographic images actually rewires the brain. In the anatomy of the human body, the brain is command central. Every action, response, and impulse originates from the brain. It is not just a mental organ; it is a spiritual organ because our thoughts have spiritual components as well.
You cannot separate the spiritual from the mental, the emotional from the physical, because they are all woven together. That is why Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart” (spiritual) “with all of your strength” (physical) “and with all of your mind” (mental). Control of the mind is imperative in freedom from pornography. This begins not with more will power, but with loving God with everything that we are…spiritually, physically, and mentally.
Dear Lord, I want nothing more than to live a life striving to love You with all of your heart, strength, and mind. I pray that you would give me freedom from anyone or anything that is keeping me from living that kind of life, and that you would break any chains of idolatry that are holding me back. In Jesus' name, amen.
Pathway to Freedom
“Jesus answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind…” Luke 10:27
There is a worldwide epidemic that is destroying countless lives and families. The statistics are not pretty.
Annually, pornography is a $97 billion global business. In the United States alone it tops $13 billion. It brings in more money than the NFL, NBA, and Major League Baseball combined; and pornographic Internet sites get more monthly visitors than Netflix, Amazon, and Twitter combined!
This is not just an adult epidemic, either. Research puts the first exposure to pornography, on average, at 11 years old for boys. The largest consumer category of Internet pornography is 12-17-year-old boys. By college, according to a survey of more than 800 students, 90% of men and one-third of women had viewed porn in the preceding year.
You may be wondering why I am so openly addressing the pornography epidemic. The reason is that many Christians wrongly assume this sin problem is “out there,” but it is not. This sewage of smut has infiltrated the plumbing of the Church. Fifty-seven percent of pastors admit they either do or have struggled with this secret sin; and 27% of Christian men admit having visited pornographic sites at least once or twice in the last month. Pornography has become a big elephant in the room.
My purpose here is not to convince you that pornography is a real problem, or even to convince you that it is harmful. Instead, I want to share a positive message with you. I believe there is a path to freedom from this addictive sin…and what most people don’t seem to understand is that this pathway is not just through the heart, but also through the mind. You see, pornography is not just a moral problem; it is a mental problem.
Research has shown that consistent exposure to pornographic images actually rewires the brain. In the anatomy of the human body, the brain is command central. Every action, response, and impulse originates from the brain. It is not just a mental organ; it is a spiritual organ because our thoughts have spiritual components as well.
You cannot separate the spiritual from the mental, the emotional from the physical, because they are all woven together. That is why Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart” (spiritual) “with all of your strength” (physical) “and with all of your mind” (mental). Control of the mind is imperative in freedom from pornography. This begins not with more will power, but with loving God with everything that we are…spiritually, physically, and mentally.
Dear Lord, I want nothing more than to live a life striving to love You with all of your heart, strength, and mind. I pray that you would give me freedom from anyone or anything that is keeping me from living that kind of life, and that you would break any chains of idolatry that are holding me back. In Jesus' name, amen.
JULY 18, 2021
Winning the Battle Against Unbelief
Doubt, as I've said, raises questions. It makes us ask, "Did God really say ...?" "Does the Word really mean ...?" Doubt is often the devil's entry point into our minds. Just such simple, easy questions are enough to give Satan a place to attack.
Unbelief is far worse than doubt. Doubt brings in the question, but unbelief is the result. I've watched Satan launch his attacks on Christians by first posing a question and then causing that question to bring doubt.
The triumph of sin in the Garden of Eden began just that way. Satan said to Eve, Can it really be that God has said, you shall not eat from every tree of the garden? (Genesis 3:1 AMPC). That's subtle. Satan doesn't fight with God or argue with the Bible. He just raises a question and allows our minds to do the rest.
When the question comes in such a simple way, the obvious answer must be, "Well, He didn't really mean..." With that reaction, Satan has established a stronghold in your mind, and it takes little for him to move you from there to a total lack of belief.
I've spoken with people who were led astray in just such a way They started out as faithful, committed followers of Jesus Christ. But as Satan planted doubt and unbelief in their hearts, they turned their backs on spiritual things. One man said, "I was simple and naive in those days. I believed anything I heard. I know better now." Satan robbed him of his faith and, in the process, stole his joy and hope.
I am familiar with this battle. Because of my ministry, some people think I have everything all worked out and never have to battle for my faith. I can tell you that no Christian reaches that place this side of heaven.
As soon as we let our guard down, even in the slightest, Satan sneaks up behind us and starts whispering his lies to us.
That may be the reason the story of Abraham is such an encouragement to me. When I have my battles with faith and taking God totally at His Word, I often go back and read Romans 4. The example of that godly man is absolutely amazing to me. In the natural, everything appeared to be against God's promises to Abraham.
I'm sure Abraham's friends laughed when he said, God will give me a son. Satan's scoffers must have been in place every day, but Abraham stood the test. The Bible says, He did not weaken in faith ... but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God (Romans 4:19-20 AMPC). I love that statement.
After the Holy Spirit called me into ministry, I was elated and humbled. I thought, Who am I that God should call me? I could think of hundreds of reasons why anyone but Joyce Meyer should be used by God. But I believed in His call, and I had no doubt-not then.
In the months after the call, however, things moved more slowly than I wanted. More times than I can count, I found myself meditating on Abraham and God's promises to him. If a human being like Abraham could believe and not stagger with unbelief, why couldn't Joyce Meyer? I fought the battles, and with God's grace, I won. That's how it is each time-a fresh battle and a new and joyous victory.
Prayer Starter: Lord, I thank You for Abraham's example. Help me to push aside the devil's advances by totally trusting You and standing on Your promises for my life-even if no one else stands with me. In Jesus' name, I ask. Amen.
Winning the Battle Against Unbelief
Doubt, as I've said, raises questions. It makes us ask, "Did God really say ...?" "Does the Word really mean ...?" Doubt is often the devil's entry point into our minds. Just such simple, easy questions are enough to give Satan a place to attack.
Unbelief is far worse than doubt. Doubt brings in the question, but unbelief is the result. I've watched Satan launch his attacks on Christians by first posing a question and then causing that question to bring doubt.
The triumph of sin in the Garden of Eden began just that way. Satan said to Eve, Can it really be that God has said, you shall not eat from every tree of the garden? (Genesis 3:1 AMPC). That's subtle. Satan doesn't fight with God or argue with the Bible. He just raises a question and allows our minds to do the rest.
When the question comes in such a simple way, the obvious answer must be, "Well, He didn't really mean..." With that reaction, Satan has established a stronghold in your mind, and it takes little for him to move you from there to a total lack of belief.
I've spoken with people who were led astray in just such a way They started out as faithful, committed followers of Jesus Christ. But as Satan planted doubt and unbelief in their hearts, they turned their backs on spiritual things. One man said, "I was simple and naive in those days. I believed anything I heard. I know better now." Satan robbed him of his faith and, in the process, stole his joy and hope.
I am familiar with this battle. Because of my ministry, some people think I have everything all worked out and never have to battle for my faith. I can tell you that no Christian reaches that place this side of heaven.
As soon as we let our guard down, even in the slightest, Satan sneaks up behind us and starts whispering his lies to us.
That may be the reason the story of Abraham is such an encouragement to me. When I have my battles with faith and taking God totally at His Word, I often go back and read Romans 4. The example of that godly man is absolutely amazing to me. In the natural, everything appeared to be against God's promises to Abraham.
I'm sure Abraham's friends laughed when he said, God will give me a son. Satan's scoffers must have been in place every day, but Abraham stood the test. The Bible says, He did not weaken in faith ... but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God (Romans 4:19-20 AMPC). I love that statement.
After the Holy Spirit called me into ministry, I was elated and humbled. I thought, Who am I that God should call me? I could think of hundreds of reasons why anyone but Joyce Meyer should be used by God. But I believed in His call, and I had no doubt-not then.
In the months after the call, however, things moved more slowly than I wanted. More times than I can count, I found myself meditating on Abraham and God's promises to him. If a human being like Abraham could believe and not stagger with unbelief, why couldn't Joyce Meyer? I fought the battles, and with God's grace, I won. That's how it is each time-a fresh battle and a new and joyous victory.
Prayer Starter: Lord, I thank You for Abraham's example. Help me to push aside the devil's advances by totally trusting You and standing on Your promises for my life-even if no one else stands with me. In Jesus' name, I ask. Amen.
JULY 17, 2021
The High Cost of Wavering Faith
Deuteronomy 1:19-46
God has called believers to walk by faith, trusting Him and His Word in every situation. But sometimes, like the people in today’s passage, we start to doubt the Lord and His ability to do what He has said. So let’s learn from the Israelites who suffered 40 years of wandering in the wilderness because of their unbelief.
They ...
• Listened to the wrong voices. Instead of trusting God, they believed the bad report of some of the spies (Num. 13:25-33). To walk obediently with the Lord, we need to guard against the influence of those who don’t recognize His greatness.
• Relied on human perspective. The Israelites focused on the obstacles rather than the power of God. When we choose to trust the Lord despite the seeming impossibilities, we’ll discover He is bigger than any obstacle.
• Let feelings overcome faith. Emotions constantly fluctuate, but the facts about God never change. So instead of making decisions out of fear, let’s rely on what we know about the Lord.
Unbelief often results in aimless wandering and decisions we come to regret. But when we courageously trust God and His Word, we will find fulfillment in His purpose.
The High Cost of Wavering Faith
Deuteronomy 1:19-46
God has called believers to walk by faith, trusting Him and His Word in every situation. But sometimes, like the people in today’s passage, we start to doubt the Lord and His ability to do what He has said. So let’s learn from the Israelites who suffered 40 years of wandering in the wilderness because of their unbelief.
They ...
• Listened to the wrong voices. Instead of trusting God, they believed the bad report of some of the spies (Num. 13:25-33). To walk obediently with the Lord, we need to guard against the influence of those who don’t recognize His greatness.
• Relied on human perspective. The Israelites focused on the obstacles rather than the power of God. When we choose to trust the Lord despite the seeming impossibilities, we’ll discover He is bigger than any obstacle.
• Let feelings overcome faith. Emotions constantly fluctuate, but the facts about God never change. So instead of making decisions out of fear, let’s rely on what we know about the Lord.
Unbelief often results in aimless wandering and decisions we come to regret. But when we courageously trust God and His Word, we will find fulfillment in His purpose.
JULY 16, 2021
Pray Diligently
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2
In this age of political unrest, I think there is one thing we would all agree on…we would just like to see some peace and quiet in our country. Don’t you find yourself asking the question sometimes, “Can’t we all just get along?” Do you think the United States would be better off, and things would be better in general, if everybody just lived peaceful and quiet lives?
The Apostle Paul said the way that we can lead peaceful, quiet lives in godliness and holiness is by praying for our leaders. Notice in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 that he puts prayer first. Before you do anything else for your leaders, pray for them. Most of the time, what we do first is criticize our leaders. The time has come to ask ourselves, “How has that worked out for us to criticize and blame our leaders?” Are things getting better?
Are the important changes being made? Maybe part of the problem is that we don’t pray for our leaders like we should.
If what this passage says is true, if we pray for our leaders as much as we criticize them, we might have better leaders and a better government. There are times we should criticize and complain, but I believe that one hour of prayer might do a lot more good than two hours of criticism.
You might be thinking, “I didn’t vote for some of these leaders and I don’t like them. I don’t even support these leaders.” That is all right. You don’t have to vote for them, like them, or support them in order to pray for them. In fact, let me issue this challenge: The more you dislike or disagree with a leader may mean the more you should pray for that leader. Your prayers might change things, or they might not. But your prayers will definitely change you...your attitude and how you relate to others.
Dear Lord, I know it is so easy to criticize our nation's leaders, but I ask that you would give me a heart to pray for them more than I complain about them. You are still in control at the end of the day, and they need your help just like we all do. Please remind me of that truth each day. In Jesus' name, amen.
Pray Diligently
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2
In this age of political unrest, I think there is one thing we would all agree on…we would just like to see some peace and quiet in our country. Don’t you find yourself asking the question sometimes, “Can’t we all just get along?” Do you think the United States would be better off, and things would be better in general, if everybody just lived peaceful and quiet lives?
The Apostle Paul said the way that we can lead peaceful, quiet lives in godliness and holiness is by praying for our leaders. Notice in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 that he puts prayer first. Before you do anything else for your leaders, pray for them. Most of the time, what we do first is criticize our leaders. The time has come to ask ourselves, “How has that worked out for us to criticize and blame our leaders?” Are things getting better?
Are the important changes being made? Maybe part of the problem is that we don’t pray for our leaders like we should.
If what this passage says is true, if we pray for our leaders as much as we criticize them, we might have better leaders and a better government. There are times we should criticize and complain, but I believe that one hour of prayer might do a lot more good than two hours of criticism.
You might be thinking, “I didn’t vote for some of these leaders and I don’t like them. I don’t even support these leaders.” That is all right. You don’t have to vote for them, like them, or support them in order to pray for them. In fact, let me issue this challenge: The more you dislike or disagree with a leader may mean the more you should pray for that leader. Your prayers might change things, or they might not. But your prayers will definitely change you...your attitude and how you relate to others.
Dear Lord, I know it is so easy to criticize our nation's leaders, but I ask that you would give me a heart to pray for them more than I complain about them. You are still in control at the end of the day, and they need your help just like we all do. Please remind me of that truth each day. In Jesus' name, amen.
JULY 15, 2021 Abiding --- Dr. Paul Chappell
1 John 2:24 --- Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
The Christian life is a marathon rather than a sprint. Jesus told a parable about the different kinds of soil that produced a different response when the same seed was sown into them. “Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away” (Matthew 13:5-6). The seed in the stony ground initially looked like it would produce a rich harvest as the plants grew quickly. But because the seedlings that sprung up were not well rooted, they shriveled away when the heat of the sun fell on them.
The thing we need is not a dramatic new teaching or doctrine, but rather a commitment to abiding in the way we have already been taught. While we should certainly continue to grow and develop as Christians, becoming more mature and Christlike, we do that not by seeking something beyond what we have been given by God, but by dwelling in it. Every day the Word of God should be filling our hearts and minds. A Christian who only receives spiritual food once or twice a week cannot expect to be healthy and fruitful.
When we abide in the Scriptures daily and allow them to abide in us, we have every reason to expect success in the Christian life. Jesus promised, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7). There is a power and effectiveness that comes from a believer spending time in the Word that cannot come from any other source.
We must be abiding in the truth day after day to stay on the right path.
1 John 2:24 --- Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
The Christian life is a marathon rather than a sprint. Jesus told a parable about the different kinds of soil that produced a different response when the same seed was sown into them. “Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away” (Matthew 13:5-6). The seed in the stony ground initially looked like it would produce a rich harvest as the plants grew quickly. But because the seedlings that sprung up were not well rooted, they shriveled away when the heat of the sun fell on them.
The thing we need is not a dramatic new teaching or doctrine, but rather a commitment to abiding in the way we have already been taught. While we should certainly continue to grow and develop as Christians, becoming more mature and Christlike, we do that not by seeking something beyond what we have been given by God, but by dwelling in it. Every day the Word of God should be filling our hearts and minds. A Christian who only receives spiritual food once or twice a week cannot expect to be healthy and fruitful.
When we abide in the Scriptures daily and allow them to abide in us, we have every reason to expect success in the Christian life. Jesus promised, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7). There is a power and effectiveness that comes from a believer spending time in the Word that cannot come from any other source.
We must be abiding in the truth day after day to stay on the right path.
JULY 8, 2021
Knowing God’s Love
Ephesians 3:8-21
One of the first things children learn in Sunday school is that Jesus loves them, and they are quick to believe it. But as we get older, the hardships and disappointments of life may cause us to doubt this truth.
We wonder how a gracious God could allow the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, a financial crisis, or a painful terminal illness.
But we cannot judge God’s love on the basis of circumstances. Hardship is a certainty in life (John 16:33), and it does not reflect the depth, breadth, and height of God’s love for us. This is why Paul urged the Ephesians not to let his tribulations discourage them (Eph. 3:13)—he knew those hardships were part of God’s plan. And the same is true for every believer. Through our trials, God works powerfully within us to do more than we can perceive or imagine (Eph. 3:20).
The Lord wants you to believe that His love for you is steadfast—and that it can ground you in the difficult seasons of life. Are you seeking to grow in your comprehension of His love? The more you dwell on divine grace, the more firmly you’ll stand during trials. Begin by asking God to give you a deeper understanding as you mediate on His love as described in His Word.
Knowing God’s Love
Ephesians 3:8-21
One of the first things children learn in Sunday school is that Jesus loves them, and they are quick to believe it. But as we get older, the hardships and disappointments of life may cause us to doubt this truth.
We wonder how a gracious God could allow the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, a financial crisis, or a painful terminal illness.
But we cannot judge God’s love on the basis of circumstances. Hardship is a certainty in life (John 16:33), and it does not reflect the depth, breadth, and height of God’s love for us. This is why Paul urged the Ephesians not to let his tribulations discourage them (Eph. 3:13)—he knew those hardships were part of God’s plan. And the same is true for every believer. Through our trials, God works powerfully within us to do more than we can perceive or imagine (Eph. 3:20).
The Lord wants you to believe that His love for you is steadfast—and that it can ground you in the difficult seasons of life. Are you seeking to grow in your comprehension of His love? The more you dwell on divine grace, the more firmly you’ll stand during trials. Begin by asking God to give you a deeper understanding as you mediate on His love as described in His Word.
JULY 7, 2021
Respect and Revere
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3
Have you ever heard the phrase, “The elephant in the room?” According to the Urban Dictionary, it means, “A very large issue that everyone is acutely aware of, but nobody wants to talk about.” There are some topics that people just don’t like to discuss. In the context of church, some of these topics are even more taboo. In fact, Urban Dictionary goes on to say, “Perhaps a sore spot, perhaps politically incorrect, or perhaps a political hot potato is something that no one wants to touch with a ten-foot pole.”
I think most of us would agree that politics has become the elephant in the room. I don’t have to tell you how the last presidential election brought out a lot of heated ideas about how a Christian should or should not vote. Within the Body of Christ there are Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, and Independents. To even talk about politics and a Christian’s relationship to politics these days is a path froth with danger, because it is almost always a no-win situation.
What is the relation of God and government? What is the relationship between the political and the spiritual? The answer does matter, because Jesus addressed this very topic in one of the most revolutionary statements that ever came from His lips. Only Jesus, in one statement, could define for us how to relate to government, God, and how to keep both in their proper place. What Jesus tells us is something we all should be able to agree on regardless of our political affiliations or opinions.
But first, some background on Jesus’ statement. In Matthew 22:15-17, a group of Pharisees and Herodians came to question Jesus. They asked Him, “Tell us, then, what is Your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” Both of these groups hated Jesus. By asking Him this question, they were attempting to trap Him. They asked Him the most politically inflammatory, controversial question in 1st Century Israel.
What they really meant was, “Should people pay taxes and support an idolatrous, pagan government and an emperor who claimed to be God?” In His response, Jesus helps us to answer the question of how we as the people of God can come together on politics. Notice I didn’t say agree on every political issue, but rather come together and not allow our differences to divide us.
Jesus answered in verse 21, “…Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” This was a revolutionary statement because the first half recognized the rights of government, but the second half of this statement restricted the rights of government. We are to respect the government. We are to revere God. Many people – even Christ followers – have gotten that backwards.
Revering God is what is most important. When we revere Him, it will affect our politics. Our reverence for God will influence how we vote, where we stand on different issues, how we speak about these issues, and – perhaps most importantly is these politically charged days – how to treat others whose beliefs and opinions differ from our own. Respect government; but revere God. That is something on which we should all be able to agree.
Dear Lord, in a world where politics is such a tough topic with so much division, I pray that I would be more concerned with talking about Jesus and the gospel than I am about my political affiliation. Please give me wisdom as I prioritize what I talk about and how I speak to others in regards to my faith and how that faith affects other areas of my life. In Jesus' name, amen.
Respect and Revere
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3
Have you ever heard the phrase, “The elephant in the room?” According to the Urban Dictionary, it means, “A very large issue that everyone is acutely aware of, but nobody wants to talk about.” There are some topics that people just don’t like to discuss. In the context of church, some of these topics are even more taboo. In fact, Urban Dictionary goes on to say, “Perhaps a sore spot, perhaps politically incorrect, or perhaps a political hot potato is something that no one wants to touch with a ten-foot pole.”
I think most of us would agree that politics has become the elephant in the room. I don’t have to tell you how the last presidential election brought out a lot of heated ideas about how a Christian should or should not vote. Within the Body of Christ there are Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, and Independents. To even talk about politics and a Christian’s relationship to politics these days is a path froth with danger, because it is almost always a no-win situation.
What is the relation of God and government? What is the relationship between the political and the spiritual? The answer does matter, because Jesus addressed this very topic in one of the most revolutionary statements that ever came from His lips. Only Jesus, in one statement, could define for us how to relate to government, God, and how to keep both in their proper place. What Jesus tells us is something we all should be able to agree on regardless of our political affiliations or opinions.
But first, some background on Jesus’ statement. In Matthew 22:15-17, a group of Pharisees and Herodians came to question Jesus. They asked Him, “Tell us, then, what is Your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” Both of these groups hated Jesus. By asking Him this question, they were attempting to trap Him. They asked Him the most politically inflammatory, controversial question in 1st Century Israel.
What they really meant was, “Should people pay taxes and support an idolatrous, pagan government and an emperor who claimed to be God?” In His response, Jesus helps us to answer the question of how we as the people of God can come together on politics. Notice I didn’t say agree on every political issue, but rather come together and not allow our differences to divide us.
Jesus answered in verse 21, “…Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” This was a revolutionary statement because the first half recognized the rights of government, but the second half of this statement restricted the rights of government. We are to respect the government. We are to revere God. Many people – even Christ followers – have gotten that backwards.
Revering God is what is most important. When we revere Him, it will affect our politics. Our reverence for God will influence how we vote, where we stand on different issues, how we speak about these issues, and – perhaps most importantly is these politically charged days – how to treat others whose beliefs and opinions differ from our own. Respect government; but revere God. That is something on which we should all be able to agree.
Dear Lord, in a world where politics is such a tough topic with so much division, I pray that I would be more concerned with talking about Jesus and the gospel than I am about my political affiliation. Please give me wisdom as I prioritize what I talk about and how I speak to others in regards to my faith and how that faith affects other areas of my life. In Jesus' name, amen.
JULY 6, 2021
Sweet Spot
“The end of all things is near. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:7-9
If you know anything about sports or you are involved in business, you understand the importance of a sweet spot. I love to play golf. I learned early on that the sweet spot is what golfers call the most efficient part of the golf club face. You can swing the club the same way, with the same speed, but a shot that hits the sweet spot will travel much further and straighter than a shot that misses the sweet spot.
Likewise, the most successful companies are those who have found what is called, “a strategic sweet spot.” In a crowded market, this sweet spot sets them apart and gives them a distinct advantage over their competitors. These companies know their wheelhouse, understand their core strengths, and they use those to a maximum advantage to make the greatest impact possible.
Life is the same way. You will maximize your fulfillment in life, your enjoyment of life, and your impact with life when you find your sweet spot. Biblically speaking, that sweet spot is defined in one word – serving.
Jesus was in His sweet spot when He was serving others. When Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding, fed 5,000 people by turning a few loaves and fish into a banquet, sat down in the dirt and let children play with Him, stopped everything He was doing to minister to one woman who had a physical illness, and ultimately died on the cross, He was in His sweet spot serving others.
What Jesus came to earth to do – to serve – He has left us on earth to do. In 1 Peter 4:7-9, Peter is giving words of instruction to a church and specifically telling what they need to do in the time they have left on this earth. His words apply just as much to us today. We are to be serving God by serving one another.
If you want to know whether or not you are in your sweet spot, ask yourself these three questions: 1) Where am I serving? 2) Who am I serving? 3) When am I serving?
Dear Lord, it is so important that I take the time to answer the three questions above. I pray that as I meditate on these questions that you would make it clear to me where I can grow when it comes to serving you and serving others so that I might be faithful to you. In Jesus' name, amen.
Sweet Spot
“The end of all things is near. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:7-9
If you know anything about sports or you are involved in business, you understand the importance of a sweet spot. I love to play golf. I learned early on that the sweet spot is what golfers call the most efficient part of the golf club face. You can swing the club the same way, with the same speed, but a shot that hits the sweet spot will travel much further and straighter than a shot that misses the sweet spot.
Likewise, the most successful companies are those who have found what is called, “a strategic sweet spot.” In a crowded market, this sweet spot sets them apart and gives them a distinct advantage over their competitors. These companies know their wheelhouse, understand their core strengths, and they use those to a maximum advantage to make the greatest impact possible.
Life is the same way. You will maximize your fulfillment in life, your enjoyment of life, and your impact with life when you find your sweet spot. Biblically speaking, that sweet spot is defined in one word – serving.
Jesus was in His sweet spot when He was serving others. When Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding, fed 5,000 people by turning a few loaves and fish into a banquet, sat down in the dirt and let children play with Him, stopped everything He was doing to minister to one woman who had a physical illness, and ultimately died on the cross, He was in His sweet spot serving others.
What Jesus came to earth to do – to serve – He has left us on earth to do. In 1 Peter 4:7-9, Peter is giving words of instruction to a church and specifically telling what they need to do in the time they have left on this earth. His words apply just as much to us today. We are to be serving God by serving one another.
If you want to know whether or not you are in your sweet spot, ask yourself these three questions: 1) Where am I serving? 2) Who am I serving? 3) When am I serving?
Dear Lord, it is so important that I take the time to answer the three questions above. I pray that as I meditate on these questions that you would make it clear to me where I can grow when it comes to serving you and serving others so that I might be faithful to you. In Jesus' name, amen.
JULY 5, 2021
Inside and Out ---Dr. Paul Chappell
Matthew 12:33-35 --- Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
Maybe you've seen the Peanuts cartoon I came across. Lucy is talking to Charlie Brown. With an angry expression she declares, “I hate everything. I hate everybody. I hate the whole wide world!” Charlie Brown replied, “But I thought you had inner peace.” Lucy then said, “I do have inner peace. But I still have outer obnoxiousness.” There are a lot of people whose lives display a contradiction between what they say they are on the inside and how they appear on the outside. The two are supposed to match. Those who observe our lives should see a consistent, continuing reflection of the love of God. “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be” (James 3:10).
While it is possible for people to deceive others for a time, eventually the type of “tree” we are will be revealed by the fruit that we bear. There is no way for an evil tree to bear good fruit. The overflow of what is in our hearts will eventually come out in our words and our actions. The only way to produce good words and good works is to have a good heart. But that is beyond our ability to achieve on our own. We must have divine help. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26).
Today's Growth Principle: Does what others see in your life clearly display the power of God at work within?
Inside and Out ---Dr. Paul Chappell
Matthew 12:33-35 --- Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
Maybe you've seen the Peanuts cartoon I came across. Lucy is talking to Charlie Brown. With an angry expression she declares, “I hate everything. I hate everybody. I hate the whole wide world!” Charlie Brown replied, “But I thought you had inner peace.” Lucy then said, “I do have inner peace. But I still have outer obnoxiousness.” There are a lot of people whose lives display a contradiction between what they say they are on the inside and how they appear on the outside. The two are supposed to match. Those who observe our lives should see a consistent, continuing reflection of the love of God. “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be” (James 3:10).
While it is possible for people to deceive others for a time, eventually the type of “tree” we are will be revealed by the fruit that we bear. There is no way for an evil tree to bear good fruit. The overflow of what is in our hearts will eventually come out in our words and our actions. The only way to produce good words and good works is to have a good heart. But that is beyond our ability to achieve on our own. We must have divine help. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26).
Today's Growth Principle: Does what others see in your life clearly display the power of God at work within?
JULY 4, 2021
Demonstrate Forgiveness
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)
As you read the end of the fourth chapter of Ephesians, you can see that Paul tells us to forgive others as Christ forgave you. It is a simply profound statement and a profoundly simple statement all at the same time.
The basic reason why you ought to be a forgiving person is because you are a forgiven person. Only forgiven people are really motivated to forgive. You forgive because you are forgiven. You are forgiven because Jesus Christ died and was raised from the dead so you could be forgiven.
You will never be able to forgive someone else until you remember how God has forgiven you for what you have done to Him. You will never forgive anyone if you always focus on the one who has hurt you. You will only forgive the one who has hurt you if you begin to focus on the one who died for you.
That is the motivation of forgiveness, but what is the method? How are we to forgive? How has God forgiven us? God forgives us freely. Jesus Christ didn’t charge us anything when He died for us. He didn’t extract a pound of flesh. He didn’t take His revenge first. He didn’t say, “Pay me what you owe me.” He didn’t say, “Clean up your life and get it together and then I’ll die for you.” He died for us so that we could be forgiven freely. The way He forgives us is the way we are to forgive others – freely with no strings attached, no fine print at the bottom of the contract and no conditions.
Dear Lord, thank you for offering me forgiveness free of charge. It is a gift I don’t deserve, so thank you for your grace and mercy. I pray that you would help me to forgive others in the same way, with a gracious and merciful heart, so that I might become more like you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Demonstrate Forgiveness
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)
As you read the end of the fourth chapter of Ephesians, you can see that Paul tells us to forgive others as Christ forgave you. It is a simply profound statement and a profoundly simple statement all at the same time.
The basic reason why you ought to be a forgiving person is because you are a forgiven person. Only forgiven people are really motivated to forgive. You forgive because you are forgiven. You are forgiven because Jesus Christ died and was raised from the dead so you could be forgiven.
You will never be able to forgive someone else until you remember how God has forgiven you for what you have done to Him. You will never forgive anyone if you always focus on the one who has hurt you. You will only forgive the one who has hurt you if you begin to focus on the one who died for you.
That is the motivation of forgiveness, but what is the method? How are we to forgive? How has God forgiven us? God forgives us freely. Jesus Christ didn’t charge us anything when He died for us. He didn’t extract a pound of flesh. He didn’t take His revenge first. He didn’t say, “Pay me what you owe me.” He didn’t say, “Clean up your life and get it together and then I’ll die for you.” He died for us so that we could be forgiven freely. The way He forgives us is the way we are to forgive others – freely with no strings attached, no fine print at the bottom of the contract and no conditions.
Dear Lord, thank you for offering me forgiveness free of charge. It is a gift I don’t deserve, so thank you for your grace and mercy. I pray that you would help me to forgive others in the same way, with a gracious and merciful heart, so that I might become more like you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
JULY 3, 2021
The Importance of Forgiving Quickly
Love forgives; it does not hold a grudge. It is not touchy, easily offended, nor is it fretful or resentful. Some people get their feelings hurt about everything. It is very difficult to be in a relationship with people like this. We have many opportunities every day to get offended; each time we must make a choice. If we choose to live by our feelings, we will never succeed in this all-important facet of love.
If we don't forgive quickly, but instead keep records of how others have hurt us, sooner or later the list will get so long that we can no longer be in relationship with these people. That kind of resentment is a part of what causes many divorces. If we can learn this important facet of love and abide by it, we'll save ourselves—and others—tremendous pain and damage to our relationships.
By keeping records of things that others have done to offend us, we fill ourselves up with poison. Bitterness makes our life attitude, words and thoughts bitter. Drop it, leave it and let it go, is what the Amplified Bible says we are to do with offenses (Mark 11:25). it is important to forgive quickly. The quicker we do it, the easier it is.
Let's begin to behave as if we believe the Bible. In it, God tells us repeatedly what to do about those who offend us: love them, pray for them, bless them.
Prayer Starter: Lord Jesus, help me to forgive and forget quickly and not hold grudges or keep records of offenses. Only You can help me make this change, in the name of Jesus, amen!
The Importance of Forgiving Quickly
Love forgives; it does not hold a grudge. It is not touchy, easily offended, nor is it fretful or resentful. Some people get their feelings hurt about everything. It is very difficult to be in a relationship with people like this. We have many opportunities every day to get offended; each time we must make a choice. If we choose to live by our feelings, we will never succeed in this all-important facet of love.
If we don't forgive quickly, but instead keep records of how others have hurt us, sooner or later the list will get so long that we can no longer be in relationship with these people. That kind of resentment is a part of what causes many divorces. If we can learn this important facet of love and abide by it, we'll save ourselves—and others—tremendous pain and damage to our relationships.
By keeping records of things that others have done to offend us, we fill ourselves up with poison. Bitterness makes our life attitude, words and thoughts bitter. Drop it, leave it and let it go, is what the Amplified Bible says we are to do with offenses (Mark 11:25). it is important to forgive quickly. The quicker we do it, the easier it is.
Let's begin to behave as if we believe the Bible. In it, God tells us repeatedly what to do about those who offend us: love them, pray for them, bless them.
Prayer Starter: Lord Jesus, help me to forgive and forget quickly and not hold grudges or keep records of offenses. Only You can help me make this change, in the name of Jesus, amen!
JULY 2, 2021
Patience and Trust
Psalm 37:3-8
Trusting in the Lord is easy when life is pleasant and running smoothly. However, when circumstances are not as we desire, our confidence in God can become shaky. Yet even in difficult times, He guides us and helps us through.
God wants us to cultivate faithfulness to Him in every circumstance. To do this, we must commit to His way instead of getting frustrated or trying to manipulate things to get our desired outcome. While it would be easy for us to become anxious or angry with our situation, God wants His children to rest in Him with a peaceful spirit. That is possible when we confidently believe He’s in control and will arrange things for our good and His glory.
Then we are to patiently wait for His perfect will to unfold. Even if we cannot see any changes taking place, God is at work in us and in our situation. Our task is to keep our focus on Jesus and faithfully continue doing whatever He has given us to accomplish at present. In the end, delays give us a chance to develop Christlike character and show the world what Jesus’ transforming power can bring about in those who belong to Him.
Patience and Trust
Psalm 37:3-8
Trusting in the Lord is easy when life is pleasant and running smoothly. However, when circumstances are not as we desire, our confidence in God can become shaky. Yet even in difficult times, He guides us and helps us through.
God wants us to cultivate faithfulness to Him in every circumstance. To do this, we must commit to His way instead of getting frustrated or trying to manipulate things to get our desired outcome. While it would be easy for us to become anxious or angry with our situation, God wants His children to rest in Him with a peaceful spirit. That is possible when we confidently believe He’s in control and will arrange things for our good and His glory.
Then we are to patiently wait for His perfect will to unfold. Even if we cannot see any changes taking place, God is at work in us and in our situation. Our task is to keep our focus on Jesus and faithfully continue doing whatever He has given us to accomplish at present. In the end, delays give us a chance to develop Christlike character and show the world what Jesus’ transforming power can bring about in those who belong to Him.
JULY 1, 2021
Only One Way --- Dr. Paul Chappell
1 John 2:23 --- Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
Surveys show that religious pluralism—the idea that there are multiple, equally-correct ways to know God and have eternal life—is becoming increasingly widespread in our society. Many people have swallowed the lie that it doesn't matter what people believe because as long as they are sincere in their faith, God will accept them. That thought may be comforting to those who do not want to acknowledge the divinity of Jesus Christ and His exclusive offer of salvation, but it is tragically wrong. Believing this lie means they will reject their only chance of salvation.
Jesus made it clear that there was no other way to reach Heaven than by faith in Him. “Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture” (John 10:7-9). Everyone who offers an alternative means of salvation is directing people toward Hell rather than Heaven.
The doctrine that salvation is through Jesus Christ alone is not popular, but it is true. There is no other way—no good works, no alternate belief system, no religious affiliation, no heritage—by which sinful men can come to a holy God. The more our society rejects this truth, the more firmly we must hold to it. There is no compromise or accommodation that we can make so that the message becomes more acceptable because any such change destroys the message. And changing the gospel brings judgment on both those who hear the false message and those who spread it. “As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:9).
Today's Growth Principle: We must hold fast to the message that Jesus Christ is the only way and hope of salvation.
Only One Way --- Dr. Paul Chappell
1 John 2:23 --- Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
Surveys show that religious pluralism—the idea that there are multiple, equally-correct ways to know God and have eternal life—is becoming increasingly widespread in our society. Many people have swallowed the lie that it doesn't matter what people believe because as long as they are sincere in their faith, God will accept them. That thought may be comforting to those who do not want to acknowledge the divinity of Jesus Christ and His exclusive offer of salvation, but it is tragically wrong. Believing this lie means they will reject their only chance of salvation.
Jesus made it clear that there was no other way to reach Heaven than by faith in Him. “Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture” (John 10:7-9). Everyone who offers an alternative means of salvation is directing people toward Hell rather than Heaven.
The doctrine that salvation is through Jesus Christ alone is not popular, but it is true. There is no other way—no good works, no alternate belief system, no religious affiliation, no heritage—by which sinful men can come to a holy God. The more our society rejects this truth, the more firmly we must hold to it. There is no compromise or accommodation that we can make so that the message becomes more acceptable because any such change destroys the message. And changing the gospel brings judgment on both those who hear the false message and those who spread it. “As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:9).
Today's Growth Principle: We must hold fast to the message that Jesus Christ is the only way and hope of salvation.
JUNE 30, 2021
Arm in Arm
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47
I love that statement, “The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” How was that happening? What were all of those people doing both inside those home churches and outside of them?
They were shining their light. They were worshipping together, walking together, and witnessing together.
The early church did not wait for Sunday to grow in their faith. They were growing every day of the week as they lived life in community with one another. People were being saved every day.
God has eternally existed in a group. There has always been one God, but there have been three persons in that Godhead. It is not a coincidence that Jesus began His ministry by starting a group of 12 disciples. He spent the vast majority of His time in that group. I am encouraging you to do what Jesus did – live your life in a small group of fellow believers. There is not one Christian anywhere that does not need to be in a community group, because we all need to worship together, walk together, and witness together.
Jackie Robinson was the first African-American to play baseball in the Major Leagues. He faced unbelievable hostility in every stadium where he played. On May 13, 1947, the Brooklyn Dodgers were playing in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the booing, racial epithets, and jeering were completely over the top. He was standing at second base being humiliated as the “Boos!” were raining down on him. Looking down, totally miserable, and without saying a word, short stop Pee Wee Reese went over and stood next to him. He put his arm around Robinson and started scanning the crowd. The fans grew quiet. Robinson later said that that arm around his shoulder literally saved his career.
The Christian life is lived in a world that is hostile to the Gospel, to Jesus, and to biblical truth. We don’t have to go at it alone. Jesus left heaven and came to earth and died on a cross, so He could put His arms around our shoulders and forgive us of our sin. We need to do the same for one another. We must link arm to arm with one another as we walk through life together.
Dear God, when life gets hard and my circumstances get discouraging, I pray that would you show me your love and comfort through the other believers you've placed in my life. Help my brothers and sisters in Christ to come around me when things get tough so that I don't have to face it all alone. In Jesus' name, amen.
Arm in Arm
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47
I love that statement, “The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” How was that happening? What were all of those people doing both inside those home churches and outside of them?
They were shining their light. They were worshipping together, walking together, and witnessing together.
The early church did not wait for Sunday to grow in their faith. They were growing every day of the week as they lived life in community with one another. People were being saved every day.
God has eternally existed in a group. There has always been one God, but there have been three persons in that Godhead. It is not a coincidence that Jesus began His ministry by starting a group of 12 disciples. He spent the vast majority of His time in that group. I am encouraging you to do what Jesus did – live your life in a small group of fellow believers. There is not one Christian anywhere that does not need to be in a community group, because we all need to worship together, walk together, and witness together.
Jackie Robinson was the first African-American to play baseball in the Major Leagues. He faced unbelievable hostility in every stadium where he played. On May 13, 1947, the Brooklyn Dodgers were playing in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the booing, racial epithets, and jeering were completely over the top. He was standing at second base being humiliated as the “Boos!” were raining down on him. Looking down, totally miserable, and without saying a word, short stop Pee Wee Reese went over and stood next to him. He put his arm around Robinson and started scanning the crowd. The fans grew quiet. Robinson later said that that arm around his shoulder literally saved his career.
The Christian life is lived in a world that is hostile to the Gospel, to Jesus, and to biblical truth. We don’t have to go at it alone. Jesus left heaven and came to earth and died on a cross, so He could put His arms around our shoulders and forgive us of our sin. We need to do the same for one another. We must link arm to arm with one another as we walk through life together.
Dear God, when life gets hard and my circumstances get discouraging, I pray that would you show me your love and comfort through the other believers you've placed in my life. Help my brothers and sisters in Christ to come around me when things get tough so that I don't have to face it all alone. In Jesus' name, amen.
JUNE 29, 2021
Together
“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” Acts 2:44-45
Look at how the early Christians lived their lives in devotion to one another. Acts 2:44 says that they, “Were together and had everything in common.” Do you see those two words, “were together?” They did everything together. They went to the temple together, gathered in homes together, ate meals together, worshipped together, and prayed together. They literally and physically made it through life together. That is one amazing picture of early Christianity!
Every believer said the same thing: “What’s mine is yours.” Understand, this was not Communism. It was not forced. This was not Socialism. What do I call this? It was “Loving God-ism,” because their generosity to one another was rooted in their deep love for Jesus. Because they had already given to God what they had, it was no big deal to give to others, as there was need.
How were they able to love each other so tangibly? It is because they had really gotten to know each other.
Because they got to know each other, they had grown to love each other. Because they had grown to love each other, they were willing to give to each other what the other needed. You will never get that type of community in one hour in a worship center. You will never find that attending church one-hour a week. You will only experience real fellowship and true friendship in community groups.
There are two things that you can get and give in a community group that you can’t get and give anywhere else. The first is accountability and the second is encouragement. You cannot continuously miss a community group without people calling on you, checking on you, and making sure you are all right. You can’t hide in a group and you can’t run from a group. This is the place to share tough times and struggles. It is the place to rejoice in the good times and victories.
The Christian life is a walk and it was never meant to be a lonely one. It was meant to be a journey with both God and with other people. Just as Jesus walked together, literally and physically and not just spiritually, with a group for three years, so should you.
Dear Lord, I realize how important it is to have accountability and encouragement in my life. I pray that you would help to prioritize being in community so that I can experience all of the blessings that come with it. In Jesus' name, amen.
Together
“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” Acts 2:44-45
Look at how the early Christians lived their lives in devotion to one another. Acts 2:44 says that they, “Were together and had everything in common.” Do you see those two words, “were together?” They did everything together. They went to the temple together, gathered in homes together, ate meals together, worshipped together, and prayed together. They literally and physically made it through life together. That is one amazing picture of early Christianity!
Every believer said the same thing: “What’s mine is yours.” Understand, this was not Communism. It was not forced. This was not Socialism. What do I call this? It was “Loving God-ism,” because their generosity to one another was rooted in their deep love for Jesus. Because they had already given to God what they had, it was no big deal to give to others, as there was need.
How were they able to love each other so tangibly? It is because they had really gotten to know each other.
Because they got to know each other, they had grown to love each other. Because they had grown to love each other, they were willing to give to each other what the other needed. You will never get that type of community in one hour in a worship center. You will never find that attending church one-hour a week. You will only experience real fellowship and true friendship in community groups.
There are two things that you can get and give in a community group that you can’t get and give anywhere else. The first is accountability and the second is encouragement. You cannot continuously miss a community group without people calling on you, checking on you, and making sure you are all right. You can’t hide in a group and you can’t run from a group. This is the place to share tough times and struggles. It is the place to rejoice in the good times and victories.
The Christian life is a walk and it was never meant to be a lonely one. It was meant to be a journey with both God and with other people. Just as Jesus walked together, literally and physically and not just spiritually, with a group for three years, so should you.
Dear Lord, I realize how important it is to have accountability and encouragement in my life. I pray that you would help to prioritize being in community so that I can experience all of the blessings that come with it. In Jesus' name, amen.
JUNE 28, 2021
Who Am I?
Psalm 68:19 (TLB) --- What a glorious Lord! He who daily bears our burdens also gives us our salvation.
Edward Dahlberg, the writer, observed, “At 19, I was a stranger to myself. At 40, I asked, ‘Who am I?’ At 50, I concluded I would never know.” This unexplored personal wilderness is the home of millions of people.
Ninety-two percent of all Canadian university students, according to June Callwood, the Toronto sociologist, don’t really know who they are. The Bible says that man is an immortal soul. When God made man in the first place, He created him and “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7). One’s soul is the essence, the core, the eternal and real person. And he will be restless until he opens his life to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Prayer for the day --- Almighty God, knowing I am Your child is all the assurance I need.
Who Am I?
Psalm 68:19 (TLB) --- What a glorious Lord! He who daily bears our burdens also gives us our salvation.
Edward Dahlberg, the writer, observed, “At 19, I was a stranger to myself. At 40, I asked, ‘Who am I?’ At 50, I concluded I would never know.” This unexplored personal wilderness is the home of millions of people.
Ninety-two percent of all Canadian university students, according to June Callwood, the Toronto sociologist, don’t really know who they are. The Bible says that man is an immortal soul. When God made man in the first place, He created him and “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7). One’s soul is the essence, the core, the eternal and real person. And he will be restless until he opens his life to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Prayer for the day --- Almighty God, knowing I am Your child is all the assurance I need.
JUNE 27, 2021
Feel Good Attitudes
Our thoughts are the raw materials for our attitudes. It isn't possible for us to treat people in a loving, kind, godly way if we think unloving, unkind, ungodly thoughts about them. Good attitudes are fed and kept alive by good thoughts. Bad attitudes are fed and kept alive by bad thoughts.
We can have good attitudes, or we can have bad attitudes; it's our choice. We can't just wait for a good attitude to show up; we have to decide what kind of attitude we are going to have. Choose to have a godly attitude in all circumstances. Say out loud, "My attitude is my choice."
Prayer Starter: Lord Jesus, please help me choose good attitudes and show me when I’m heading toward negative attitudes and bad choices. I give You praise for all these things. Amen.
Feel Good Attitudes
Our thoughts are the raw materials for our attitudes. It isn't possible for us to treat people in a loving, kind, godly way if we think unloving, unkind, ungodly thoughts about them. Good attitudes are fed and kept alive by good thoughts. Bad attitudes are fed and kept alive by bad thoughts.
We can have good attitudes, or we can have bad attitudes; it's our choice. We can't just wait for a good attitude to show up; we have to decide what kind of attitude we are going to have. Choose to have a godly attitude in all circumstances. Say out loud, "My attitude is my choice."
Prayer Starter: Lord Jesus, please help me choose good attitudes and show me when I’m heading toward negative attitudes and bad choices. I give You praise for all these things. Amen.
JUNE 26, 2021
How to Know You’re Growing
Ephesians 4:11-16
We all want to grow in our faith, but how can we measure progress toward spiritual maturity? Here’s a short list of benchmarks to look for. We know it’s spiritual fruit when:
We become increasingly aware of our sinfulness and weakness. When I read biographies of godly men and women, it’s clear that they don’t “get better” with age and spiritual maturity. Instead, they become ever more sensitive to their dependence upon the Lord.
We respond to sin with quick repentance. Failure to deal with sin is rebellion against God. Growing believers turn away from wrongdoing and embrace righteousness. As we begin to see the good results of dependence and repentance, our desire to obey intensifies, and the attraction of sin lessens.
We recognize the potential benefit of struggles. Faith is often developed through hardship. So we’ll see maturity in our relationship with God when we view trials and temptations as opportunities for growth.
But remember, the list above is just a starting point. Spending time in the Word and in prayer is the best way to get closer to Jesus. And be assured that no matter what, for those who wait on God and trust in Him, He acts in their behalf (Isa. 64:4).
How to Know You’re Growing
Ephesians 4:11-16
We all want to grow in our faith, but how can we measure progress toward spiritual maturity? Here’s a short list of benchmarks to look for. We know it’s spiritual fruit when:
We become increasingly aware of our sinfulness and weakness. When I read biographies of godly men and women, it’s clear that they don’t “get better” with age and spiritual maturity. Instead, they become ever more sensitive to their dependence upon the Lord.
We respond to sin with quick repentance. Failure to deal with sin is rebellion against God. Growing believers turn away from wrongdoing and embrace righteousness. As we begin to see the good results of dependence and repentance, our desire to obey intensifies, and the attraction of sin lessens.
We recognize the potential benefit of struggles. Faith is often developed through hardship. So we’ll see maturity in our relationship with God when we view trials and temptations as opportunities for growth.
But remember, the list above is just a starting point. Spending time in the Word and in prayer is the best way to get closer to Jesus. And be assured that no matter what, for those who wait on God and trust in Him, He acts in their behalf (Isa. 64:4).
JUNE 25, 2021
Seeking Restoration
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’” (Matthew 18:15-16)
Yesterday we talked about confronting someone who hurt you as the first aspect of extending forgiveness towards others. Today, I want us to look at two more things we need to be willing to do if we want to forgive others well.
First, we must be willing to confront privately. Confrontation is for the purpose of rescue, not retribution.
You are not trying to win an argument; you are trying to win a brother. You are not trying to avenge a wrong. You are trying to restore a relationship.
The way to restore a relationship that has been ruined or ruptured is to go to the right person and there is only one right person and that is the person who has done wrong. This is important, because whenever conflict occurs, we need to learn keep the circle of people involved a small as possible for as long as possible. If someone hurts you and you go to any other person, before you go to that person, you’ve gone to the wrong person.
Finally, we must be willing to confront patiently. Sometimes, when you try to make things right on your own, things don’t go the way you thought. This is when you might need to take some people with you, according to Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness.
When you take other people with you to try to seek redemption in a relationship with someone, you are showing the person you are not on a personal vendetta. You are showing this person how serious you are about restoring a relationship. The other reason is if the person still refuses to listen, then you have other people that confirm that not only have you done the right thing – that it is not your fault, but the person who is at fault still has fault.
Bringing other people along brings both objectivity – they are not emotionally involved as you are, and they bring accountability to both parties. And not only that, but it shows you’re not giving up on the person or the relationship. Just because the first confrontation didn’t go well doesn’t mean you’re throwing in the towel, you’re being patient because you care about the person, and that’s what matters.
Seeking Restoration
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’” (Matthew 18:15-16)
Yesterday we talked about confronting someone who hurt you as the first aspect of extending forgiveness towards others. Today, I want us to look at two more things we need to be willing to do if we want to forgive others well.
First, we must be willing to confront privately. Confrontation is for the purpose of rescue, not retribution.
You are not trying to win an argument; you are trying to win a brother. You are not trying to avenge a wrong. You are trying to restore a relationship.
The way to restore a relationship that has been ruined or ruptured is to go to the right person and there is only one right person and that is the person who has done wrong. This is important, because whenever conflict occurs, we need to learn keep the circle of people involved a small as possible for as long as possible. If someone hurts you and you go to any other person, before you go to that person, you’ve gone to the wrong person.
Finally, we must be willing to confront patiently. Sometimes, when you try to make things right on your own, things don’t go the way you thought. This is when you might need to take some people with you, according to Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness.
When you take other people with you to try to seek redemption in a relationship with someone, you are showing the person you are not on a personal vendetta. You are showing this person how serious you are about restoring a relationship. The other reason is if the person still refuses to listen, then you have other people that confirm that not only have you done the right thing – that it is not your fault, but the person who is at fault still has fault.
Bringing other people along brings both objectivity – they are not emotionally involved as you are, and they bring accountability to both parties. And not only that, but it shows you’re not giving up on the person or the relationship. Just because the first confrontation didn’t go well doesn’t mean you’re throwing in the towel, you’re being patient because you care about the person, and that’s what matters.
JUNE 24, 2021
Forgiving Others
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (Matthew 18:21-22)
How do you repair a relationship when you are not the one who ruptured it? Today, we are going to begin answering that tough question. What do you do when you are not the one that needs to get forgiveness, but the one who needs to give forgiveness?
For many of us, that is going to be a tough thing to do, because it is easier to seek forgiveness than it is to show forgiveness. It is easier to ask for it than it is to give it. C.S. Lewis wisely said, “Everybody thinks forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive.” When someone has offended us, someone has hurt us, someone has sinned against us, and it is their fault, we need to know what God has to say about why we are the ones that should take the first step and how we are to do it.
So today, I want us to take a look at the first aspect of extending forgiveness, and then tomorrow we’ll look at two more aspects.
First, when someone has hurt us, we must be willing to confront them personally. When somebody offends you there is one of two was you can deal with it. You can overlook it, or you can confront it. And while there are times it’s best to just overlook an issue, there are also times when confrontation is necessary.
When we have an issue with someone that needs to be addressed, we are to go to them to address us. We don’t have the right not to confront someone that has sinned against us. Even though you are not the one who broke it, Jesus said you are the one who should take the initiative to try and fix it.
Understand that when someone hurts you, offends you, or sins against you, you don’t think about it. You don’t pray about it, and you don’t talk about it. You go to that person personally and tell them. So if you find yourself in that kind of situation today, I pray that you will take the initiative to confront the person who hurt you so that you can begin the process of extending forgiveness.
Dear Lord, I don’t want to keep brushing things under the rug when people have hurt me. I know that healing can’t come if the wound isn’t exposed. So please give me the courage and the grace to confront the one who’s hurt me so that we can make progress towards redemption. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Forgiving Others
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (Matthew 18:21-22)
How do you repair a relationship when you are not the one who ruptured it? Today, we are going to begin answering that tough question. What do you do when you are not the one that needs to get forgiveness, but the one who needs to give forgiveness?
For many of us, that is going to be a tough thing to do, because it is easier to seek forgiveness than it is to show forgiveness. It is easier to ask for it than it is to give it. C.S. Lewis wisely said, “Everybody thinks forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive.” When someone has offended us, someone has hurt us, someone has sinned against us, and it is their fault, we need to know what God has to say about why we are the ones that should take the first step and how we are to do it.
So today, I want us to take a look at the first aspect of extending forgiveness, and then tomorrow we’ll look at two more aspects.
First, when someone has hurt us, we must be willing to confront them personally. When somebody offends you there is one of two was you can deal with it. You can overlook it, or you can confront it. And while there are times it’s best to just overlook an issue, there are also times when confrontation is necessary.
When we have an issue with someone that needs to be addressed, we are to go to them to address us. We don’t have the right not to confront someone that has sinned against us. Even though you are not the one who broke it, Jesus said you are the one who should take the initiative to try and fix it.
Understand that when someone hurts you, offends you, or sins against you, you don’t think about it. You don’t pray about it, and you don’t talk about it. You go to that person personally and tell them. So if you find yourself in that kind of situation today, I pray that you will take the initiative to confront the person who hurt you so that you can begin the process of extending forgiveness.
Dear Lord, I don’t want to keep brushing things under the rug when people have hurt me. I know that healing can’t come if the wound isn’t exposed. So please give me the courage and the grace to confront the one who’s hurt me so that we can make progress towards redemption. In Jesus’ name, amen.
JUNE 23,2021
Responding to Hate --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Matthew 5:44-46 --- But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
Born into slavery in Virginia, Booker T. Washington was nine years old when the Civil War ended and his family was freed. Throughout his life, he dealt with discrimination and opposition, struggling to find acceptance and a way forward. Despite all that he endured, Washington refused to abandon his faith in God or his determination to treat others properly. He said, “I will not permit any man to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him.”
We sometimes are tempted to use the actions of others or of society as a whole as an excuse for our own bad behavior. But Jesus calls us to a better way of living. Our heart attitude toward others does not have to be dictated by their treatment of us. Even the worst people we know who treat us horribly and say awful things about us are to be loved rather than hated. If we allow ourselves to become bitter toward our enemies, we are failing to show them Christian love and the example of Jesus, and we are damaging our own spiritual health.
While it may be satisfying to let someone have a piece of our mind or to condemn those who oppose us, they are instead to be loved and even pitied. Jesus pointed out that God does not reserve the blessings of the natural world just for His children, but freely gives them to all. In the same manner, we are to demonstrate grace and mercy even to our enemies.
Today's Growth Principle: The way we treat those who hate us reveals a great deal about the depth of our obedience to God.
Responding to Hate --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Matthew 5:44-46 --- But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
Born into slavery in Virginia, Booker T. Washington was nine years old when the Civil War ended and his family was freed. Throughout his life, he dealt with discrimination and opposition, struggling to find acceptance and a way forward. Despite all that he endured, Washington refused to abandon his faith in God or his determination to treat others properly. He said, “I will not permit any man to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him.”
We sometimes are tempted to use the actions of others or of society as a whole as an excuse for our own bad behavior. But Jesus calls us to a better way of living. Our heart attitude toward others does not have to be dictated by their treatment of us. Even the worst people we know who treat us horribly and say awful things about us are to be loved rather than hated. If we allow ourselves to become bitter toward our enemies, we are failing to show them Christian love and the example of Jesus, and we are damaging our own spiritual health.
While it may be satisfying to let someone have a piece of our mind or to condemn those who oppose us, they are instead to be loved and even pitied. Jesus pointed out that God does not reserve the blessings of the natural world just for His children, but freely gives them to all. In the same manner, we are to demonstrate grace and mercy even to our enemies.
Today's Growth Principle: The way we treat those who hate us reveals a great deal about the depth of our obedience to God.
JUNE 22, 2021
Two Missions
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1
The most common term used by the world to describe people of the Christian faith is the word, “Christian.”
Jesus never used that term to describe His followers. In fact, it is surprising to many to learn that the term “Christian” is used only three times in the New Testament. The number one term used for followers of Jesus, by far, used over 250 times is the word, “disciple.” That is the term that Jesus used the most and that term both describes who we are as believers and what we are to do as believers. Jesus wants everyone to become His disciple; and then He wants every disciple to become a disciple maker.
Jesus has given His Church two missions: To evangelize – that is to share the Gospel and to invite other people to become disciples, and then to equip these new followers to make disciples of others. We are to point people to Jesus. We are to share the Gospel. We are to share our own stories of how we came to follow Christ. We are to explain to people why every person is a sinner who needs a Savior, and that Savior is Jesus.
Once a person becomes a follower of Jesus, that is not the end of his Christian life – it is just the beginning.
Then, he is to grow as a disciple and make disciples.
That term, make disciples, can be overwhelming if we do not understand what it means. However, there are some simple questions we can continually be asking ourselves that will help ensure we are both growing as disciples and making disciples of others. The first question is: Do I have a spiritual birth certificate? I do not mean a physical piece of paper, but rather the assurance that you have been born again. There must be a time in your life when you realized you were a sinner who needed a Savior and you trusted in Christ. You believe He died on the cross and came back from the dead and you surrendered your life to Him as your Lord and your Savior. At that moment, God adopts you into His family and you become a disciple.
The second question is: Is my flashlight on? Jesus, who is the light of the world, comes to live in every disciple. That is why He said in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world.” Our job is to shine the light of the Gospel of Jesus to others that they, too, may come out of spiritual darkness and into the light of God’s love.
Disciples and disciple-makers…this is our calling. This is our purpose in life. Whether at work, at home, or in our other relationships and activities, our mission is to shine the light that God has placed within us so that we may say, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”
Dear Lord, I am asking you that this week you would give me specific opportunities to have conversations with people who don't know you so that I might point them to Christ and encourage them to take a step towards knowing you. Please give me those chances and help me to seize the opportunities as they come. In Jesus' name, amen.
Two Missions
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1
The most common term used by the world to describe people of the Christian faith is the word, “Christian.”
Jesus never used that term to describe His followers. In fact, it is surprising to many to learn that the term “Christian” is used only three times in the New Testament. The number one term used for followers of Jesus, by far, used over 250 times is the word, “disciple.” That is the term that Jesus used the most and that term both describes who we are as believers and what we are to do as believers. Jesus wants everyone to become His disciple; and then He wants every disciple to become a disciple maker.
Jesus has given His Church two missions: To evangelize – that is to share the Gospel and to invite other people to become disciples, and then to equip these new followers to make disciples of others. We are to point people to Jesus. We are to share the Gospel. We are to share our own stories of how we came to follow Christ. We are to explain to people why every person is a sinner who needs a Savior, and that Savior is Jesus.
Once a person becomes a follower of Jesus, that is not the end of his Christian life – it is just the beginning.
Then, he is to grow as a disciple and make disciples.
That term, make disciples, can be overwhelming if we do not understand what it means. However, there are some simple questions we can continually be asking ourselves that will help ensure we are both growing as disciples and making disciples of others. The first question is: Do I have a spiritual birth certificate? I do not mean a physical piece of paper, but rather the assurance that you have been born again. There must be a time in your life when you realized you were a sinner who needed a Savior and you trusted in Christ. You believe He died on the cross and came back from the dead and you surrendered your life to Him as your Lord and your Savior. At that moment, God adopts you into His family and you become a disciple.
The second question is: Is my flashlight on? Jesus, who is the light of the world, comes to live in every disciple. That is why He said in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world.” Our job is to shine the light of the Gospel of Jesus to others that they, too, may come out of spiritual darkness and into the light of God’s love.
Disciples and disciple-makers…this is our calling. This is our purpose in life. Whether at work, at home, or in our other relationships and activities, our mission is to shine the light that God has placed within us so that we may say, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”
Dear Lord, I am asking you that this week you would give me specific opportunities to have conversations with people who don't know you so that I might point them to Christ and encourage them to take a step towards knowing you. Please give me those chances and help me to seize the opportunities as they come. In Jesus' name, amen.
JUNE 21, 2021
Tears of Repentance
Acts 3:19 (TLB) --- Now change your mind and attitude to God and turn to him so he can cleanse away your sins and send you wonderful times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord.
There is a certain amount of sorrow involved in repentance that we don’t see much of today. That word means moaning and even groaning. I don’t mean that we have to have a great emotional experience, but I do believe that we need some tears of repentance. We need to be sorry for our sins, and to say, “Oh, God, I have sinned against You, and I’m sorry.” I am not an emotional person. I don’t know why, but I don’t cry easily. But of the few times I have cried in my life, some of them have been over sin that I committed many years ago.
The night I came to Christ, I didn’t have any tears. But later I went home and I looked out my window at the North Carolina sky and I cried over my sins. I said, “Oh, God, forgive me.” And the most wonderful peace swept over my soul. From that moment on, I’ve known that my sins were forgiven.
Prayer for the day --- There is sorrow in my soul when I remember how I fail You, loving Lord. Forgive my frailties.
Tears of Repentance
Acts 3:19 (TLB) --- Now change your mind and attitude to God and turn to him so he can cleanse away your sins and send you wonderful times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord.
There is a certain amount of sorrow involved in repentance that we don’t see much of today. That word means moaning and even groaning. I don’t mean that we have to have a great emotional experience, but I do believe that we need some tears of repentance. We need to be sorry for our sins, and to say, “Oh, God, I have sinned against You, and I’m sorry.” I am not an emotional person. I don’t know why, but I don’t cry easily. But of the few times I have cried in my life, some of them have been over sin that I committed many years ago.
The night I came to Christ, I didn’t have any tears. But later I went home and I looked out my window at the North Carolina sky and I cried over my sins. I said, “Oh, God, forgive me.” And the most wonderful peace swept over my soul. From that moment on, I’ve known that my sins were forgiven.
Prayer for the day --- There is sorrow in my soul when I remember how I fail You, loving Lord. Forgive my frailties.
JUNE 20,2021
How to Be a Shining Light for God
I will never forget when Dave decided the beautiful old tree outside our home needed pruning. It had some wild branches and was getting lopsided. I didn't think much about it when he said he was bringing in professionals to do the job of cutting it back and thinning it out. But I was appalled when I arrived at home and found those saw-happy men had sabotaged my tree. Dave said, "Just wait until next year. It will be beautiful again." But I don't like waiting. And I didn't like looking at the toothpick limbs that had once been lush and full. But Dave was right. The next year, the tree was more beautiful than before, strong enough to withstand powerful winds for many years to come, and more fruitful and productive than ever.
This is a perfect example of the pruning work of the Holy Spirit in our lives— and His pruning results in beauty, strength, and fruitfulness in us. Galatians 5 gives us a list of sins of the flesh and a list of the fruit of the Spirit, and it is important that the flesh is regularly pruned to make room for more and more good fruit.
Like my tree, we sometimes get lopsided or out of balance and God must deal with us to straighten us out again. We should be grateful that God cares enough about us to watch over us and help us be the best we can be. Ask God to come through your life with His pruning shears regularly so you can bear richer and more excellent fruit.
Prayer Starter: Thank you, Father, for pruning me in all the right places and for bringing beauty, strength, and fruitfulness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
How to Be a Shining Light for God
I will never forget when Dave decided the beautiful old tree outside our home needed pruning. It had some wild branches and was getting lopsided. I didn't think much about it when he said he was bringing in professionals to do the job of cutting it back and thinning it out. But I was appalled when I arrived at home and found those saw-happy men had sabotaged my tree. Dave said, "Just wait until next year. It will be beautiful again." But I don't like waiting. And I didn't like looking at the toothpick limbs that had once been lush and full. But Dave was right. The next year, the tree was more beautiful than before, strong enough to withstand powerful winds for many years to come, and more fruitful and productive than ever.
This is a perfect example of the pruning work of the Holy Spirit in our lives— and His pruning results in beauty, strength, and fruitfulness in us. Galatians 5 gives us a list of sins of the flesh and a list of the fruit of the Spirit, and it is important that the flesh is regularly pruned to make room for more and more good fruit.
Like my tree, we sometimes get lopsided or out of balance and God must deal with us to straighten us out again. We should be grateful that God cares enough about us to watch over us and help us be the best we can be. Ask God to come through your life with His pruning shears regularly so you can bear richer and more excellent fruit.
Prayer Starter: Thank you, Father, for pruning me in all the right places and for bringing beauty, strength, and fruitfulness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
JUNE 19, 2021
God's Grace And Forgiveness
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. (Psalm 32:5)
Yesterday we talked about how we need to recognize our own sin if we want to be able to live in the freedom of forgiveness and forgive ourselves. In addition to recognizing our own sin, we need to take a couple of other steps.
First, we must realize God’s forgiveness. When we try to cover up our sin, God will reveal it, but when we confess our sin, God will conceal it. Do you know the phrase, “Out of sight, out of mind?” When Jesus Christ died on the cross, His blood covered all of our sins. God cannot see your sin through the blood of Jesus Christ. It is out of sight and out of mind. That is what God’s word means when it says, “God forgets our sins.”
This is so important that I don’t want you to miss it. Until our sin is forgiven, God knows about it, and God remembers it. It is a barrier between us and God. When God forgives our sins, God forgets our sins, and we should too.
Finally, to be able to forgive ourselves, we must receive God’s grace. When you empty your sin basket, God fills it with forgiveness. No matter how dirty you are when you get into the shower of God’s grace, you are completely, immediately, and permanently clean. Therefore, if God has forgiven you, you must forgive you. If God has cleansed you, you need to act cleansed.
When you’ve worked all day and you get into a shower and completely wash off, you just normally put on a fresh set of clothes. You don’t put back on the clothes that you have been wearing all day long, because you have accepted what that shower has done for you. That is what David did and what we need to do.
Dear Lord, thank you for your forgiveness and your grace. These are gifts I don’t deserve but that I don’t want to neglect since you have given them to me freely. Please help me to accept your forgiveness and grace so that I can learn to forgive and show grace to myself. In Jesus’ name, amen.
God's Grace And Forgiveness
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. (Psalm 32:5)
Yesterday we talked about how we need to recognize our own sin if we want to be able to live in the freedom of forgiveness and forgive ourselves. In addition to recognizing our own sin, we need to take a couple of other steps.
First, we must realize God’s forgiveness. When we try to cover up our sin, God will reveal it, but when we confess our sin, God will conceal it. Do you know the phrase, “Out of sight, out of mind?” When Jesus Christ died on the cross, His blood covered all of our sins. God cannot see your sin through the blood of Jesus Christ. It is out of sight and out of mind. That is what God’s word means when it says, “God forgets our sins.”
This is so important that I don’t want you to miss it. Until our sin is forgiven, God knows about it, and God remembers it. It is a barrier between us and God. When God forgives our sins, God forgets our sins, and we should too.
Finally, to be able to forgive ourselves, we must receive God’s grace. When you empty your sin basket, God fills it with forgiveness. No matter how dirty you are when you get into the shower of God’s grace, you are completely, immediately, and permanently clean. Therefore, if God has forgiven you, you must forgive you. If God has cleansed you, you need to act cleansed.
When you’ve worked all day and you get into a shower and completely wash off, you just normally put on a fresh set of clothes. You don’t put back on the clothes that you have been wearing all day long, because you have accepted what that shower has done for you. That is what David did and what we need to do.
Dear Lord, thank you for your forgiveness and your grace. These are gifts I don’t deserve but that I don’t want to neglect since you have given them to me freely. Please help me to accept your forgiveness and grace so that I can learn to forgive and show grace to myself. In Jesus’ name, amen.
JUNE 18, 2021
Walking Through the Dark Times
Psalm 105:16-24
Did you ever peek ahead to the end of a story because you just couldn’t wait for the conclusion? This is oftentimes what we long to do in our own life, especially in difficult seasons. We want to know when our affliction will end. But only God knows the future, so we must learn to trust Him in the meantime.
Joseph probably wished he could glance into the future to find out when his life would stop spiraling downward. Between the hatred of his brothers who sold him into slavery, the anger and lies of his master’s wife, and incarceration that left him languishing, it would have been easy for Joseph to lose hope. Those 13 years of his life must have seemed like an eternity.
Even though Joseph couldn’t see the future, God was with him every step of the way. And at the end of the dark years, he proclaimed he had learned that “God meant it for good” (Gen. 50:20).
We can’t avoid trials. But knowing that God is with us and His purpose is good gives us the hope needed for enduring hardship with peace.
Walking Through the Dark Times
Psalm 105:16-24
Did you ever peek ahead to the end of a story because you just couldn’t wait for the conclusion? This is oftentimes what we long to do in our own life, especially in difficult seasons. We want to know when our affliction will end. But only God knows the future, so we must learn to trust Him in the meantime.
Joseph probably wished he could glance into the future to find out when his life would stop spiraling downward. Between the hatred of his brothers who sold him into slavery, the anger and lies of his master’s wife, and incarceration that left him languishing, it would have been easy for Joseph to lose hope. Those 13 years of his life must have seemed like an eternity.
Even though Joseph couldn’t see the future, God was with him every step of the way. And at the end of the dark years, he proclaimed he had learned that “God meant it for good” (Gen. 50:20).
We can’t avoid trials. But knowing that God is with us and His purpose is good gives us the hope needed for enduring hardship with peace.
JUNE 17, 2021
Forgiving Yourself
Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. (Psalm 32:1-2)
In Psalm 32, David wrote a song that talks about how he found the way back to redemption, restoration, and reconciliation. In this song, David tells us how to plant your feet on the solid rock of forgiveness and turn the sadness of a fault into the gladness of forgiveness.
There is a reason why you have confessed things you have done wrong and repented of them and have truly asked for forgiveness, but you still don’t feel forgiven. You struggle with guilt, and I know why. I hear it all the time, “I still can’t forgive myself.” So over the next couple of days, I am going to show you how to do that today once and for all. Let’s start with the first step you must take, and then we’ll cover the second and third steps tomorrow.
First, in order to forgive yourself, you must recognize your sin. Initially, David tried to hide what he did, and just like David, we all have this tendency to cover up when we have messed up. We all carry a broom with us that just wants to sweep things under the rug. How many times do we do something wrong and then we try to analyze it and rationalize it when we say, “Everybody is doing it” or “This is not going to hurt anybody.”
Then oftentimes, we blame the problem on something else or somebody else, because we are living in a “no fault” society.
David finally realized you will never get clean until you come clean. David was not put on the freeway of forgiveness until he finally recognized his sin and did it fully.
So with that in mind, what sin do you need to recognize in your life? What behaviors or thought patterns do you need to stop rationalizing so that you can repent and move forward? My hope is that you will spend time in prayer today and ask the Lord to reveal those sins to you so that you can recognize them and begin taking steps down the path of self-forgiveness.
Dear Father, I don’t want to remain stuck in a state of guilt. I want to experience the freedom that comes from forgiveness. Please help me to recognize my sin so that I can forgive myself for what I’ve done wrong and move forward in freedom that is found in Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Forgiving Yourself
Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. (Psalm 32:1-2)
In Psalm 32, David wrote a song that talks about how he found the way back to redemption, restoration, and reconciliation. In this song, David tells us how to plant your feet on the solid rock of forgiveness and turn the sadness of a fault into the gladness of forgiveness.
There is a reason why you have confessed things you have done wrong and repented of them and have truly asked for forgiveness, but you still don’t feel forgiven. You struggle with guilt, and I know why. I hear it all the time, “I still can’t forgive myself.” So over the next couple of days, I am going to show you how to do that today once and for all. Let’s start with the first step you must take, and then we’ll cover the second and third steps tomorrow.
First, in order to forgive yourself, you must recognize your sin. Initially, David tried to hide what he did, and just like David, we all have this tendency to cover up when we have messed up. We all carry a broom with us that just wants to sweep things under the rug. How many times do we do something wrong and then we try to analyze it and rationalize it when we say, “Everybody is doing it” or “This is not going to hurt anybody.”
Then oftentimes, we blame the problem on something else or somebody else, because we are living in a “no fault” society.
David finally realized you will never get clean until you come clean. David was not put on the freeway of forgiveness until he finally recognized his sin and did it fully.
So with that in mind, what sin do you need to recognize in your life? What behaviors or thought patterns do you need to stop rationalizing so that you can repent and move forward? My hope is that you will spend time in prayer today and ask the Lord to reveal those sins to you so that you can recognize them and begin taking steps down the path of self-forgiveness.
Dear Father, I don’t want to remain stuck in a state of guilt. I want to experience the freedom that comes from forgiveness. Please help me to recognize my sin so that I can forgive myself for what I’ve done wrong and move forward in freedom that is found in Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.
JUNE 16, 2021
The Authority of the Bible --- Dr. Paul Chappell
1 Thessalonians 2:11-13 --- As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
The factor which most determines the outcome of our Christian growth is the way that we view the Bible.
When Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, he praised them for the seriousness with which they took the Scriptures. Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. said, “The Bible is God's Word. Whatever the Bible says is so.” In an age of relativism when uncertainty is held up as a virtue, it is important that we as God's people hold fast to His Word and live by what it says.
The truth of the Bible is not subject to popular opinion. All around us we see churches going directly against what the Bible says. They are making adjustments to what has been held and practiced for centuries in obedience to Scripture in order to better fit into the world around them. That is a path to destruction. Once we start picking and choosing which parts of the Bible we will take literally and seriously, and which we will interpret away or ignore, there is no stopping point.
The devil delights when we do not take the message of God as authoritative and controlling for our lives.
Our opinions or preferences, or those of the world around us, must not be allowed to overrule what God has declared. We must take the Bible as God gave it to us, accepting all of it no matter how much it may conflict with popular opinion.
Today's Growth Principle: God has given us His Word to guide every part of our lives, and we must trust and obey all that it says.
The Authority of the Bible --- Dr. Paul Chappell
1 Thessalonians 2:11-13 --- As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
The factor which most determines the outcome of our Christian growth is the way that we view the Bible.
When Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, he praised them for the seriousness with which they took the Scriptures. Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. said, “The Bible is God's Word. Whatever the Bible says is so.” In an age of relativism when uncertainty is held up as a virtue, it is important that we as God's people hold fast to His Word and live by what it says.
The truth of the Bible is not subject to popular opinion. All around us we see churches going directly against what the Bible says. They are making adjustments to what has been held and practiced for centuries in obedience to Scripture in order to better fit into the world around them. That is a path to destruction. Once we start picking and choosing which parts of the Bible we will take literally and seriously, and which we will interpret away or ignore, there is no stopping point.
The devil delights when we do not take the message of God as authoritative and controlling for our lives.
Our opinions or preferences, or those of the world around us, must not be allowed to overrule what God has declared. We must take the Bible as God gave it to us, accepting all of it no matter how much it may conflict with popular opinion.
Today's Growth Principle: God has given us His Word to guide every part of our lives, and we must trust and obey all that it says.
JUNE 15, 2021
The Light of Life
“In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” --- John 1:4
You don’t light light. You just show light. You just uncover it. You just make sure there is nothing obstructing it from view. In Matthew 5:14 Jesus said, “A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Every follower of Jesus Christ has the light of Jesus in them. We are to be lighthouses, not dark houses. We are to be like a city built on a hill.
The word “built” literally means, “to be placed or planted.” In the 1st Century, when Jesus originally said these words, they didn’t have bulldozers like we have today, so cities were built one layer over another. If a city was invaded and burned down and destroyed, they would simply take down all of the rubble and use it as a foundation and build the next city on what was previously destroyed. Eventually, cities would be built on hills. Whether you went to the city in the daytime, with the sunlight shining off the white limestone of the houses, or at nighttime when the houses were lit by candles or torches, the city could be easily seen.
Just like a city would be placed or built on a hill that is exactly what God does with us. It is not a coincidence that you work in your particular office or that you live in your particular neighborhood or you go to your particular school or you play on a particular team. Everywhere you are God has put you…like a city on a hill to shine the light of the Gospel.
We are not to put our light under a bowl. When God saves us He saves us to shine. God has not sent us into our dark neighborhoods, offices, and schools to just sit in the darkness with everyone else. We are to show others where the light is, Who the light is, and how to come to the light. There are so many ways you can show your light. You can do it by bowing your head at a restaurant and praying for your meal, by asking your server how you can pray for them, or by putting a Bible on your desk at work.
I am not asking you to shine your light in someone’s face all the time. I do not mean that we should be overbearing, pushy, or obnoxious. I simply mean in your everyday walk and your everyday talk you should take advantage of every God-given opportunity to let people know that the light of the world lives in you…and you simply want to show them that light.
Dear Lord, what a gift your light is to overcome the darkness we face in this world. I know it is your desire for everyone to experience that light and to come out of the darkness. So please give me the opportunity to shine my light for others so that they might be curious about you and drawn to you. In Jesus' name, amen.
The Light of Life
“In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” --- John 1:4
You don’t light light. You just show light. You just uncover it. You just make sure there is nothing obstructing it from view. In Matthew 5:14 Jesus said, “A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Every follower of Jesus Christ has the light of Jesus in them. We are to be lighthouses, not dark houses. We are to be like a city built on a hill.
The word “built” literally means, “to be placed or planted.” In the 1st Century, when Jesus originally said these words, they didn’t have bulldozers like we have today, so cities were built one layer over another. If a city was invaded and burned down and destroyed, they would simply take down all of the rubble and use it as a foundation and build the next city on what was previously destroyed. Eventually, cities would be built on hills. Whether you went to the city in the daytime, with the sunlight shining off the white limestone of the houses, or at nighttime when the houses were lit by candles or torches, the city could be easily seen.
Just like a city would be placed or built on a hill that is exactly what God does with us. It is not a coincidence that you work in your particular office or that you live in your particular neighborhood or you go to your particular school or you play on a particular team. Everywhere you are God has put you…like a city on a hill to shine the light of the Gospel.
We are not to put our light under a bowl. When God saves us He saves us to shine. God has not sent us into our dark neighborhoods, offices, and schools to just sit in the darkness with everyone else. We are to show others where the light is, Who the light is, and how to come to the light. There are so many ways you can show your light. You can do it by bowing your head at a restaurant and praying for your meal, by asking your server how you can pray for them, or by putting a Bible on your desk at work.
I am not asking you to shine your light in someone’s face all the time. I do not mean that we should be overbearing, pushy, or obnoxious. I simply mean in your everyday walk and your everyday talk you should take advantage of every God-given opportunity to let people know that the light of the world lives in you…and you simply want to show them that light.
Dear Lord, what a gift your light is to overcome the darkness we face in this world. I know it is your desire for everyone to experience that light and to come out of the darkness. So please give me the opportunity to shine my light for others so that they might be curious about you and drawn to you. In Jesus' name, amen.
JUNE 14, 2021
The Light Within
“We are, therefore, Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” --- 2 Corinthians 5:20
In His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, Jesus says something that would have been strange to those who had been following and listening to Him. He said to the crowd in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world.” That was a strange statement because earlier, as recorded in John 8:12, Jesus had said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” First Jesus said He is the light of the world. Now He is saying we are the light of the world. Which is right? They both are.
When Jesus told His followers they were the light of the world, the light He was talking about is Him. He is the true light of the world; but a follower of Jesus has Jesus within him. The light that He is, is the light that is in you and in me. What He wants us to do is to let Him shine His light through us. This is exactly what the Apostle Paul meant in 2 Corinthians 5:20 when he said that we are Christ’s ambassadors. We are the carriers of Christ’s light in the world. God is making His appeal of reconciliation through our lives as we shine His light.
You don’t have to look a certain way, have a certain degree, or hold a certain position to be a light. You just allow the light of Jesus that is within you to come out of you. When you give your life to Jesus you have, in effect, swallowed the light. You don’t only have the life of Jesus in you; you have the light of Jesus in you.
It is amazing to me who Jesus was speaking to in His Sermon on the Mount. Where was this “Mount?” It was in northern Galilee. He was talking to villagers, fishermen, farmers, and wageworkers. He wasn’t speaking to the philosophers in Athens, the generals in Rome, or the PhDs in Alexandria. He was talking to the Beverly Hillbillies. He was speaking to Mayberry! Somehow, we’ve gotten the idea that there are just a few people who are the light of the world. God’s plan is to take ordinary people and send them to other ordinary people to share an extraordinary message of light. People need to see Christ’s light through our lives so that they can leave spiritual darkness and come into the light of God’s truth and love.
You don’t think you are important? Think again. The only hope for this world to come out of the darkness of separation from God is if they see the light that is living within us.
Dear Father, I want the light of Christ to shine brightly in my life. I want the fact that I follow you to be obvious to others, and I want to be diligent about sharing that light with other people who haven't experienced it yet. Please give me the boldness and the opportunity to do so. In Jesus' name, amen.
The Light Within
“We are, therefore, Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” --- 2 Corinthians 5:20
In His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, Jesus says something that would have been strange to those who had been following and listening to Him. He said to the crowd in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world.” That was a strange statement because earlier, as recorded in John 8:12, Jesus had said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” First Jesus said He is the light of the world. Now He is saying we are the light of the world. Which is right? They both are.
When Jesus told His followers they were the light of the world, the light He was talking about is Him. He is the true light of the world; but a follower of Jesus has Jesus within him. The light that He is, is the light that is in you and in me. What He wants us to do is to let Him shine His light through us. This is exactly what the Apostle Paul meant in 2 Corinthians 5:20 when he said that we are Christ’s ambassadors. We are the carriers of Christ’s light in the world. God is making His appeal of reconciliation through our lives as we shine His light.
You don’t have to look a certain way, have a certain degree, or hold a certain position to be a light. You just allow the light of Jesus that is within you to come out of you. When you give your life to Jesus you have, in effect, swallowed the light. You don’t only have the life of Jesus in you; you have the light of Jesus in you.
It is amazing to me who Jesus was speaking to in His Sermon on the Mount. Where was this “Mount?” It was in northern Galilee. He was talking to villagers, fishermen, farmers, and wageworkers. He wasn’t speaking to the philosophers in Athens, the generals in Rome, or the PhDs in Alexandria. He was talking to the Beverly Hillbillies. He was speaking to Mayberry! Somehow, we’ve gotten the idea that there are just a few people who are the light of the world. God’s plan is to take ordinary people and send them to other ordinary people to share an extraordinary message of light. People need to see Christ’s light through our lives so that they can leave spiritual darkness and come into the light of God’s truth and love.
You don’t think you are important? Think again. The only hope for this world to come out of the darkness of separation from God is if they see the light that is living within us.
Dear Father, I want the light of Christ to shine brightly in my life. I want the fact that I follow you to be obvious to others, and I want to be diligent about sharing that light with other people who haven't experienced it yet. Please give me the boldness and the opportunity to do so. In Jesus' name, amen.
JUNE 13, 2021
God Is Faithful
I have experienced the unfaithfulness of people many times in my life, but at the same time, I have experienced the faithfulness of God. Indeed, God is not like people!
God promises that He will never leave you nor forsake you, but He will be with you until the very end (see Matthew 28:20). He is with you in your times of need, and He is planning to provide for all your needs (see Hebrews 13:5). God is with you when you are going through trials, and He is planning your breakthrough (see 1 Corinthians 10:13). When all others forsake you, God will stand by you (see 2 Timothy 4:16–17).
Others may have hurt you or abandoned you, but God never will. He is ever faithful!
Prayer Starter: Lord, thank You for loving me and always being with me! I know You are always there for me. Thank You so much! In Jesus’ name, amen.
God Is Faithful
I have experienced the unfaithfulness of people many times in my life, but at the same time, I have experienced the faithfulness of God. Indeed, God is not like people!
God promises that He will never leave you nor forsake you, but He will be with you until the very end (see Matthew 28:20). He is with you in your times of need, and He is planning to provide for all your needs (see Hebrews 13:5). God is with you when you are going through trials, and He is planning your breakthrough (see 1 Corinthians 10:13). When all others forsake you, God will stand by you (see 2 Timothy 4:16–17).
Others may have hurt you or abandoned you, but God never will. He is ever faithful!
Prayer Starter: Lord, thank You for loving me and always being with me! I know You are always there for me. Thank You so much! In Jesus’ name, amen.
JUNE 12, 2021
Secure Hope
Hope is essential for life in a fallen world. Unless we believe something better awaits us in the future, we might sink into utter despair. But optimistic anticipation can also bring disappointment when we look forward to something that doesn’t materialize. So how do we determine where to place our hope—and what our response should be if it isn’t fulfilled?
Hope is secure when it’s aligned with the Lord’s desires, which are revealed in Scripture. However, many of our expectations are based on wishes or feelings. We long for things like job promotions, good health, strong relationships, or quick solutions to our problems, but we have no absolute promise from the Lord that these are part of His will for us.
Disappointment with God can occur whenever our expectations do not coincide with His plan. Even when hope is based on a scriptural promise, the Lord may not fulfill it in the way or the timeframe that we expect.
Contentment lies in being able to distinguish subjective hopes, which originate with us, from our ultimate hope in the Lord, who is sovereign and good. Then, even when an earthly expectation isn’t realized as we wished, we can have joy, remembering that our eternal hope in God is sure.
Secure Hope
Hope is essential for life in a fallen world. Unless we believe something better awaits us in the future, we might sink into utter despair. But optimistic anticipation can also bring disappointment when we look forward to something that doesn’t materialize. So how do we determine where to place our hope—and what our response should be if it isn’t fulfilled?
Hope is secure when it’s aligned with the Lord’s desires, which are revealed in Scripture. However, many of our expectations are based on wishes or feelings. We long for things like job promotions, good health, strong relationships, or quick solutions to our problems, but we have no absolute promise from the Lord that these are part of His will for us.
Disappointment with God can occur whenever our expectations do not coincide with His plan. Even when hope is based on a scriptural promise, the Lord may not fulfill it in the way or the timeframe that we expect.
Contentment lies in being able to distinguish subjective hopes, which originate with us, from our ultimate hope in the Lord, who is sovereign and good. Then, even when an earthly expectation isn’t realized as we wished, we can have joy, remembering that our eternal hope in God is sure.
JUNE 11, 2021
It's Already Here --- Dr. Paul Chappell
1 John 2:18 --- Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
When most of us hear the word antichrist, we think of the false Messiah who is described in the book of Revelation. But while that antichrist will be a real person who will appear on the world stage at some point in the future, the spirit of evil that will animate and motivate and empower him is already at work in the world. This is not something that just happened. Even before the final book of the New Testament was written, John was already describing “many antichrists” as he instructed believers then how to live in the “last time.”
There is a real devil, and he is alive and active in the world today. He is not a cartoon character with a forked tail and pitchfork. He is clever and crafty, using every tool at his disposal to deceive the lost world and keep them in darkness, and defeat the saved and keep them from working in God's power. Paul warned the church at Corinth, “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” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).
Satan stands in total opposition to everything that Christ stands for. He is actively opposing God's plan for the world, and though we know he will ultimately be completely defeated once and for all, that day has not yet come. We need to be on guard every day so that we will not be deceived by his lies or fall into the snares that he sets before our feet. This is not a threat for the far off future, but one that we face right now. There is a spiritual war taking place, and we must be prepared to fight.
Today's Growth Principle: A Christian who is not on guard against the attacks of Satan is a Christian who will soon be defeated.
It's Already Here --- Dr. Paul Chappell
1 John 2:18 --- Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
When most of us hear the word antichrist, we think of the false Messiah who is described in the book of Revelation. But while that antichrist will be a real person who will appear on the world stage at some point in the future, the spirit of evil that will animate and motivate and empower him is already at work in the world. This is not something that just happened. Even before the final book of the New Testament was written, John was already describing “many antichrists” as he instructed believers then how to live in the “last time.”
There is a real devil, and he is alive and active in the world today. He is not a cartoon character with a forked tail and pitchfork. He is clever and crafty, using every tool at his disposal to deceive the lost world and keep them in darkness, and defeat the saved and keep them from working in God's power. Paul warned the church at Corinth, “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” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).
Satan stands in total opposition to everything that Christ stands for. He is actively opposing God's plan for the world, and though we know he will ultimately be completely defeated once and for all, that day has not yet come. We need to be on guard every day so that we will not be deceived by his lies or fall into the snares that he sets before our feet. This is not a threat for the far off future, but one that we face right now. There is a spiritual war taking place, and we must be prepared to fight.
Today's Growth Principle: A Christian who is not on guard against the attacks of Satan is a Christian who will soon be defeated.
JUNE 10, 2021
Realize Your Sin
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)
Last week, we talked about confession. We said that the first person we must ask forgiveness from whenever we do wrong is God. The good news is we found out last week that God has a perfect record.
Every time we sincerely confess our sins to God, God surely forgives us. The problem is too many people stop at confession and they think that all they have to do is just confess and all is well. But there is a second step that must be taken. I call it the seismic shift. A seismic shift is when there is a shifting in rocks so great that it causes another earthquake. There is a seismic shift that must take place with us and our sin if we are going to truly maintain our fellowship with God and that is found in the word “repentance.”
So today, I want us to look at the first step we need to take in order for this seismic shift to happen in our lives. Then tomorrow, we’ll take a look at the second and third steps.
First, for a seismic shift to happen in our lives is that we must first truly realize our sin. One of the most loving things we can do for other people who have committed a sin and have done something wrong is when it is appropriate then it is our place to let them know it. This is exactly what Paul had done. He had founded this church. He was the spiritual father of many of these people. He confronted them with the fact there was sin in the church, and they had not dealt with it and therefore they had become a part of the sin.
He read them a letter to rebuke them and exhort them to do the right thing.
When they received this letter, they could have had a lot of emotions. Anger, arrogance, apathy, but instead they were full of grief and full of sorrow. Paul said that was a good thing. Do you know why? Grief and sorrow are signs of a broken heart. Whenever we sin, we should have a broken heart, because we have broken the heart of God. Though it hurt Paul to hurt them, it actually gladdened Paul that they were hurt.
With this in mind, my prayer is that you will spend time today in prayer and ask the Lord to reveal your sin to you so that might truly realize it and therefore move forward down the path of redemption.
Dear Lord, I want you to make my sin known to me right now. Bring to mind an unconfessed, unrepented sin that I have yet to address. I pray that you would forgive me of these shortcomings. I choose now to repent and walk instead in the path of your righteousness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Realize Your Sin
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)
Last week, we talked about confession. We said that the first person we must ask forgiveness from whenever we do wrong is God. The good news is we found out last week that God has a perfect record.
Every time we sincerely confess our sins to God, God surely forgives us. The problem is too many people stop at confession and they think that all they have to do is just confess and all is well. But there is a second step that must be taken. I call it the seismic shift. A seismic shift is when there is a shifting in rocks so great that it causes another earthquake. There is a seismic shift that must take place with us and our sin if we are going to truly maintain our fellowship with God and that is found in the word “repentance.”
So today, I want us to look at the first step we need to take in order for this seismic shift to happen in our lives. Then tomorrow, we’ll take a look at the second and third steps.
First, for a seismic shift to happen in our lives is that we must first truly realize our sin. One of the most loving things we can do for other people who have committed a sin and have done something wrong is when it is appropriate then it is our place to let them know it. This is exactly what Paul had done. He had founded this church. He was the spiritual father of many of these people. He confronted them with the fact there was sin in the church, and they had not dealt with it and therefore they had become a part of the sin.
He read them a letter to rebuke them and exhort them to do the right thing.
When they received this letter, they could have had a lot of emotions. Anger, arrogance, apathy, but instead they were full of grief and full of sorrow. Paul said that was a good thing. Do you know why? Grief and sorrow are signs of a broken heart. Whenever we sin, we should have a broken heart, because we have broken the heart of God. Though it hurt Paul to hurt them, it actually gladdened Paul that they were hurt.
With this in mind, my prayer is that you will spend time today in prayer and ask the Lord to reveal your sin to you so that might truly realize it and therefore move forward down the path of redemption.
Dear Lord, I want you to make my sin known to me right now. Bring to mind an unconfessed, unrepented sin that I have yet to address. I pray that you would forgive me of these shortcomings. I choose now to repent and walk instead in the path of your righteousness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
JUNE 9, 2021
Life-Giving Light
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
Physical life would be impossible without light, which is the sole source of food generation for all living organisms on earth. Practically every living being depends on light for food and energy. Plants require light to synthesize their own food materials to live and grow. From these plants, animals get their required food materials and the energy they need to live. So, plants depend on sunlight for their food, and animals depend on plants, and we depend on plants and animals for food.
Light is also necessary in order to see, recognize colors, and maintain a livable temperature. Without light there would be no heat; and without heat, the earth would freeze. We need light to dry out the soil, but also to evaporate the water so that we can have the rain that we need to have water to drink. Light is necessary in many different ways to sustain life. Without it, we would die.
It was not by accident that Jesus chose to use the metaphor of light when giving His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. As He addressed His followers, He wanted to make one thing clear: We are to walk and talk in such a way that we point people to Jesus so that they, too, might glorify God in heaven. It is not our job as Christians to convert people, or to make bad people good or good people better. It is our purpose, in all we do and say, to point people towards Jesus and His finished work on the cross.
You see, not only does the earth need light to survive physically, but people also need the light of Jesus to live spiritually. When Jesus told His followers, “You are the light of the world,” that was a huge compliment!
And He is telling us the same thing today. If we are the spiritual light of the world, that means we are a life-giving presence on this planet. We are carriers of hope and givers of grace…not because of anything we have done, but because of what Christ is doing through us.
Dear Father, I want to be a light for you. I want my life to shine brightly so that it illuminates for others the path to following you. Help me to live as a light for your glory. In Jesus' name, amen.
Life-Giving Light
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
Physical life would be impossible without light, which is the sole source of food generation for all living organisms on earth. Practically every living being depends on light for food and energy. Plants require light to synthesize their own food materials to live and grow. From these plants, animals get their required food materials and the energy they need to live. So, plants depend on sunlight for their food, and animals depend on plants, and we depend on plants and animals for food.
Light is also necessary in order to see, recognize colors, and maintain a livable temperature. Without light there would be no heat; and without heat, the earth would freeze. We need light to dry out the soil, but also to evaporate the water so that we can have the rain that we need to have water to drink. Light is necessary in many different ways to sustain life. Without it, we would die.
It was not by accident that Jesus chose to use the metaphor of light when giving His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. As He addressed His followers, He wanted to make one thing clear: We are to walk and talk in such a way that we point people to Jesus so that they, too, might glorify God in heaven. It is not our job as Christians to convert people, or to make bad people good or good people better. It is our purpose, in all we do and say, to point people towards Jesus and His finished work on the cross.
You see, not only does the earth need light to survive physically, but people also need the light of Jesus to live spiritually. When Jesus told His followers, “You are the light of the world,” that was a huge compliment!
And He is telling us the same thing today. If we are the spiritual light of the world, that means we are a life-giving presence on this planet. We are carriers of hope and givers of grace…not because of anything we have done, but because of what Christ is doing through us.
Dear Father, I want to be a light for you. I want my life to shine brightly so that it illuminates for others the path to following you. Help me to live as a light for your glory. In Jesus' name, amen.
JUNE 8, 2021
Courage to Stand
Peter 4:16 (TLB) --- It is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being in Christ's family and being called by his wonderful name!
A great problem in America is that we have an anemic and watered-down Christianity that has produced an anemic, watered-down, and spineless Christian who is not willing to stand up and be counted on every issue. We must have a virile, dynamic, aggressive Christian who lives Christ seven days a week, who is ready to die, if necessary, for his faith. We need Christians who are ethical, honest, gracious, bold, strong, and devoted followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer for the day --- I realize how spineless and pampered my Christian walk is. Give me Your courage, Lord Jesus, to follow You more devotedly.
Courage to Stand
Peter 4:16 (TLB) --- It is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being in Christ's family and being called by his wonderful name!
A great problem in America is that we have an anemic and watered-down Christianity that has produced an anemic, watered-down, and spineless Christian who is not willing to stand up and be counted on every issue. We must have a virile, dynamic, aggressive Christian who lives Christ seven days a week, who is ready to die, if necessary, for his faith. We need Christians who are ethical, honest, gracious, bold, strong, and devoted followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer for the day --- I realize how spineless and pampered my Christian walk is. Give me Your courage, Lord Jesus, to follow You more devotedly.
JUNE 7, 2021
Knowing God
Today's Scripture emphasizes the importance of knowing God. There is a big difference between knowing about God and really knowing God. knowing God is a lifelong pursuit, something that happens throughout our lives, not over the course of a few days or weeks. Attaining the true knowledge of God doesn't come through reasoning or logic or reading books. it must be God-given, and it comes through revelation. it comes as we seek God and gain experience with Him through trusting His promises.
If we have a true knowledge of God, we are not disturbed by things like scientific theories that seek to disprove His existence. We have come to a peaceful understanding of Who God is, and in knowing Him, we know that nothing else matters.
People often want to explain God, but if we truly know Him, then the first thing we give up is trying to under-stand or explain Him. Knowing God goes beyond what we think, see, or feel. It is an inner knowledge of God that cannot be taken from us. When we have this inner knowledge, nothing outward can sway us from our belief in God.
We no longer need evidence to protect our faith. I encourage you to pray daily for a spirit of wisdom and revelation (see Eph. 1:17). Celebrate the fact that you are an eternal being and that you are coming to know Him better with every passing day.
Love God Today: Hunger for the type of knowledge that can only come from God Himself.
Prayer Starter: Lord, thank You for loving me. Thank You for helping me to truly know You. Thank You for the wisdom that can only come from You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Knowing God
Today's Scripture emphasizes the importance of knowing God. There is a big difference between knowing about God and really knowing God. knowing God is a lifelong pursuit, something that happens throughout our lives, not over the course of a few days or weeks. Attaining the true knowledge of God doesn't come through reasoning or logic or reading books. it must be God-given, and it comes through revelation. it comes as we seek God and gain experience with Him through trusting His promises.
If we have a true knowledge of God, we are not disturbed by things like scientific theories that seek to disprove His existence. We have come to a peaceful understanding of Who God is, and in knowing Him, we know that nothing else matters.
People often want to explain God, but if we truly know Him, then the first thing we give up is trying to under-stand or explain Him. Knowing God goes beyond what we think, see, or feel. It is an inner knowledge of God that cannot be taken from us. When we have this inner knowledge, nothing outward can sway us from our belief in God.
We no longer need evidence to protect our faith. I encourage you to pray daily for a spirit of wisdom and revelation (see Eph. 1:17). Celebrate the fact that you are an eternal being and that you are coming to know Him better with every passing day.
Love God Today: Hunger for the type of knowledge that can only come from God Himself.
Prayer Starter: Lord, thank You for loving me. Thank You for helping me to truly know You. Thank You for the wisdom that can only come from You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
JUNE 6, 2021
True to Nature
Many of us ascribe a positive meaning to the word natural, whether in reference to talent, a warm friendship, or even fresh produce. But when it comes to our thoughts, the natural course isn’t always best.
Consider your initial response to conflict—for many, it’s anger or fear. Or do you recoil when someone looks and acts differently than you expect or prefer? Such “natural” reactions aren’t aligned with God’s heart.
Fortunately, these instincts and reactions don’t necessarily indicate who we are. For Christians, they can instead serve as reminders of Adam and Eve’s grave mistake (Genesis 3) and how it forever changed humankind, birthing each of us into a state of sin. Let such tendencies bring to mind who we once were and how God is working on us now. Yes, in Christ we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), but a struggle continues between old flesh patterns and our new nature (Rom. 7:15-25). Becoming who God created us to be is a lifelong process, which often occurs in small moments as we choose love over every other thing.
Think about it
• Did anything happen recently that revealed the struggle between the old and new you? How can those moments be an opportunity to let God work in your life?
Bible in One Year: Job 22-25
True to Nature
Many of us ascribe a positive meaning to the word natural, whether in reference to talent, a warm friendship, or even fresh produce. But when it comes to our thoughts, the natural course isn’t always best.
Consider your initial response to conflict—for many, it’s anger or fear. Or do you recoil when someone looks and acts differently than you expect or prefer? Such “natural” reactions aren’t aligned with God’s heart.
Fortunately, these instincts and reactions don’t necessarily indicate who we are. For Christians, they can instead serve as reminders of Adam and Eve’s grave mistake (Genesis 3) and how it forever changed humankind, birthing each of us into a state of sin. Let such tendencies bring to mind who we once were and how God is working on us now. Yes, in Christ we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), but a struggle continues between old flesh patterns and our new nature (Rom. 7:15-25). Becoming who God created us to be is a lifelong process, which often occurs in small moments as we choose love over every other thing.
Think about it
• Did anything happen recently that revealed the struggle between the old and new you? How can those moments be an opportunity to let God work in your life?
Bible in One Year: Job 22-25
JUNE 5, 2021
Cancelling Debts and Cleansing Records
I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” (Isaiah 43:25)
Yesterday we talked about the importance of confessing our sins to God whenever we mess up or make a mistake. Today, I want us to focus on what happens when we confess – what God does and how He responds to our confessions.
First, when we confess our sins, God cancels our debt. Even though the New Testament was written in Greek, Jesus spoke in Aramaic. The Aramaic word for sin literally means “a debt that is owed.” The Aramaic word for “forgive” literally means, “to cancel or forget a debt.” We owe God absolute, perfect, obedience.
Every time we disobey God, we run up a debt called “sin.” The amazing thing is every single time you go to God and ask God to cancel that debt, to wipe out that debt, He gladly does it.
And second, not only does God gladly cancel your debt, but He also cleanses you completely. God doesn’t just take the debt off the books. God wipes the record clean. God doesn’t just forgive our debt of sin, but He forgets it. God said through the prophet Isaiah, “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins” (Isaiah 43:25).
That doesn’t literally mean that God forgets that we’ve done something wrong. That would be impossible.
God knows everything, and He has a perfect memory. When God says He forgets our sins, what it means is He does not hold our sins against us anymore. He doesn’t hold a grudge. The only way He remembers our sin is as forgiven sin. In effect, God buries our sin in the grave of His grace, and we never need to dig up what God has buried.
Dear Father, thank you for cancelling my debts and for cleansing me completely of my sin. What an undeserved blessing it is that you only see my sin as forgiven and that you wipe my record clean with the blood of Jesus. Help me to continue to confess my mistakes so that I can continuously experience your mercy and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Cancelling Debts and Cleansing Records
I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” (Isaiah 43:25)
Yesterday we talked about the importance of confessing our sins to God whenever we mess up or make a mistake. Today, I want us to focus on what happens when we confess – what God does and how He responds to our confessions.
First, when we confess our sins, God cancels our debt. Even though the New Testament was written in Greek, Jesus spoke in Aramaic. The Aramaic word for sin literally means “a debt that is owed.” The Aramaic word for “forgive” literally means, “to cancel or forget a debt.” We owe God absolute, perfect, obedience.
Every time we disobey God, we run up a debt called “sin.” The amazing thing is every single time you go to God and ask God to cancel that debt, to wipe out that debt, He gladly does it.
And second, not only does God gladly cancel your debt, but He also cleanses you completely. God doesn’t just take the debt off the books. God wipes the record clean. God doesn’t just forgive our debt of sin, but He forgets it. God said through the prophet Isaiah, “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins” (Isaiah 43:25).
That doesn’t literally mean that God forgets that we’ve done something wrong. That would be impossible.
God knows everything, and He has a perfect memory. When God says He forgets our sins, what it means is He does not hold our sins against us anymore. He doesn’t hold a grudge. The only way He remembers our sin is as forgiven sin. In effect, God buries our sin in the grave of His grace, and we never need to dig up what God has buried.
Dear Father, thank you for cancelling my debts and for cleansing me completely of my sin. What an undeserved blessing it is that you only see my sin as forgiven and that you wipe my record clean with the blood of Jesus. Help me to continue to confess my mistakes so that I can continuously experience your mercy and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.
JUNE 4, 2021
No Place for Pride --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Genesis 11:2-4 ---
And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
The desire of people to be famous and looked up to by others has been with us since the fall of man. Satan's rebellion against God was centered in the sin of pride, and that passed on to all of humanity. In the period after the Flood, the people assembled at what later became Babylon and began building a tower by which they intended to reach up to Heaven itself. At the heart of their purpose was the desire, not to glorify God and lift up His name, but to make a name for themselves so that they would be honored and remembered.
There is no place for pride in the Christian life. We are not here to make sure people know about us and lift up our names in praise, but rather to live in such a way that God is glorified. “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake” (Psalm 115:1). The efforts that we make to build up ourselves in the eyes of others are doomed to failure because doing so places us in opposition to God's purpose for our lives. Any praise and any credit that we receive for what we have done rightfully belongs to God. He gifted us with talents and abilities, and the Holy Spirit gives us power to accomplish the tasks which are set before us.
Today's Growth Principle: The purpose of life is not to make a name for ourselves, but to bring honor and glory to God's name.
No Place for Pride --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Genesis 11:2-4 ---
And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
The desire of people to be famous and looked up to by others has been with us since the fall of man. Satan's rebellion against God was centered in the sin of pride, and that passed on to all of humanity. In the period after the Flood, the people assembled at what later became Babylon and began building a tower by which they intended to reach up to Heaven itself. At the heart of their purpose was the desire, not to glorify God and lift up His name, but to make a name for themselves so that they would be honored and remembered.
There is no place for pride in the Christian life. We are not here to make sure people know about us and lift up our names in praise, but rather to live in such a way that God is glorified. “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake” (Psalm 115:1). The efforts that we make to build up ourselves in the eyes of others are doomed to failure because doing so places us in opposition to God's purpose for our lives. Any praise and any credit that we receive for what we have done rightfully belongs to God. He gifted us with talents and abilities, and the Holy Spirit gives us power to accomplish the tasks which are set before us.
Today's Growth Principle: The purpose of life is not to make a name for ourselves, but to bring honor and glory to God's name.
JUNE 3, 2021
The Importance of Confession
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Do you know what an epicenter is? The epicenter is the location directly above the surface of the earth where an earthquake begins. But I don’t want to talk about literal earthquakes today. Instead, I want to talk about the metaphorical earthquakes that can happen in our relationships.
The epicenter of every fault that causes every earthquake in our relationships is this: Sin is always against God first. You can sin against God and not sin against others, but every sin against others is first a sin against God. The first step that must always be taken to restore relationships, fix friendships, and mend marriages is confession. Confession in most cases always has two dimensions: vertical and horizontal. When our sin or our thought has hurt someone else, we must confess that sin first to God.
Listen to the first few words of today’s key verse, “If we confess our sins, he ...” The “he” that John is referring to is obviously God. Confession does not always end with God, but it must always begin with God.
The reason for that is every sin, first and foremost, is always against God. Remember this principle:
Whenever you sin against anyone full and final forgiveness only comes through confession to that one you have sinned against. Since our sin always begins with God, confession begins with God.
When you are in the wrong, or you have done someone wrong, the first person you should talk to is God.
You should talk openly, transparently, and honestly as you confess your sins to Him. As painful as it may be, you’ve got to fess up to your mess up. You don’t have the right to remain silent before God. You can’t plead the fifth Amendment against God. If you want to come clean, you must confess completely.
Dear Lord, I want confession to become a routine in my life. I know I mess up every single day, but I don’t always confess my sins to you. Give me a humble heart and a sensitive spirit so that I might be quick to confess and repent of my mistakes. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The Importance of Confession
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Do you know what an epicenter is? The epicenter is the location directly above the surface of the earth where an earthquake begins. But I don’t want to talk about literal earthquakes today. Instead, I want to talk about the metaphorical earthquakes that can happen in our relationships.
The epicenter of every fault that causes every earthquake in our relationships is this: Sin is always against God first. You can sin against God and not sin against others, but every sin against others is first a sin against God. The first step that must always be taken to restore relationships, fix friendships, and mend marriages is confession. Confession in most cases always has two dimensions: vertical and horizontal. When our sin or our thought has hurt someone else, we must confess that sin first to God.
Listen to the first few words of today’s key verse, “If we confess our sins, he ...” The “he” that John is referring to is obviously God. Confession does not always end with God, but it must always begin with God.
The reason for that is every sin, first and foremost, is always against God. Remember this principle:
Whenever you sin against anyone full and final forgiveness only comes through confession to that one you have sinned against. Since our sin always begins with God, confession begins with God.
When you are in the wrong, or you have done someone wrong, the first person you should talk to is God.
You should talk openly, transparently, and honestly as you confess your sins to Him. As painful as it may be, you’ve got to fess up to your mess up. You don’t have the right to remain silent before God. You can’t plead the fifth Amendment against God. If you want to come clean, you must confess completely.
Dear Lord, I want confession to become a routine in my life. I know I mess up every single day, but I don’t always confess my sins to you. Give me a humble heart and a sensitive spirit so that I might be quick to confess and repent of my mistakes. In Jesus’ name, amen.
JUNE 2, 2021
Take Time to Listen to God
In order to hear the voice of God, it is necessary to find times just to be still. This is an important part of living in close fellowship with God. It is how you recognize God’s leading in your life. A busy, hurried, frantic, stressful lifestyle makes it very challenging to hear the Lord.
If you are hungry to perceive God’s voice, find a place to get quiet before Him. Get alone with Him and tell Him that you need Him and want Him to teach you how to receive His guidance and direction. Ask Him to tell you what He has for your life and what He wants you to do each day.
And then I encourage you to do this: Take time to listen.
Even if you don’t feel an immediate prompting in your spirit, God promises that if you seek Him, you will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). You will get a word from God. He will lead you by an inner knowing, by common sense, by wisdom, or by peace. And each time, however He leads you, His leading will always line up with His Word.
I have found that God doesn’t always speak to us right away or necessarily during our prayer time. He may end up speaking to you two days later while you are in the middle of doing something completely unrelated. Though it may not be in our timing, God will speak to us and let us know the way we should go.
Prayer Starter: Lord, I want to hear Your voice. Help me to always recognize Your voice when You speak to me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Take Time to Listen to God
In order to hear the voice of God, it is necessary to find times just to be still. This is an important part of living in close fellowship with God. It is how you recognize God’s leading in your life. A busy, hurried, frantic, stressful lifestyle makes it very challenging to hear the Lord.
If you are hungry to perceive God’s voice, find a place to get quiet before Him. Get alone with Him and tell Him that you need Him and want Him to teach you how to receive His guidance and direction. Ask Him to tell you what He has for your life and what He wants you to do each day.
And then I encourage you to do this: Take time to listen.
Even if you don’t feel an immediate prompting in your spirit, God promises that if you seek Him, you will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). You will get a word from God. He will lead you by an inner knowing, by common sense, by wisdom, or by peace. And each time, however He leads you, His leading will always line up with His Word.
I have found that God doesn’t always speak to us right away or necessarily during our prayer time. He may end up speaking to you two days later while you are in the middle of doing something completely unrelated. Though it may not be in our timing, God will speak to us and let us know the way we should go.
Prayer Starter: Lord, I want to hear Your voice. Help me to always recognize Your voice when You speak to me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
JUNE 1, 2021
There Is No East Pole --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Psalm 103:8-12 --- The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Because we are human and our minds are limited, we cannot ever understand the fullness of the measure of the glory, majesty, love, and mercy of God. To help us grasp as much as we can, God inspired the writers of the Bible to use illustrations and metaphors that we can comprehend. David gave us some of the most beautiful word pictures ever written, including his wonderful depiction of the way God not only forgives our sins, but removes them. While there is a North Pole and a South Pole, limiting how far one can go in either of those directions, a journey east or west has no limit or boundary. It is a trip without end. So when God says that He removes our transgressions from us "as far as the east is from the west," that means they farther away from us than can be measured.
Of course David had personal experience with the way God deals with sin. Despite all that God had done for him and given him, David reached a point where he wanted what was not his to take. The resulting adultery and the murder David arranged to try to cover it up were the low point in the life of the great king of Israel.
Yet despite the awfulness of what David had done, when he turned to God in genuine repentance and sorrow for his sin, he was forgiven.
Though there were consequences that followed David for the rest of his life, God never held that sin against David or refused restoration and fellowship with him. None of us deserve to be forgiven, yet in God's great mercy, when we confess our sin to Him, we find a full a free pardon through the blood of Jesus Christ.
Today's Growth Principle: We should not allow sins God has forgiven to hinder our relationship with Him—He will never bring them up again.
There Is No East Pole --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Psalm 103:8-12 --- The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Because we are human and our minds are limited, we cannot ever understand the fullness of the measure of the glory, majesty, love, and mercy of God. To help us grasp as much as we can, God inspired the writers of the Bible to use illustrations and metaphors that we can comprehend. David gave us some of the most beautiful word pictures ever written, including his wonderful depiction of the way God not only forgives our sins, but removes them. While there is a North Pole and a South Pole, limiting how far one can go in either of those directions, a journey east or west has no limit or boundary. It is a trip without end. So when God says that He removes our transgressions from us "as far as the east is from the west," that means they farther away from us than can be measured.
Of course David had personal experience with the way God deals with sin. Despite all that God had done for him and given him, David reached a point where he wanted what was not his to take. The resulting adultery and the murder David arranged to try to cover it up were the low point in the life of the great king of Israel.
Yet despite the awfulness of what David had done, when he turned to God in genuine repentance and sorrow for his sin, he was forgiven.
Though there were consequences that followed David for the rest of his life, God never held that sin against David or refused restoration and fellowship with him. None of us deserve to be forgiven, yet in God's great mercy, when we confess our sin to Him, we find a full a free pardon through the blood of Jesus Christ.
Today's Growth Principle: We should not allow sins God has forgiven to hinder our relationship with Him—He will never bring them up again.
MAY 31, 2021
Drop the Mud
John 10:10 --- “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
“It would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling around with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” – C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory, and Other Addresses
There is nobody like Jesus! You can line up every religious leader, prophet, teacher, and figure in history and they all have to stand totally apart from Jesus. He is literally one of a kind!
Jesus is the only one who claimed to be born of a virgin. He is the only one who claimed to be the Son of God and in fact, God Himself. He is the only one who claimed to have lived a perfect life. He is the only one who claimed to have died for the sins of the entire world. He is the only one who has ever come back from the dead. There is absolutely no one like Jesus!
Why, then, do we ever try to satisfy ourselves with anything or anyone other than Him? Why do we seek to fill the holes that sin leaves with anything other than this great Savior? He is unparalleled in His capacity to comfort, heal, and uplift our broken and weary souls. His kindness and mercy never run out, nor does His willingness to forgive when we come to Him in humble repentance. He is so very good.
Yet often, as C.S. Lewis wrote, we have the mentality of ignorant children refusing to trust the wisdom of one greater than ourselves. Why stay in the slums when we have been invited to vacation at the sea? Christ died not only to give us eternal life, but also to give us abundant life now. It is impossible to live this life if we continue to behave like babies who don’t know any better. As believers, we are often frustrated by our desire towards sin. Perhaps that isn’t the problem. Instead, maybe our desire for Jesus is too weak. Maybe we are allowing ourselves to settle for “good” instead of living for “best.”
Are you still piddling in the slums, even though you have been invited to the sea? Are you holding on to sin, allowing yourself to be far too easily satisfied? Are you allowing your circumstances to rob you of abundant life? There is more. Put the mud down and follow Jesus. There is no one like Him!
Dear Lord, I know that the things of this world will never satisfy me the way I hope they will. I want to want you more than I want anything or anyone else. Please strengthen my desire for you and weaken my desire for lesser things. In Jesus' name, amen.
Drop the Mud
John 10:10 --- “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
“It would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling around with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” – C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory, and Other Addresses
There is nobody like Jesus! You can line up every religious leader, prophet, teacher, and figure in history and they all have to stand totally apart from Jesus. He is literally one of a kind!
Jesus is the only one who claimed to be born of a virgin. He is the only one who claimed to be the Son of God and in fact, God Himself. He is the only one who claimed to have lived a perfect life. He is the only one who claimed to have died for the sins of the entire world. He is the only one who has ever come back from the dead. There is absolutely no one like Jesus!
Why, then, do we ever try to satisfy ourselves with anything or anyone other than Him? Why do we seek to fill the holes that sin leaves with anything other than this great Savior? He is unparalleled in His capacity to comfort, heal, and uplift our broken and weary souls. His kindness and mercy never run out, nor does His willingness to forgive when we come to Him in humble repentance. He is so very good.
Yet often, as C.S. Lewis wrote, we have the mentality of ignorant children refusing to trust the wisdom of one greater than ourselves. Why stay in the slums when we have been invited to vacation at the sea? Christ died not only to give us eternal life, but also to give us abundant life now. It is impossible to live this life if we continue to behave like babies who don’t know any better. As believers, we are often frustrated by our desire towards sin. Perhaps that isn’t the problem. Instead, maybe our desire for Jesus is too weak. Maybe we are allowing ourselves to settle for “good” instead of living for “best.”
Are you still piddling in the slums, even though you have been invited to the sea? Are you holding on to sin, allowing yourself to be far too easily satisfied? Are you allowing your circumstances to rob you of abundant life? There is more. Put the mud down and follow Jesus. There is no one like Him!
Dear Lord, I know that the things of this world will never satisfy me the way I hope they will. I want to want you more than I want anything or anyone else. Please strengthen my desire for you and weaken my desire for lesser things. In Jesus' name, amen.
MAY 30, 2021
Salvation Is Free
Romans 3:24 --- Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Salvation is free! God puts no price tag on the Gift of gifts—it’s free! Preachers are not salesmen, for they have nothing to sell. They are bearers of Good News—the good tidings that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3). Money can’t buy it. Man’s righteousness can’t earn it. Social prestige can’t help you acquire it. Morality can’t purchase it. It is, as Isaiah said, “without money and without price.”
God is not a bargaining God. You cannot barter with Him. You must do business with Him on His own terms.
He holds in His omnipotent hand the priceless, precious, eternal gift of salvation, and He bids you to take it without money and without price. The best things in life are free, are they not? The air we breathe is not sold by the cubic foot. The water which flows crystal clear from the mountain stream is free for the taking. Love is free, faith is free, hope is free.
Prayer for the day --- Even though my salvation was obtained only through the costliest sacrifice ever made, You freely gave it to me. Lord, I praise You for this gift so lovingly given.
Salvation Is Free
Romans 3:24 --- Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Salvation is free! God puts no price tag on the Gift of gifts—it’s free! Preachers are not salesmen, for they have nothing to sell. They are bearers of Good News—the good tidings that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3). Money can’t buy it. Man’s righteousness can’t earn it. Social prestige can’t help you acquire it. Morality can’t purchase it. It is, as Isaiah said, “without money and without price.”
God is not a bargaining God. You cannot barter with Him. You must do business with Him on His own terms.
He holds in His omnipotent hand the priceless, precious, eternal gift of salvation, and He bids you to take it without money and without price. The best things in life are free, are they not? The air we breathe is not sold by the cubic foot. The water which flows crystal clear from the mountain stream is free for the taking. Love is free, faith is free, hope is free.
Prayer for the day --- Even though my salvation was obtained only through the costliest sacrifice ever made, You freely gave it to me. Lord, I praise You for this gift so lovingly given.
MAY 29, 2021
Anger vs. Love
Anger is a powerful emotion, but love is much stronger. And love is the model God has displayed for each of us.
. In anger we might criticize, but in love, we encourage.
One of the best ways to show your gratitude for God’s love is to share that love with others. Don’t just be a recipient of God’s love; be a dispenser of that love to all those you come in contact with.
Prayer Starter: Thank You, Father, for the display of love You have demonstrated for me to follow. I am grateful that You love me, and with Your help I am going to demonstrate that same love to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Anger vs. Love
Anger is a powerful emotion, but love is much stronger. And love is the model God has displayed for each of us.
. In anger we might criticize, but in love, we encourage.
- In anger we might turn away, but in love, we reach out.
- In anger we might withhold, but in love, we are generous.
- In anger we might glare, but in love, we smile.
- In anger we might blame, but in love, we forgive.
One of the best ways to show your gratitude for God’s love is to share that love with others. Don’t just be a recipient of God’s love; be a dispenser of that love to all those you come in contact with.
Prayer Starter: Thank You, Father, for the display of love You have demonstrated for me to follow. I am grateful that You love me, and with Your help I am going to demonstrate that same love to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
MAY 28, 2021
Saving Troubled Friendships
Matthew 5:21-26
We all want our friendships to last. But each relationship involves two imperfect humans who were born with a sinful nature—that means hurt feelings are bound to happen. And if they go unaddressed, the friendship can be damaged. How do we avoid this common pitfall?
First, acknowledge that damage exists. This takes place the moment you say, “Something isn’t right. I’d like for us to find and fix the problem.” It’s helpful to work together to assess how the trouble began—perhaps it resulted from a misunderstanding, an unresolved conflict, one person’s busyness, etc.
After recognizing the problem, take responsibility for your part in it. Apologize without justifying your actions or blaming anyone else—doing so shows love and commitment.
An apology must be followed up with amends. Ask your friend what specific action you both can take to rebuild the relationship, and then be sure to do it.
Repairing a troubled friendship requires humility to admit faults, effort to fix the problem, and time to heal. Instead of waiting until a relationship is in trouble, wise friends will go through these steps as soon as they are aware of having hurt a loved one. Preventative care can soothe minor scrapes before they become serious wounds.
Saving Troubled Friendships
Matthew 5:21-26
We all want our friendships to last. But each relationship involves two imperfect humans who were born with a sinful nature—that means hurt feelings are bound to happen. And if they go unaddressed, the friendship can be damaged. How do we avoid this common pitfall?
First, acknowledge that damage exists. This takes place the moment you say, “Something isn’t right. I’d like for us to find and fix the problem.” It’s helpful to work together to assess how the trouble began—perhaps it resulted from a misunderstanding, an unresolved conflict, one person’s busyness, etc.
After recognizing the problem, take responsibility for your part in it. Apologize without justifying your actions or blaming anyone else—doing so shows love and commitment.
An apology must be followed up with amends. Ask your friend what specific action you both can take to rebuild the relationship, and then be sure to do it.
Repairing a troubled friendship requires humility to admit faults, effort to fix the problem, and time to heal. Instead of waiting until a relationship is in trouble, wise friends will go through these steps as soon as they are aware of having hurt a loved one. Preventative care can soothe minor scrapes before they become serious wounds.
MAY 27, 2021
How to Pray about Trouble --- Dr. Paul Chappell
2 Corinthians 12:7-9 --- And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
From what we read in the Bible of the life and ministry of Paul, we see a pattern of answered prayer. Paul asked God to do things to further the work of spreading the gospel, and God provided what was needed.
Paul healed the sick, survived shipwreck and snake bites, and even raised the dead. Yet when it came to the most personal burden Paul carried, his request was denied. Paul seriously and intently prayed that his thorn in the flesh would be removed, and God refused. Rather than becoming bitter over God not doing what he wanted, Paul rejoiced, seeing that what God had in mind was better than what he had asked the Lord to do.
Many times when we are in difficulty, we pray with a solution in mind. We have figured out how we think things should work, and our prayers are closer to directions than petitions. None of us enjoy going through hardship, yet there are times when the very thing we are asking God to take out of our lives is something that He sent for our good and for His glory. Paul needed the thorn in flesh so that pride would not hinder his ability to serve God faithfully. The thorn was a gift, and its removal would have been a handicap to Paul. We need to be careful as we pray to remember that God knows more than we do, so that we are not inadvertently asking Him to do something that would harm us.
Today's Growth Principle: Every prayer must be offered in submission to the will of God and in recognition that He knows what is best.
How to Pray about Trouble --- Dr. Paul Chappell
2 Corinthians 12:7-9 --- And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
From what we read in the Bible of the life and ministry of Paul, we see a pattern of answered prayer. Paul asked God to do things to further the work of spreading the gospel, and God provided what was needed.
Paul healed the sick, survived shipwreck and snake bites, and even raised the dead. Yet when it came to the most personal burden Paul carried, his request was denied. Paul seriously and intently prayed that his thorn in the flesh would be removed, and God refused. Rather than becoming bitter over God not doing what he wanted, Paul rejoiced, seeing that what God had in mind was better than what he had asked the Lord to do.
Many times when we are in difficulty, we pray with a solution in mind. We have figured out how we think things should work, and our prayers are closer to directions than petitions. None of us enjoy going through hardship, yet there are times when the very thing we are asking God to take out of our lives is something that He sent for our good and for His glory. Paul needed the thorn in flesh so that pride would not hinder his ability to serve God faithfully. The thorn was a gift, and its removal would have been a handicap to Paul. We need to be careful as we pray to remember that God knows more than we do, so that we are not inadvertently asking Him to do something that would harm us.
Today's Growth Principle: Every prayer must be offered in submission to the will of God and in recognition that He knows what is best.
MAY 26, 2021
A New Body
“For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling.” 2 Corinthians 5:2
This is the big question: When our heart takes its last beat, when our lungs take their last breath, when your eyes see no more, and your ears hear no more and your mouth speaks no more, at that moment…what happens? The truth is that two things happen. One happens immediately and the other happens ultimately.
Today I am going to focus on the ultimate. Ultimately, all who have believed in Jesus Christ will have a brand new resurrection body.
It is going to be a completely different body than what we have now. Here, our body is an earthly house.
There it will be an eternal home. This body is mortal; but that body will be immortal. This body is vulnerable; but that body will be invincible. This body can get sick and die; but that body will be forever healthy and alive.
This new body is not going to be conceived by man and woman, but by God. It is not going to be a natural body, but instead a supernatural one. It will not be subject to physical laws; it will be subject to heavenly laws, which means it will no longer be bound in the chains of mortality. Sin cannot corrupt it; and death cannot kill it.
Can you imagine a body where there is no need for doctors because it will always be healthy? No need for exercise because it will always be strong? No need for medicine because it will always be well? No need for beds because it will always be rested? Can you imagine such a body?
I realize I may have created more questions than answers. I cannot tell you what these new bodies will look or feel like. I cannot tell you how old they will appear to be. All I know is that we will be totally satisfied.
There will be no self-doubt or poor self-esteem. These new bodies will be made by God and will be absolute perfect.
Dear Lord, how grateful I am that one day I will be given a new body when I am in heaven with you. Help me to look forward to that day, but also give me the wisdom and the guidance to steward well the body you have given me for this life, for I want nothing more than to honor you with what you've given me. In Jesus' name, amen.
A New Body
“For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling.” 2 Corinthians 5:2
This is the big question: When our heart takes its last beat, when our lungs take their last breath, when your eyes see no more, and your ears hear no more and your mouth speaks no more, at that moment…what happens? The truth is that two things happen. One happens immediately and the other happens ultimately.
Today I am going to focus on the ultimate. Ultimately, all who have believed in Jesus Christ will have a brand new resurrection body.
It is going to be a completely different body than what we have now. Here, our body is an earthly house.
There it will be an eternal home. This body is mortal; but that body will be immortal. This body is vulnerable; but that body will be invincible. This body can get sick and die; but that body will be forever healthy and alive.
This new body is not going to be conceived by man and woman, but by God. It is not going to be a natural body, but instead a supernatural one. It will not be subject to physical laws; it will be subject to heavenly laws, which means it will no longer be bound in the chains of mortality. Sin cannot corrupt it; and death cannot kill it.
Can you imagine a body where there is no need for doctors because it will always be healthy? No need for exercise because it will always be strong? No need for medicine because it will always be well? No need for beds because it will always be rested? Can you imagine such a body?
I realize I may have created more questions than answers. I cannot tell you what these new bodies will look or feel like. I cannot tell you how old they will appear to be. All I know is that we will be totally satisfied.
There will be no self-doubt or poor self-esteem. These new bodies will be made by God and will be absolute perfect.
Dear Lord, how grateful I am that one day I will be given a new body when I am in heaven with you. Help me to look forward to that day, but also give me the wisdom and the guidance to steward well the body you have given me for this life, for I want nothing more than to honor you with what you've given me. In Jesus' name, amen.
MAY 25, 2021
This Old House
2 Corinthians 5:1 --- “For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”
In 2 Corinthians 5:1, the Apostle Paul describes the physical body as a house. The word “home” in this verse literally means, “house.” It is important that you don’t confuse you with your house. You are not your body.
You live in your body and your body is the house that you live in. You move into it when you are born and you move out of it when you die.
In a real sense, people don’t get sick; bodies get sick. People don’t grow old; bodies grow old. That is what Paul meant in 2 Corinthians 4:16 when he said, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” It is possible to be growing older on the outside while you are growing younger on the inside. Paul refers to our “outer nature” or “body” as “wasting away.” That word literally means, “decay.” That is exactly what houses do, don’t they? Over time houses do decay. They grow old and things begin to fall apart. The paint begins to peel off. The plumbing has to be replaced. It’s just what happens as a house ages.
Have you ever wondered why God built decay into our house? Why did God put us into a body that is dying from the moment it is born? It is because this body was never meant to be your final house. God never wants us to be totally at home in this house…for this temporary body is not our home. Your body has an expiration date and your soul has a moving date.
In the beginning, when God created Adam and Eve, they were free to eat from the Tree of Life freely.
However, once they disobeyed God and fell into sin, God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the Tree of Life and eat, and live forever (Genesis 3:22).” Once man was no longer allowed to eat the life-giving fruit of the Tree of Life, death was imminent. Immediately, Adam and Eve began to age and their days on this earth were numbered.
For believers in Jesus Christ, the aging and death of our bodies is a blessing. Death releases us from this decaying body and ushers us into the presence of our Savior. Because of Jesus, death does not have the final say in our story. It is just the beginning of eternity with the One who made us for His glory.
Dear Father, I don't want to fear death. Instead, I want to have an eternal mindset, reminded daily that I was not created for this world, but I was created for heaven. As my body ages and decays, I pray that you would comfort me with that truth. In Jesus' name, amen.
This Old House
2 Corinthians 5:1 --- “For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”
In 2 Corinthians 5:1, the Apostle Paul describes the physical body as a house. The word “home” in this verse literally means, “house.” It is important that you don’t confuse you with your house. You are not your body.
You live in your body and your body is the house that you live in. You move into it when you are born and you move out of it when you die.
In a real sense, people don’t get sick; bodies get sick. People don’t grow old; bodies grow old. That is what Paul meant in 2 Corinthians 4:16 when he said, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” It is possible to be growing older on the outside while you are growing younger on the inside. Paul refers to our “outer nature” or “body” as “wasting away.” That word literally means, “decay.” That is exactly what houses do, don’t they? Over time houses do decay. They grow old and things begin to fall apart. The paint begins to peel off. The plumbing has to be replaced. It’s just what happens as a house ages.
Have you ever wondered why God built decay into our house? Why did God put us into a body that is dying from the moment it is born? It is because this body was never meant to be your final house. God never wants us to be totally at home in this house…for this temporary body is not our home. Your body has an expiration date and your soul has a moving date.
In the beginning, when God created Adam and Eve, they were free to eat from the Tree of Life freely.
However, once they disobeyed God and fell into sin, God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the Tree of Life and eat, and live forever (Genesis 3:22).” Once man was no longer allowed to eat the life-giving fruit of the Tree of Life, death was imminent. Immediately, Adam and Eve began to age and their days on this earth were numbered.
For believers in Jesus Christ, the aging and death of our bodies is a blessing. Death releases us from this decaying body and ushers us into the presence of our Savior. Because of Jesus, death does not have the final say in our story. It is just the beginning of eternity with the One who made us for His glory.
Dear Father, I don't want to fear death. Instead, I want to have an eternal mindset, reminded daily that I was not created for this world, but I was created for heaven. As my body ages and decays, I pray that you would comfort me with that truth. In Jesus' name, amen.
MAY 24, 2021
Count Your Blessings
Psalm 27:5,6 (TLB) --- when troubles come . . . sing his praises with much joy.
Christians are not altogether immune from depression. The fact is: the trend of events and the mounting tide of evil are enough to give one sobering thoughts—Christian or not. David, the sweet singer of Israel, was not always on top of his depression. Sometimes his glad song was turned to a depressive mourning.
“My tears have been my meat day and night, while continually they say unto me, Where is thy God? Why art thou cast down, O my soul, and why art thou disquieted in me?” I find that the cure for depression is praise. In other words: be so busy counting your blessings, that thoughts of gloom and despair will be crowded out
Prayer for the day --- Thank You, heavenly Father, for the Psalms which help me see that even in the depths David talked with You. Whatever my circumstances, I will learn to praise You.
Count Your Blessings
Psalm 27:5,6 (TLB) --- when troubles come . . . sing his praises with much joy.
Christians are not altogether immune from depression. The fact is: the trend of events and the mounting tide of evil are enough to give one sobering thoughts—Christian or not. David, the sweet singer of Israel, was not always on top of his depression. Sometimes his glad song was turned to a depressive mourning.
“My tears have been my meat day and night, while continually they say unto me, Where is thy God? Why art thou cast down, O my soul, and why art thou disquieted in me?” I find that the cure for depression is praise. In other words: be so busy counting your blessings, that thoughts of gloom and despair will be crowded out
Prayer for the day --- Thank You, heavenly Father, for the Psalms which help me see that even in the depths David talked with You. Whatever my circumstances, I will learn to praise You.
MAY 23,2021
A Big, Rewarding Life
People with low confidence are double-minded, indecisive people who constantly get frustrated with life. If they do make a decision, they are tormented by self-doubt. They second-guess themselves. As a result, they don't live boldly. They live little, narrow lives, and they miss out on the big, rewarding lives God wants them to enjoy.
You may be aware of some of God's promises for His people—promises for peace, happiness, blessings, and so on. But did you know that all of God's promises are for every person?
That's right—when it comes to fulfilling promises, God does not discriminate. However, God requires us to approach Him in faith—the deeply held confidence that God is trustworthy and will always make good on His promises. God loves you; He wants you to relax in the knowledge of that love. God wants you to experience the peace of mind that comes from resting in His love and living without the torment of fear and doubt.
Trust God’s timing and diligently take each step He guides you to take. You will see your God-ordained dreams come to pass if you don’t give up.
Prayer Starter: Lord, I hate all the second-guessing and the wavering that come with a lack of confidence in You. I know that You want me to enjoy a big, rewarding life, and I know that Your promises of blessings and joy and peace are for me. By faith, I receive all that you have for me now. In Jesus’ name, amen!
A Big, Rewarding Life
People with low confidence are double-minded, indecisive people who constantly get frustrated with life. If they do make a decision, they are tormented by self-doubt. They second-guess themselves. As a result, they don't live boldly. They live little, narrow lives, and they miss out on the big, rewarding lives God wants them to enjoy.
You may be aware of some of God's promises for His people—promises for peace, happiness, blessings, and so on. But did you know that all of God's promises are for every person?
That's right—when it comes to fulfilling promises, God does not discriminate. However, God requires us to approach Him in faith—the deeply held confidence that God is trustworthy and will always make good on His promises. God loves you; He wants you to relax in the knowledge of that love. God wants you to experience the peace of mind that comes from resting in His love and living without the torment of fear and doubt.
Trust God’s timing and diligently take each step He guides you to take. You will see your God-ordained dreams come to pass if you don’t give up.
Prayer Starter: Lord, I hate all the second-guessing and the wavering that come with a lack of confidence in You. I know that You want me to enjoy a big, rewarding life, and I know that Your promises of blessings and joy and peace are for me. By faith, I receive all that you have for me now. In Jesus’ name, amen!
MAY 22, 2021
Self-Focused Prayer
John 6:1-27
Which interests you more—who Jesus is or what He can do for you? I’m afraid many of us are more concerned about what He gives than discovering who He is. But this is nothing new. When Jesus walked the earth, the crowds often sought Him out for what He could do for them. Even though their needs were quite often legitimate, Christ knew their motives.
There is a fine line between using the Lord to get what we want and humbly coming to Him with our needs and struggles. Sometimes issues are so urgent in our mind that instead of submitting to His will, we’d rather pray for Him to act in the way we want. Then, what might appear to be “faith” is really a demanding spirit.
If our prayers have dealt only with presenting our requests to the Lord, we’ve missed a great opportunity to get to know the One with whom we’ll spend eternity. How much of your communion with God is devoted to your needs—even legitimate ones? Are you getting to know the Lord? Although God delights in our prayers and the details of our life, He also wants us to enjoy His presence.
Self-Focused Prayer
John 6:1-27
Which interests you more—who Jesus is or what He can do for you? I’m afraid many of us are more concerned about what He gives than discovering who He is. But this is nothing new. When Jesus walked the earth, the crowds often sought Him out for what He could do for them. Even though their needs were quite often legitimate, Christ knew their motives.
There is a fine line between using the Lord to get what we want and humbly coming to Him with our needs and struggles. Sometimes issues are so urgent in our mind that instead of submitting to His will, we’d rather pray for Him to act in the way we want. Then, what might appear to be “faith” is really a demanding spirit.
If our prayers have dealt only with presenting our requests to the Lord, we’ve missed a great opportunity to get to know the One with whom we’ll spend eternity. How much of your communion with God is devoted to your needs—even legitimate ones? Are you getting to know the Lord? Although God delights in our prayers and the details of our life, He also wants us to enjoy His presence.
MAY 21, 2021
The Nearness of God
Luke 12:7 --- “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
On Monday, August 21, 2017, all of North America was treated to an incredible solar eclipse. I live just about an hour south of the totality zone, so the hype leading up to the eclipse was big. Eclipse glasses were selling out right and left. Hotels were sold out and restaurants jam-packed in the cities within and surrounding the totality zone. Some schools cancelled classes and had delayed pick-ups so everyone could enjoy this rare event. Where I live, we experienced approximately 96% totality during the eclipse.
What was surprising to me was the reaction of many people after the eclipse was over. While those who viewed it within the totality zone were blown away, many people who were outside that area were let down. I heard comments like, “That was it?” All over social media were posts such as, #eclipsefail, or, #eclipseletdown. Perhaps it was the giant buildup leading to the eclipse, but I was astounded at how many people were disappointed in what they saw.
Think about it. God designed the universe so that every so often, we can see the atmosphere of the sun from the earth. And even in the areas where full coverage was not visible, we still could watch the moon eclipse the sun…in space…from the earth…with a flimsy pair of special glasses. From our backyards, we could look up and see with our own eyes that which only God could do.
The eclipse left me contemplating the greatness of God. But in the days that have followed, I have been reminded of not only His greatness, but also His nearness. I am amazed at the reality of His continual presence. Yes, He created the heavens and names the stars…and He also numbers the hairs on my head. He is so vast, yet He has made Himself small enough for me to know Him, putting on flesh and being born of a virgin to bring Himself nearer. He is seated high in heavens, reigning over all things; yet He also dwells within me through His Spirit. He is high and low, holy and humble.
As His people, we must never take His nearness for granted. We should continually marvel at the works of His hands as we live in the reality of both His supremacy and His simplicity. He is God; and He is near.
Dear Lord, I don't want to be numb to your presence. I want to be reminded all the time that you are near and you are close to me. Help me to remember that you are always by my side no matter what, and help me to live with all of the confidence and blessing that comes with being in your presence daily. In Jesus' name, amen.
The Nearness of God
Luke 12:7 --- “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
On Monday, August 21, 2017, all of North America was treated to an incredible solar eclipse. I live just about an hour south of the totality zone, so the hype leading up to the eclipse was big. Eclipse glasses were selling out right and left. Hotels were sold out and restaurants jam-packed in the cities within and surrounding the totality zone. Some schools cancelled classes and had delayed pick-ups so everyone could enjoy this rare event. Where I live, we experienced approximately 96% totality during the eclipse.
What was surprising to me was the reaction of many people after the eclipse was over. While those who viewed it within the totality zone were blown away, many people who were outside that area were let down. I heard comments like, “That was it?” All over social media were posts such as, #eclipsefail, or, #eclipseletdown. Perhaps it was the giant buildup leading to the eclipse, but I was astounded at how many people were disappointed in what they saw.
Think about it. God designed the universe so that every so often, we can see the atmosphere of the sun from the earth. And even in the areas where full coverage was not visible, we still could watch the moon eclipse the sun…in space…from the earth…with a flimsy pair of special glasses. From our backyards, we could look up and see with our own eyes that which only God could do.
The eclipse left me contemplating the greatness of God. But in the days that have followed, I have been reminded of not only His greatness, but also His nearness. I am amazed at the reality of His continual presence. Yes, He created the heavens and names the stars…and He also numbers the hairs on my head. He is so vast, yet He has made Himself small enough for me to know Him, putting on flesh and being born of a virgin to bring Himself nearer. He is seated high in heavens, reigning over all things; yet He also dwells within me through His Spirit. He is high and low, holy and humble.
As His people, we must never take His nearness for granted. We should continually marvel at the works of His hands as we live in the reality of both His supremacy and His simplicity. He is God; and He is near.
Dear Lord, I don't want to be numb to your presence. I want to be reminded all the time that you are near and you are close to me. Help me to remember that you are always by my side no matter what, and help me to live with all of the confidence and blessing that comes with being in your presence daily. In Jesus' name, amen.
MAY 20, 2021
Look and Live --- Dr. Paul Chappell
John 3:14-17 --- And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
When the Children of Israel griped and complained about the manna that God was miraculously providing them every day, God sent poisonous snakes into the camp. In desperation, the people came to Moses and confessed their sin. When Moses prayed, God gave him the solution. It was not what the people asked for, the removal of the snakes, but instead a cure. “And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived” (Numbers 21:9).
As Jesus was talking to Nicodemus, He used this event to illustrate the means of salvation. As a Jewish religious leader, Nicodemus would have been well acquainted with the story. It is a powerful demonstration of God's grace because it shows that deliverance and salvation can only come from Him, and specifically from faith in Him. God did not instruct the people to follow a certain ritual or offer elaborate sacrifices for their healing. Instead they only had to look at the serpent on the pole and their lives would be spared.
We do not get saved because of anything that we do or don't do. We do not get saved because of our bloodlines and heritage, because we belong to a certain church, or because of where we live. We get saved because we look to Jesus in faith for the help that only He can provide. There is no human remedy for the poison of sin. We are utterly without hope unless we accept what Jesus provides.
Today's Growth Principle: Salvation only comes by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Look and Live --- Dr. Paul Chappell
John 3:14-17 --- And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
When the Children of Israel griped and complained about the manna that God was miraculously providing them every day, God sent poisonous snakes into the camp. In desperation, the people came to Moses and confessed their sin. When Moses prayed, God gave him the solution. It was not what the people asked for, the removal of the snakes, but instead a cure. “And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived” (Numbers 21:9).
As Jesus was talking to Nicodemus, He used this event to illustrate the means of salvation. As a Jewish religious leader, Nicodemus would have been well acquainted with the story. It is a powerful demonstration of God's grace because it shows that deliverance and salvation can only come from Him, and specifically from faith in Him. God did not instruct the people to follow a certain ritual or offer elaborate sacrifices for their healing. Instead they only had to look at the serpent on the pole and their lives would be spared.
We do not get saved because of anything that we do or don't do. We do not get saved because of our bloodlines and heritage, because we belong to a certain church, or because of where we live. We get saved because we look to Jesus in faith for the help that only He can provide. There is no human remedy for the poison of sin. We are utterly without hope unless we accept what Jesus provides.
Today's Growth Principle: Salvation only comes by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
MAY 19, 2021
One Word, Two Directions
Matthew 22:37-39 --- “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Over the past several decades, anthropologists have done an exhaustive survey of the various cultures of the world. One of their most fundamental findings was morality is universal. Scholars have never found a culture, past or present, that doesn’t have some system of morality. The standards of morality may differ from one culture to another or even within a culture, but every culture knows there is a difference between what is right and what isn’t and what should be and what shouldn’t be.
Deep down, each of us has a sense of what we ought to do…at least on some level. Where does this “ought to” come from? Because we are all created in the image of God, there exists within all of us a moral center…an intrinsic knowledge of the truth. Romans 1:18-21 explains how sin causes people to suppress this truth about God, even though He has clearly revealed Himself through all that He has made. When the truth of God is suppressed, futile minds and darkened hearts run the show.
Jesus said that the moral virtues we ought to live by are summed up in one word: Love. This love should flow in two directions. It should flow vertically, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind;” and it should flow horizontally, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” When we follow those two commandments we will find loyalty, honesty, love, generosity, and sacrifice.
It is important, however, that these two expressions of love be kept in order. Our love for God must be foremost…even above our love for others. Why? Because it is God who shows us how to best love other people. If we are not grounded in our relationship with Christ, we cannot love others the way He wants us to. We must be careful to never “love” others at the expense of what is honoring to God and in line with His Word. The opposite is also true. Honoring God will never lead us to be unloving to others.
If we seek to love God first He will show us how to love others in a way that honors Him and shows His goodness, grace, and mercy.
Dear Father, I want to love others well, but I know that starts with loving you and prioritizing my relationship with you. Give me a heart to love you more every day, and, in turn, a heart to love others so that they might be pointed to you. In Jesus' name, amen.
One Word, Two Directions
Matthew 22:37-39 --- “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Over the past several decades, anthropologists have done an exhaustive survey of the various cultures of the world. One of their most fundamental findings was morality is universal. Scholars have never found a culture, past or present, that doesn’t have some system of morality. The standards of morality may differ from one culture to another or even within a culture, but every culture knows there is a difference between what is right and what isn’t and what should be and what shouldn’t be.
Deep down, each of us has a sense of what we ought to do…at least on some level. Where does this “ought to” come from? Because we are all created in the image of God, there exists within all of us a moral center…an intrinsic knowledge of the truth. Romans 1:18-21 explains how sin causes people to suppress this truth about God, even though He has clearly revealed Himself through all that He has made. When the truth of God is suppressed, futile minds and darkened hearts run the show.
Jesus said that the moral virtues we ought to live by are summed up in one word: Love. This love should flow in two directions. It should flow vertically, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind;” and it should flow horizontally, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” When we follow those two commandments we will find loyalty, honesty, love, generosity, and sacrifice.
It is important, however, that these two expressions of love be kept in order. Our love for God must be foremost…even above our love for others. Why? Because it is God who shows us how to best love other people. If we are not grounded in our relationship with Christ, we cannot love others the way He wants us to. We must be careful to never “love” others at the expense of what is honoring to God and in line with His Word. The opposite is also true. Honoring God will never lead us to be unloving to others.
If we seek to love God first He will show us how to love others in a way that honors Him and shows His goodness, grace, and mercy.
Dear Father, I want to love others well, but I know that starts with loving you and prioritizing my relationship with you. Give me a heart to love you more every day, and, in turn, a heart to love others so that they might be pointed to you. In Jesus' name, amen.
MAY 18, 2021
Love Covers
1 John 3:18 --- Let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions.
The Bible declares that we who follow Christ should be just as much in love with each other as God was in love with us when He sent His Son to die on the cross. The moment we come to Christ, Scripture says, God gives us supernatural love that is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. The greatest demonstration of the fact that we are Christians is that we love one another. Why not go out of our way to be a friend to someone whose skin is a different color from ours? Love does more to solve our problems than anything else does. Of all the gifts God offers His children, love is the greatest. Of all the fruits of the Holy Spirit, love is the first.
Prayer for the day --- Jesus, loving Lord, teach me real love—mine is often shallow in my relationship to others.
Love Covers
1 John 3:18 --- Let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions.
The Bible declares that we who follow Christ should be just as much in love with each other as God was in love with us when He sent His Son to die on the cross. The moment we come to Christ, Scripture says, God gives us supernatural love that is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. The greatest demonstration of the fact that we are Christians is that we love one another. Why not go out of our way to be a friend to someone whose skin is a different color from ours? Love does more to solve our problems than anything else does. Of all the gifts God offers His children, love is the greatest. Of all the fruits of the Holy Spirit, love is the first.
Prayer for the day --- Jesus, loving Lord, teach me real love—mine is often shallow in my relationship to others.
MAY 17, 2021
Perfect in Christ
We have a command (or perhaps it is a promise) in Matthew 5:48: Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect (NIV). Because God is perfect and is working in us, we can also look forward to sharing in His perfection.
The apostle Paul said although he had not already been made perfect, he pressed on toward the goal. He then said those of us who are imperfect should be thus minded, to let go of what was behind us (mistakes) and press on. In essence, he was saying that in God's eyes, by faith in Jesus Christ, he was perfect, yet he was not totally perfected (see Phil. 3:12–15).
We must learn to see ourselves in Christ, not in ourselves. Corrie ten Boom taught that if you look at the world, you will be oppressed; if you look at yourself, you will be depressed; but if you look at Jesus, you will be at rest. How true it is that if we look at ourselves—at what we are in our own abilities—we cannot be anything except depressed and totally discouraged. But when we look to Christ, the Author and Finisher (perfecter) of our faith, we can enter His rest and believe He is continually working in us (Heb. 12:2 NIV).
We always say, "Nobody is perfect." What we mean is that nobody manifests perfect behavior, and that is a correct statement. Our behavior, however, is quite different from our identities.
The Bible says that faith in Jesus makes us righteous, but in our actions, we don't always do the right thing. I have said for years, "Our who is different than our do." We don't do everything right, but God always loves us. He always sees us "in Christ," through our faith in Him, and He views us as perfect in Christ while we are still being changed by His power.
Trust Him that at this very moment, you are perfect in God's eyes and on your way to perfection, not because of anything you have done but because of who you are in Christ. Trust God to continually work in you to help you mature, grow, and change.
Prayer Starter: Father, I want to be made perfect and I believe that in Your sight, I am being made perfect while you continue to help me grow and change. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Perfect in Christ
We have a command (or perhaps it is a promise) in Matthew 5:48: Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect (NIV). Because God is perfect and is working in us, we can also look forward to sharing in His perfection.
The apostle Paul said although he had not already been made perfect, he pressed on toward the goal. He then said those of us who are imperfect should be thus minded, to let go of what was behind us (mistakes) and press on. In essence, he was saying that in God's eyes, by faith in Jesus Christ, he was perfect, yet he was not totally perfected (see Phil. 3:12–15).
We must learn to see ourselves in Christ, not in ourselves. Corrie ten Boom taught that if you look at the world, you will be oppressed; if you look at yourself, you will be depressed; but if you look at Jesus, you will be at rest. How true it is that if we look at ourselves—at what we are in our own abilities—we cannot be anything except depressed and totally discouraged. But when we look to Christ, the Author and Finisher (perfecter) of our faith, we can enter His rest and believe He is continually working in us (Heb. 12:2 NIV).
We always say, "Nobody is perfect." What we mean is that nobody manifests perfect behavior, and that is a correct statement. Our behavior, however, is quite different from our identities.
The Bible says that faith in Jesus makes us righteous, but in our actions, we don't always do the right thing. I have said for years, "Our who is different than our do." We don't do everything right, but God always loves us. He always sees us "in Christ," through our faith in Him, and He views us as perfect in Christ while we are still being changed by His power.
Trust Him that at this very moment, you are perfect in God's eyes and on your way to perfection, not because of anything you have done but because of who you are in Christ. Trust God to continually work in you to help you mature, grow, and change.
Prayer Starter: Father, I want to be made perfect and I believe that in Your sight, I am being made perfect while you continue to help me grow and change. In Jesus’ name, amen.
MAY 16, 2021
Glory in Our Differences
In 1 Corinthians 9:20-21, Paul describes people with different practices and identities—and then explains that he became like each group in order to tell them the good news.
Though we know our primary identity is in Jesus Christ, we each have a specific background that informs our life. Our ethnicity, family, and other identifiers were given to us by God. He formed every detail—and each of us uniquely bears His image. He wants us to honor His image in one another, no matter how different our backgrounds or circumstances.
That’s part of what it means to belong to the body of Christ—to fully embrace one another’s differences, understanding that God uses every part of who we are to bring Him glory. That should affect how we think of people who aren’t like us, especially other believers. It should also influence the way we evangelize—letting people come as they are, free to be themselves.
Think about it
• Can you think of a time when you became aware of ways you were different from a group? Can you remember if anything made you feel welcome, in spite of those differences? If not, what intensified your awareness of not fitting in? Consider how to apply your insights in your community.
Glory in Our Differences
In 1 Corinthians 9:20-21, Paul describes people with different practices and identities—and then explains that he became like each group in order to tell them the good news.
Though we know our primary identity is in Jesus Christ, we each have a specific background that informs our life. Our ethnicity, family, and other identifiers were given to us by God. He formed every detail—and each of us uniquely bears His image. He wants us to honor His image in one another, no matter how different our backgrounds or circumstances.
That’s part of what it means to belong to the body of Christ—to fully embrace one another’s differences, understanding that God uses every part of who we are to bring Him glory. That should affect how we think of people who aren’t like us, especially other believers. It should also influence the way we evangelize—letting people come as they are, free to be themselves.
Think about it
• Can you think of a time when you became aware of ways you were different from a group? Can you remember if anything made you feel welcome, in spite of those differences? If not, what intensified your awareness of not fitting in? Consider how to apply your insights in your community.
MAY 15, 2021
An Ongoing War --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Galatians 5:16-18 --- This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
In A.D. 711, the Muslim forces of the Umayyad Calihpate swept into Spain. In a series of battles, they defeated the rulers and made Spain an Islamic nation. A few years later, a battle to drive them out of the country began. It was not a quick or easy process. What is now known by historians as the Reconquista lasted until 1492—nearly 800 years. It is generally regarded as the longest war in human history. Yet even that lengthy conflict pales in comparison to the war between the flesh and the Spirit. That one has been raging ever since Adam and Eve were driven out of the Garden of Eden.
There are two key principles to understanding this conflict. The first is that everyone is controlled by one or the other. There are no neutral parties. There are no exceptions. Though it is a common philosophy in our day, there are no independent operators or moral free agents. All of us are under the direction and influence of God or Satan. The second is that we cannot split the difference. We don't have the option of being partially with the Spirit and partially with the flesh. Jesus warned, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).
The victorious Christian life can only be lived in submission to the Holy Spirit of God. Unless we are willing to yield to Him, we are condemning ourselves to living under the control of the lusts of the flesh.
Today's Growth Principle: As we yield ourselves to the power of the Holy Spirit and His control, He gives us victory in the Christian life.
An Ongoing War --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Galatians 5:16-18 --- This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
In A.D. 711, the Muslim forces of the Umayyad Calihpate swept into Spain. In a series of battles, they defeated the rulers and made Spain an Islamic nation. A few years later, a battle to drive them out of the country began. It was not a quick or easy process. What is now known by historians as the Reconquista lasted until 1492—nearly 800 years. It is generally regarded as the longest war in human history. Yet even that lengthy conflict pales in comparison to the war between the flesh and the Spirit. That one has been raging ever since Adam and Eve were driven out of the Garden of Eden.
There are two key principles to understanding this conflict. The first is that everyone is controlled by one or the other. There are no neutral parties. There are no exceptions. Though it is a common philosophy in our day, there are no independent operators or moral free agents. All of us are under the direction and influence of God or Satan. The second is that we cannot split the difference. We don't have the option of being partially with the Spirit and partially with the flesh. Jesus warned, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).
The victorious Christian life can only be lived in submission to the Holy Spirit of God. Unless we are willing to yield to Him, we are condemning ourselves to living under the control of the lusts of the flesh.
Today's Growth Principle: As we yield ourselves to the power of the Holy Spirit and His control, He gives us victory in the Christian life.
MAY 14, 2021
The Presence of Jesus
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20)
As you read today’s key passage, notice that what Jesus wanted His disciples then and now to know is we are not on our own. We are not by ourselves. We haven’t been thrown into the water without knowing how to swim. We have his presence. We have it particularly and intensely and most personally when we are carrying out His will for our lives.
As I look back at my life in following Jesus and you say to me, “When did you feel the presence of Jesus most in your life?” I can tell you for me and it goes right along with what Jesus promised here. I feel his presence most when I am doing what He has called me to do - when I am sharing the gospel, when I am telling people about Jesus, when I am trying to get people to trust and obey. I have never done it that I did not completely feel like Jesus was completely beside me.
Let me put it to you this way. Jesus is most real to me when I share that Jesus is most real to others. So we have one job. Let me make it plain that this one job is for time and space. It is for all places, for all time, and for all of us to carry out. That is why we should make disciples and get them involved in worship, discipling, serving and sending. We have His power behind us, His plan before us and His presence beside us.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your constant presence. Thank you that you are always with me no matter where I am or what I’m going through. Please help me to find comfort and peace in that truth and to share that truth with others so that they can experience your presence as well. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The Presence of Jesus
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20)
As you read today’s key passage, notice that what Jesus wanted His disciples then and now to know is we are not on our own. We are not by ourselves. We haven’t been thrown into the water without knowing how to swim. We have his presence. We have it particularly and intensely and most personally when we are carrying out His will for our lives.
As I look back at my life in following Jesus and you say to me, “When did you feel the presence of Jesus most in your life?” I can tell you for me and it goes right along with what Jesus promised here. I feel his presence most when I am doing what He has called me to do - when I am sharing the gospel, when I am telling people about Jesus, when I am trying to get people to trust and obey. I have never done it that I did not completely feel like Jesus was completely beside me.
Let me put it to you this way. Jesus is most real to me when I share that Jesus is most real to others. So we have one job. Let me make it plain that this one job is for time and space. It is for all places, for all time, and for all of us to carry out. That is why we should make disciples and get them involved in worship, discipling, serving and sending. We have His power behind us, His plan before us and His presence beside us.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your constant presence. Thank you that you are always with me no matter where I am or what I’m going through. Please help me to find comfort and peace in that truth and to share that truth with others so that they can experience your presence as well. In Jesus’ name, amen.
MAY 13, 2021
Power and Authority
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (Matthew 28:18)
One of the first principles of leadership is you never give people the responsibility to do something without giving them the power and the authority to do it. Jesus lets us know right up front we have that. “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18)
That word “all” is used three times in this passage, but it is this first “all” that tells us why we have to carry out the other two “alls.” The word “authority” literally means “power” or “executive power.” You may have the power to do something, but if you do not have the authority to do it you cannot exercise that power. On the other hand, you may have the authority to do something, but if you don’t have the power to do it you cannot exercise that authority. You’ve got to have the authority and the power to do something, and this word carries both connotations. Jesus makes this incredible claim that He has all authority and all power in all of the universe.
That is the same authority that Jesus has given to us. We have the authority and the power to share with a lost world that Christ is the only way and that people need to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus, that there is forgiveness of sins and eternal life to those who are willing to take God’s gift.
Are you harnessing the power Jesus has given to you? Are you living your life with the authority you’ve been blessed with by God? If not, my hope is that you will begin praying and asking the Lord to help you live with that power and authority every day, taking hold of these special gifts He’s given you.
Dear Father, thank you for the gift of power and authority that only you can give. I pray that you would give me boldness to harness that power and live with that authority so that I might honor and glorify you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Power and Authority
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (Matthew 28:18)
One of the first principles of leadership is you never give people the responsibility to do something without giving them the power and the authority to do it. Jesus lets us know right up front we have that. “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18)
That word “all” is used three times in this passage, but it is this first “all” that tells us why we have to carry out the other two “alls.” The word “authority” literally means “power” or “executive power.” You may have the power to do something, but if you do not have the authority to do it you cannot exercise that power. On the other hand, you may have the authority to do something, but if you don’t have the power to do it you cannot exercise that authority. You’ve got to have the authority and the power to do something, and this word carries both connotations. Jesus makes this incredible claim that He has all authority and all power in all of the universe.
That is the same authority that Jesus has given to us. We have the authority and the power to share with a lost world that Christ is the only way and that people need to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus, that there is forgiveness of sins and eternal life to those who are willing to take God’s gift.
Are you harnessing the power Jesus has given to you? Are you living your life with the authority you’ve been blessed with by God? If not, my hope is that you will begin praying and asking the Lord to help you live with that power and authority every day, taking hold of these special gifts He’s given you.
Dear Father, thank you for the gift of power and authority that only you can give. I pray that you would give me boldness to harness that power and live with that authority so that I might honor and glorify you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
MAY 12, 2021
He Changes Us
. . that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.
—Ephesians 6:19
The word “mystery” means beyond human knowledge or understanding. God’s mysteries baffle the unbelieving, but bless the believer. The mystery of righteousness, like some of the other great mysteries of God, we cannot comprehend, but we know it works. We stand amazed at this great mystery which enables God to change the human heart, its attitudes, its desires, and its nature.
God, a holy God, who loves righteousness and hates wickedness, through a process of redemption has refashioned us in the image of Himself. How marvelous! For generations He has been applying His righteousness to the hearts of men. Even in our time, with its complexities of living, God is in the business of changing men and women by the mystery of righteousness.
Prayer for the day --- Give me Your boldness to tell others the secret of eternal joy in Jesus Christ.
He Changes Us
. . that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.
—Ephesians 6:19
The word “mystery” means beyond human knowledge or understanding. God’s mysteries baffle the unbelieving, but bless the believer. The mystery of righteousness, like some of the other great mysteries of God, we cannot comprehend, but we know it works. We stand amazed at this great mystery which enables God to change the human heart, its attitudes, its desires, and its nature.
God, a holy God, who loves righteousness and hates wickedness, through a process of redemption has refashioned us in the image of Himself. How marvelous! For generations He has been applying His righteousness to the hearts of men. Even in our time, with its complexities of living, God is in the business of changing men and women by the mystery of righteousness.
Prayer for the day --- Give me Your boldness to tell others the secret of eternal joy in Jesus Christ.
MAY 11, 2021
Let the Spirit Take the Lead
Most people are afraid not to be like everyone else. Many people are more comfortable following specified rules than daring to follow the leading of God's Spirit. When we follow man-made rules, we please people, but when we step out in faith and follow God's Spirit, we please Him. We do not need to feel pressured to pray a certain way for a certain length of time or to focus on specific things because other people are doing so. Instead, we need to be free to express our uniqueness as we pray the way God is teaching us. God uses each of us to pray about different things and that way all the things that need to be prayed about get covered.
Somehow, we feel safe when we are doing what everyone else is doing, but the sad thing is that we will feel unfulfilled until we learn to "untie the boat from the dock," so to speak, and let the ocean of God's Spirit take us wherever He wills. I spent many years tied to the dock following specified rules and regulations of prayer that others had taught me, and it was a good beginning, but eventually my prayer experience became very dry and boring. When I learned to untie my boat from the dock and give myself to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, a freshness and creativity came, and it has been wonderful. I find that the Holy Spirit leads me differently almost every day as I pray, and I no longer do it according to rules, regulations, and time clocks.
Start asking God to show you who you are, and the uniqueness He has given you, and to help you hear and follow His voice according to the one-of-a-kind, wonderful way He has created you.
Prayer Starter: Lord, I ask you right now to help me be the person You created me to be and to learn to pray the way You would have me pray. Help me to be bold and brave and unique! In Jesus’ name, amen.
Let the Spirit Take the Lead
Most people are afraid not to be like everyone else. Many people are more comfortable following specified rules than daring to follow the leading of God's Spirit. When we follow man-made rules, we please people, but when we step out in faith and follow God's Spirit, we please Him. We do not need to feel pressured to pray a certain way for a certain length of time or to focus on specific things because other people are doing so. Instead, we need to be free to express our uniqueness as we pray the way God is teaching us. God uses each of us to pray about different things and that way all the things that need to be prayed about get covered.
Somehow, we feel safe when we are doing what everyone else is doing, but the sad thing is that we will feel unfulfilled until we learn to "untie the boat from the dock," so to speak, and let the ocean of God's Spirit take us wherever He wills. I spent many years tied to the dock following specified rules and regulations of prayer that others had taught me, and it was a good beginning, but eventually my prayer experience became very dry and boring. When I learned to untie my boat from the dock and give myself to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, a freshness and creativity came, and it has been wonderful. I find that the Holy Spirit leads me differently almost every day as I pray, and I no longer do it according to rules, regulations, and time clocks.
Start asking God to show you who you are, and the uniqueness He has given you, and to help you hear and follow His voice according to the one-of-a-kind, wonderful way He has created you.
Prayer Starter: Lord, I ask you right now to help me be the person You created me to be and to learn to pray the way You would have me pray. Help me to be bold and brave and unique! In Jesus’ name, amen.
MAY 10, 2021
Letting Go of Baggage
Hebrews 12:1-3
If you’ve ever had to carry luggage while running to catch a flight or the bus, you know how difficult and exhausting it can be. Have you considered that the same could be said about carrying baggage from your past into your Christian life?
Sometimes the burdens we carry have been with us since childhood—painful experiences during those formative years can have a profound impact, even into adulthood. And things we saw, heard, or felt could negatively affect our spiritual life today. In fact, it’s possible to be unaware of the load because after bearing it for so long, we may have become accustomed to the weight and bulk. Perhaps it even feels normal, but it’s not what the heavenly Father wants for His children.
To run with endurance the course God has set for your life, you must lay aside these encumbrances. He can break any lingering unhealthy pattern and replace it with hope and deep satisfaction in Him. As you consider your background and childhood experiences, ask God to reveal the truth clearly. When you recognize ways in which others have had a negative influence, pray the He will give you a forgiving spirit and healing for any wounds that remain.
Bible in One Year: 1 Chronicles 28-29
Letting Go of Baggage
Hebrews 12:1-3
If you’ve ever had to carry luggage while running to catch a flight or the bus, you know how difficult and exhausting it can be. Have you considered that the same could be said about carrying baggage from your past into your Christian life?
Sometimes the burdens we carry have been with us since childhood—painful experiences during those formative years can have a profound impact, even into adulthood. And things we saw, heard, or felt could negatively affect our spiritual life today. In fact, it’s possible to be unaware of the load because after bearing it for so long, we may have become accustomed to the weight and bulk. Perhaps it even feels normal, but it’s not what the heavenly Father wants for His children.
To run with endurance the course God has set for your life, you must lay aside these encumbrances. He can break any lingering unhealthy pattern and replace it with hope and deep satisfaction in Him. As you consider your background and childhood experiences, ask God to reveal the truth clearly. When you recognize ways in which others have had a negative influence, pray the He will give you a forgiving spirit and healing for any wounds that remain.
Bible in One Year: 1 Chronicles 28-29
MAY 9, 2021
Real Repentance --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Luke 3:7-9 --- Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
When John the Baptist began his ministry of telling the people that the Messiah was about to arrive and that they needed to repent, huge crowds gathered to hear his message. Many of them believed what he said and were baptized. One of the questions John was often asked was what people should do in light of the truth. His answer was always that they should repent and then live accordingly. The notion that there is a repentance that does not produce any kind of change is not what the Bible teaches. Charles Spurgeon said, “Repentance is a discovery of the evil of sin, a mourning that we have committed it, a resolution to forsake it. It is, in fact, a change of mind of a very deep and practical character, which makes the man love what once he hated, and hate what once he loved.”
The world around us may find sin amusing, but God does not. He calls us to a different kind of life.
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17). While we do not receive God's forgiveness because of what we do, our love for Him leads us to turn away from the sin that was once attractive to us and live in a new way. Only then are we fulfilling His plan and purpose for our lives.
Today's Growth Principle: God did not save us so we could continue living in the same old way. He calls us to new life.
Real Repentance --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Luke 3:7-9 --- Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
When John the Baptist began his ministry of telling the people that the Messiah was about to arrive and that they needed to repent, huge crowds gathered to hear his message. Many of them believed what he said and were baptized. One of the questions John was often asked was what people should do in light of the truth. His answer was always that they should repent and then live accordingly. The notion that there is a repentance that does not produce any kind of change is not what the Bible teaches. Charles Spurgeon said, “Repentance is a discovery of the evil of sin, a mourning that we have committed it, a resolution to forsake it. It is, in fact, a change of mind of a very deep and practical character, which makes the man love what once he hated, and hate what once he loved.”
The world around us may find sin amusing, but God does not. He calls us to a different kind of life.
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17). While we do not receive God's forgiveness because of what we do, our love for Him leads us to turn away from the sin that was once attractive to us and live in a new way. Only then are we fulfilling His plan and purpose for our lives.
Today's Growth Principle: God did not save us so we could continue living in the same old way. He calls us to new life.
MAY 8, 2021
Fear and Obedience
“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13
Have you ever wondered about your life’s purpose…why you are here? Most people have, at some point, thought about that question. No amount of money, success, or fame will exempt you from the deep need to matter. We all long for purpose…to know that at the end of the day, our lives have made a difference. While this might not be as important to some people as others, in the deepest part of who we are, we all want to believe that there is something bigger than the here and now. We want to know that all of this isn’t for nothing…that there is, well, more to our stories.
The truth is, the purpose of your life does not revolve around you. The purpose of your life revolves around God. We were all created to have a personal relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. This cannot happen without a healthy fear of the Lord. When you understand that the God who created you and loves you sent His Son to die for your sins so that He could have an eternal relationship with you, it should evoke a sense of awe and respect in your heart towards God. This healthy fear should cause you to desire to please Him in all you do. It should cause you to fear anything that might displease Him.
Let’s face it; our world is in disarray. Politically and socially, we are hanging on by a thread. There is such divisiveness, such disrespect, such hatred and violence. Everywhere you look there are protests or riots of some kind. No amount of education, or passing of laws can fix what is broken. Why? Because as a Nation, we have totally lost the fear of God. Politicians fear public opinion more than they fear God. Students fear being unpopular more than they fear God. People fear criticism and the accusation of being intolerant more than they fear God. We have collectively lost our fear of the Lord.
What does the fear of the Lord have to do with your life’s purpose? You will never fulfill the purpose for which you were created until you fear the Lord. As Ecclesiastes 12:13 says, fearing God and obeying Him is the whole duty of every person. When we humbly fear Him, we can receive Him and get to know Him. When we humbly obey Him, we can be used by Him, fulfilling the purpose for which we have been created.
Dear Lord, I want to live a life of fear and obedience to you. I want to honor you, respect you, and follow you, whatever that entails. Please keep that desire lit within me so that I may continue to live my life surrendered to you. In Jesus' name, amen.
Fear and Obedience
“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13
Have you ever wondered about your life’s purpose…why you are here? Most people have, at some point, thought about that question. No amount of money, success, or fame will exempt you from the deep need to matter. We all long for purpose…to know that at the end of the day, our lives have made a difference. While this might not be as important to some people as others, in the deepest part of who we are, we all want to believe that there is something bigger than the here and now. We want to know that all of this isn’t for nothing…that there is, well, more to our stories.
The truth is, the purpose of your life does not revolve around you. The purpose of your life revolves around God. We were all created to have a personal relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. This cannot happen without a healthy fear of the Lord. When you understand that the God who created you and loves you sent His Son to die for your sins so that He could have an eternal relationship with you, it should evoke a sense of awe and respect in your heart towards God. This healthy fear should cause you to desire to please Him in all you do. It should cause you to fear anything that might displease Him.
Let’s face it; our world is in disarray. Politically and socially, we are hanging on by a thread. There is such divisiveness, such disrespect, such hatred and violence. Everywhere you look there are protests or riots of some kind. No amount of education, or passing of laws can fix what is broken. Why? Because as a Nation, we have totally lost the fear of God. Politicians fear public opinion more than they fear God. Students fear being unpopular more than they fear God. People fear criticism and the accusation of being intolerant more than they fear God. We have collectively lost our fear of the Lord.
What does the fear of the Lord have to do with your life’s purpose? You will never fulfill the purpose for which you were created until you fear the Lord. As Ecclesiastes 12:13 says, fearing God and obeying Him is the whole duty of every person. When we humbly fear Him, we can receive Him and get to know Him. When we humbly obey Him, we can be used by Him, fulfilling the purpose for which we have been created.
Dear Lord, I want to live a life of fear and obedience to you. I want to honor you, respect you, and follow you, whatever that entails. Please keep that desire lit within me so that I may continue to live my life surrendered to you. In Jesus' name, amen.
MAY 7, 2021
Humility and Helpfulness
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. (Matthew 7:3-5)
Yesterday, we began looking at how we are supposed to approach judgment according to Scripture. First, we are to judge honestly, but there are two other ways we need to go about judgment, so let’s look at those right now.
First, we are to judge humbly. Now, Jesus had a great sense of humor. The picture He paints is hilarious.
Here is a man focusing like a laser beam on a speck of sawdust in one man’s eye while he has a two-by-four sticking in his own. The word for “speck” literally means “splinter.” Do you know what a splinter is? It is just a piece of a plank. What Jesus said really is, often we criticize faults in others that we have in our own lives.
Finding someone else’s fault is just a chip off of your block.
The point that Jesus is making is very simple. Before we are so quick to judge others, let’s start with ourselves. I’ve got a feeling if we judge ourselves more, we might judge others less.
What Jesus is saying is when you start to look out the window, look in the mirror instead. The next time you spot a splinter in someone else’s life, look for the log that is in your own. Again, it is not that we are not to judge wrongdoing, but we must do it with all humility. Confession of our faults must always come before criticism of other’s faults.
Finally, we are to judge helpfully. It is not wrong to confront a person if there is sin in that person’s life. In fact, it is wrong not to do it. Parents need to be doing this with their kids from the time they are young.
When you see someone walking down a deadly dark destructive path you owe it to them to judge what they are doing honestly, humbly, but primarily helpfully. Jesus is not telling us not to judge. He is actually commanding us to take the speck out of our brother’s eye which involves making a judgment. But He tells us to look at ourselves first so that we will judge helpfully and not hypocritically.
Dear Lord, please grant me an attitude of humility and helpfulness when I go to confront my brothers and sisters in Christ. I don’t want to be a stumbling block, but rather an encouraging, helpful friend who leads people closer to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Humility and Helpfulness
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. (Matthew 7:3-5)
Yesterday, we began looking at how we are supposed to approach judgment according to Scripture. First, we are to judge honestly, but there are two other ways we need to go about judgment, so let’s look at those right now.
First, we are to judge humbly. Now, Jesus had a great sense of humor. The picture He paints is hilarious.
Here is a man focusing like a laser beam on a speck of sawdust in one man’s eye while he has a two-by-four sticking in his own. The word for “speck” literally means “splinter.” Do you know what a splinter is? It is just a piece of a plank. What Jesus said really is, often we criticize faults in others that we have in our own lives.
Finding someone else’s fault is just a chip off of your block.
The point that Jesus is making is very simple. Before we are so quick to judge others, let’s start with ourselves. I’ve got a feeling if we judge ourselves more, we might judge others less.
What Jesus is saying is when you start to look out the window, look in the mirror instead. The next time you spot a splinter in someone else’s life, look for the log that is in your own. Again, it is not that we are not to judge wrongdoing, but we must do it with all humility. Confession of our faults must always come before criticism of other’s faults.
Finally, we are to judge helpfully. It is not wrong to confront a person if there is sin in that person’s life. In fact, it is wrong not to do it. Parents need to be doing this with their kids from the time they are young.
When you see someone walking down a deadly dark destructive path you owe it to them to judge what they are doing honestly, humbly, but primarily helpfully. Jesus is not telling us not to judge. He is actually commanding us to take the speck out of our brother’s eye which involves making a judgment. But He tells us to look at ourselves first so that we will judge helpfully and not hypocritically.
Dear Lord, please grant me an attitude of humility and helpfulness when I go to confront my brothers and sisters in Christ. I don’t want to be a stumbling block, but rather an encouraging, helpful friend who leads people closer to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
MAY 6, 2021
Seek God For Yourself
Know ye that the Lord he is God; it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves . . .
—Psalm 100:3
Whenever anyone asks me how I can be so certain about who and what God really is, I am reminded of the story of the little boy who was out flying a kite. It was a fine day to go kite-flying, the wind was brisk, and large billowy clouds were blowing across the sky. The kite went up and up until it was entirely hidden by the clouds. “What are you doing?” a man asked the little boy. “I’m flying a kite,” he replied. “Flying a kite, are you?” the man said, “How can you be sure? You can’t see your kite.” “No,” said the little boy, “I can’t see it, but every little while I feel a tug, so I know for sure that it’s there!” Don’t take anyone else’s word for God.
Find Him for yourself, and then you too will know by the wonderful, warm tug on your
heartstring, that He is there, for sure.
Prayer for the day --- Oh heavenly Father, as I reach out to You I feel the “tug” of Your Holy Spirit, which tells me of Your presence!
Seek God For Yourself
Know ye that the Lord he is God; it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves . . .
—Psalm 100:3
Whenever anyone asks me how I can be so certain about who and what God really is, I am reminded of the story of the little boy who was out flying a kite. It was a fine day to go kite-flying, the wind was brisk, and large billowy clouds were blowing across the sky. The kite went up and up until it was entirely hidden by the clouds. “What are you doing?” a man asked the little boy. “I’m flying a kite,” he replied. “Flying a kite, are you?” the man said, “How can you be sure? You can’t see your kite.” “No,” said the little boy, “I can’t see it, but every little while I feel a tug, so I know for sure that it’s there!” Don’t take anyone else’s word for God.
Find Him for yourself, and then you too will know by the wonderful, warm tug on your
heartstring, that He is there, for sure.
Prayer for the day --- Oh heavenly Father, as I reach out to You I feel the “tug” of Your Holy Spirit, which tells me of Your presence!
MAY 5, 2021
God’s Unconditional Love for Us
The word, “love” in the general sense, means to be pleased with; to regard with affection.
To many, the words, “I love you” are mere words that hold very little meaning. However, when God says that He loves us, He means it in every way that is important and vital to us. His love always moves Him to action on our behalf.
God’s love (agape) seeks the welfare of all and works no ill toward any. It seeks an opportunity to do good to all men. God’s love is the love of a perfect being toward entirely unworthy objects (us).
God’s Word states that He loves us because He wants to, and it is His kind intent. God loves because He must—it is who He is. God is love! Therefore, when we receive Christ as our savior, God’s love comes to live inside of us and when that happens, love spills out of us and onto others. When we love others as God loves us, we live a life that honors God.
Receive God’s unconditional love today. It is the foundation of your relationship with Him. Yes, and a thousand times yes—GOD LOVES YOU!
Prayer Starter: Father, I know with my head that You love me, please help me feel Your love in my heart and soul. In Jesus’ name, amen.
God’s Unconditional Love for Us
The word, “love” in the general sense, means to be pleased with; to regard with affection.
To many, the words, “I love you” are mere words that hold very little meaning. However, when God says that He loves us, He means it in every way that is important and vital to us. His love always moves Him to action on our behalf.
God’s love (agape) seeks the welfare of all and works no ill toward any. It seeks an opportunity to do good to all men. God’s love is the love of a perfect being toward entirely unworthy objects (us).
God’s Word states that He loves us because He wants to, and it is His kind intent. God loves because He must—it is who He is. God is love! Therefore, when we receive Christ as our savior, God’s love comes to live inside of us and when that happens, love spills out of us and onto others. When we love others as God loves us, we live a life that honors God.
Receive God’s unconditional love today. It is the foundation of your relationship with Him. Yes, and a thousand times yes—GOD LOVES YOU!
Prayer Starter: Father, I know with my head that You love me, please help me feel Your love in my heart and soul. In Jesus’ name, amen.
MAY 4, 2021
A Caring Church
Luke 10:25-37
Do you realize that believers should not have to look beyond the body of Christ to have their needs met? We are meant to be a self-sustaining body. After several decades in ministry, I have seen only one way for the church to function as it should: believers must commit to give of themselves on behalf of others.
For example, a man determines to pray and struggle alongside a hurting brother until the burdensome situation is resolved or peace returns. Or a woman makes herself available to answer a new Christian's questions about the weekly sermon--the two ladies search the Bible and fill their minds with Scripture. And there are countless other ways to serve others, such as driving an elderly member to the service, teaching a Sunday school class, or visiting a weary single mom and listening to her concerns.
Before you become overwhelmed by the variety of needs in your church, let me remind you that loving each other is meant to be a body-wide effort. One person cannot meet every need. But suppose you commit to serving a small group of folks whom God brings into your sphere of influence. If, in order to care for them, you surrender self-focused preferences about resources and time, the Lord will bless you with more joy and contentment than you've ever known.
To serve others before serving yourself is to practice authentic Christianity. I'm certain that if believers commit to meeting as many needs as the Lord brings to their attention, then a lazy church can be transformed, becoming a true body of believers who function together for the glory of God.
A Caring Church
Luke 10:25-37
Do you realize that believers should not have to look beyond the body of Christ to have their needs met? We are meant to be a self-sustaining body. After several decades in ministry, I have seen only one way for the church to function as it should: believers must commit to give of themselves on behalf of others.
For example, a man determines to pray and struggle alongside a hurting brother until the burdensome situation is resolved or peace returns. Or a woman makes herself available to answer a new Christian's questions about the weekly sermon--the two ladies search the Bible and fill their minds with Scripture. And there are countless other ways to serve others, such as driving an elderly member to the service, teaching a Sunday school class, or visiting a weary single mom and listening to her concerns.
Before you become overwhelmed by the variety of needs in your church, let me remind you that loving each other is meant to be a body-wide effort. One person cannot meet every need. But suppose you commit to serving a small group of folks whom God brings into your sphere of influence. If, in order to care for them, you surrender self-focused preferences about resources and time, the Lord will bless you with more joy and contentment than you've ever known.
To serve others before serving yourself is to practice authentic Christianity. I'm certain that if believers commit to meeting as many needs as the Lord brings to their attention, then a lazy church can be transformed, becoming a true body of believers who function together for the glory of God.
MAY 3, 2021
No Such Luck
“Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” Genesis 1:2-3
“Find a penny, pick it up. All day long you’ll have good luck.” I don’t like the word “luck” for one simple reason. If there is a God there can be no such thing as luck.
Genesis 1 not only tells us that God created this world, but that God also controls this world. In the beginning, there was no life and no light. No animals and no plants. No humans. Not even a sound. All was dark and silent. But everything changed in three words. “And God said…”
That phrase is used nine times in Genesis chapter one. Every time God speaks, sun begins to shine, stars begin to twinkle, the moon begins to glow, rivers begin to flow, and plants begin to grow. Animals and humanity begin to live at the sound of His voice. Nothing happens unless God says so. He is in complete control.
If Genesis 1 is true, not only is there a God, but this God is sovereign. If you believe in a sovereign Lord you cannot believe in arbitrary luck. Why? Because the sovereignty of God means that He is in complete control.
There is absolutely nothing that happens in the universe that is outside of God’s influence and authority. As King of kings and Lord of lords, God has no limitations.
Consider just a few of the truths the Bible contains about God: God is above all things and before all things (Revelation 21:6). God created all things and holds all things together, both in heaven and on earth, both visible and invisible (Colossians 1:16). God knows all things past, present and future (Romans 11:33). God can do all things and accomplish all things (Jeremiah 32:17). God has power and authority over nature, earthly kings, history, angels, and demons (Psalm 103:19. This is just a glimpse of what sovereign means. It means being the ultimate source of all power, authority, and everything that exists. Only God can make those claims; therefore, it is God’s sovereignty that makes Him alone worthy of our worship.
This is good news, because it means our lives are not in the hands of fate, or good luck. God is in control of everything and that tells me that there is a plan behind everything and a purpose to every life. Do you believe this today?
Dear Lord, how grateful I am that there is no such thing as luck, but that you are in control of everything. Help me to trust in your plan and your timing, knowing that there is purpose behind everything you do and everything you allow. In Jesus' name, amen.
No Such Luck
“Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” Genesis 1:2-3
“Find a penny, pick it up. All day long you’ll have good luck.” I don’t like the word “luck” for one simple reason. If there is a God there can be no such thing as luck.
Genesis 1 not only tells us that God created this world, but that God also controls this world. In the beginning, there was no life and no light. No animals and no plants. No humans. Not even a sound. All was dark and silent. But everything changed in three words. “And God said…”
That phrase is used nine times in Genesis chapter one. Every time God speaks, sun begins to shine, stars begin to twinkle, the moon begins to glow, rivers begin to flow, and plants begin to grow. Animals and humanity begin to live at the sound of His voice. Nothing happens unless God says so. He is in complete control.
If Genesis 1 is true, not only is there a God, but this God is sovereign. If you believe in a sovereign Lord you cannot believe in arbitrary luck. Why? Because the sovereignty of God means that He is in complete control.
There is absolutely nothing that happens in the universe that is outside of God’s influence and authority. As King of kings and Lord of lords, God has no limitations.
Consider just a few of the truths the Bible contains about God: God is above all things and before all things (Revelation 21:6). God created all things and holds all things together, both in heaven and on earth, both visible and invisible (Colossians 1:16). God knows all things past, present and future (Romans 11:33). God can do all things and accomplish all things (Jeremiah 32:17). God has power and authority over nature, earthly kings, history, angels, and demons (Psalm 103:19. This is just a glimpse of what sovereign means. It means being the ultimate source of all power, authority, and everything that exists. Only God can make those claims; therefore, it is God’s sovereignty that makes Him alone worthy of our worship.
This is good news, because it means our lives are not in the hands of fate, or good luck. God is in control of everything and that tells me that there is a plan behind everything and a purpose to every life. Do you believe this today?
Dear Lord, how grateful I am that there is no such thing as luck, but that you are in control of everything. Help me to trust in your plan and your timing, knowing that there is purpose behind everything you do and everything you allow. In Jesus' name, amen.
MAY 2, 2021
Walking as Jesus Walked --- Dr. Paul Chappell
1 John 2:6 --- He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
When Charles Sheldon first published In His Steps in 1896, he had no idea that he had authored what would become one of the best selling books of all time. He wrote of a pastor addressing his congregation: “What I am going to propose now is something which ought not to appear unusual or at all impossible of execution. Yet I am aware that it will be so regarded by a large number, perhaps, of the members of this church. But in order that we may have a thorough understanding of what we are considering, I will put my proposition very plainly, perhaps bluntly. I want volunteers from the First Church who will pledge themselves, earnestly and honestly for an entire year, not to do anything without first asking the question, 'What would Jesus do?' And after asking that question, each one will follow Jesus as exactly as he knows how, no matter what the result may be.”
The Christian life is meant to be lived as Jesus lived. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). We are called and commanded to be like Him in the world. Yet all too often those who carry the name of Christians are not living like the Lord, but like the world around them. It can be almost impossible to distinguish between those who are supposedly believers and those who have no interest in the things of God. The key to living like Jesus and having a positive impact on the world is found in spending time in His presence—abiding in Him. Jesus told His disciples, “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” (John 15:5).
Today's Growth Principle: The more time we spend in fellowship with God through His Word and through prayer, the more like Jesus we will become.
Walking as Jesus Walked --- Dr. Paul Chappell
1 John 2:6 --- He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
When Charles Sheldon first published In His Steps in 1896, he had no idea that he had authored what would become one of the best selling books of all time. He wrote of a pastor addressing his congregation: “What I am going to propose now is something which ought not to appear unusual or at all impossible of execution. Yet I am aware that it will be so regarded by a large number, perhaps, of the members of this church. But in order that we may have a thorough understanding of what we are considering, I will put my proposition very plainly, perhaps bluntly. I want volunteers from the First Church who will pledge themselves, earnestly and honestly for an entire year, not to do anything without first asking the question, 'What would Jesus do?' And after asking that question, each one will follow Jesus as exactly as he knows how, no matter what the result may be.”
The Christian life is meant to be lived as Jesus lived. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). We are called and commanded to be like Him in the world. Yet all too often those who carry the name of Christians are not living like the Lord, but like the world around them. It can be almost impossible to distinguish between those who are supposedly believers and those who have no interest in the things of God. The key to living like Jesus and having a positive impact on the world is found in spending time in His presence—abiding in Him. Jesus told His disciples, “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” (John 15:5).
Today's Growth Principle: The more time we spend in fellowship with God through His Word and through prayer, the more like Jesus we will become.
MAY 1, 2021
The Promise of Peace
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” --- John 16:33
Peace. It’s something we all crave in one way or another. Peace in a troubled relationship. Peace and quiet.
Political or social peace. Inner peace. There are many different shapes and forms of this sometimes-illusive word…peace. What is peace, really? It’s one of those words that culture has overused – or misused – to the point that it has lost it’s meaning.
In John 16:33, Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace.” The meaning of peace here as it relates to Christianity is: “The tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, whatever it may be.” Wow…now that’s what I call peace! A soul so assured of its salvation that it can rest in the goodness of Christ, completely trusting Him regardless of life’s circumstances.
Understanding the context of this verse deepens the beauty of it for our lives today. Jesus spoke these words to His disciples right after He explained to them that He was going to leave and return to heaven. He assured them of the Father’s love for them, even as He warned them of the difficult times that were ahead for them. The peace He promised wasn’t the absence of conflict or trouble. Instead, it was the steadfast love and presence of the Father throughout the coming conflict and trouble.
“Yes, there will be trouble,” Jesus assured. “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” These words are as true for us today as they were for those original 12 disciples 2,000 years ago. As followers of Jesus, we will face trouble, just like everyone else. But we can take heart instead of losing heart. We can have hope despite disappointment. We can rejoice in our suffering. Why? Because the One we worship has overcome the world! He has overcome anything and everything that could have separated us from the Father. Now, there is only grace.
Notice that Jesus did not say, “In Me you will have peace.” He said, “In Me you may have peace.” Christ has done everything necessary for us to have peace despite our circumstances; but it is our choice whether or not we will believe Him and walk in that truth.
Dear Father, you know how much my heart is craving peace. And you also know how I am constantly tempted to find peace in my circumstances. Please remind me that true peace is only found in you and is available to me at all times. In Jesus' name, amen.
The Promise of Peace
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” --- John 16:33
Peace. It’s something we all crave in one way or another. Peace in a troubled relationship. Peace and quiet.
Political or social peace. Inner peace. There are many different shapes and forms of this sometimes-illusive word…peace. What is peace, really? It’s one of those words that culture has overused – or misused – to the point that it has lost it’s meaning.
In John 16:33, Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace.” The meaning of peace here as it relates to Christianity is: “The tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, whatever it may be.” Wow…now that’s what I call peace! A soul so assured of its salvation that it can rest in the goodness of Christ, completely trusting Him regardless of life’s circumstances.
Understanding the context of this verse deepens the beauty of it for our lives today. Jesus spoke these words to His disciples right after He explained to them that He was going to leave and return to heaven. He assured them of the Father’s love for them, even as He warned them of the difficult times that were ahead for them. The peace He promised wasn’t the absence of conflict or trouble. Instead, it was the steadfast love and presence of the Father throughout the coming conflict and trouble.
“Yes, there will be trouble,” Jesus assured. “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” These words are as true for us today as they were for those original 12 disciples 2,000 years ago. As followers of Jesus, we will face trouble, just like everyone else. But we can take heart instead of losing heart. We can have hope despite disappointment. We can rejoice in our suffering. Why? Because the One we worship has overcome the world! He has overcome anything and everything that could have separated us from the Father. Now, there is only grace.
Notice that Jesus did not say, “In Me you will have peace.” He said, “In Me you may have peace.” Christ has done everything necessary for us to have peace despite our circumstances; but it is our choice whether or not we will believe Him and walk in that truth.
Dear Father, you know how much my heart is craving peace. And you also know how I am constantly tempted to find peace in my circumstances. Please remind me that true peace is only found in you and is available to me at all times. In Jesus' name, amen.
APRIL 30, 2021
No Favoritism
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. (James 2:8-11)
Yesterday we talked about not judging a book by its cover. When you judge other people on anything on the outside and ignore what is on the inside, you do something even God doesn’t do. Remember this, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (I Samuel 16:7).
God does not show favoritism. Do you know why? God loves everybody. And anybody can love God. God offers salvation to everybody. Who is welcomed to enter into God’s family? Everybody, because God loves everybody.
If you love God the way you ought to love God, you will love others the way God loves others. If God loves everybody, then you love everybody. If you love everyone equally then you will look at everyone equally. In fact, one of the ways you know you love God is you look at others the way that God looks at others. He looks at them with love.
You may think you are a good person because you have never murdered anybody. You may think you are a good person, because you have been faithful to your spouse. But what James is saying in today’s key passage is that if you are guilty of bigotry, bias, prejudice, racism of any kind, to any degree, for any reason your sin is just as bad as adultery or murder. Which by the way, murder was considered one of the top two sins in the eyes of the Jews and the Pharisees. In fact, in the Old Testament, both of those were deserving of the death penalty.
You see, bigotry breaks the two greatest commandments. If you are a bigot, you don’t love God the way you ought to love God and you don’t love your neighbor like you love yourself.
No Favoritism
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. (James 2:8-11)
Yesterday we talked about not judging a book by its cover. When you judge other people on anything on the outside and ignore what is on the inside, you do something even God doesn’t do. Remember this, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (I Samuel 16:7).
God does not show favoritism. Do you know why? God loves everybody. And anybody can love God. God offers salvation to everybody. Who is welcomed to enter into God’s family? Everybody, because God loves everybody.
If you love God the way you ought to love God, you will love others the way God loves others. If God loves everybody, then you love everybody. If you love everyone equally then you will look at everyone equally. In fact, one of the ways you know you love God is you look at others the way that God looks at others. He looks at them with love.
You may think you are a good person because you have never murdered anybody. You may think you are a good person, because you have been faithful to your spouse. But what James is saying in today’s key passage is that if you are guilty of bigotry, bias, prejudice, racism of any kind, to any degree, for any reason your sin is just as bad as adultery or murder. Which by the way, murder was considered one of the top two sins in the eyes of the Jews and the Pharisees. In fact, in the Old Testament, both of those were deserving of the death penalty.
You see, bigotry breaks the two greatest commandments. If you are a bigot, you don’t love God the way you ought to love God and you don’t love your neighbor like you love yourself.
APRIL 29, 2021
Questioning
Psalm 51:12 (TLB) --- Restore to me again the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.
It is not unusual for persons in their early twenties to defect from their early teaching.
The reasons are many. Perhaps their exposure to unbelief “took” better than their exposure to belief. This is often the case, for the Bible says, “The heart of man is deceitful above all things.”
The human heart is as prepared by sin to accept unbelief as faith. Some person they regard highly has undoubtedly influenced their thinking; and for the time being they look on their early training as “bunk.” As someone has said, “A little learning may take a man away from God, but full understanding will bring him back.”
Some of the staunchest Christians I know are people who had periods in their life when they questioned the Bible, Christ, and God. But as they continued to examine the matter, there was overwhelming evidence that only “the fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.”
Prayer for the day --- I pray for all the questioning people today, Lord, remembering times in my own life when unbelief reigned.
Questioning
Psalm 51:12 (TLB) --- Restore to me again the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.
It is not unusual for persons in their early twenties to defect from their early teaching.
The reasons are many. Perhaps their exposure to unbelief “took” better than their exposure to belief. This is often the case, for the Bible says, “The heart of man is deceitful above all things.”
The human heart is as prepared by sin to accept unbelief as faith. Some person they regard highly has undoubtedly influenced their thinking; and for the time being they look on their early training as “bunk.” As someone has said, “A little learning may take a man away from God, but full understanding will bring him back.”
Some of the staunchest Christians I know are people who had periods in their life when they questioned the Bible, Christ, and God. But as they continued to examine the matter, there was overwhelming evidence that only “the fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.”
Prayer for the day --- I pray for all the questioning people today, Lord, remembering times in my own life when unbelief reigned.
APRIL 28, 2021
Keep It Simple
God really wants our relationships and communication with Him to be simple, but the devil has twisted our thinking about prayer because he not only knows how powerful it is, he also knows how easy it should be for us.
Just ask yourself. Why would God create us for communication and fellowship with Him and then complicate it? God has not complicated anything; He has made a simple and enjoyable way for us to pray and enjoy spending time with Him. Satan wants us to believe that prayer has to take a long time and that we must follow a specific formula. He surrounds prayer with rules and regulations and steals the creativity and freedom God desires us to enjoy as we pray. He tries to keep us from having faith and to convince us that we really are not worthy enough to be talking to God anyway and that we cannot hear God's voice.
When we do pray the devil always tries to condemn us by telling us that we do not pray enough or the right way, and that our prayers do not make a difference. He also attempts to distract us when we are praying.
For these reasons, people often feel that prayer is so difficult and unfruitful that they rarely do it.
In general, many people seem to be frustrated and dissatisfied with their prayer lives, but that can change.
We can pray simple, heartfelt prayers in faith and be assured that God hears and answers.
Prayer Starter: Lord Jesus, help me keep my talks with You simple. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Keep It Simple
God really wants our relationships and communication with Him to be simple, but the devil has twisted our thinking about prayer because he not only knows how powerful it is, he also knows how easy it should be for us.
Just ask yourself. Why would God create us for communication and fellowship with Him and then complicate it? God has not complicated anything; He has made a simple and enjoyable way for us to pray and enjoy spending time with Him. Satan wants us to believe that prayer has to take a long time and that we must follow a specific formula. He surrounds prayer with rules and regulations and steals the creativity and freedom God desires us to enjoy as we pray. He tries to keep us from having faith and to convince us that we really are not worthy enough to be talking to God anyway and that we cannot hear God's voice.
When we do pray the devil always tries to condemn us by telling us that we do not pray enough or the right way, and that our prayers do not make a difference. He also attempts to distract us when we are praying.
For these reasons, people often feel that prayer is so difficult and unfruitful that they rarely do it.
In general, many people seem to be frustrated and dissatisfied with their prayer lives, but that can change.
We can pray simple, heartfelt prayers in faith and be assured that God hears and answers.
Prayer Starter: Lord Jesus, help me keep my talks with You simple. In Jesus’ name, amen.
APRIL 27, 2021
What Does It Mean to Be Born Again?
John 3:5-8
There is a great deal of misinformation regarding the meaning of the term “born again.” Such ignorance and confusion could have disastrous ramifications if those who think they are born again really aren’t.
In a conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus used this term to explain how one enters the kingdom of heaven.
Nicodemus thought the Lord was referring to a subsequent physical birth and couldn’t fathom how this was possible, but Jesus was speaking in spiritual terms.
The original Greek phrase literally means “born from above,” signifying that this new birth originates with God, not with man. It also involves being born of water and the Spirit. To enter the kingdom of heaven, we must be cleansed from our sins and regenerated by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5).
When you are born again through faith in Jesus Christ, there is a radical change within you. Your spirit, which was once dead to God, is made alive by the Holy Spirit, who now indwells you. He enables you to understand His spiritual truths and live in obedience to His Word. What begins as an invisible renewal will soon become increasingly visible in a righteous lifestyle.
Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 16-17
What Does It Mean to Be Born Again?
John 3:5-8
There is a great deal of misinformation regarding the meaning of the term “born again.” Such ignorance and confusion could have disastrous ramifications if those who think they are born again really aren’t.
In a conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus used this term to explain how one enters the kingdom of heaven.
Nicodemus thought the Lord was referring to a subsequent physical birth and couldn’t fathom how this was possible, but Jesus was speaking in spiritual terms.
The original Greek phrase literally means “born from above,” signifying that this new birth originates with God, not with man. It also involves being born of water and the Spirit. To enter the kingdom of heaven, we must be cleansed from our sins and regenerated by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5).
When you are born again through faith in Jesus Christ, there is a radical change within you. Your spirit, which was once dead to God, is made alive by the Holy Spirit, who now indwells you. He enables you to understand His spiritual truths and live in obedience to His Word. What begins as an invisible renewal will soon become increasingly visible in a righteous lifestyle.
Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 16-17
APRIL 26, 2021
Waiting on God --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Acts 1:4-5 --- And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
In His last meeting with the disciples before returning to Heaven, Jesus gave them a final series of instructions to follow. The first step was one that many of us still struggle with today: to return to Jerusalem and wait. Soon the Holy Spirit would come on them and give power for effective ministry, but until then, there was nothing they could do. The same is true today, and unless we are empowered by God, all of our labor and effort will be in vain. Yet for many people, waiting on God poses a real challenge. To overcome that challenge, we need to understand that God's timing is more important than ours and that He does not regard our time waiting on Him to be wasted.
Of course waiting on God must not become an excuse for laziness, but it is a vital part of our Christian walk. G. Campbell Morgan said, “Waiting for God is not laziness. Waiting for God is not going to sleep. Waiting for God is not the abandonment of effort. Waiting for God means, first, activity under command; second, readiness for any new command that may come; third, the ability to do nothing until the command is given.”
When John Milton went blind, it was a devastating blow to the gifted writer. But as he reflected on his new condition, he realized that God knew all about his circumstances, and still had a plan for his life. Milton wrote, “God doth not need either man’s work or his own gifts...They also serve who only stand and wait.” God is never in a hurry and God is never late. We must bend our schedules and timetables to His if we are to serve Him well.
Today's Growth Principle: We must never rush forward when God has called us to wait for Him to work before we do our part.
Waiting on God --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Acts 1:4-5 --- And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
In His last meeting with the disciples before returning to Heaven, Jesus gave them a final series of instructions to follow. The first step was one that many of us still struggle with today: to return to Jerusalem and wait. Soon the Holy Spirit would come on them and give power for effective ministry, but until then, there was nothing they could do. The same is true today, and unless we are empowered by God, all of our labor and effort will be in vain. Yet for many people, waiting on God poses a real challenge. To overcome that challenge, we need to understand that God's timing is more important than ours and that He does not regard our time waiting on Him to be wasted.
Of course waiting on God must not become an excuse for laziness, but it is a vital part of our Christian walk. G. Campbell Morgan said, “Waiting for God is not laziness. Waiting for God is not going to sleep. Waiting for God is not the abandonment of effort. Waiting for God means, first, activity under command; second, readiness for any new command that may come; third, the ability to do nothing until the command is given.”
When John Milton went blind, it was a devastating blow to the gifted writer. But as he reflected on his new condition, he realized that God knew all about his circumstances, and still had a plan for his life. Milton wrote, “God doth not need either man’s work or his own gifts...They also serve who only stand and wait.” God is never in a hurry and God is never late. We must bend our schedules and timetables to His if we are to serve Him well.
Today's Growth Principle: We must never rush forward when God has called us to wait for Him to work before we do our part.
APRIL 25, 2021
The Lens of Truth
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. (John 17:17)
Many people want to put science in the living room and the Bible in the attic. They want to keep them apart, but that really doesn’t solve what people see to be the problem for this reason. Science, history, and theology are not three distinct branches of knowledge. They are simply three different ways in which we view the world around us. You can’t always separate them. Here is a classic example. Take the resurrection of Jesus. Was that a theological event, a historical event, or a scientific event? The answer to that question is “Yes.”
It is recorded as a historical event. If His body was physically and literally raised from the dead then scientifically you are now dealing with anatomy, biology, physics, and even chemistry and of course it is the basis of all Christian theology. The truth of the matter is if you take the scientific and historical truth out of the resurrection you have no theological truth left.
Simply put, the God of the Bible is the God of science. The God of the Bible is the God of nature and also the God of truth.
Scripture must always be our go-to book. Science can tell you how you got here, but only scripture can tell you why you are here. Science can tell you how your life began in your mother’s womb, but only scripture can tell you how your life is to be lived when you are out of it. Scientific truth has its limits. It can answer a lot of important questions, but it can’t answer the most important questions. Only scripture can tell you who you are, why you are here, what you are to do while you are here, and where you go when you leave here.
The Bible is not a book of biology, but it will lead you to the Lamb of God that can take away your sins. It is not a book of botany, but it can lead you to the Rose of Sharon who can give off the fragrance of salvation. It is not a book of astronomy, but it can lead you to the Bright and Morning Star whose light can guide you into the presence of God. It is not a book of medicine, but it can lead you to the Great Physician who can heal your heart and cure you of the one disease that will kill you forever and that is sin. This book is truth and when you know this truth and the one who said He is the truth, you will be set free now and forever.
Dear Lord, thank you that your word, your truth, and your creation impact every area of our lives. When I try to segment or silo your truth from science, history, and other subjects, help me instead to use your truth as a lens through which to view the world. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The Lens of Truth
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. (John 17:17)
Many people want to put science in the living room and the Bible in the attic. They want to keep them apart, but that really doesn’t solve what people see to be the problem for this reason. Science, history, and theology are not three distinct branches of knowledge. They are simply three different ways in which we view the world around us. You can’t always separate them. Here is a classic example. Take the resurrection of Jesus. Was that a theological event, a historical event, or a scientific event? The answer to that question is “Yes.”
It is recorded as a historical event. If His body was physically and literally raised from the dead then scientifically you are now dealing with anatomy, biology, physics, and even chemistry and of course it is the basis of all Christian theology. The truth of the matter is if you take the scientific and historical truth out of the resurrection you have no theological truth left.
Simply put, the God of the Bible is the God of science. The God of the Bible is the God of nature and also the God of truth.
Scripture must always be our go-to book. Science can tell you how you got here, but only scripture can tell you why you are here. Science can tell you how your life began in your mother’s womb, but only scripture can tell you how your life is to be lived when you are out of it. Scientific truth has its limits. It can answer a lot of important questions, but it can’t answer the most important questions. Only scripture can tell you who you are, why you are here, what you are to do while you are here, and where you go when you leave here.
The Bible is not a book of biology, but it will lead you to the Lamb of God that can take away your sins. It is not a book of botany, but it can lead you to the Rose of Sharon who can give off the fragrance of salvation. It is not a book of astronomy, but it can lead you to the Bright and Morning Star whose light can guide you into the presence of God. It is not a book of medicine, but it can lead you to the Great Physician who can heal your heart and cure you of the one disease that will kill you forever and that is sin. This book is truth and when you know this truth and the one who said He is the truth, you will be set free now and forever.
Dear Lord, thank you that your word, your truth, and your creation impact every area of our lives. When I try to segment or silo your truth from science, history, and other subjects, help me instead to use your truth as a lens through which to view the world. In Jesus’ name, amen.
APRIL 24, 2021
Know God as Your Father
For many years I prayed the “Lord’s Prayer,” and I didn’t really know God as my Father. I didn’t have any kind of a close personal relationship with God. I was just repeating something I had learned.
If you want to be closer to the Lord and effective in your prayer life, it is important to know God as your Father. When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, He taught them what we call the “Lord’s Prayer,” which is a spiritual treasure house of principles for prayer. But foremost, Jesus started it by instructing them to say, “Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name.”
Jesus was showing them the privileged relationship He came to bring to every believer. He told them they could have a relationship with God as their Father if they expected to go to Him in prayer.
Don’t go to God as someone that you’re afraid of but develop a Father-child relationship with Him. That intimate relationship will give you liberty to ask Him for things you would not have asked for if you had a distant, stiff relationship with Him.
Our heavenly Father loves us and has His eye on us at all times. Learn to enjoy God! When you pray, remember you have a loving Father Who is listening.
Prayer Starter: Lord, thank You for knowing me and loving me on such a personal level. I love You so much. Thank You for all You have done for me, but most importantly, for living in my heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Know God as Your Father
For many years I prayed the “Lord’s Prayer,” and I didn’t really know God as my Father. I didn’t have any kind of a close personal relationship with God. I was just repeating something I had learned.
If you want to be closer to the Lord and effective in your prayer life, it is important to know God as your Father. When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, He taught them what we call the “Lord’s Prayer,” which is a spiritual treasure house of principles for prayer. But foremost, Jesus started it by instructing them to say, “Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name.”
Jesus was showing them the privileged relationship He came to bring to every believer. He told them they could have a relationship with God as their Father if they expected to go to Him in prayer.
Don’t go to God as someone that you’re afraid of but develop a Father-child relationship with Him. That intimate relationship will give you liberty to ask Him for things you would not have asked for if you had a distant, stiff relationship with Him.
Our heavenly Father loves us and has His eye on us at all times. Learn to enjoy God! When you pray, remember you have a loving Father Who is listening.
Prayer Starter: Lord, thank You for knowing me and loving me on such a personal level. I love You so much. Thank You for all You have done for me, but most importantly, for living in my heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.
APRIL 23, 2021
Lifting the Weight of Our Burdens
Psalm 55:16-22
Have you ever suddenly awoken in the middle of the night with a heavy burden on your heart? Sometimes this kind of weight is from the Lord and will be lifted when He has accomplished His purpose—for example, an impulse to pray or a strong motivation to do God’s will. Other burdens are caused by sin and weigh us down until we confess them.
But regular, daily burdens are not for us to carry. We tend to think of worries as our lot in life—like
responsibilities we’re to handle without “bothering” God. But really our lot is to walk obediently with God and trust Him to do the heavy lifting in our life. Scripture says we are to cast every burden on Him (1 Peter 5:7). We must identify the concern, surrender it into His care, and have faith He will sustain us as He has promised.
Relinquishing our grasp on burdens does not mean we stop thinking about them. We still prayerfully bring them to God, listen for His guidance, and bless His name for bearing worries on our behalf (Psalm 68:19). But
our concerns won’t destroy us if they’re set on God’s shoulders. Are you carrying a heavy load? God wants to hold it—and you—in His hand.
Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 4-6
Lifting the Weight of Our Burdens
Psalm 55:16-22
Have you ever suddenly awoken in the middle of the night with a heavy burden on your heart? Sometimes this kind of weight is from the Lord and will be lifted when He has accomplished His purpose—for example, an impulse to pray or a strong motivation to do God’s will. Other burdens are caused by sin and weigh us down until we confess them.
But regular, daily burdens are not for us to carry. We tend to think of worries as our lot in life—like
responsibilities we’re to handle without “bothering” God. But really our lot is to walk obediently with God and trust Him to do the heavy lifting in our life. Scripture says we are to cast every burden on Him (1 Peter 5:7). We must identify the concern, surrender it into His care, and have faith He will sustain us as He has promised.
Relinquishing our grasp on burdens does not mean we stop thinking about them. We still prayerfully bring them to God, listen for His guidance, and bless His name for bearing worries on our behalf (Psalm 68:19). But
our concerns won’t destroy us if they’re set on God’s shoulders. Are you carrying a heavy load? God wants to hold it—and you—in His hand.
Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 4-6
APRIL 22, 2021
"Holding Fast" --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Titus 1:7-9 --- For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Critics of the truth and the Word of God are nothing new. All the way back in the Garden of Eden, Satan worked to undermine Eve's reliance on what God had said. In our day we have no problem finding what Paul referred to as “gainsayers.” There are plenty of people willing to speak against the truth. They describe it as old fashioned, out of step with modern understandings and sensibilities. They call it narrow and even bigoted. They say that they refuse to be bound by ancient writings and beliefs.
In the face of these attacks, the most important thing that we can do is to hold fast to the truth ourselves.
We must never let the doubting and criticism of those around us plant the seeds of doubt in our own hearts and minds. We must maintain our allegiance to the truth, never wavering in our belief that what God has said is true and right and trustworthy. What David wrote three thousand years ago is still true today: “The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether” (Psalm 19:9).
The best thing we can do to strengthen our faith in what God has said is to be people of the Bible. In our personal lives and in corporate settings, we need to be readying, studying, memorizing, and meditating on the Word of God. The more determined our culture becomes to undermine it, the more tightly we must hold on to the truth we have received.
Today's Growth Principle: In a day when truth is under attack, it is more important than ever that we hold fast to what we have been taught.
(As time goes on, I hear of more, and more pastors who waver from preaching sound doctrine and move to more of an entertainment ministry.)
"Holding Fast" --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Titus 1:7-9 --- For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Critics of the truth and the Word of God are nothing new. All the way back in the Garden of Eden, Satan worked to undermine Eve's reliance on what God had said. In our day we have no problem finding what Paul referred to as “gainsayers.” There are plenty of people willing to speak against the truth. They describe it as old fashioned, out of step with modern understandings and sensibilities. They call it narrow and even bigoted. They say that they refuse to be bound by ancient writings and beliefs.
In the face of these attacks, the most important thing that we can do is to hold fast to the truth ourselves.
We must never let the doubting and criticism of those around us plant the seeds of doubt in our own hearts and minds. We must maintain our allegiance to the truth, never wavering in our belief that what God has said is true and right and trustworthy. What David wrote three thousand years ago is still true today: “The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether” (Psalm 19:9).
The best thing we can do to strengthen our faith in what God has said is to be people of the Bible. In our personal lives and in corporate settings, we need to be readying, studying, memorizing, and meditating on the Word of God. The more determined our culture becomes to undermine it, the more tightly we must hold on to the truth we have received.
Today's Growth Principle: In a day when truth is under attack, it is more important than ever that we hold fast to what we have been taught.
(As time goes on, I hear of more, and more pastors who waver from preaching sound doctrine and move to more of an entertainment ministry.)
APRIL 21, 2021
The Stage is Set
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
Do you believe this passage of Scripture? Do you really believe that God is able to do way more than you even know to ask or could ever imagine? When we truly believe that there is no limit to what God can accomplish, it changes the way we approach Him. Instead of tentatively asking Him, we will boldly petition Him…not with arrogance or entitlement, but with humility and thanksgiving.
When we are in seasons of uncertainty or waiting, it can be hard to remember the truth about God.
Unanswered prayers can bring discouragement and even doubt. But time can be the best trainer, teaching us to wait with eager expectation and hope, even in the darkest of circumstances. In fact, the more desperate the circumstance, the greater the potential for God’s glory to be seen when He does answer.
So instead of allowing difficulty to draw us into worrying, we must learn to view it as a stage that is being perfectly set for the display of God’s glory. Have you ever been to a Broadway show? As the audience fills the theatre, the set stage is visible, but it is dark and empty. You can see the pieces and props, but they have no meaning until that spotlight shines and the stage comes to life as the story unfolds.
Our lives are no different. The stage is being set. A heartbreak here, a struggle there…they all serve to create the backdrop for God’s glory. You can know that one day the spotlight will shine and all those pieces will be used to tell an incredible story of God’s grace and faithfulness.
Dear Lord, I want to believe more than anything that you are going to blow my expectations for my life out of the water. I want to trust that you are setting the stage to put your grace and faithfulness on display in my life. Give me the boldness and the faith to believe those things, and to look expectantly at what you have in store. In Jesus' name, amen.
The Stage is Set
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
Do you believe this passage of Scripture? Do you really believe that God is able to do way more than you even know to ask or could ever imagine? When we truly believe that there is no limit to what God can accomplish, it changes the way we approach Him. Instead of tentatively asking Him, we will boldly petition Him…not with arrogance or entitlement, but with humility and thanksgiving.
When we are in seasons of uncertainty or waiting, it can be hard to remember the truth about God.
Unanswered prayers can bring discouragement and even doubt. But time can be the best trainer, teaching us to wait with eager expectation and hope, even in the darkest of circumstances. In fact, the more desperate the circumstance, the greater the potential for God’s glory to be seen when He does answer.
So instead of allowing difficulty to draw us into worrying, we must learn to view it as a stage that is being perfectly set for the display of God’s glory. Have you ever been to a Broadway show? As the audience fills the theatre, the set stage is visible, but it is dark and empty. You can see the pieces and props, but they have no meaning until that spotlight shines and the stage comes to life as the story unfolds.
Our lives are no different. The stage is being set. A heartbreak here, a struggle there…they all serve to create the backdrop for God’s glory. You can know that one day the spotlight will shine and all those pieces will be used to tell an incredible story of God’s grace and faithfulness.
Dear Lord, I want to believe more than anything that you are going to blow my expectations for my life out of the water. I want to trust that you are setting the stage to put your grace and faithfulness on display in my life. Give me the boldness and the faith to believe those things, and to look expectantly at what you have in store. In Jesus' name, amen.
APRIL 20, 2021
Evidence of Jesus
Revelation 1:18 --- I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore
Certain laws of evidence hold in the establishment of any historic event. Documentation of the event in question must be made by reliable contemporary witnesses. There is more evidence that Jesus rose from the dead than there is that Julius Caesar ever lived, or that Alexander the Great died at the age of 33. It is strange that historians will accept thousands of facts for which they can produce only shreds of evidence.
But in the face of the overwhelming evidence of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, they cast a skeptical eye and hold intellectual doubts. The trouble with many people is that they do not want to believe. They are so completely prejudiced that they cannot accept the glorious fact of the resurrection of Christ on Bible testimony alone.
Prayer for the day --- Lord Jesus, I know You are alive—for You live in the hearts of all those who love You!
Evidence of Jesus
Revelation 1:18 --- I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore
Certain laws of evidence hold in the establishment of any historic event. Documentation of the event in question must be made by reliable contemporary witnesses. There is more evidence that Jesus rose from the dead than there is that Julius Caesar ever lived, or that Alexander the Great died at the age of 33. It is strange that historians will accept thousands of facts for which they can produce only shreds of evidence.
But in the face of the overwhelming evidence of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, they cast a skeptical eye and hold intellectual doubts. The trouble with many people is that they do not want to believe. They are so completely prejudiced that they cannot accept the glorious fact of the resurrection of Christ on Bible testimony alone.
Prayer for the day --- Lord Jesus, I know You are alive—for You live in the hearts of all those who love You!
APRIL 19, 2021
A Confused Mind
A close friend of mine received a summons for jury duty in a robbery trial. For two days, 12 citizens listened to the prosecuting attorney as he presented evidence to indicate that the accused had broken into a home and stolen many items. My friend was ready to convict him.
On the third day, the defense attorney presented the other side of the picture. The more my friend listened, the more confused she became. What had seemed very obvious at first now seemed ambiguous and contradictory.
Although the jury did convict the man, my friend said she struggled over making the right decision. Each attorney, when he was speaking, had seemed to be the most convincing.
Many Christians live much the same way day today. They have become what James calls double minded.
They’re sure of one thing until something else happens, and then they flip-flop to the opposite opinion.
In their double mindedness, they flit from one opinion to the other. They’re sure they know what to do, and then they switch again. The moment they feel sure they have made the decision they plan to stick with, they begin to wonder if it was the correct one. They continually doubt and question their reasoning.
This kind of behavior is not the same as being open-minded. To be open-minded means we’re willing to hear all sides of an issue—like jurors should be at a trial. But eventually we have to sort through the evidence or the circumstances in life and say, “This is what I’m going to do.”
That sounds good, but too many people have trouble being decisive. “What if I make a mistake?” they ask. “What If I choose the wrong thing?” Those are legitimate questions, but they are not meant to paralyze God’s people and prevent them from acting. Too often, these are tools that Satan uses to distract and prevent Christians from taking action.
God’s Spirit is always available to free you from natural reasoning that leaves you confused. Ask of the One who gives wisdom liberally, and He will free you of being indecisive and double minded.
Prayer Starter: God, thank You for always showing me the way and helping me make decisions. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
A Confused Mind
A close friend of mine received a summons for jury duty in a robbery trial. For two days, 12 citizens listened to the prosecuting attorney as he presented evidence to indicate that the accused had broken into a home and stolen many items. My friend was ready to convict him.
On the third day, the defense attorney presented the other side of the picture. The more my friend listened, the more confused she became. What had seemed very obvious at first now seemed ambiguous and contradictory.
Although the jury did convict the man, my friend said she struggled over making the right decision. Each attorney, when he was speaking, had seemed to be the most convincing.
Many Christians live much the same way day today. They have become what James calls double minded.
They’re sure of one thing until something else happens, and then they flip-flop to the opposite opinion.
In their double mindedness, they flit from one opinion to the other. They’re sure they know what to do, and then they switch again. The moment they feel sure they have made the decision they plan to stick with, they begin to wonder if it was the correct one. They continually doubt and question their reasoning.
This kind of behavior is not the same as being open-minded. To be open-minded means we’re willing to hear all sides of an issue—like jurors should be at a trial. But eventually we have to sort through the evidence or the circumstances in life and say, “This is what I’m going to do.”
That sounds good, but too many people have trouble being decisive. “What if I make a mistake?” they ask. “What If I choose the wrong thing?” Those are legitimate questions, but they are not meant to paralyze God’s people and prevent them from acting. Too often, these are tools that Satan uses to distract and prevent Christians from taking action.
God’s Spirit is always available to free you from natural reasoning that leaves you confused. Ask of the One who gives wisdom liberally, and He will free you of being indecisive and double minded.
Prayer Starter: God, thank You for always showing me the way and helping me make decisions. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
APRIL 18, 2021
Seeking Safety
Here’s a hard question: If we know and believe worshipping idols cannot satisfy us, why do we still struggle to choose loving God over being devoted to the things of this world?
Perhaps one of the reasons we turn away from the Lord is because He requires authenticity and righteousness that our idols don’t. When we construct our idols, we can control them—ultimately, that puts us in charge. But we cannot control God.
In Psalm 135, we read that idols “have mouths, but they do not speak; they have eyes, but they do not see; they have ears, but they do not hear, nor is there any breath at all in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them, yes, everyone who trusts in them” (Psalm 135:16-18).
An idol—which doesn’t issue commands, hold us accountable, or hear if we’re being untruthful—can in many ways feel safer than the Lord. But we have to ask another difficult question: Is false security worth it?
Think about it
• How can idolatry provide a false sense of safety? By contrast, how does God give you real safety (though it may not always feel easy or comfortable)?
Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 13-14
Seeking Safety
Here’s a hard question: If we know and believe worshipping idols cannot satisfy us, why do we still struggle to choose loving God over being devoted to the things of this world?
Perhaps one of the reasons we turn away from the Lord is because He requires authenticity and righteousness that our idols don’t. When we construct our idols, we can control them—ultimately, that puts us in charge. But we cannot control God.
In Psalm 135, we read that idols “have mouths, but they do not speak; they have eyes, but they do not see; they have ears, but they do not hear, nor is there any breath at all in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them, yes, everyone who trusts in them” (Psalm 135:16-18).
An idol—which doesn’t issue commands, hold us accountable, or hear if we’re being untruthful—can in many ways feel safer than the Lord. But we have to ask another difficult question: Is false security worth it?
Think about it
• How can idolatry provide a false sense of safety? By contrast, how does God give you real safety (though it may not always feel easy or comfortable)?
Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 13-14
APRIL 17, 2021
The Worst Kind of Lying --- Dr. Paul Chappell
1 John 1:10 --- If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
One of the most damaging and destructive forms of lying is to falsely claim that something is true when it is not. That is why the legal penalty for perjury is so severe. According to the United States Code, perjury is committed when a person “Having taken an oath before a competent tribunal, officer, or person, in any case in which a law of the United States authorizes an oath to be administered, that he will testify, declare, depose, or certify truly, or that any written testimony, declaration, deposition, or certificate by him subscribed, is true, willfully and contrary to such oath states or subscribes any material matter which he does not believe to be true.”
When a charge of falsehood is brought against someone, the character and record of both parties must be considered. Someone who has habitually shaded the truth and uttered falsehood does not receive the benefit of the doubt. Yet as foolish as it is, there are people who try to claim that it is God who is lying while they are telling the truth. Though they would probably never make such a declaration in public, that is what they are really saying when they claim that they have reached the point where they no longer sin.
The Pharisees of Jesus' day boasted of their devotion to keeping the whole law. They were outwardly compliant with every part of the law, yet Jesus exposed their inward deceit. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness” (Matthew 23:27). We must not succumb to the prideful temptation to think that we have arrived and moved past sinning in our lives. We must not put what others think of us above what God sees. And we must not call God a liar.
Today's Growth Principle: A proper understanding of God's righteousness encourages us to humbly admit our sin and enjoy restored fellowship
The Worst Kind of Lying --- Dr. Paul Chappell
1 John 1:10 --- If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
One of the most damaging and destructive forms of lying is to falsely claim that something is true when it is not. That is why the legal penalty for perjury is so severe. According to the United States Code, perjury is committed when a person “Having taken an oath before a competent tribunal, officer, or person, in any case in which a law of the United States authorizes an oath to be administered, that he will testify, declare, depose, or certify truly, or that any written testimony, declaration, deposition, or certificate by him subscribed, is true, willfully and contrary to such oath states or subscribes any material matter which he does not believe to be true.”
When a charge of falsehood is brought against someone, the character and record of both parties must be considered. Someone who has habitually shaded the truth and uttered falsehood does not receive the benefit of the doubt. Yet as foolish as it is, there are people who try to claim that it is God who is lying while they are telling the truth. Though they would probably never make such a declaration in public, that is what they are really saying when they claim that they have reached the point where they no longer sin.
The Pharisees of Jesus' day boasted of their devotion to keeping the whole law. They were outwardly compliant with every part of the law, yet Jesus exposed their inward deceit. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness” (Matthew 23:27). We must not succumb to the prideful temptation to think that we have arrived and moved past sinning in our lives. We must not put what others think of us above what God sees. And we must not call God a liar.
Today's Growth Principle: A proper understanding of God's righteousness encourages us to humbly admit our sin and enjoy restored fellowship
APRIL 16, 1934
Humility and Honor
Your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you... (Matthew 6:4)
Yesterday we talked about the first step to curing hypocrisy. Today, I want us to look at two other steps we can take to break down the barrier of hypocrisy that is keeping so many from the faith.
First, we must be humble in our public life. Pharisees had a reputation of not just being great teachers or prophets or practitioners, but great prayers and they knew how to put on a show. They would stretch out their hands with their palms upward, with their head bowed, and they would give the speech of a lifetime, as loud as they could, standing on the most crowded street corner, so people could hear them, and see them, and brag on how close they must be to God.
I want to confess something. Nothing irritates me more than people who pray long prayers in public, because I know what they are doing most of the time. They are catching up on their prayer life at our expense. It was Charles Spurgeon who said, “Let your public prayers be brief. Let your private prayers be as long as you want.” This advice is what we should all take to heart if we want to be humble in our public life.
Finally, we must be honorable with our personal life. We want to do everything we can to be a stepping-stone to Jesus, not a stumbling block. There is something we must remember that Jesus repeats three times in this passage. He says it in verse 4, verse 6, and verse 18. Here is the firewall that will guard against hypocrisy. “Your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you...” (Matthew 6:4, 6,18).
The single most important part of your life is the part that God sees when no one else is looking. I love the way someone put it, “The theology that matters is not the theology we profess, but the theology we practice.”
The only honor we should be seeking is God’s honor. The only glory we should be seeking is God’s glory. The only praise we should ever worry about is God’s praise. In order to achieve that you can’t be a phony. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Make up your mind on what you truly believe, not just what you say you believe and then behave what you believe. Be what you need to be in private, then you will be who you need to be in public.
Dear Lord, I want nothing more than to be humble and honorable not only in your sight, but in the sight of those who are curious about you. Please help me to grow in humility and to live with the goal of honoring you in all things. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Humility and Honor
Your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you... (Matthew 6:4)
Yesterday we talked about the first step to curing hypocrisy. Today, I want us to look at two other steps we can take to break down the barrier of hypocrisy that is keeping so many from the faith.
First, we must be humble in our public life. Pharisees had a reputation of not just being great teachers or prophets or practitioners, but great prayers and they knew how to put on a show. They would stretch out their hands with their palms upward, with their head bowed, and they would give the speech of a lifetime, as loud as they could, standing on the most crowded street corner, so people could hear them, and see them, and brag on how close they must be to God.
I want to confess something. Nothing irritates me more than people who pray long prayers in public, because I know what they are doing most of the time. They are catching up on their prayer life at our expense. It was Charles Spurgeon who said, “Let your public prayers be brief. Let your private prayers be as long as you want.” This advice is what we should all take to heart if we want to be humble in our public life.
Finally, we must be honorable with our personal life. We want to do everything we can to be a stepping-stone to Jesus, not a stumbling block. There is something we must remember that Jesus repeats three times in this passage. He says it in verse 4, verse 6, and verse 18. Here is the firewall that will guard against hypocrisy. “Your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you...” (Matthew 6:4, 6,18).
The single most important part of your life is the part that God sees when no one else is looking. I love the way someone put it, “The theology that matters is not the theology we profess, but the theology we practice.”
The only honor we should be seeking is God’s honor. The only glory we should be seeking is God’s glory. The only praise we should ever worry about is God’s praise. In order to achieve that you can’t be a phony. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Make up your mind on what you truly believe, not just what you say you believe and then behave what you believe. Be what you need to be in private, then you will be who you need to be in public.
Dear Lord, I want nothing more than to be humble and honorable not only in your sight, but in the sight of those who are curious about you. Please help me to grow in humility and to live with the goal of honoring you in all things. In Jesus’ name, amen.
APRIL 15, 2021
Glory in the Cross
Galatians 6:14 (TLB) --- As for me, God forbid that I should boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
What glory is there in the cross? It was an instrument of torture and shame. Why did Paul glory in it? He gloried in it because the most selfless act ever performed by men or angels took place upon it. He saw-emanating from that rough, unartistic beam upon which the Son of God had been crucified—the radiant hope of the world, the end of the believer’s bondage to sin, and the love of God shed abroad in the hearts of men. A lone man dying on a cross did more to restore man’s lost harmony with God, his fellowman, and himself, than the combined genius and power of earth’s mighty. With my finite limitations, I cannot fully comprehend the mystery of Christ’s atonement. I only know that all who come to the cross in simple, trusting faith lose all their guilty stains and find peace with God.
Prayer for the day --- Like the Apostle Paul, Father, help me to glory in the cross of Jesus and more fully understand the tremendous meaning it has for me as a believer and for all who would come to its foot and kneel.
Glory in the Cross
Galatians 6:14 (TLB) --- As for me, God forbid that I should boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
What glory is there in the cross? It was an instrument of torture and shame. Why did Paul glory in it? He gloried in it because the most selfless act ever performed by men or angels took place upon it. He saw-emanating from that rough, unartistic beam upon which the Son of God had been crucified—the radiant hope of the world, the end of the believer’s bondage to sin, and the love of God shed abroad in the hearts of men. A lone man dying on a cross did more to restore man’s lost harmony with God, his fellowman, and himself, than the combined genius and power of earth’s mighty. With my finite limitations, I cannot fully comprehend the mystery of Christ’s atonement. I only know that all who come to the cross in simple, trusting faith lose all their guilty stains and find peace with God.
Prayer for the day --- Like the Apostle Paul, Father, help me to glory in the cross of Jesus and more fully understand the tremendous meaning it has for me as a believer and for all who would come to its foot and kneel.
APRIL 14, 2021
Be Kind
Our woman in Proverbs 31 knows the importance of words. She opens her mouth in skillful and godly wisdom. The law of kindness is in her tongue. Speaking kindly to other people is a tremendous attribute and one that certainly enhances a godly woman. She knows that anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but an encouraging word makes it glad (see Proverbs 12:25). We all need kindness, and I believe we will reap what we sow. Proverbs 18:20–21 says that we will have to be satisfied with the consequences of our words and that the power of life and death are in the tongue. It goes on to say that we will eat the fruit of our words for life or death.
Not only do we have the capability of speaking life or death to other people, we have the same ability in our own lives. We can speak words that build confidence in ourselves and others or we can speak words that destroy confidence. Be especially careful about self-talk. This is the conversation that you have with yourself inside yourself. Be sure what you are saying is something you want to live with.
Prayer Starter: Lord, make my heart to be kind and compassionate, so that it overflows in kind words to others. May my words have the power of life in them, to build up others and encourage them. Amen.
Be Kind
Our woman in Proverbs 31 knows the importance of words. She opens her mouth in skillful and godly wisdom. The law of kindness is in her tongue. Speaking kindly to other people is a tremendous attribute and one that certainly enhances a godly woman. She knows that anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but an encouraging word makes it glad (see Proverbs 12:25). We all need kindness, and I believe we will reap what we sow. Proverbs 18:20–21 says that we will have to be satisfied with the consequences of our words and that the power of life and death are in the tongue. It goes on to say that we will eat the fruit of our words for life or death.
Not only do we have the capability of speaking life or death to other people, we have the same ability in our own lives. We can speak words that build confidence in ourselves and others or we can speak words that destroy confidence. Be especially careful about self-talk. This is the conversation that you have with yourself inside yourself. Be sure what you are saying is something you want to live with.
Prayer Starter: Lord, make my heart to be kind and compassionate, so that it overflows in kind words to others. May my words have the power of life in them, to build up others and encourage them. Amen.
APRIL 13, 2021
Consequences of Ignoring God
2 Chronicles 33:1-20
People all around us are disregarding God’s offer of salvation through faith in His Son. If we look at their lives, it may not seem that they’re facing any divine judgment, but we must remember that repercussions don’t always follow immediately. Ignoring the Lord is rebellion and idolatry in His eyes, and unless the offender turns to Him in humble repentance and faith, consequences will come.
King Manasseh of Judah stands as an example of what can happen when someone ignores God. Despite the example of his godly father Hezekiah, Manasseh abandoned the Lord and led his people into idolatry. He was deaf to God’s voice and carried on with this evil for quite a while. But in time God finally got his attention through a painful situation involving the Assyrian military. Humbled, Manasseh repented and began obeying the Lord instead of ignoring Him.
Are you sensitive to God’s voice, or does He have to bring hardship and suffering into your life to get your attention? Disregarding Him is a serious matter, but God is merciful and responds to the cries of a truly repentant heart.
Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 1-2
Consequences of Ignoring God
2 Chronicles 33:1-20
People all around us are disregarding God’s offer of salvation through faith in His Son. If we look at their lives, it may not seem that they’re facing any divine judgment, but we must remember that repercussions don’t always follow immediately. Ignoring the Lord is rebellion and idolatry in His eyes, and unless the offender turns to Him in humble repentance and faith, consequences will come.
King Manasseh of Judah stands as an example of what can happen when someone ignores God. Despite the example of his godly father Hezekiah, Manasseh abandoned the Lord and led his people into idolatry. He was deaf to God’s voice and carried on with this evil for quite a while. But in time God finally got his attention through a painful situation involving the Assyrian military. Humbled, Manasseh repented and began obeying the Lord instead of ignoring Him.
Are you sensitive to God’s voice, or does He have to bring hardship and suffering into your life to get your attention? Disregarding Him is a serious matter, but God is merciful and responds to the cries of a truly repentant heart.
Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 1-2
APRIL 12, 2021
Unbridled
“Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.” Psalm 32:9
One of the greatest joys of the Christian life is that we can always be growing. There will never come a time when we know all there is to know about God. He is a limitless treasure of grace whose mercies are new each and every morning. His ways are unsearchable and His power unfathomable. Every day is a gift, ready to be unwrapped…another opportunity to go deeper in our relationship with Christ.
The hunger of a new Christian is palpable. They are so passionate about their faith and full of questions. It is wonderful! But do you know what else I find inspiring? I love being around older Christians who are just as hungry to know God more. Jesus said in Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” As believers we never have to outgrow our hunger; and as long as we hunger, God promises to fill us with more of Himself.
Let me ask you a question. If you are a believer, have you lost your zeal for Christ…your hunger to grow deeper in your faith? I hope not! There are some practical ways to both renew that desire, and to keep it burning each and every day. For example, read a Christian biography. That may sound daunting, but you can find these biographies in all styles, lengths, and even reading levels. You will be challenged and inspired by the trials and victories of those who have gone before you. If you are not in a small-group Bible study, join one. The opportunities for friendship and growth are endless in a good, Bible-centered small group. And finally, make sure you are serving in your Church Family. Serving others brings joy, deeper connections, friendships, and accountability.
God’s desire is that His children grow in understanding, knowledge, and wisdom. He wants us to come to Him willingly, rather than being controlled like a horse with bit and bridle. A teachable spirit, along with an eagerness to grow and learn, is building blocks of deeper faith. And when we come, He will always fill us with more. So let’s seek to live life unbridled, willingly returning for more and more of our Savior.
Dear Lord, I don't want to be unbridled. Instead I want to follow your lead through the minefields of life so that I do not misstep or get hurt. Please give me a submissive heart that is totally surrendered to you. In Jesus' name, amen.
Unbridled
“Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.” Psalm 32:9
One of the greatest joys of the Christian life is that we can always be growing. There will never come a time when we know all there is to know about God. He is a limitless treasure of grace whose mercies are new each and every morning. His ways are unsearchable and His power unfathomable. Every day is a gift, ready to be unwrapped…another opportunity to go deeper in our relationship with Christ.
The hunger of a new Christian is palpable. They are so passionate about their faith and full of questions. It is wonderful! But do you know what else I find inspiring? I love being around older Christians who are just as hungry to know God more. Jesus said in Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” As believers we never have to outgrow our hunger; and as long as we hunger, God promises to fill us with more of Himself.
Let me ask you a question. If you are a believer, have you lost your zeal for Christ…your hunger to grow deeper in your faith? I hope not! There are some practical ways to both renew that desire, and to keep it burning each and every day. For example, read a Christian biography. That may sound daunting, but you can find these biographies in all styles, lengths, and even reading levels. You will be challenged and inspired by the trials and victories of those who have gone before you. If you are not in a small-group Bible study, join one. The opportunities for friendship and growth are endless in a good, Bible-centered small group. And finally, make sure you are serving in your Church Family. Serving others brings joy, deeper connections, friendships, and accountability.
God’s desire is that His children grow in understanding, knowledge, and wisdom. He wants us to come to Him willingly, rather than being controlled like a horse with bit and bridle. A teachable spirit, along with an eagerness to grow and learn, is building blocks of deeper faith. And when we come, He will always fill us with more. So let’s seek to live life unbridled, willingly returning for more and more of our Savior.
Dear Lord, I don't want to be unbridled. Instead I want to follow your lead through the minefields of life so that I do not misstep or get hurt. Please give me a submissive heart that is totally surrendered to you. In Jesus' name, amen.
APRIL 11, 2021
When the Going Gets Tough --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Exodus 14:12-14 --- Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
For years as they labored as slaves in Egypt, the children of Israel cried out to God for deliverance. They despaired when Pharaoh gave the command for all male Hebrew babies to be killed. They had no freedom or ability to control their own lives. When Moses came, many of them rejoiced that the ancient promises of God to His people were being remembered and fulfilled. After ten plagues devastated the land of Egypt, and Pharaoh finally agreed to let them go, they went out loaded down with treasure, heading for the land promised to their people by God.
Yet they did not find that trip to be what they expected. When they were confronted by the Red Sea, with Pharaoh's army pursuing them, they despaired. They did not recall the power of God they had seen displayed time and time again, even extending to protecting them from the plagues that ravaged their Egyptian neighbors. They did not recall the way the different plagues had explicitly revealed the weakness of the various gods worshiped by the Egyptians.
Instead they despaired. They told Moses they wished he had left them as slaves. When God did not immediately remove every obstacle from their path, their faith vanished. All of us are going to experience times when things don't go as we wish. In those moments, we must remember that God is in control, and doing what He knows is best.
Today's Growth Principle: Hard times are not evidence that God has abandoned us; they are an opportunity to see His power on display.
When the Going Gets Tough --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Exodus 14:12-14 --- Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
For years as they labored as slaves in Egypt, the children of Israel cried out to God for deliverance. They despaired when Pharaoh gave the command for all male Hebrew babies to be killed. They had no freedom or ability to control their own lives. When Moses came, many of them rejoiced that the ancient promises of God to His people were being remembered and fulfilled. After ten plagues devastated the land of Egypt, and Pharaoh finally agreed to let them go, they went out loaded down with treasure, heading for the land promised to their people by God.
Yet they did not find that trip to be what they expected. When they were confronted by the Red Sea, with Pharaoh's army pursuing them, they despaired. They did not recall the power of God they had seen displayed time and time again, even extending to protecting them from the plagues that ravaged their Egyptian neighbors. They did not recall the way the different plagues had explicitly revealed the weakness of the various gods worshiped by the Egyptians.
Instead they despaired. They told Moses they wished he had left them as slaves. When God did not immediately remove every obstacle from their path, their faith vanished. All of us are going to experience times when things don't go as we wish. In those moments, we must remember that God is in control, and doing what He knows is best.
Today's Growth Principle: Hard times are not evidence that God has abandoned us; they are an opportunity to see His power on display.
APRIL 10, 2021
God Is Sovereign
Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. (Psalm 73:1)
Yesterday, we talked about how if you’re going to acknowledge that there is good in the midst of evil, you have to bring God into the picture. But even when you introduce God, that doesn’t solve the problem; it actually exposes the problem. You see something bothered Asaph that also bothers us. It goes back to the very first thing Asaph says about God. “Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart” (Psalm 73:1).
He goes on to say that God is “the Sovereign Lord.” God is all good and God is all-powerful. He knows that God could forbid trouble from ever coming to any of us if He chose to. If God is sovereign, that means nothing happens to us unless God either causes it or God allows it. He keeps bad things happening from us.
He does it all throughout Scripture. He kept the lions from eating Daniel. He kept the fire from burning Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. He kept the giant, Goliath, from killing David. So, we know He can do it, but He doesn’t always do it. And that’s the dilemma we must wrestle with.
What we have to remember is that God wants to use even the bad things in our lives to mature us and grow us, to force us to look to Him, to place our trust in Him. Some of us will do that in good health, and some of us will do that battling illness. Some of us will do that having a lot, some of us will do that having a little.
The point is God is going to get every one of us to the same destination, but He is not going to get all of us there the same way. At the end of the day, everything will be put together in such a way and used in such a way it will be for our ultimate good and for His eternal glory.
Dear Lord, thank you that you are sovereign over everything and everyone. I pray that you would give me the faith to trust your sovereignty and your will, even when it doesn’t make sense and even when it differs from what those around me are going through. For I know you are worthy of my complete trust. In Jesus’ name, amen.
God Is Sovereign
Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. (Psalm 73:1)
Yesterday, we talked about how if you’re going to acknowledge that there is good in the midst of evil, you have to bring God into the picture. But even when you introduce God, that doesn’t solve the problem; it actually exposes the problem. You see something bothered Asaph that also bothers us. It goes back to the very first thing Asaph says about God. “Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart” (Psalm 73:1).
He goes on to say that God is “the Sovereign Lord.” God is all good and God is all-powerful. He knows that God could forbid trouble from ever coming to any of us if He chose to. If God is sovereign, that means nothing happens to us unless God either causes it or God allows it. He keeps bad things happening from us.
He does it all throughout Scripture. He kept the lions from eating Daniel. He kept the fire from burning Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. He kept the giant, Goliath, from killing David. So, we know He can do it, but He doesn’t always do it. And that’s the dilemma we must wrestle with.
What we have to remember is that God wants to use even the bad things in our lives to mature us and grow us, to force us to look to Him, to place our trust in Him. Some of us will do that in good health, and some of us will do that battling illness. Some of us will do that having a lot, some of us will do that having a little.
The point is God is going to get every one of us to the same destination, but He is not going to get all of us there the same way. At the end of the day, everything will be put together in such a way and used in such a way it will be for our ultimate good and for His eternal glory.
Dear Lord, thank you that you are sovereign over everything and everyone. I pray that you would give me the faith to trust your sovereignty and your will, even when it doesn’t make sense and even when it differs from what those around me are going through. For I know you are worthy of my complete trust. In Jesus’ name, amen.
APRIL 9, 2021
What Makes Christianity Different?
Luke 24:6 --- He is not here, but is risen.
Something distinguishes Christianity from all the religions of the world. Not only does it carry the truth of the redemption, by the death of our Savior for our sins on the cross, but it carries the fact that Christ rose again. Only the Christian faith claims that its Leader died and rose again and is alive at this moment. Many gravestones carry the inscription, “Here lies . . . ,” but on Christ’s tomb are emblazoned the words, “He is not here.” Christianity has no shrines to visit, no dusty remains to venerate, no tombs at which to worship. Many good men have lived, and still live, in the memory of those who knew them, but there is only one Man who conquered death—Jesus Christ—and He will live forever.
Prayer for the day --- The account of Your resurrection never ceases to bring me joy, Lord Jesus.
What Makes Christianity Different?
Luke 24:6 --- He is not here, but is risen.
Something distinguishes Christianity from all the religions of the world. Not only does it carry the truth of the redemption, by the death of our Savior for our sins on the cross, but it carries the fact that Christ rose again. Only the Christian faith claims that its Leader died and rose again and is alive at this moment. Many gravestones carry the inscription, “Here lies . . . ,” but on Christ’s tomb are emblazoned the words, “He is not here.” Christianity has no shrines to visit, no dusty remains to venerate, no tombs at which to worship. Many good men have lived, and still live, in the memory of those who knew them, but there is only one Man who conquered death—Jesus Christ—and He will live forever.
Prayer for the day --- The account of Your resurrection never ceases to bring me joy, Lord Jesus.
APRIL 8, 2021
Faith Beats Fear
"I will not fear," is the only acceptable attitude we can have toward fear. That does not mean that you and I will never feel fear, but it does mean that we will not allow it to rule our decisions and actions.
The Bible says that God has not given us a spirit of fear. Fear is not from God; it is the devil's tool to keep us from enjoying our lives and making progress. Fear causes us to run, retreat, or shrink back. The Bible says in Hebrews 10:38 that we are to live by faith and not draw back in fear—and if we do draw back in fear, God's soul has no delight in us. That does not mean God does not love us; it simply means He is disappointed because He wants us to experience all of the good things He has in His plan for us. We can receive from God only by faith.
We should strive to do everything with a spirit of faith. Faith is confidence in God and a belief that His promises are true. Faith will cause you to go forward, to try new things, and to be aggressive. Unless we make a firm decision to "fear not," we will never be free from the power of it. "Do it afraid" means to feel the fear and do what you believe you should do any way.
I encourage you to be firm in your resolve to do whatever you need to do, even if you have to "do it afraid!" Trust in Him Choose to walk in faith, trusting God's promises. Remember to "fear not," and when you do feel fear, "do it afraid."
Prayer Starter: Lord God, help me not to allow fear to rule my life, but when I do feel fear, give me the courage to do it afraid. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Faith Beats Fear
"I will not fear," is the only acceptable attitude we can have toward fear. That does not mean that you and I will never feel fear, but it does mean that we will not allow it to rule our decisions and actions.
The Bible says that God has not given us a spirit of fear. Fear is not from God; it is the devil's tool to keep us from enjoying our lives and making progress. Fear causes us to run, retreat, or shrink back. The Bible says in Hebrews 10:38 that we are to live by faith and not draw back in fear—and if we do draw back in fear, God's soul has no delight in us. That does not mean God does not love us; it simply means He is disappointed because He wants us to experience all of the good things He has in His plan for us. We can receive from God only by faith.
We should strive to do everything with a spirit of faith. Faith is confidence in God and a belief that His promises are true. Faith will cause you to go forward, to try new things, and to be aggressive. Unless we make a firm decision to "fear not," we will never be free from the power of it. "Do it afraid" means to feel the fear and do what you believe you should do any way.
I encourage you to be firm in your resolve to do whatever you need to do, even if you have to "do it afraid!" Trust in Him Choose to walk in faith, trusting God's promises. Remember to "fear not," and when you do feel fear, "do it afraid."
Prayer Starter: Lord God, help me not to allow fear to rule my life, but when I do feel fear, give me the courage to do it afraid. In Jesus’ name, amen.
APRIL 7, 2021
Pursuing God
Psalm 63:1-8
If I were to ask whether you’d like a deeper relationship with God, you would probably say yes. But are you willing to do what is necessary to achieve it? Many Christians today are trying to find a shortcut to a closer relationship with the Father. But intimacy takes times and effort; knowing God better is a lifelong pursuit.
Here’s how we discover the depths of His character through His Word:
Meditation involves reading a Bible passage several times and thoughtfully considering what it says about God. Today’s psalm, for example, encourages us to ponder the Lord’s power, glory, and lovingkindness.
Study allows us to draw from several Bible passages to gain a greater understanding of the Lord. We benefit by considering the context and writing style of the verses and then asking ourselves what they reveal about God.
Prayer is our response to meditation and study of the Word. What we discover about God overflows into praise, gratitude, and petitions that align with His will.
We can’t cut corners if we want to walk closely with the Lord. But the rewards of a deep relationship with Him are worth the wait and effort—only through intimacy with Him will we know true satisfaction and joy.
Pursuing God
Psalm 63:1-8
If I were to ask whether you’d like a deeper relationship with God, you would probably say yes. But are you willing to do what is necessary to achieve it? Many Christians today are trying to find a shortcut to a closer relationship with the Father. But intimacy takes times and effort; knowing God better is a lifelong pursuit.
Here’s how we discover the depths of His character through His Word:
Meditation involves reading a Bible passage several times and thoughtfully considering what it says about God. Today’s psalm, for example, encourages us to ponder the Lord’s power, glory, and lovingkindness.
Study allows us to draw from several Bible passages to gain a greater understanding of the Lord. We benefit by considering the context and writing style of the verses and then asking ourselves what they reveal about God.
Prayer is our response to meditation and study of the Word. What we discover about God overflows into praise, gratitude, and petitions that align with His will.
We can’t cut corners if we want to walk closely with the Lord. But the rewards of a deep relationship with Him are worth the wait and effort—only through intimacy with Him will we know true satisfaction and joy.
APRIL 6, 2021
"Escaping the Corruption" --- Dr. Paul Chappell
2 Peter 1:2-4 --- Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
In the early days of Christianity, a new teaching arose that called people to isolate themselves from society.
The monastic movement established centers where men and women could withdraw from the concern of daily life and focus solely on religious matters. One of the driving forces behind this idea was that by no longer being exposed to daily temptations as part of the regular world, a person could live a more holy life.
That is not the way things worked out in practice. Each person who entered a monastery took with him all of the sinful desires and habits they started with. We cannot overcome sin by escaping from the world. We can only overcome sin through the power we find in the precious promises of the Bible.
God has not called us to leave the world behind and isolate ourselves from it. Instead He calls us to go out into the world and live in a way that brings honor and glory to Him. He calls us to walk in holiness despite the defilement we see in the world around us. His grace teaches us to "live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Titus 2:12). When Jesus sent the twelve disciples out to begin preaching, He warned them of the dangers they would face. “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Yet in spite of the danger, Jesus sent them anyway, and today He is still sending out men and women into the world to take a stand for Him.
Today's Growth Principle: God has not called us to run away from the world, but to overcome it in His power.
"Escaping the Corruption" --- Dr. Paul Chappell
2 Peter 1:2-4 --- Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
In the early days of Christianity, a new teaching arose that called people to isolate themselves from society.
The monastic movement established centers where men and women could withdraw from the concern of daily life and focus solely on religious matters. One of the driving forces behind this idea was that by no longer being exposed to daily temptations as part of the regular world, a person could live a more holy life.
That is not the way things worked out in practice. Each person who entered a monastery took with him all of the sinful desires and habits they started with. We cannot overcome sin by escaping from the world. We can only overcome sin through the power we find in the precious promises of the Bible.
God has not called us to leave the world behind and isolate ourselves from it. Instead He calls us to go out into the world and live in a way that brings honor and glory to Him. He calls us to walk in holiness despite the defilement we see in the world around us. His grace teaches us to "live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Titus 2:12). When Jesus sent the twelve disciples out to begin preaching, He warned them of the dangers they would face. “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Yet in spite of the danger, Jesus sent them anyway, and today He is still sending out men and women into the world to take a stand for Him.
Today's Growth Principle: God has not called us to run away from the world, but to overcome it in His power.
APRIL 5, 2021
Worthy of Trust
“’God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” ---1 Corinthians 1:9
“But you promised!”
How many times as parents have we heard those words? And let’s face it…kids’ memories tend to be much sharper than ours when it comes to what we say. They can be deeply disappointed if we forget, change our mind, or just have something come up that keeps us from doing what “we promised” to do. The truth is that all children need to know they can trust the adults closest to them to do what they say they will. This is why kids crave promise keeping.
Isn’t it wonderful that God never forgets what He said? He keeps His promises all of the time. He never changes His mind, mis-speaks, or carelessly gives His Word. If He says He will do it, He will. Period. This is why we say that God is faithful. That word, faithful, means “worthy of trust.” God has proven Himself to be worthy of our trust.
God’s faithfulness is foundational to our faith as Christians. In his letter to the believers in Corinth, the Apostle Paul wrote, “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” He identifies God as the One who called us into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul is reminding God’s people that if they could trust God’s faithfulness in salvation, they can trust His faithfulness in everything else. As believers we know God keeps His Word because He has kept it in saving us. What other proof could we need?
We, like children, crave promise keeping. Often times we seek to satisfy this craving through relationships with people, or by believing the subtle promises that Satan whispers in our ear. The truth, however, is that God is the only One who is always faithful. Even the best people make mistakes. And the smooth-talking tongue of Satan surely cannot be trusted. But God can – all of the time and in every situation. He has proven that to us in His Son, Jesus.
Dear Lord, thank you that I can trust you with my life in eternity. I pray that you would give me the same faith to trust you with my life and my circumstances right now, for you are always faithful and worthy of trust. In Jesus' name, amen.
Worthy of Trust
“’God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” ---1 Corinthians 1:9
“But you promised!”
How many times as parents have we heard those words? And let’s face it…kids’ memories tend to be much sharper than ours when it comes to what we say. They can be deeply disappointed if we forget, change our mind, or just have something come up that keeps us from doing what “we promised” to do. The truth is that all children need to know they can trust the adults closest to them to do what they say they will. This is why kids crave promise keeping.
Isn’t it wonderful that God never forgets what He said? He keeps His promises all of the time. He never changes His mind, mis-speaks, or carelessly gives His Word. If He says He will do it, He will. Period. This is why we say that God is faithful. That word, faithful, means “worthy of trust.” God has proven Himself to be worthy of our trust.
God’s faithfulness is foundational to our faith as Christians. In his letter to the believers in Corinth, the Apostle Paul wrote, “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” He identifies God as the One who called us into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul is reminding God’s people that if they could trust God’s faithfulness in salvation, they can trust His faithfulness in everything else. As believers we know God keeps His Word because He has kept it in saving us. What other proof could we need?
We, like children, crave promise keeping. Often times we seek to satisfy this craving through relationships with people, or by believing the subtle promises that Satan whispers in our ear. The truth, however, is that God is the only One who is always faithful. Even the best people make mistakes. And the smooth-talking tongue of Satan surely cannot be trusted. But God can – all of the time and in every situation. He has proven that to us in His Son, Jesus.
Dear Lord, thank you that I can trust you with my life in eternity. I pray that you would give me the same faith to trust you with my life and my circumstances right now, for you are always faithful and worthy of trust. In Jesus' name, amen.
APRIL 4, 2021
Our Empty Spaces
We may not relate to the idols people worshipped long ago. But in modern life, potential idols are everywhere—and on the surface, they sometimes appear good and praiseworthy.
Take health, for example. Is regular exercise an effort to be a good steward of the body God has provided, or do we turn to it for a sense of identity or worth? And what about finances—do we save money to wisely prepare for the future and fund kingdom work, or do we cling to financial security out of fear?
Whether we see such things as good or problematic, whatever we allow to take God’s place in our heart will never ultimately give us what we truly desire. They may satisfy for a time but in the long run will fail (Gal. 4:8-9).
There is only one way to be freed from the idols we’ve constructed: We must repent and then receive God’s love and forgiveness. But it takes humility and a willingness to let His Holy Spirit fill those empty spaces that have been left behind.
Think about it
How do you spend your time? Pay attention to your choices this week. What tasks, interests, or habits do you turn to for comfort or affirmation? Where does your faith come into the picture?
Our Empty Spaces
We may not relate to the idols people worshipped long ago. But in modern life, potential idols are everywhere—and on the surface, they sometimes appear good and praiseworthy.
Take health, for example. Is regular exercise an effort to be a good steward of the body God has provided, or do we turn to it for a sense of identity or worth? And what about finances—do we save money to wisely prepare for the future and fund kingdom work, or do we cling to financial security out of fear?
Whether we see such things as good or problematic, whatever we allow to take God’s place in our heart will never ultimately give us what we truly desire. They may satisfy for a time but in the long run will fail (Gal. 4:8-9).
There is only one way to be freed from the idols we’ve constructed: We must repent and then receive God’s love and forgiveness. But it takes humility and a willingness to let His Holy Spirit fill those empty spaces that have been left behind.
Think about it
How do you spend your time? Pay attention to your choices this week. What tasks, interests, or habits do you turn to for comfort or affirmation? Where does your faith come into the picture?
APRIL 3, 2021
Waiting on GOD --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Acts 1:4-5 --- And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
In His last meeting with the disciples before returning to Heaven, Jesus gave them a final series of instructions to follow. The first step was one that many of us still struggle with today: to return to Jerusalem and wait. Soon the Holy Spirit would come on them and give power for effective ministry, but until then, there was nothing they could do. The same is true today, and unless we are empowered by God, all of our labor and effort will be in vain. Yet for many people, waiting on God poses a real challenge. To overcome that challenge, we need to understand that God's timing is more important than ours and that He does not regard our time waiting on Him to be wasted.
Of course waiting on God must not become an excuse for laziness, but it is a vital part of our Christian walk.
G. Campbell Morgan said, “Waiting for God is not laziness. Waiting for God is not going to sleep. Waiting for God is not the abandonment of effort. Waiting for God means, first, activity under command; second, readiness for any new command that may come; third, the ability to do nothing until the command is given.”
When John Milton went blind, it was a devastating blow to the gifted writer. But as he reflected on his new condition, he realized that God knew all about his circumstances, and still had a plan for his life. Milton wrote, “God doth not need either man’s work or his own gifts...They also serve who only stand and wait.”
God is never in a hurry and God is never late. We must bend our schedules and timetables to His if we are to serve Him well.
Today's Growth Principle: We must never rush forward when God has called us to wait for Him to work before we do our part.
Waiting on GOD --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Acts 1:4-5 --- And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
In His last meeting with the disciples before returning to Heaven, Jesus gave them a final series of instructions to follow. The first step was one that many of us still struggle with today: to return to Jerusalem and wait. Soon the Holy Spirit would come on them and give power for effective ministry, but until then, there was nothing they could do. The same is true today, and unless we are empowered by God, all of our labor and effort will be in vain. Yet for many people, waiting on God poses a real challenge. To overcome that challenge, we need to understand that God's timing is more important than ours and that He does not regard our time waiting on Him to be wasted.
Of course waiting on God must not become an excuse for laziness, but it is a vital part of our Christian walk.
G. Campbell Morgan said, “Waiting for God is not laziness. Waiting for God is not going to sleep. Waiting for God is not the abandonment of effort. Waiting for God means, first, activity under command; second, readiness for any new command that may come; third, the ability to do nothing until the command is given.”
When John Milton went blind, it was a devastating blow to the gifted writer. But as he reflected on his new condition, he realized that God knew all about his circumstances, and still had a plan for his life. Milton wrote, “God doth not need either man’s work or his own gifts...They also serve who only stand and wait.”
God is never in a hurry and God is never late. We must bend our schedules and timetables to His if we are to serve Him well.
Today's Growth Principle: We must never rush forward when God has called us to wait for Him to work before we do our part.
APRIL 2, 2021
Overcoming Temptation
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. (Matthew 4:1)
Yesterday we talked about the importance of expecting temptation. So today, let’s continue our conversation on temptation and understand that after we expect temptation, we should detect temptation and then reject temptation.
Jesus shows us how to detect temptation before it happens, because all temptation basically boils down to three things. Satan tempted Jesus in three different ways, and it is these same three ways he tempts us. He tempts us physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Therefore, we have to be ready to face any and all of these types of temptations if we’re going to keep from sinning.
In order to be ready, we must prepare ourselves spiritually so we can detect temptation. That means spending time in the Word, spending time in prayer, and spending time in community with other believers.
When we do these things, we learn how to better detect temptation when it arises, and as a result, learn how to withstand it.
Remember, temptation is powerless against truth. Temptation is always based on a lie. Here is the lie.
Temptation will tell you that sin feels good, and it does, but then temptation will also tell you can get away with it, but you can’t. Every time you are tempted one of two things is going to happen. You will either submit to what your eyes see and your ears hear and your heart feels or you will follow the truth of God’s
Word you know in your mind. Here is the key. If your gun isn’t filled with the bullets of God’s Word, if your sheath doesn’t hold the sword of God’s Word, you have no hope to defeat temptation.
Let me ask you a simple question, “If Jesus Christ, the Son of God, would not face the devil and temptation without a profound knowledge of the Bible in His mind and filling His heart, how are you going to try to do it any other way?” The best preventive medicine you will ever take against temptation is to read God’s Word and heed God’s Word. Listen carefully. For every temptation the devil brings into your life there is a word from God that counteracts it. Jesus didn’t argue with the devil. He didn’t negotiate or debate with the devil. He didn’t use any magic formulas or magic words. He simply used God’s Word.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your word and for the weapon it is to fight against temptation. Remind me of your truth when I’m tempted to believe the lies of the enemy so that I might overcome any temptation that comes my way. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Overcoming Temptation
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. (Matthew 4:1)
Yesterday we talked about the importance of expecting temptation. So today, let’s continue our conversation on temptation and understand that after we expect temptation, we should detect temptation and then reject temptation.
Jesus shows us how to detect temptation before it happens, because all temptation basically boils down to three things. Satan tempted Jesus in three different ways, and it is these same three ways he tempts us. He tempts us physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Therefore, we have to be ready to face any and all of these types of temptations if we’re going to keep from sinning.
In order to be ready, we must prepare ourselves spiritually so we can detect temptation. That means spending time in the Word, spending time in prayer, and spending time in community with other believers.
When we do these things, we learn how to better detect temptation when it arises, and as a result, learn how to withstand it.
Remember, temptation is powerless against truth. Temptation is always based on a lie. Here is the lie.
Temptation will tell you that sin feels good, and it does, but then temptation will also tell you can get away with it, but you can’t. Every time you are tempted one of two things is going to happen. You will either submit to what your eyes see and your ears hear and your heart feels or you will follow the truth of God’s
Word you know in your mind. Here is the key. If your gun isn’t filled with the bullets of God’s Word, if your sheath doesn’t hold the sword of God’s Word, you have no hope to defeat temptation.
Let me ask you a simple question, “If Jesus Christ, the Son of God, would not face the devil and temptation without a profound knowledge of the Bible in His mind and filling His heart, how are you going to try to do it any other way?” The best preventive medicine you will ever take against temptation is to read God’s Word and heed God’s Word. Listen carefully. For every temptation the devil brings into your life there is a word from God that counteracts it. Jesus didn’t argue with the devil. He didn’t negotiate or debate with the devil. He didn’t use any magic formulas or magic words. He simply used God’s Word.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your word and for the weapon it is to fight against temptation. Remind me of your truth when I’m tempted to believe the lies of the enemy so that I might overcome any temptation that comes my way. In Jesus’ name, amen.
APRIL 1, 2021
You’re Never Too Old to Grow in Your Thinking
Dr. Caroline Leaf, a leading brain scientist/learning specialist and committed Christian, notes in her teaching on the brain: “The Word and science believe that the mind and the brain are one.” The way you think is voluntary—you can control your thoughts. I want you to give your brain a new job and begin to teach your mind to work for you instead of against you. One important way to do this is to make the intentional decision that you will begin to think positively. I realize your brain won’t be able to fulfill the new role completely overnight. You may be asking it to undergo a radical transformation, and that will take time. So, give it a little grace, but determine that with your diligence and God’s help, your brain will go to work for you instead of against you and become a powerful, positive force in your life.
I like what Dr. Leaf says—that the human brain takes “18 years to grow and a lifetime to mature.” Don’t miss this point. Although every other organ in the body is fully formed when a person is born, and simply gets bigger as the body gets bigger, the brain actually takes a full eighteen years to be fully formed. After that, it continues to mature until the day a person dies. This means, no matter how old you are, your brain is still maturing. This is great news because it means you do not have to be stuck in any old or wrong thought patterns. Your brain is still maturing, so you can still mature in your thinking. Trust in Him What comes to mind immediately when I ask: in what way(s) is your mind working against you? Remember, it takes a lifetime for your brain to mature. Trust that it’s never too late to change your mind!
Prayer Starter: Father God, I want my brain to begin working for me rather than against me. Help me as I give my brain this new job to start thinking in more positive ways! In the name of Jesus, amen!
You’re Never Too Old to Grow in Your Thinking
Dr. Caroline Leaf, a leading brain scientist/learning specialist and committed Christian, notes in her teaching on the brain: “The Word and science believe that the mind and the brain are one.” The way you think is voluntary—you can control your thoughts. I want you to give your brain a new job and begin to teach your mind to work for you instead of against you. One important way to do this is to make the intentional decision that you will begin to think positively. I realize your brain won’t be able to fulfill the new role completely overnight. You may be asking it to undergo a radical transformation, and that will take time. So, give it a little grace, but determine that with your diligence and God’s help, your brain will go to work for you instead of against you and become a powerful, positive force in your life.
I like what Dr. Leaf says—that the human brain takes “18 years to grow and a lifetime to mature.” Don’t miss this point. Although every other organ in the body is fully formed when a person is born, and simply gets bigger as the body gets bigger, the brain actually takes a full eighteen years to be fully formed. After that, it continues to mature until the day a person dies. This means, no matter how old you are, your brain is still maturing. This is great news because it means you do not have to be stuck in any old or wrong thought patterns. Your brain is still maturing, so you can still mature in your thinking. Trust in Him What comes to mind immediately when I ask: in what way(s) is your mind working against you? Remember, it takes a lifetime for your brain to mature. Trust that it’s never too late to change your mind!
Prayer Starter: Father God, I want my brain to begin working for me rather than against me. Help me as I give my brain this new job to start thinking in more positive ways! In the name of Jesus, amen!
MARCH 30, 2021
God’s Will and Prayer
Nehemiah 1
Certain aspects of God are beyond our full understanding, and one of them is how He uses our prayers to work out His will. Although He is the sovereign, omnipotent, all-knowing God who needs no one’s help, He has chosen to allow us to participate in the achievement of His divine plans through our prayers.
Nehemiah was moved to pray after hearing about the hardships of the Jews who’d returned to Jerusalem following Babylonian captivity. At the time, he was doing his job as the cupbearer to the King of Persia. But the Lord quickly answered Nehemiah’s prayer by paving the way and providing the resources that would allow him to rebuild the wall in Jerusalem.
Although we may not see answers as dramatic and obvious when we pray, the Lord still wants us to present our needs and believe that He’ll respond in a way that furthers His will for our life. There will be times when we can’t perceive any change, but that doesn’t mean God is not working everything for our good. And remember, even when we don’t pray as we should, the Holy Spirit helps our weakness by interceding for us according to God’s will (Rom. 8:26-28).
God’s Will and Prayer
Nehemiah 1
Certain aspects of God are beyond our full understanding, and one of them is how He uses our prayers to work out His will. Although He is the sovereign, omnipotent, all-knowing God who needs no one’s help, He has chosen to allow us to participate in the achievement of His divine plans through our prayers.
Nehemiah was moved to pray after hearing about the hardships of the Jews who’d returned to Jerusalem following Babylonian captivity. At the time, he was doing his job as the cupbearer to the King of Persia. But the Lord quickly answered Nehemiah’s prayer by paving the way and providing the resources that would allow him to rebuild the wall in Jerusalem.
Although we may not see answers as dramatic and obvious when we pray, the Lord still wants us to present our needs and believe that He’ll respond in a way that furthers His will for our life. There will be times when we can’t perceive any change, but that doesn’t mean God is not working everything for our good. And remember, even when we don’t pray as we should, the Holy Spirit helps our weakness by interceding for us according to God’s will (Rom. 8:26-28).
MARCH 29, 2021
"Holding Fast" --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Titus 1:7-9 --- For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Critics of the truth and the Word of God are nothing new. All the way back in the Garden of Eden, Satan worked to undermine Eve's reliance on what God had said. In our day we have no problem finding what Paul referred to as “gainsayers.” There are plenty of people willing to speak against the truth. They describe it as old fashioned, out of step with modern understandings and sensibilities. They call it narrow and even bigoted. They say that they refuse to be bound by ancient writings and beliefs.
In the face of these attacks, the most important thing that we can do is to hold fast to the truth ourselves.
We must never let the doubting and criticism of those around us plant the seeds of doubt in our own hearts and minds. We must maintain our allegiance to the truth, never wavering in our belief that what God has said is true and right and trustworthy. What David wrote three thousand years ago is still true today: “The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether” (Psalm 19:9).
The best thing we can do to strengthen our faith in what God has said is to be people of the Bible. In our personal lives and in corporate settings, we need to be readying, studying, memorizing, and meditating on the Word of God. The more determined our culture becomes to undermine it, the more tightly we must hold on to the truth we have received.
Today's Growth Principle: In a day when truth is under attack, it is more important than ever that we hold fast to what we have been taught.
"Holding Fast" --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Titus 1:7-9 --- For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Critics of the truth and the Word of God are nothing new. All the way back in the Garden of Eden, Satan worked to undermine Eve's reliance on what God had said. In our day we have no problem finding what Paul referred to as “gainsayers.” There are plenty of people willing to speak against the truth. They describe it as old fashioned, out of step with modern understandings and sensibilities. They call it narrow and even bigoted. They say that they refuse to be bound by ancient writings and beliefs.
In the face of these attacks, the most important thing that we can do is to hold fast to the truth ourselves.
We must never let the doubting and criticism of those around us plant the seeds of doubt in our own hearts and minds. We must maintain our allegiance to the truth, never wavering in our belief that what God has said is true and right and trustworthy. What David wrote three thousand years ago is still true today: “The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether” (Psalm 19:9).
The best thing we can do to strengthen our faith in what God has said is to be people of the Bible. In our personal lives and in corporate settings, we need to be readying, studying, memorizing, and meditating on the Word of God. The more determined our culture becomes to undermine it, the more tightly we must hold on to the truth we have received.
Today's Growth Principle: In a day when truth is under attack, it is more important than ever that we hold fast to what we have been taught.
MARCH 28, 2021
Trust God For Today
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:28-34)
Worry is something we all struggle with. Never have I ever met a person who never worried about anything.
There’s plenty for us to worry about – our family, our friends, our job, our money, our time…the list keeps going. But over and over in Scripture we are reminded we have nothing to worry about, because the One who knows all and sees all has everything under control.
As Jesus preaches the Sermon on the Mount, He gives us a beautiful illustration of how the birds of the air and the flowers of the field never have to worry because He takes care of them. And in the same way, we shouldn’t worry either because the Lord is going to take care of us.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve never seen a flower break into a sweat. I’ve never seen a flower pacing a flower bed. If you look outside, whether it is tulips, or roses, or lilies, look at these flowers as God’s way of reminding you, “Just as I feed the birds and just as I cloth the flowers, I will feed you and I will cloth you. I will give you the things in life that you need, because surely you understand you are far more valuable than the birds of the air and the flowers of the land.”
So whatever you are worried about today, turn to God. Realize that God is taking care of you. Realize that God’s got your back. Realize that God can handle whatever you are worried about. He’ll handle everything today and He’ll handle everything tomorrow.
Trust God For Today
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:28-34)
Worry is something we all struggle with. Never have I ever met a person who never worried about anything.
There’s plenty for us to worry about – our family, our friends, our job, our money, our time…the list keeps going. But over and over in Scripture we are reminded we have nothing to worry about, because the One who knows all and sees all has everything under control.
As Jesus preaches the Sermon on the Mount, He gives us a beautiful illustration of how the birds of the air and the flowers of the field never have to worry because He takes care of them. And in the same way, we shouldn’t worry either because the Lord is going to take care of us.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve never seen a flower break into a sweat. I’ve never seen a flower pacing a flower bed. If you look outside, whether it is tulips, or roses, or lilies, look at these flowers as God’s way of reminding you, “Just as I feed the birds and just as I cloth the flowers, I will feed you and I will cloth you. I will give you the things in life that you need, because surely you understand you are far more valuable than the birds of the air and the flowers of the land.”
So whatever you are worried about today, turn to God. Realize that God is taking care of you. Realize that God’s got your back. Realize that God can handle whatever you are worried about. He’ll handle everything today and He’ll handle everything tomorrow.
MARCH 27, 2021
Faith That Works
Many of us have been taught that faith is the pinnacle of all Christian virtues, that developing strong faith should be at the top of our spiritual to-do lists. Faith is definitely vital to a strong, fruitful life as a believer—without it, we can’t please God (see Hebrews 11:6). But as important as faith is, 1 Corinthians 13:2 says that we can have enough faith to move mountains, but amount to nothing if we don't have love.
"Faith works by love." In other words, love provides the energy for our faith. Knowing God's love for us as individuals and learning to allow His love to flow through us to others is the power behind our faith. Just like a car needs gasoline in order to move, our faith needs the fuel of love to take us where we need to go.
Many people think faith alone is enough, but consider this: How can we place our faith in God unless we’re convinced that He loves us? The assurance of His love empowers us to trust Him and place all our confidence and expectation in Him. Similarly, our personal love walk enables us to receive from God what we ask and believe for when we pray (see 1 John 3:18–23).
Prayer Starter: Father, show me where and how I can grow in showing Your love to those around me. Thank You for loving me so much, and for giving me the ability to love people the way You do. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Faith That Works
Many of us have been taught that faith is the pinnacle of all Christian virtues, that developing strong faith should be at the top of our spiritual to-do lists. Faith is definitely vital to a strong, fruitful life as a believer—without it, we can’t please God (see Hebrews 11:6). But as important as faith is, 1 Corinthians 13:2 says that we can have enough faith to move mountains, but amount to nothing if we don't have love.
"Faith works by love." In other words, love provides the energy for our faith. Knowing God's love for us as individuals and learning to allow His love to flow through us to others is the power behind our faith. Just like a car needs gasoline in order to move, our faith needs the fuel of love to take us where we need to go.
Many people think faith alone is enough, but consider this: How can we place our faith in God unless we’re convinced that He loves us? The assurance of His love empowers us to trust Him and place all our confidence and expectation in Him. Similarly, our personal love walk enables us to receive from God what we ask and believe for when we pray (see 1 John 3:18–23).
Prayer Starter: Father, show me where and how I can grow in showing Your love to those around me. Thank You for loving me so much, and for giving me the ability to love people the way You do. In Jesus’ name, amen.
MARCH 26, 2021
When Human Strength Fails
In 1 Corinthians 10:13, Paul says that God provides us an escape route whenever we are tempted. But what happens when we refuse to take the help and instead implement our own ideas? Eventually, our human strength fails, and we give in to temptation. So it was with King David. He’d experienced the Lord’s rescue countless times, but he still allowed temptation to fill his mind and dictate his actions. And it came with consequences.
In today’s passage, we see that David took some time off and stayed at the palace, which probably appeared harmless enough—one of the perks of being king. And requesting Bathsheba’s presence must have seemed like a pathway to pleasure. But these choices led to the murder of Bathsheba’s husband and set in motion a cover-up. Ultimately, the Lord demanded an accounting.
Like David, we may consider the company we keep, places we go, and choices we make as relatively harmless. But later, after we’ve succumbed to temptation, we’re filled with regret.
Fortunately, that is not the end of the story for the king or for us. David’s heartfelt repentance was accepted by God, and if we confess, ours will be, too (1 John 1:9). Ask the Lord today for discernment to recognize the temptations in front of you and the strength to take His way of escape.
Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 10-12
When Human Strength Fails
In 1 Corinthians 10:13, Paul says that God provides us an escape route whenever we are tempted. But what happens when we refuse to take the help and instead implement our own ideas? Eventually, our human strength fails, and we give in to temptation. So it was with King David. He’d experienced the Lord’s rescue countless times, but he still allowed temptation to fill his mind and dictate his actions. And it came with consequences.
In today’s passage, we see that David took some time off and stayed at the palace, which probably appeared harmless enough—one of the perks of being king. And requesting Bathsheba’s presence must have seemed like a pathway to pleasure. But these choices led to the murder of Bathsheba’s husband and set in motion a cover-up. Ultimately, the Lord demanded an accounting.
Like David, we may consider the company we keep, places we go, and choices we make as relatively harmless. But later, after we’ve succumbed to temptation, we’re filled with regret.
Fortunately, that is not the end of the story for the king or for us. David’s heartfelt repentance was accepted by God, and if we confess, ours will be, too (1 John 1:9). Ask the Lord today for discernment to recognize the temptations in front of you and the strength to take His way of escape.
Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 10-12
MARCH 25, 2021
Thank God For Yesterday
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34)
There is a difference between worry and concern. You should be concerned about your children getting a good education, coming to know Jesus as Lord and Savior, and concerned about the relationships they have and the friends that they make. If those things don’t concern you, you are a bad parent. You should be concerned about saving money for a rainy day and planning for retirement. Otherwise, you are foolish.
There are certain things every day that call for legitimate concern. There is a difference between being care-free and care-less. But worry is a different matter and in the greatest sermon ever preached in the history of this planet, by the greatest preacher who ever lived, Jesus Christ, He took this issue of worry head on. He addressed it with the greatest advice any counselor could ever give. Over the next couple of days, we’re going to take a look at what Jesus has to say about worry and how we can overcome the temptation to worry in the circumstances we face each day.
The first thing we need to do if we want to fight the temptation to worry is to thank God for yesterday. One of the best things you can do when you are worried about something is take a trip down memory lane and just remember how God has always come through for you in the past. Your life is like two bookends. From the moment, you are conceived to the moment you die, God was there, God is there, and God will always be there taking care of you.
If you are like me you can look back at so many times in your life and see how God intervened on your behalf, how God provided for a need, or how God protected you from harm. So, remember how God has performed in the past, because there is no reason He won’t perform like that in the present or in the future.
So, if you feel like you’ve got an Egyptian Army behind you and a Red Sea before you and you are worried, the first thing I would say to you is to thank God for yesterday. Remember how God has been faithful in the past and realize He will be faithful in the present and faithful in the future.
Dear Father, thank you for your never-ending faithfulness in my life so far. Thank you for you have come through in all of my yesterdays. Please help me to remember your faithfulness when I’m tempted to worry about the future, trusting that you have everything already figured out. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Thank God For Yesterday
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34)
There is a difference between worry and concern. You should be concerned about your children getting a good education, coming to know Jesus as Lord and Savior, and concerned about the relationships they have and the friends that they make. If those things don’t concern you, you are a bad parent. You should be concerned about saving money for a rainy day and planning for retirement. Otherwise, you are foolish.
There are certain things every day that call for legitimate concern. There is a difference between being care-free and care-less. But worry is a different matter and in the greatest sermon ever preached in the history of this planet, by the greatest preacher who ever lived, Jesus Christ, He took this issue of worry head on. He addressed it with the greatest advice any counselor could ever give. Over the next couple of days, we’re going to take a look at what Jesus has to say about worry and how we can overcome the temptation to worry in the circumstances we face each day.
The first thing we need to do if we want to fight the temptation to worry is to thank God for yesterday. One of the best things you can do when you are worried about something is take a trip down memory lane and just remember how God has always come through for you in the past. Your life is like two bookends. From the moment, you are conceived to the moment you die, God was there, God is there, and God will always be there taking care of you.
If you are like me you can look back at so many times in your life and see how God intervened on your behalf, how God provided for a need, or how God protected you from harm. So, remember how God has performed in the past, because there is no reason He won’t perform like that in the present or in the future.
So, if you feel like you’ve got an Egyptian Army behind you and a Red Sea before you and you are worried, the first thing I would say to you is to thank God for yesterday. Remember how God has been faithful in the past and realize He will be faithful in the present and faithful in the future.
Dear Father, thank you for your never-ending faithfulness in my life so far. Thank you for you have come through in all of my yesterdays. Please help me to remember your faithfulness when I’m tempted to worry about the future, trusting that you have everything already figured out. In Jesus’ name, amen.
MARCH 24, 2021
Dying to Live
“Then Jesus said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.’” Luke 9:23
Self-denial. This is what Christ demands. And more importantly, it is what He deserves. Jesus isn’t asking His followers to hate themselves; he is asking them to adore Him. Just as the old hymn says:
“Jesus paid it all.
All to Him I owe.
Sin had left a crimson stain.
He washed it white as snow.”
The choice to deny self is born out of adoration and gratitude, not obligation. It is the response of a heart that is ever-conscience of Christ’s sacrifice, and always thankful for His grace.
To deny yourself means to disregard your own interests for the sake of Christ and His glory. Following Jesus is not easy. There are times when He leads us to places that we do not want to go. He leads to places that are unfamiliar, uncomfortable, and even undesirable. I mean this both literally and figuratively. Loving our enemies is not comfortable. Forgiveness is not always easy. Putting others needs ahead of our own desires is tough. All of these are examples of how Jesus asks us to deny ourselves.
But, when we hold these acts of self-denial up to the cross…they don’t seem so hard, do they? When we choose to consider Christ’s sacrifice, we realize that He has the right to ask for whatever He desires from our lives. After all, we wouldn’t even have life if it weren’t for Him…physically or spiritually.
And as if what He has already given us isn’t enough, He continues to lavish His grace upon us. Whatever He asks us to give up He will replace with His abundant life. What we find is that the more we sacrifice, the more He gives. In God’s kingdom, death to self is the only way to truly live.
Dear Lord, I want to obey you from a heart full of gratitude, not out of a sense of obligation. Help me to remember to be grateful and thankful each day for all you've done for me, and to live my life in obedience as an overflow of that thankfulness. In Jesus' name, amen.
Dying to Live
“Then Jesus said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.’” Luke 9:23
Self-denial. This is what Christ demands. And more importantly, it is what He deserves. Jesus isn’t asking His followers to hate themselves; he is asking them to adore Him. Just as the old hymn says:
“Jesus paid it all.
All to Him I owe.
Sin had left a crimson stain.
He washed it white as snow.”
The choice to deny self is born out of adoration and gratitude, not obligation. It is the response of a heart that is ever-conscience of Christ’s sacrifice, and always thankful for His grace.
To deny yourself means to disregard your own interests for the sake of Christ and His glory. Following Jesus is not easy. There are times when He leads us to places that we do not want to go. He leads to places that are unfamiliar, uncomfortable, and even undesirable. I mean this both literally and figuratively. Loving our enemies is not comfortable. Forgiveness is not always easy. Putting others needs ahead of our own desires is tough. All of these are examples of how Jesus asks us to deny ourselves.
But, when we hold these acts of self-denial up to the cross…they don’t seem so hard, do they? When we choose to consider Christ’s sacrifice, we realize that He has the right to ask for whatever He desires from our lives. After all, we wouldn’t even have life if it weren’t for Him…physically or spiritually.
And as if what He has already given us isn’t enough, He continues to lavish His grace upon us. Whatever He asks us to give up He will replace with His abundant life. What we find is that the more we sacrifice, the more He gives. In God’s kingdom, death to self is the only way to truly live.
Dear Lord, I want to obey you from a heart full of gratitude, not out of a sense of obligation. Help me to remember to be grateful and thankful each day for all you've done for me, and to live my life in obedience as an overflow of that thankfulness. In Jesus' name, amen.
MARCH 23, 2021
"I Kept Back Nothing" ---Dr. Paul Chappell
Acts 20-19-21 --- Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
In 1770, George Whitefield made his seventh voyage from England to America to once again preach in the colonies. Though he was just fifty-five years old, Whitefield had been in declining health for some time. His voice no longer had the strength to preach to thousands of people at once as he had during the Great Awakening in the 1740s. But there were still many who wanted to hear him. When word spread that he was near Boston, the crowd that gathered in Newburyport was so large that Whitefield addressed them in a field near the church while standing on a barrel.
After the service ended, a number of people gathered at the parsonage where Whitefield was staying, hoping to hear him speak. Though it was late and he was tired, Whitefield placed a lighted candle by the window of his room and told them he would speak “until the candle went out.” He finished his message and went to bed, and sometime later that night his candle did go out, and he entered into the presence of the Lord.
While we certainly should take care of our health and be wise in our choices of how we invest our lives, we should never fall into the trap of holding back from serving God because there will be a cost associated with it. Instead, just as Jesus did, we should gladly the pay the cost of fulfilling the will of God, no matter what that requires. We should end our lives here on earth able to say that we kept back nothing that would have furthered the kingdom of God.
Today's Growth Principle: No matter what sacrifices it may require, service to God is always worth it both in this world and the next.
"I Kept Back Nothing" ---Dr. Paul Chappell
Acts 20-19-21 --- Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
In 1770, George Whitefield made his seventh voyage from England to America to once again preach in the colonies. Though he was just fifty-five years old, Whitefield had been in declining health for some time. His voice no longer had the strength to preach to thousands of people at once as he had during the Great Awakening in the 1740s. But there were still many who wanted to hear him. When word spread that he was near Boston, the crowd that gathered in Newburyport was so large that Whitefield addressed them in a field near the church while standing on a barrel.
After the service ended, a number of people gathered at the parsonage where Whitefield was staying, hoping to hear him speak. Though it was late and he was tired, Whitefield placed a lighted candle by the window of his room and told them he would speak “until the candle went out.” He finished his message and went to bed, and sometime later that night his candle did go out, and he entered into the presence of the Lord.
While we certainly should take care of our health and be wise in our choices of how we invest our lives, we should never fall into the trap of holding back from serving God because there will be a cost associated with it. Instead, just as Jesus did, we should gladly the pay the cost of fulfilling the will of God, no matter what that requires. We should end our lives here on earth able to say that we kept back nothing that would have furthered the kingdom of God.
Today's Growth Principle: No matter what sacrifices it may require, service to God is always worth it both in this world and the next.
MARCH 22, 2021
Pro-Grace
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
If I asked you to describe a Christian, what would you say? Would you use words like love, compassion, and grace? Or, would you instead describe a person who is anti-something? Unfortunately, many people outside the Church view Christians as the latter instead of the former.
While Jesus was not primarily known for what He was against, many Christians today are. Jesus was known for serving people who had needs, feeding people who were hungry, healing people who were sick, and even raising people who were dead. Today, however, His followers are often known most widely for what they stand against. Christians are anti-abortion, anti-pre marital sex, or anti-getting drunk.
While we should stand on the truth of God’s Word and speak out against all sin, being anti-sin should not necessarily define us. Jesus was most definitely anti-sin. No one in the history of the world was more against sin than Jesus. But His voice of grace shouted louder than His voice of condemnation. He used His knowledge of God’s truth to encourage people to drop their rocks of judgment and show mercy. He didn’t do this to condone sin, but rather to show the fullness of God’s love. God hates sin…but He loves redemption more.
How would you describe yourself? Is your Christianity more about being for salvation or being against sin?
You see, it is impossible to be for Biblical salvation and not be against sin. But it is possible to have an attitude of condemnation towards sinners without being for their salvation. We must choose to keep our eyes on Christ, so that we can be pro-grace while still holding firmly to the truth of His Word.
Dear Father, thank for today's reminder that I should always strive to be acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with you. Please help me to use Micah 6:8 as a marker for how I live my life each day. In Jesus' name, amen.
Pro-Grace
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
If I asked you to describe a Christian, what would you say? Would you use words like love, compassion, and grace? Or, would you instead describe a person who is anti-something? Unfortunately, many people outside the Church view Christians as the latter instead of the former.
While Jesus was not primarily known for what He was against, many Christians today are. Jesus was known for serving people who had needs, feeding people who were hungry, healing people who were sick, and even raising people who were dead. Today, however, His followers are often known most widely for what they stand against. Christians are anti-abortion, anti-pre marital sex, or anti-getting drunk.
While we should stand on the truth of God’s Word and speak out against all sin, being anti-sin should not necessarily define us. Jesus was most definitely anti-sin. No one in the history of the world was more against sin than Jesus. But His voice of grace shouted louder than His voice of condemnation. He used His knowledge of God’s truth to encourage people to drop their rocks of judgment and show mercy. He didn’t do this to condone sin, but rather to show the fullness of God’s love. God hates sin…but He loves redemption more.
How would you describe yourself? Is your Christianity more about being for salvation or being against sin?
You see, it is impossible to be for Biblical salvation and not be against sin. But it is possible to have an attitude of condemnation towards sinners without being for their salvation. We must choose to keep our eyes on Christ, so that we can be pro-grace while still holding firmly to the truth of His Word.
Dear Father, thank for today's reminder that I should always strive to be acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with you. Please help me to use Micah 6:8 as a marker for how I live my life each day. In Jesus' name, amen.
MARCH 21, 2021
A Godly Detachment
When you think of being detached, what comes to mind? For some, the idea is inherently selfish, as it suggests standing off at a great distance or perhaps building walls—ignoring everyone else’s thoughts, feelings, and tangible needs. But this isn’t the detachment the Lord calls us to practice. He wants us to be free of sinful passions—to live in the world without becoming like it.
That is, God wants us to be a part of the world that He made and loves immensely (Acts 17:24; John 3:16; John 17:15-16). But we should take care not to find our purpose and identity in the systems by which the world operates (Rom. 12:2). We can do this only by being detached in a godly way—not indifferent but free from the control of worldly thinking. And not removed from the lives of others but growing in love.
Think about it
• Is there something in your life that takes priority over loving God with your whole heart? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any unhealthy attachments in your life. Remember, “The Lord is gracious and compassionate; slow to anger and great in mercy” (Psalm 145:8). Approach Him without fear, asking for help in letting go of whatever holds you back.
A Godly Detachment
When you think of being detached, what comes to mind? For some, the idea is inherently selfish, as it suggests standing off at a great distance or perhaps building walls—ignoring everyone else’s thoughts, feelings, and tangible needs. But this isn’t the detachment the Lord calls us to practice. He wants us to be free of sinful passions—to live in the world without becoming like it.
That is, God wants us to be a part of the world that He made and loves immensely (Acts 17:24; John 3:16; John 17:15-16). But we should take care not to find our purpose and identity in the systems by which the world operates (Rom. 12:2). We can do this only by being detached in a godly way—not indifferent but free from the control of worldly thinking. And not removed from the lives of others but growing in love.
Think about it
• Is there something in your life that takes priority over loving God with your whole heart? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any unhealthy attachments in your life. Remember, “The Lord is gracious and compassionate; slow to anger and great in mercy” (Psalm 145:8). Approach Him without fear, asking for help in letting go of whatever holds you back.
MARCH 20, 2021
Humility
Humility = in ethics, freedom from pride and arrogance; humbleness of mind; a modest estimate of one’s own worth
In 1 Corinthians 15:10 (AMPC) the apostle Paul wrote, But by the grace (the unmerited favor and blessing) of God I am what I am.... If we don’t realize that we are what we are by the grace of God, then we’ll think more highly of ourselves than we should.
Proud people compare themselves to others and feel superior if they’re able to do something others can’t do. As Christians, we need to judge ourselves soberly (see Romans 12:3), knowing that without God, we can’t do anything of value and whatever we are able to accomplish is only by His grace.
God gives us a measure of His own faith and ability to do whatever He assigns us in life—it never happens by our own efforts. When we really know this, we’re able to live a humble life.
Prayer Starter: Father, please help me to always remember that my strength only comes from You. Thank You for enabling me to do all that You’ve called me to do, and for giving me the grace I need to keep a humble attitude. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Humility
Humility = in ethics, freedom from pride and arrogance; humbleness of mind; a modest estimate of one’s own worth
In 1 Corinthians 15:10 (AMPC) the apostle Paul wrote, But by the grace (the unmerited favor and blessing) of God I am what I am.... If we don’t realize that we are what we are by the grace of God, then we’ll think more highly of ourselves than we should.
Proud people compare themselves to others and feel superior if they’re able to do something others can’t do. As Christians, we need to judge ourselves soberly (see Romans 12:3), knowing that without God, we can’t do anything of value and whatever we are able to accomplish is only by His grace.
God gives us a measure of His own faith and ability to do whatever He assigns us in life—it never happens by our own efforts. When we really know this, we’re able to live a humble life.
Prayer Starter: Father, please help me to always remember that my strength only comes from You. Thank You for enabling me to do all that You’ve called me to do, and for giving me the grace I need to keep a humble attitude. In Jesus’ name, amen.
MARCH 19, 2021
A Story to Share --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Psalm 44:1-3 --- We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old. How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; how thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out. For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.
One of the great pleasures of being a grandparent is getting to tell a new generation about the wonderful things God has done in our lives. I remember telling my children some of these same stories when they were little. Now we are doing what we can to strengthen and encourage the faith of the next generation.
But something else is important as well—I don't want to just tell them stories from many years ago. I want to be able to tell them and show them what God is doing right now. God has always been faithful through the years, and we must not forget all that He has done for us. But we must also not be content to rest on the past.
God is not through with any of us. The fact that we are still alive and here on earth means that He still has things for us to do. There are new battles to be fought and new foes to be defeated. There are lost people to reach and Christians to encourage. There are new challenges that require new prayers to see new provision.
The God who parted the Red Sea, gave David victory over Goliath, and made the sun stand still for Joshua is the God we love and serve. The God who answered the prayers of Hannah and Esther and Nehemiah hears when we call out to Him. We need new stories of God at work in our lives to share with those who come after us.
Today's Growth Principle: As long as we live, we should be looking for the work God has for us to do and putting ourselves wholly into it.
A Story to Share --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Psalm 44:1-3 --- We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old. How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; how thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out. For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.
One of the great pleasures of being a grandparent is getting to tell a new generation about the wonderful things God has done in our lives. I remember telling my children some of these same stories when they were little. Now we are doing what we can to strengthen and encourage the faith of the next generation.
But something else is important as well—I don't want to just tell them stories from many years ago. I want to be able to tell them and show them what God is doing right now. God has always been faithful through the years, and we must not forget all that He has done for us. But we must also not be content to rest on the past.
God is not through with any of us. The fact that we are still alive and here on earth means that He still has things for us to do. There are new battles to be fought and new foes to be defeated. There are lost people to reach and Christians to encourage. There are new challenges that require new prayers to see new provision.
The God who parted the Red Sea, gave David victory over Goliath, and made the sun stand still for Joshua is the God we love and serve. The God who answered the prayers of Hannah and Esther and Nehemiah hears when we call out to Him. We need new stories of God at work in our lives to share with those who come after us.
Today's Growth Principle: As long as we live, we should be looking for the work God has for us to do and putting ourselves wholly into it.
MARCH 18, 2021
Every Spiritual Blessing
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (Ephesians 1:2-3)
So many people spend their entire lives trying to acquire and stack up the tangible blessings this life on earth has to offer. But as believers and followers of Jesus, we must understand that the greatest blessings in life are not material, because one day either you will lose them, or you will leave them. The greatest blessings in life are spiritual and we have already been blessed with every spiritual blessing that can be found in Jesus.
In other words, you don’t need what you already have, and in Jesus you already have all that you need. You have all the love that you need. You have all the joy that you need. You have all of the peace that you need.
You have all the goodness that you need.
We think our problem is we don’t have what we need. But the real problem is we don’t realize that we have it and we can get it anytime we want it. Too often, we ask for something that we already have. We don’t need as much as we think we need, because whatever we need, we already have. Once you realize what you have in Jesus, you will quit asking for God’s blessings and you will start accepting and applying God’s blessings.
How many times have you ever asked God for more patience? You already have all the patience you need.
He has given it to you. How many times have you asked God for peace in your heart? You already have peace; He has given it to you. Whatever you need, trust that in Jesus, it is yours.
Dear Father, thank you for each spiritual blessing you have given to me. I pray that you would help me not to get distracted by material things, but instead to pursue only what has eternal significance. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Every Spiritual Blessing
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (Ephesians 1:2-3)
So many people spend their entire lives trying to acquire and stack up the tangible blessings this life on earth has to offer. But as believers and followers of Jesus, we must understand that the greatest blessings in life are not material, because one day either you will lose them, or you will leave them. The greatest blessings in life are spiritual and we have already been blessed with every spiritual blessing that can be found in Jesus.
In other words, you don’t need what you already have, and in Jesus you already have all that you need. You have all the love that you need. You have all the joy that you need. You have all of the peace that you need.
You have all the goodness that you need.
We think our problem is we don’t have what we need. But the real problem is we don’t realize that we have it and we can get it anytime we want it. Too often, we ask for something that we already have. We don’t need as much as we think we need, because whatever we need, we already have. Once you realize what you have in Jesus, you will quit asking for God’s blessings and you will start accepting and applying God’s blessings.
How many times have you ever asked God for more patience? You already have all the patience you need.
He has given it to you. How many times have you asked God for peace in your heart? You already have peace; He has given it to you. Whatever you need, trust that in Jesus, it is yours.
Dear Father, thank you for each spiritual blessing you have given to me. I pray that you would help me not to get distracted by material things, but instead to pursue only what has eternal significance. In Jesus’ name, amen.
MARCH 17, 2021
Jesus Is Coming
But don't forget this, dear friends. . . . He isn't really being slow about his promised return, even though it sometimes seems that way. But he is waiting, for the good reason that he is not willing that any should perish, and he is giving more time for sinners to repent.
2 Peter 3:8,9 (TLB)Many people are asking, “Where is history heading?” A careful student of the Bible will be led to see that God controls the clock of destiny. Amid the world’s confusion, God’s omnipotent hand moves, working out His unchanging plan and purpose. Jesus Christ is coming to earth again. It is Christ who is in control, and He will determine the outcome. George Whitefield, the great English evangelist, said, “I am daily waiting for the coming of the Son of God.” But he did not sit down and do nothing. He burned out his life in proclaiming the Gospel of Christ.
Prayer for the day --- Father, deliver me from slothfulness, keep me quickened to deliver Your message of salvation to everyone who will listen, until that day I die or You return again.
Jesus Is Coming
But don't forget this, dear friends. . . . He isn't really being slow about his promised return, even though it sometimes seems that way. But he is waiting, for the good reason that he is not willing that any should perish, and he is giving more time for sinners to repent.
2 Peter 3:8,9 (TLB)Many people are asking, “Where is history heading?” A careful student of the Bible will be led to see that God controls the clock of destiny. Amid the world’s confusion, God’s omnipotent hand moves, working out His unchanging plan and purpose. Jesus Christ is coming to earth again. It is Christ who is in control, and He will determine the outcome. George Whitefield, the great English evangelist, said, “I am daily waiting for the coming of the Son of God.” But he did not sit down and do nothing. He burned out his life in proclaiming the Gospel of Christ.
Prayer for the day --- Father, deliver me from slothfulness, keep me quickened to deliver Your message of salvation to everyone who will listen, until that day I die or You return again.
MARCH 16, 2021
When Someone Fails
Paul’s words remind me of a saying I used to hear often: “Don’t do as I do—do as I say.” The people who say this expect others to live according to rules that they themselves aren’t willing to follow, which is often frustrating to those around them.
This is something many Christians are dealing with today. When they see church leaders or those in authority doing things they know aren’t right, they think, Well, if they’re such great Christians and they can do that . . . it must be okay. This attitude can either lead them to do the same things or even turn away from God altogether.
We need to remember that God has called us to be responsible for our actions. God holds us accountable for every thought, word and action—but our responsibility doesn’t stop with our own lives. We’re also responsible to help lift up others when they fall.
Paul explained this in detail in Galatians 6:1-3, where he laid down three important principles that the enemy doesn’t want us to grasp. First, when we become aware that another believer has fallen into sin, we’re to do whatever we can to help that person get back up.
If any person is overtaken in misconduct or sin of any sort, you who are spiritual [who are responsive to and controlled by the Spirit] should set him right and restore and reinstate him, without any sense of superiority and with all gentleness, keeping an attentive eye on yourself, lest you should be tempted also. Bear (endure, carry) one another’s burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete what is lacking [in your obedience to it]. For if any person thinks himself to be somebody [too important to condescend to shoulder another’s load] when he is nobody [of superiority except in his own estimation], he deceives and deludes and cheats himself.
- Galatians 6:1-3 AMPC
Even the best of us fail at times, but it’s important to know that the word overtaken doesn’t mean a deliberate, intentional sin. The original meaning is like when someone is walking down an icy sidewalk, and slips and falls. That’s how the Christian life works—everyone slips unintentionally sometimes.
Knowing that, what should be our attitude when see someone else slip? We should offer to help, of course. If someone slips on the ice, don’t you naturally rush over to help that person get up? That’s a basic expression of Christ’s love in us, but the enemy wants to make sure that you don’t reach out or help. He might even whisper something like this, “Just don’t look in her direction. Ignore her. You’re not obligated to help her get up. Why, you don’t even know her.” If we listen to these thoughts long enough, it becomes easier and easier to ignore people in need of help.
The Greek word translated restores was once a medical term used by a surgeon to describe medical procedures like removing a growth from a body or setting a broken arm. The goal is not to see that the person gets punished, but that the person gets healed.
The second point Paul made is that when we find out someone has fallen, instead of pointing fingers and looking down on them, we should look at ourselves. The enemy could’ve tempted us to do the same thing or something else just as bad, or even worse. We all experience temptation and slip ourselves at times, so we need to look with compassion on those who fall and remind ourselves, “Without the grace of God, I would be there.”
The third thing we need to do is to refuse to hold on to pride in our own achievements. If we think we’re more spiritual than someone else, we’re deceiving ourselves. Proverbs 16:18 gives this warning: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” We shouldn’t spend our time comparing our achievements with others’, but instead ask ourselves, Have I really done all that I could have done? When we compare ourselves with the standards Jesus sets for us, we have no reason to be conceited or prideful, but instead we can be humble and thankful that God is at work in our lives.
Prayer Starter: Father, please remind me to help those who have fallen and to see them with compassion, not pride or judgment. Show me how I can help, and give me the strength to come alongside people when they need it. Thank You for Your grace and for lovingly guiding my steps. In Jesus’ name, amen.
When Someone Fails
Paul’s words remind me of a saying I used to hear often: “Don’t do as I do—do as I say.” The people who say this expect others to live according to rules that they themselves aren’t willing to follow, which is often frustrating to those around them.
This is something many Christians are dealing with today. When they see church leaders or those in authority doing things they know aren’t right, they think, Well, if they’re such great Christians and they can do that . . . it must be okay. This attitude can either lead them to do the same things or even turn away from God altogether.
We need to remember that God has called us to be responsible for our actions. God holds us accountable for every thought, word and action—but our responsibility doesn’t stop with our own lives. We’re also responsible to help lift up others when they fall.
Paul explained this in detail in Galatians 6:1-3, where he laid down three important principles that the enemy doesn’t want us to grasp. First, when we become aware that another believer has fallen into sin, we’re to do whatever we can to help that person get back up.
If any person is overtaken in misconduct or sin of any sort, you who are spiritual [who are responsive to and controlled by the Spirit] should set him right and restore and reinstate him, without any sense of superiority and with all gentleness, keeping an attentive eye on yourself, lest you should be tempted also. Bear (endure, carry) one another’s burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete what is lacking [in your obedience to it]. For if any person thinks himself to be somebody [too important to condescend to shoulder another’s load] when he is nobody [of superiority except in his own estimation], he deceives and deludes and cheats himself.
- Galatians 6:1-3 AMPC
Even the best of us fail at times, but it’s important to know that the word overtaken doesn’t mean a deliberate, intentional sin. The original meaning is like when someone is walking down an icy sidewalk, and slips and falls. That’s how the Christian life works—everyone slips unintentionally sometimes.
Knowing that, what should be our attitude when see someone else slip? We should offer to help, of course. If someone slips on the ice, don’t you naturally rush over to help that person get up? That’s a basic expression of Christ’s love in us, but the enemy wants to make sure that you don’t reach out or help. He might even whisper something like this, “Just don’t look in her direction. Ignore her. You’re not obligated to help her get up. Why, you don’t even know her.” If we listen to these thoughts long enough, it becomes easier and easier to ignore people in need of help.
The Greek word translated restores was once a medical term used by a surgeon to describe medical procedures like removing a growth from a body or setting a broken arm. The goal is not to see that the person gets punished, but that the person gets healed.
The second point Paul made is that when we find out someone has fallen, instead of pointing fingers and looking down on them, we should look at ourselves. The enemy could’ve tempted us to do the same thing or something else just as bad, or even worse. We all experience temptation and slip ourselves at times, so we need to look with compassion on those who fall and remind ourselves, “Without the grace of God, I would be there.”
The third thing we need to do is to refuse to hold on to pride in our own achievements. If we think we’re more spiritual than someone else, we’re deceiving ourselves. Proverbs 16:18 gives this warning: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” We shouldn’t spend our time comparing our achievements with others’, but instead ask ourselves, Have I really done all that I could have done? When we compare ourselves with the standards Jesus sets for us, we have no reason to be conceited or prideful, but instead we can be humble and thankful that God is at work in our lives.
Prayer Starter: Father, please remind me to help those who have fallen and to see them with compassion, not pride or judgment. Show me how I can help, and give me the strength to come alongside people when they need it. Thank You for Your grace and for lovingly guiding my steps. In Jesus’ name, amen.
MARCH 15, 2021
The Holy Spirit: An Absolute
Luke 24:36-49
Salvation occurs when we trust Jesus as our Savior--He forgives us, transforms us, and sees us as righteous. In that moment, we are redeemed, and though we continue to struggle with sin, it is a defeated foe. Then as time goes on, our service, gifts, and love for Him should naturally become greater.
Unfortunately, a lot of Christians sit in church week after week, going through the motions yet lacking passion and failing to grow. How is such a thing possible? Tragically, many believers are unaware of the essential ministry of God's Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is a member of the Trinity and co-equal with God the Father and God the Son. The opening chapter of Scripture tells us that He existed before the formation of the earth and in fact participated in creation (Gen. 1:2, Gen. 1:26). Today, He has the critical role of helping and counseling all believers.
The Holy Spirit is a gift to every child of God. His presence within us isn't something we have to earn or acquire. Rather, it is a marvelous privilege--by indwelling our hearts, He can guide and strengthen, steering each believer away from danger and into truth (John 16:7-8). Scripture tells us that Jesus came so we could experience a full life (10:10). This is possible only when we listen to His Spirit and obey.
Are you experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised? He wasn't talking about happy circumstances but rather the joy and contentment possible through a relationship with Him. If you're lacking in this area, consider your understanding of the Holy Spirit, and pray to be in tune with His promptings.
The Holy Spirit: An Absolute
Luke 24:36-49
Salvation occurs when we trust Jesus as our Savior--He forgives us, transforms us, and sees us as righteous. In that moment, we are redeemed, and though we continue to struggle with sin, it is a defeated foe. Then as time goes on, our service, gifts, and love for Him should naturally become greater.
Unfortunately, a lot of Christians sit in church week after week, going through the motions yet lacking passion and failing to grow. How is such a thing possible? Tragically, many believers are unaware of the essential ministry of God's Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is a member of the Trinity and co-equal with God the Father and God the Son. The opening chapter of Scripture tells us that He existed before the formation of the earth and in fact participated in creation (Gen. 1:2, Gen. 1:26). Today, He has the critical role of helping and counseling all believers.
The Holy Spirit is a gift to every child of God. His presence within us isn't something we have to earn or acquire. Rather, it is a marvelous privilege--by indwelling our hearts, He can guide and strengthen, steering each believer away from danger and into truth (John 16:7-8). Scripture tells us that Jesus came so we could experience a full life (10:10). This is possible only when we listen to His Spirit and obey.
Are you experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised? He wasn't talking about happy circumstances but rather the joy and contentment possible through a relationship with Him. If you're lacking in this area, consider your understanding of the Holy Spirit, and pray to be in tune with His promptings.
MARCH 14, 2021
God Still Judges Nations --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Deuteronomy 29:24-26 --- Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what meaneth the heat of this great anger? Then men shall say, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD God of their fathers, which he made with them when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt: For they went and served other gods, and worshipped them, gods whom they knew not, and whom he had not given unto them:
Though God does not have the same kind of covenant relationship with our nation or any modern nation that He had with Israel, it is still true that He judges nations for their conduct. Nations which at least attempt to follow the principles of righteousness and justice will be rewarded. But those nations which condemn good and promote evil can expect to receive His hand of judgment. David wrote, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalm 9:17).
History is littered with the wreckage of once great empires that exercised power and authority over vast stretches of land and huge numbers of people. One by one, they rose to positions of prominence and influence. Yet today only the ruins remain to show where the events recorded in the history books took place. The nations themselves no longer exist, or are merely a shell of what they once were. No country is exempt from God's judgment on their national conduct and character.
There are many who are concerned about the direction their country is taking. The real solution to the problem of a godless nation is not found in the seat of government power. Electing new leaders or passing new laws can not transform the hearts of people to do right. The only solution is found in the power of the
Gospel to change a nation one person at a time. We must live righteously ourselves, and we must share the good news with those around us—that is the best thing we can do for our country.
Today's Growth Principle: The process of making any nation more righteous starts in the hearts and lives of its Christian citizens.
God Still Judges Nations --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Deuteronomy 29:24-26 --- Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what meaneth the heat of this great anger? Then men shall say, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD God of their fathers, which he made with them when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt: For they went and served other gods, and worshipped them, gods whom they knew not, and whom he had not given unto them:
Though God does not have the same kind of covenant relationship with our nation or any modern nation that He had with Israel, it is still true that He judges nations for their conduct. Nations which at least attempt to follow the principles of righteousness and justice will be rewarded. But those nations which condemn good and promote evil can expect to receive His hand of judgment. David wrote, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalm 9:17).
History is littered with the wreckage of once great empires that exercised power and authority over vast stretches of land and huge numbers of people. One by one, they rose to positions of prominence and influence. Yet today only the ruins remain to show where the events recorded in the history books took place. The nations themselves no longer exist, or are merely a shell of what they once were. No country is exempt from God's judgment on their national conduct and character.
There are many who are concerned about the direction their country is taking. The real solution to the problem of a godless nation is not found in the seat of government power. Electing new leaders or passing new laws can not transform the hearts of people to do right. The only solution is found in the power of the
Gospel to change a nation one person at a time. We must live righteously ourselves, and we must share the good news with those around us—that is the best thing we can do for our country.
Today's Growth Principle: The process of making any nation more righteous starts in the hearts and lives of its Christian citizens.
MARCH 13, 2021
Free Of Sin Debt
“1 John 2:2 --- And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.”
Defining grace is no easy task. It’s one of those concepts that is so deep and beautiful it is impossible to fully express with words. Like trying to capture the vastness of the Grand Canyon in a photograph, words just don’t do grace justice. Even Jesus talked about grace mainly through stories, or parables.
Author Philip Yancey shared this story to try and explain grace: “I remember once getting stuck in Los Angeles traffic and arriving 58 minutes late at the Hertz rental desk. I walked up in kind of a bad mood, put the keys down and asked, ‘How much do I owe?’ The woman says, ‘Nothing, you’re all clear.’ I reminded her I was late and she smiled, ‘Yes, but there’s a one-hour grace period.’ So I asked, ‘Oh really, what is grace?’ And she said, ‘I don’t know. I guess what it means is that even though you’re supposed to pay, you don’t have to.”
That is a good beginning to the definition of grace. I would take it a step further to add that even though we are supposed to pay, we couldn’t pay; and we do not have to under God’s grace. But our sin debt was not written off. It was still paid – just not by us. God sent His Son Jesus to be the propitiation for our sin. That word, propitiation, is daunting. In the Greek language, it simply means “appeasement or satisfaction.”
Jesus’ death on the cross satisfied, or appeased, God’s righteous wrath towards our sin. That debt was owed; and it had to be paid. Salvation is God’s gift, purchased by the blood of His Son. There is a Christian hymn with these lyrics:
I had a debt I could not pay,
He paid the debt He did not owe,
I needed someone,
To wash my sins away.
And now I sing a brand new song,
“Amazing Grace,” all day long,
Christ Jesus paid the debt,
That I could never pay.
As Christ followers who have been redeemed by His grace, we must never forget that Someone else paid our debt. Jesus took our place, so that in Him we might live debt free.
Dear Jesus, thank you for taking my place and paying my debt on the cross. I pray that you would give me the opportunity this week to share this truth of your salvation with someone who needs to know the grace of God. In Jesus' name, amen.
Free Of Sin Debt
“1 John 2:2 --- And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.”
Defining grace is no easy task. It’s one of those concepts that is so deep and beautiful it is impossible to fully express with words. Like trying to capture the vastness of the Grand Canyon in a photograph, words just don’t do grace justice. Even Jesus talked about grace mainly through stories, or parables.
Author Philip Yancey shared this story to try and explain grace: “I remember once getting stuck in Los Angeles traffic and arriving 58 minutes late at the Hertz rental desk. I walked up in kind of a bad mood, put the keys down and asked, ‘How much do I owe?’ The woman says, ‘Nothing, you’re all clear.’ I reminded her I was late and she smiled, ‘Yes, but there’s a one-hour grace period.’ So I asked, ‘Oh really, what is grace?’ And she said, ‘I don’t know. I guess what it means is that even though you’re supposed to pay, you don’t have to.”
That is a good beginning to the definition of grace. I would take it a step further to add that even though we are supposed to pay, we couldn’t pay; and we do not have to under God’s grace. But our sin debt was not written off. It was still paid – just not by us. God sent His Son Jesus to be the propitiation for our sin. That word, propitiation, is daunting. In the Greek language, it simply means “appeasement or satisfaction.”
Jesus’ death on the cross satisfied, or appeased, God’s righteous wrath towards our sin. That debt was owed; and it had to be paid. Salvation is God’s gift, purchased by the blood of His Son. There is a Christian hymn with these lyrics:
I had a debt I could not pay,
He paid the debt He did not owe,
I needed someone,
To wash my sins away.
And now I sing a brand new song,
“Amazing Grace,” all day long,
Christ Jesus paid the debt,
That I could never pay.
As Christ followers who have been redeemed by His grace, we must never forget that Someone else paid our debt. Jesus took our place, so that in Him we might live debt free.
Dear Jesus, thank you for taking my place and paying my debt on the cross. I pray that you would give me the opportunity this week to share this truth of your salvation with someone who needs to know the grace of God. In Jesus' name, amen.
MARCH 12, 2021
Growing as a Christian
1 Corinthians 3:1 (TLB) --- Dear brothers, I have been talking to you as though you were still just babies in the Christian life . . .
Some people have received Christ but have never reached spiritual maturity. They have been in church all their lives, and yet they have never become mature Christians. They are still considered “spiritual children” and “babes in Christ.” They know little Scripture. They have little desire to pray, and bear few of the marks of a Christian in their daily living. To say, “I will resolve to do better, I will muster all my will power and revise my way of living,” is noble, but futile. A corpse could as well say, “I will-through sheer effort-rise out of this coffin and be a living man again.” You need a power outside yourself. You cannot get over the habits and chains that are binding you. You need outside help. You need Christ.
The Bible tells of a bridge of faith which reaches from the valley of despair to the high hills of glorious hope in Christ. It tells where we are, but beyond that-it tells where we may be in Christ. Now, of course, you will not be completely mature until you are in the presence of Christ, but you should be growing every day as a Christian.
Prayer for the day Lord, work through me this day, that I might be maturing as a Christian and come to know You better, that I might know Your perfect will for me.
Growing as a Christian
1 Corinthians 3:1 (TLB) --- Dear brothers, I have been talking to you as though you were still just babies in the Christian life . . .
Some people have received Christ but have never reached spiritual maturity. They have been in church all their lives, and yet they have never become mature Christians. They are still considered “spiritual children” and “babes in Christ.” They know little Scripture. They have little desire to pray, and bear few of the marks of a Christian in their daily living. To say, “I will resolve to do better, I will muster all my will power and revise my way of living,” is noble, but futile. A corpse could as well say, “I will-through sheer effort-rise out of this coffin and be a living man again.” You need a power outside yourself. You cannot get over the habits and chains that are binding you. You need outside help. You need Christ.
The Bible tells of a bridge of faith which reaches from the valley of despair to the high hills of glorious hope in Christ. It tells where we are, but beyond that-it tells where we may be in Christ. Now, of course, you will not be completely mature until you are in the presence of Christ, but you should be growing every day as a Christian.
Prayer for the day Lord, work through me this day, that I might be maturing as a Christian and come to know You better, that I might know Your perfect will for me.
MARCH 11, 2021
No Looking Back
Part of the beauty of what happens when God heals your soul is that He offers you a fresh start—a whole new beginning. But embracing the new life He has for you will be very difficult if you’re still holding on to the past. Think of it like this: If you’re walking through the grocery store with your hands full of oranges and someone tries to give you several apples to carry, you can’t hold them. In order to take the apples, you have to put down the oranges. In the same way, you have to let go of the past to pick up the new beginning God offers you.
Part of freeing yourself from the load of your past means refusing to look back and not replaying certain scenarios in your mind. Refusing to look back means resisting regret, turning away from past relationships that aren’t good for you, and letting go of mistakes and feelings like guilt and shame. Paul writes in Philippians 3:13 that he forgets what lies behind and strains “forward to what lies ahead.” It’s interesting that Paul says he strains forward. This tells us that moving ahead requires effort, which isn’t always easy.
Letting go of the past can be hard to do, but it’s much better than remaining stuck in it.
When God asks us to let go of the past and look toward a better future, He also gives us the grace to do it.
We need to be very careful about thinking or saying that what He asks of us is too hard. Nothing is too difficult for Him (see Jeremiah 32:17), and His Spirit in us empowers us to do everything He’s called us to do (see 1 Corinthians 3:16).
In Genesis 19, a man named Lot and his family lived in a city so filled with sin and perversion that God destroyed it completely. But before He did, God sent angels to warn Lot ahead of time, telling him to get out of the city with his wife and daughters. When the angels took them by the hand and led them away, they said, Escape for your life. Do not look back or stop . . .(Genesis 19:17 ESV). But Lot’s wife looked back anyway—and turned into a pillar of salt (see Genesis 19:26). Her decision to look back not only kept her from escaping, but robbed her of the better life she could have had—it cost her everything.
I want to encourage you to keep looking ahead and keep moving forward, so you can enjoy the beautiful life God has waiting for you!
Prayer Starter: Father, please show me where I’m stuck in the past, and give me the grace to let go of any unhealthy ties I may be holding onto. Thank You for the gift of a new beginning. In Jesus’ name, amen.
No Looking Back
Part of the beauty of what happens when God heals your soul is that He offers you a fresh start—a whole new beginning. But embracing the new life He has for you will be very difficult if you’re still holding on to the past. Think of it like this: If you’re walking through the grocery store with your hands full of oranges and someone tries to give you several apples to carry, you can’t hold them. In order to take the apples, you have to put down the oranges. In the same way, you have to let go of the past to pick up the new beginning God offers you.
Part of freeing yourself from the load of your past means refusing to look back and not replaying certain scenarios in your mind. Refusing to look back means resisting regret, turning away from past relationships that aren’t good for you, and letting go of mistakes and feelings like guilt and shame. Paul writes in Philippians 3:13 that he forgets what lies behind and strains “forward to what lies ahead.” It’s interesting that Paul says he strains forward. This tells us that moving ahead requires effort, which isn’t always easy.
Letting go of the past can be hard to do, but it’s much better than remaining stuck in it.
When God asks us to let go of the past and look toward a better future, He also gives us the grace to do it.
We need to be very careful about thinking or saying that what He asks of us is too hard. Nothing is too difficult for Him (see Jeremiah 32:17), and His Spirit in us empowers us to do everything He’s called us to do (see 1 Corinthians 3:16).
In Genesis 19, a man named Lot and his family lived in a city so filled with sin and perversion that God destroyed it completely. But before He did, God sent angels to warn Lot ahead of time, telling him to get out of the city with his wife and daughters. When the angels took them by the hand and led them away, they said, Escape for your life. Do not look back or stop . . .(Genesis 19:17 ESV). But Lot’s wife looked back anyway—and turned into a pillar of salt (see Genesis 19:26). Her decision to look back not only kept her from escaping, but robbed her of the better life she could have had—it cost her everything.
I want to encourage you to keep looking ahead and keep moving forward, so you can enjoy the beautiful life God has waiting for you!
Prayer Starter: Father, please show me where I’m stuck in the past, and give me the grace to let go of any unhealthy ties I may be holding onto. Thank You for the gift of a new beginning. In Jesus’ name, amen.
MARCH 10, 2021
Guarding Against Doubt
Do you doubt your salvation? Today’s passage says quite plainly that Jesus is “able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him,” since He’s always interceding for them in heaven (Heb. 7:25). Knowing this, let’s take a moment to understand what leads us to doubt—and then let’s counter each of those falsehoods with truth from God’s Word.
Sin makes us feel estranged from God, but His Word says that if we confess our sins, He will forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Legalism says salvation is maintained by obedience to manmade rules. Salvation, however, isn’t begun or sustained by works (Gal. 3:1-5).
Feelings can make us question whether we are saved, but they aren’t a reliable gauge of truth. Regardless of any doubts we sense in our heart, Scripture promises that Jesus will complete the good work He began in us (Phil. 1:6).
Satan is an accuser, who constantly reminds us of our sin and shame. But Paul assures us that no one can bring a charge against God’s elect (Rom. 8:33-34).
Don’t let negative influences undermine your confidence in Christ’s ability to save and keep you forever. When doubts come, cling to these truths and boldly proclaim what the Bible says.
Guarding Against Doubt
Do you doubt your salvation? Today’s passage says quite plainly that Jesus is “able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him,” since He’s always interceding for them in heaven (Heb. 7:25). Knowing this, let’s take a moment to understand what leads us to doubt—and then let’s counter each of those falsehoods with truth from God’s Word.
Sin makes us feel estranged from God, but His Word says that if we confess our sins, He will forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Legalism says salvation is maintained by obedience to manmade rules. Salvation, however, isn’t begun or sustained by works (Gal. 3:1-5).
Feelings can make us question whether we are saved, but they aren’t a reliable gauge of truth. Regardless of any doubts we sense in our heart, Scripture promises that Jesus will complete the good work He began in us (Phil. 1:6).
Satan is an accuser, who constantly reminds us of our sin and shame. But Paul assures us that no one can bring a charge against God’s elect (Rom. 8:33-34).
Don’t let negative influences undermine your confidence in Christ’s ability to save and keep you forever. When doubts come, cling to these truths and boldly proclaim what the Bible says.
MARCH 9, 2021
"Jesus Only" --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Mark 9:5-8 --- And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid. And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.
Helen Lemmel was born into the home of a pastor in England, and moved with her family to the United States when she was a teenager. Her beautiful singing voice made a name for her, yet despite many secular job offers she insisted on using her talent for God. She taught music at Moody Bible Institute and led women's singing groups for Billy Sunday revivals. Later in her life, she contracted a disease and lost her eyesight. Tragically ,her husband left her, leaving her to fend for herself. She began writing poems and hymns, including these words:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
There are always other things on which we can focus, but whether those things are good or bad, they must not be allowed to take the central place of Jesus in our hearts and minds. He alone is worthy of our unlimited love and devotion. While many of us have been blessed to have good and godly examples to follow in our lives, we should be focused on Jesus. While many of us have been blessed with financial resources and possessions beyond what most of the world can imagine, we should be focused on Jesus.
Even when Moses and Elijah were present on the Mount of Transfiguration, God told the disciples that they should focus on listening to Jesus.
Today's Growth Principle: If our eyes are fixed on Jesus, nothing of this world will be able to draw us away from Him.
"Jesus Only" --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Mark 9:5-8 --- And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid. And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.
Helen Lemmel was born into the home of a pastor in England, and moved with her family to the United States when she was a teenager. Her beautiful singing voice made a name for her, yet despite many secular job offers she insisted on using her talent for God. She taught music at Moody Bible Institute and led women's singing groups for Billy Sunday revivals. Later in her life, she contracted a disease and lost her eyesight. Tragically ,her husband left her, leaving her to fend for herself. She began writing poems and hymns, including these words:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
There are always other things on which we can focus, but whether those things are good or bad, they must not be allowed to take the central place of Jesus in our hearts and minds. He alone is worthy of our unlimited love and devotion. While many of us have been blessed to have good and godly examples to follow in our lives, we should be focused on Jesus. While many of us have been blessed with financial resources and possessions beyond what most of the world can imagine, we should be focused on Jesus.
Even when Moses and Elijah were present on the Mount of Transfiguration, God told the disciples that they should focus on listening to Jesus.
Today's Growth Principle: If our eyes are fixed on Jesus, nothing of this world will be able to draw us away from Him.
MARCH 8, 2021
Isaiah 14:12-15 --- How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
The very beginning of Satan's rebellion against God was driven by pride. He wanted the praise and glory and position that only belong to God. Yet rather than getting him the promotion he coveted, pride drove Satan's fall from the heights of Heaven to the depths of Hell. Pride has been a sin from the beginning, and it is still one of the most prominent and prevalent sins in our world today. And if we allow it in our lives, it will produce the same destruction that it did with the devil at the beginning.
God freely invites us to come to Him. But we must come in humility. “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6). The temptation of pride is so appealing, and too often we may fail to recognize it for the threat that it is. We listen to the voices of praise and flattery, and begin to believe them. We look at the accomplishments God has allowed us to achieve and think they are our victories rather than His. Humility is not attractive to us in the way that pride is. It requires us to put others ahead of ourselves. It requires us to give God credit rather than claiming it for our own. But humility is essential, and it is attractive to God. We cannot be filled with God's Spirit if we are full of ourselves.
Today's Growth Principle: To fulfill God's purposes for our lives, we must humble ourselves.
Isaiah 14:12-15 --- How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
The very beginning of Satan's rebellion against God was driven by pride. He wanted the praise and glory and position that only belong to God. Yet rather than getting him the promotion he coveted, pride drove Satan's fall from the heights of Heaven to the depths of Hell. Pride has been a sin from the beginning, and it is still one of the most prominent and prevalent sins in our world today. And if we allow it in our lives, it will produce the same destruction that it did with the devil at the beginning.
God freely invites us to come to Him. But we must come in humility. “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6). The temptation of pride is so appealing, and too often we may fail to recognize it for the threat that it is. We listen to the voices of praise and flattery, and begin to believe them. We look at the accomplishments God has allowed us to achieve and think they are our victories rather than His. Humility is not attractive to us in the way that pride is. It requires us to put others ahead of ourselves. It requires us to give God credit rather than claiming it for our own. But humility is essential, and it is attractive to God. We cannot be filled with God's Spirit if we are full of ourselves.
Today's Growth Principle: To fulfill God's purposes for our lives, we must humble ourselves.
MARCH 7, 2021
Passions and Patience
When young children want something they can’t have immediately, it often becomes their unrelenting focus. They persistently ask for new toys, experiences, or additional treats, perhaps even throwing a tantrum when their request is denied. If we’re honest, there are times we behave like that with God.
During the early days of the church, the word passion referred to these persistent, uncontrolled desires of the flesh that draw us away from God. When Paul wrote to the Galatians, this is exactly what he wanted them to remember—that to belong to Jesus means that these passions have been crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20; Gal. 5:24).
We deal with harmful desires by taking slow, measured steps away from them and toward the Lord. It’s only as we relinquish our passions and retrain our focus that we’ll realize our fulfillment comes from Christ alone. But remember, you don’t have to get there all at once. It takes patience to surrender your passions and actively seek the Lord.
Think about it
• Throughout the day, notice what things you’re attached to by asking, What holds my attention most of the time? Consider writing them down or discussing them with a trusted friend.
Passions and Patience
When young children want something they can’t have immediately, it often becomes their unrelenting focus. They persistently ask for new toys, experiences, or additional treats, perhaps even throwing a tantrum when their request is denied. If we’re honest, there are times we behave like that with God.
During the early days of the church, the word passion referred to these persistent, uncontrolled desires of the flesh that draw us away from God. When Paul wrote to the Galatians, this is exactly what he wanted them to remember—that to belong to Jesus means that these passions have been crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20; Gal. 5:24).
We deal with harmful desires by taking slow, measured steps away from them and toward the Lord. It’s only as we relinquish our passions and retrain our focus that we’ll realize our fulfillment comes from Christ alone. But remember, you don’t have to get there all at once. It takes patience to surrender your passions and actively seek the Lord.
Think about it
• Throughout the day, notice what things you’re attached to by asking, What holds my attention most of the time? Consider writing them down or discussing them with a trusted friend.
MARCH 6, 2021
Fighting with Faith
“For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.” Romans 6:6-7
“A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust." - Gertrude Jekyll
Throughout the New Testament, God’s ways are likened to those of a gardener. And in the garden of God, whatever dies produces fruit (John 12:24, John 15:2). Also found throughout the New Testament is the truth that believers have died with Christ and received new life in Him (Romans 6:6, Galatians 2:20, Colossians 3:3). The “old self,” or “flesh,” has been crucified with Christ. But what does that mean?
Obviously believers have not literally stopped breathing, died, and been physically resurrected. The “old self” is the person who used to rebel against God. It is the “me” who used to trust my own strength, feelings, and wisdom instead of God’s. It is the old me who did nothing out of faith…even “good things.”
Therefore, that person never pleased God because it is impossible to do so without faith (Hebrews 11:6).
Romans 6:6-7 says that this death has freed us from sin. And yet, we still sin…often even struggling with the same sin over and over. So how do we live this life of freedom? We must go to war with sin. But the key to victory is not legalism; it is faith. So how do we fight sin with faith?
Out of all the armor that God gives us to fight Satan (Ephesians 6:10-17), only one piece is used for killing – the Sword of the Spirit. And when it comes to fighting sin, killing is the goal every time. The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. So how does faith fit in? Romans 10:17 says that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. The Word of God reminds us of what is true. When we are tempted to sin, God’s Word cuts through the lie that a temporary pleasure can fulfill us or bring lasting happiness. The Word beckons us to trust God and His promise of lasting joy.
Dear Lord, I know the only way I'm going to be able to fight against sin and temptation is with your Word and your truth. Help me to run to you by spending time in your Word each day so that I'm equipped for battle. In Jesus' name, amen.
Fighting with Faith
“For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.” Romans 6:6-7
“A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust." - Gertrude Jekyll
Throughout the New Testament, God’s ways are likened to those of a gardener. And in the garden of God, whatever dies produces fruit (John 12:24, John 15:2). Also found throughout the New Testament is the truth that believers have died with Christ and received new life in Him (Romans 6:6, Galatians 2:20, Colossians 3:3). The “old self,” or “flesh,” has been crucified with Christ. But what does that mean?
Obviously believers have not literally stopped breathing, died, and been physically resurrected. The “old self” is the person who used to rebel against God. It is the “me” who used to trust my own strength, feelings, and wisdom instead of God’s. It is the old me who did nothing out of faith…even “good things.”
Therefore, that person never pleased God because it is impossible to do so without faith (Hebrews 11:6).
Romans 6:6-7 says that this death has freed us from sin. And yet, we still sin…often even struggling with the same sin over and over. So how do we live this life of freedom? We must go to war with sin. But the key to victory is not legalism; it is faith. So how do we fight sin with faith?
Out of all the armor that God gives us to fight Satan (Ephesians 6:10-17), only one piece is used for killing – the Sword of the Spirit. And when it comes to fighting sin, killing is the goal every time. The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. So how does faith fit in? Romans 10:17 says that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. The Word of God reminds us of what is true. When we are tempted to sin, God’s Word cuts through the lie that a temporary pleasure can fulfill us or bring lasting happiness. The Word beckons us to trust God and His promise of lasting joy.
Dear Lord, I know the only way I'm going to be able to fight against sin and temptation is with your Word and your truth. Help me to run to you by spending time in your Word each day so that I'm equipped for battle. In Jesus' name, amen.
MARCH 5, 2021
Honest Prayers
How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? (Habakkuk 1:2)
In the book of Habakkuk, we see that the prophet Habakkuk realizes his people are in deep trouble. They disregarded God’s word. They disobeyed God’s law. He has been praying for God to do something, but instead of his prayer becoming a solution, it had become a problem. He had been praying to God for a long time. Week after week, month after month, year after year, he had been crying out to God. His frustration was now at Code Red. In fact, this is what makes Habakkuk a different kind of prophet from every other prophet in the Old Testament.
Normally, a prophet confronts his people, but Habakkuk confronts God. He is contending with God. He is more upset with God’s indifference than he is with his people’s iniquity. It is almost as if he basically says to God, “I know you aren’t dead, but are you deaf?”
Have you ever had the experience of praying about something and praying about it hard and long? Praying about it with all the faith that you could muster? Thinking it was a no-brainer for God to hear you and to answer you and to do what you wanted, and you got no response? Then, you know exactly what Habakkuk was going through.
So follow Habakkuk’s example if you are frustrated with God, and tell Him what’s bothering you. Because guess what? He knows you are anyway. Are you questioning God? Go ahead and question him. He knows what you are asking any way. God can handle your questions, your frustrations, and your doubts, and He wants the opportunity to do so when you contend with Him.
Dear Father, thank you for this reminder that you know what’s on my heart even before I tell you. Give me the faith and the boldness to continue coming to you in prayer, even when I’m left waiting. Help me not to doubt that you hear me, but rather be confident that you’re listening and working in ways I can’t see. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Honest Prayers
How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? (Habakkuk 1:2)
In the book of Habakkuk, we see that the prophet Habakkuk realizes his people are in deep trouble. They disregarded God’s word. They disobeyed God’s law. He has been praying for God to do something, but instead of his prayer becoming a solution, it had become a problem. He had been praying to God for a long time. Week after week, month after month, year after year, he had been crying out to God. His frustration was now at Code Red. In fact, this is what makes Habakkuk a different kind of prophet from every other prophet in the Old Testament.
Normally, a prophet confronts his people, but Habakkuk confronts God. He is contending with God. He is more upset with God’s indifference than he is with his people’s iniquity. It is almost as if he basically says to God, “I know you aren’t dead, but are you deaf?”
Have you ever had the experience of praying about something and praying about it hard and long? Praying about it with all the faith that you could muster? Thinking it was a no-brainer for God to hear you and to answer you and to do what you wanted, and you got no response? Then, you know exactly what Habakkuk was going through.
So follow Habakkuk’s example if you are frustrated with God, and tell Him what’s bothering you. Because guess what? He knows you are anyway. Are you questioning God? Go ahead and question him. He knows what you are asking any way. God can handle your questions, your frustrations, and your doubts, and He wants the opportunity to do so when you contend with Him.
Dear Father, thank you for this reminder that you know what’s on my heart even before I tell you. Give me the faith and the boldness to continue coming to you in prayer, even when I’m left waiting. Help me not to doubt that you hear me, but rather be confident that you’re listening and working in ways I can’t see. In Jesus’ name, amen.
MARCH 4, 2021
Rejoice and Be Glad
Countless serious things are going on in this world, and we do need to be aware and prepared for them.
But at the same time, because of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we can learn to relax and take things as they come without getting nervous and upset about them.
Thankfully, with God’s help, we can learn how to enjoy the abundant life He’s provided for us through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus. Twice in Philippians 4: 4–7, the apostle Paul tells us to rejoice, and he urges us not to worry or have any anxiety about anything, but to pray and give thanks to God in everything—not only after every difficulty is over. In spite of all the troubling things going on around us, our attitude can be, “This is the day the Lord has made, so I will rejoice and be glad in it.”
I want to encourage you to take some time today to thank God and give Him the things you’re worried about. As you do, it’ll become easier and easier to breathe, rest and enjoy life.
Prayer Starter: Father, no matter what goes on around me today, thank You that I can still rest, knowing You’re taking care of me. Please help me remember to rejoice, even in harder situations. Thank You for giving me joy that’s not found in my circumstances, so no one can take it away. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Rejoice and Be Glad
Countless serious things are going on in this world, and we do need to be aware and prepared for them.
But at the same time, because of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we can learn to relax and take things as they come without getting nervous and upset about them.
Thankfully, with God’s help, we can learn how to enjoy the abundant life He’s provided for us through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus. Twice in Philippians 4: 4–7, the apostle Paul tells us to rejoice, and he urges us not to worry or have any anxiety about anything, but to pray and give thanks to God in everything—not only after every difficulty is over. In spite of all the troubling things going on around us, our attitude can be, “This is the day the Lord has made, so I will rejoice and be glad in it.”
I want to encourage you to take some time today to thank God and give Him the things you’re worried about. As you do, it’ll become easier and easier to breathe, rest and enjoy life.
Prayer Starter: Father, no matter what goes on around me today, thank You that I can still rest, knowing You’re taking care of me. Please help me remember to rejoice, even in harder situations. Thank You for giving me joy that’s not found in my circumstances, so no one can take it away. In Jesus’ name, amen.
MARCH 3, 2021
The Struggle With Jealousy
1 Samuel 18:5-16
Jealousy is an emotion of displeasure over someone else’s good fortune. Constantly comparing ourselves to others leads to discontent, resentment, and bitterness. If these negative emotions remain unchecked, they can poison our relationships. What’s more, they can eventually flare into suspicion, anger, and hostility.
This is what happened to King Saul. His jealousy caused him to distrust David, who had served him faithfully. Saul’s suspicious attitude led to hostility and irrational behavior—so much so that he hurled a spear at David while the young man was playing music (1 Samuel 18:10-12). Instead of being grateful for David’s loyalty and steadfast service, the king repaid him with animosity and death threats. As a result, David was eventually forced to flee and hide in the wilderness (1 Samuel 23:15-26).
Jealousy is not something to be excused or rationalized. Ask the Lord to examine your heart and show you if any of these symptoms of jealousy are present in your life. If they are, confess them as sin and ask Him to uproot them from your heart. Then focus on God’s faithfulness instead of comparing yourself with others.
The Struggle With Jealousy
1 Samuel 18:5-16
Jealousy is an emotion of displeasure over someone else’s good fortune. Constantly comparing ourselves to others leads to discontent, resentment, and bitterness. If these negative emotions remain unchecked, they can poison our relationships. What’s more, they can eventually flare into suspicion, anger, and hostility.
This is what happened to King Saul. His jealousy caused him to distrust David, who had served him faithfully. Saul’s suspicious attitude led to hostility and irrational behavior—so much so that he hurled a spear at David while the young man was playing music (1 Samuel 18:10-12). Instead of being grateful for David’s loyalty and steadfast service, the king repaid him with animosity and death threats. As a result, David was eventually forced to flee and hide in the wilderness (1 Samuel 23:15-26).
Jealousy is not something to be excused or rationalized. Ask the Lord to examine your heart and show you if any of these symptoms of jealousy are present in your life. If they are, confess them as sin and ask Him to uproot them from your heart. Then focus on God’s faithfulness instead of comparing yourself with others.
MARCH 2, 2021
God Still Judges Nations --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Deuteronomy 29:24-26 --- Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what meaneth the heat of this great anger? Then men shall say, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD God of their fathers, which he made with them when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt: For they went and served other gods, and worshipped them, gods whom they knew not, and whom he had not given unto them:
Though God does not have the same kind of covenant relationship with our nation or any modern nation that He had with Israel, it is still true that He judges nations for their conduct. Nations which at least attempt to follow the principles of righteousness and justice will be rewarded. But those nations which condemn good and promote evil can expect to receive His hand of judgment. David wrote, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalm 9:17).
History is littered with the wreckage of once great empires that exercised power and authority over vast stretches of land and huge numbers of people. One by one, they rose to positions of prominence and influence. Yet today only the ruins remain to show where the events recorded in the history books took place. The nations themselves no longer exist, or are merely a shell of what they once were. No country is exempt from God's judgment on their national conduct and character.
There are many who are concerned about the direction their country is taking. The real solution to the problem of a godless nation is not found in the seat of government power. Electing new leaders or passing new laws can not transform the hearts of people to do right. The only solution is found in the power of the Gospel to change a nation one person at a time. We must live righteously ourselves, and we must share the good news with those around us—that is the best thing we can do for our country.
Today's Growth Principle: The process of making any nation more righteous starts in the hearts and lives of its Christian citizens.
God Still Judges Nations --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Deuteronomy 29:24-26 --- Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what meaneth the heat of this great anger? Then men shall say, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD God of their fathers, which he made with them when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt: For they went and served other gods, and worshipped them, gods whom they knew not, and whom he had not given unto them:
Though God does not have the same kind of covenant relationship with our nation or any modern nation that He had with Israel, it is still true that He judges nations for their conduct. Nations which at least attempt to follow the principles of righteousness and justice will be rewarded. But those nations which condemn good and promote evil can expect to receive His hand of judgment. David wrote, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalm 9:17).
History is littered with the wreckage of once great empires that exercised power and authority over vast stretches of land and huge numbers of people. One by one, they rose to positions of prominence and influence. Yet today only the ruins remain to show where the events recorded in the history books took place. The nations themselves no longer exist, or are merely a shell of what they once were. No country is exempt from God's judgment on their national conduct and character.
There are many who are concerned about the direction their country is taking. The real solution to the problem of a godless nation is not found in the seat of government power. Electing new leaders or passing new laws can not transform the hearts of people to do right. The only solution is found in the power of the Gospel to change a nation one person at a time. We must live righteously ourselves, and we must share the good news with those around us—that is the best thing we can do for our country.
Today's Growth Principle: The process of making any nation more righteous starts in the hearts and lives of its Christian citizens.
MARCH 1, 2021
Life Lessons
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6
British missionary, A. Wetherell Johnson, was serving in China until 1950, when Mao Tse-tung’s communist regime forced missionaries to leave. She loved China deeply. With a torn heart she moved to the United States. Five ladies in San Bernardino, California, asked her to teach a Bible study. Here are her words, “My heart fell! What had I come to? In China there are millions who have not even heard His name. Am I to give more to those who already have so much?” Reluctantly she promised to pray about leading the study. She did say yes, but told them she would not spoon-feed them the Bible. She prepared lesson questions to help them learn to dig deeper into God’s Word themselves. This small group eventually became Bible Study Fellowship, which has grown to over 1,000 classes with more than 200,000 members in 38 nations across six continents!
Dashed hopes are often the breeding ground for God to do great things in our lives. It doesn’t matter how much education or money one has. We all gain trust in God lesson by lesson, truth by truth. Each time we choose to trust Him, He gives us reason to trust Him more. Each step of faith illuminates the next, until eventually we learn that His direction is always best, even when we may not understand it or even like it.
When we choose to trust God with our whole heart, we unlock the abundance of His grace and wisdom in our lives. It is wonderfully freeing to realize that we don’t have to have all of the answers. All we need is a willingness to follow. This willingness requires complete surrender. It means letting go of controlling the situations and outcomes in our lives. It means letting go of trying to control others’ perceptions of us. This trust comes with a promise…He will direct the paths of our lives.
Dear Lord, how grateful I am that you are in complete control of my life so I don't have to worry. Help me to surrender to your guidance and your will when I'm tempted to control things in my own strength. In Jesus' name, amen.
Life Lessons
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6
British missionary, A. Wetherell Johnson, was serving in China until 1950, when Mao Tse-tung’s communist regime forced missionaries to leave. She loved China deeply. With a torn heart she moved to the United States. Five ladies in San Bernardino, California, asked her to teach a Bible study. Here are her words, “My heart fell! What had I come to? In China there are millions who have not even heard His name. Am I to give more to those who already have so much?” Reluctantly she promised to pray about leading the study. She did say yes, but told them she would not spoon-feed them the Bible. She prepared lesson questions to help them learn to dig deeper into God’s Word themselves. This small group eventually became Bible Study Fellowship, which has grown to over 1,000 classes with more than 200,000 members in 38 nations across six continents!
Dashed hopes are often the breeding ground for God to do great things in our lives. It doesn’t matter how much education or money one has. We all gain trust in God lesson by lesson, truth by truth. Each time we choose to trust Him, He gives us reason to trust Him more. Each step of faith illuminates the next, until eventually we learn that His direction is always best, even when we may not understand it or even like it.
When we choose to trust God with our whole heart, we unlock the abundance of His grace and wisdom in our lives. It is wonderfully freeing to realize that we don’t have to have all of the answers. All we need is a willingness to follow. This willingness requires complete surrender. It means letting go of controlling the situations and outcomes in our lives. It means letting go of trying to control others’ perceptions of us. This trust comes with a promise…He will direct the paths of our lives.
Dear Lord, how grateful I am that you are in complete control of my life so I don't have to worry. Help me to surrender to your guidance and your will when I'm tempted to control things in my own strength. In Jesus' name, amen.
FEBRUARY 28, 2021
He Gives us Life Eternal
Recently I read that it will cost this country a hundred billion dollars to get one man safely to Mars. It cost God the priceless blood of His only Son to get us sinners to heaven. By tasting death for every man, Jesus took over our penalty as He erased our guilt. Now God can forgive. In a moment of thanksgiving, Paul once exclaimed, “He loved me and gave Himself for me!” Will you repeat these words right now, even as you read? If you do, I believe you will have cause to be thankful too, and that you will experience the love of God in your heart. Try it and see. The Bible teaches that you can be absolutely sure that you are saved.
Today's Scripture --- These things have I written unto you that believe . . . that ye may know that ye have eternal life . . . - 1 John 5:13
Today's Prayer --- Father, although my finite mind cannot understand all the wonders of the Gospel, I thank You for the assurance of my salvation through Christ
He Gives us Life Eternal
Recently I read that it will cost this country a hundred billion dollars to get one man safely to Mars. It cost God the priceless blood of His only Son to get us sinners to heaven. By tasting death for every man, Jesus took over our penalty as He erased our guilt. Now God can forgive. In a moment of thanksgiving, Paul once exclaimed, “He loved me and gave Himself for me!” Will you repeat these words right now, even as you read? If you do, I believe you will have cause to be thankful too, and that you will experience the love of God in your heart. Try it and see. The Bible teaches that you can be absolutely sure that you are saved.
Today's Scripture --- These things have I written unto you that believe . . . that ye may know that ye have eternal life . . . - 1 John 5:13
Today's Prayer --- Father, although my finite mind cannot understand all the wonders of the Gospel, I thank You for the assurance of my salvation through Christ
FEBRUARY 27, 2021
Don’t Be Afraid to Be Yourself!
God created everything about you to be unique, and He wants you to build an honest relationship with Him based on who you really are, not who you think you should be, or who other people say you should be.
We relate to God as individuals. When we talk to God, we’re not supposed to leave our individuality at the door of our prayer closet. We need to go to Him just the way we are, because that gives Him the pleasure of enjoying the company of the "original" He has made each one of us to be. God enjoys meeting us where we are, developing a personal relationship with us, and helping us grow into the fullness of everything He wants us to be.
Our verse for today teaches us that God has fashioned our hearts individually. As we develop our individual styles of communication with God, we can learn from people who are more experienced than we are, but we need to be careful not to make them our standard.
Most people are afraid to not be like everyone else; many are more comfortable following established rules than daring to follow the Holy Spirit's leading. When we follow man-made rules, we please people, but when we step out and follow God's Spirit, we please Him. So remember, come as you are!
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You that my relationship with You doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Help me remember that I can always come to You as I am, without trying to be perfect. Thank You for Your grace to grow today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Don’t Be Afraid to Be Yourself!
God created everything about you to be unique, and He wants you to build an honest relationship with Him based on who you really are, not who you think you should be, or who other people say you should be.
We relate to God as individuals. When we talk to God, we’re not supposed to leave our individuality at the door of our prayer closet. We need to go to Him just the way we are, because that gives Him the pleasure of enjoying the company of the "original" He has made each one of us to be. God enjoys meeting us where we are, developing a personal relationship with us, and helping us grow into the fullness of everything He wants us to be.
Our verse for today teaches us that God has fashioned our hearts individually. As we develop our individual styles of communication with God, we can learn from people who are more experienced than we are, but we need to be careful not to make them our standard.
Most people are afraid to not be like everyone else; many are more comfortable following established rules than daring to follow the Holy Spirit's leading. When we follow man-made rules, we please people, but when we step out and follow God's Spirit, we please Him. So remember, come as you are!
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You that my relationship with You doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Help me remember that I can always come to You as I am, without trying to be perfect. Thank You for Your grace to grow today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
FEBRUARY 26, 2021
The Good News About Death
1 Corinthians 15:50-58
The Bible teaches that death is only the beginning for believers. God has prepared an eternal home for us, and the condition for entry is clear: Believe that Jesus died for your sins, and receive His forgiveness. Some people consider this narrow-minded and unfair. But God set up that condition for a reason.
Way back in the garden of Eden, the Lord established a rule to protect His creation: Do not disobey Me. Sin was such a serious matter in His eyes that He determined it deserved the death penalty. Yet ever since Adam and Eve’s transgression, we’ve been bound to slip up because we’re flawed human beings. And God knew that. So, to save us from the consequence of sin, He sent His Son to die in our place. Jesus fulfilled the law while taking our punishment. And three days later He rose again.
God promised in His Word that those who receive Jesus as Savior share in His resurrection. When a believer dies, the heavenly gates open, and he or she has the same triumph over death that Jesus did. In other words, when we leave this world, we do not simply disappear. We continue to worship the Lord in heaven.
The Good News About Death
1 Corinthians 15:50-58
The Bible teaches that death is only the beginning for believers. God has prepared an eternal home for us, and the condition for entry is clear: Believe that Jesus died for your sins, and receive His forgiveness. Some people consider this narrow-minded and unfair. But God set up that condition for a reason.
Way back in the garden of Eden, the Lord established a rule to protect His creation: Do not disobey Me. Sin was such a serious matter in His eyes that He determined it deserved the death penalty. Yet ever since Adam and Eve’s transgression, we’ve been bound to slip up because we’re flawed human beings. And God knew that. So, to save us from the consequence of sin, He sent His Son to die in our place. Jesus fulfilled the law while taking our punishment. And three days later He rose again.
God promised in His Word that those who receive Jesus as Savior share in His resurrection. When a believer dies, the heavenly gates open, and he or she has the same triumph over death that Jesus did. In other words, when we leave this world, we do not simply disappear. We continue to worship the Lord in heaven.
FEBRUARY 25, 2021
Jesus Is Coming Again --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Acts 1:9-11 --- And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
It has been nearly two thousand years since Jesus left His disciples standing on a hillside looking up into the clouds as He returned to Heaven. Despite His repeated telling them that this would happen, they seem to have been surprised that Jesus had left them. Then, rather than swinging into obedience to do the job He had left them to do, they were still standing around when the angels showed up to prod them into action.
That prodding came with an affirmation of the promise that Jesus would one day return.
The passing of centuries has not changed the certainty of that promise. Jesus will come again, and it could be today. There are no events that must take place or prophecies that must be fulfilled before the Lord returns. He could come for us at any moment. Our task is not to try to decode current events or figure our the timing of that return, but to be actively obeying every day so that we are ready for Him. “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming” (1 John 2:28).
Dr. John Rice wrote:
Come, dear Lord Jesus, for long we've been watching;
God's children are homesick for Heaven, our home.
Come then, Lord Jesus, come quickly and take us;
The wedding feast waits when the Bridegroom shall come.
Jesus is coming, is coming, is coming
It may be tomorrow, it may be today
Maybe the trumpet sound, maybe the angel's shout
Then “Come up higher” the Saviour shall say.
Today's Growth Principle: Knowing that Jesus could return today should govern the way we act and think and use every moment.
Jesus Is Coming Again --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Acts 1:9-11 --- And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
It has been nearly two thousand years since Jesus left His disciples standing on a hillside looking up into the clouds as He returned to Heaven. Despite His repeated telling them that this would happen, they seem to have been surprised that Jesus had left them. Then, rather than swinging into obedience to do the job He had left them to do, they were still standing around when the angels showed up to prod them into action.
That prodding came with an affirmation of the promise that Jesus would one day return.
The passing of centuries has not changed the certainty of that promise. Jesus will come again, and it could be today. There are no events that must take place or prophecies that must be fulfilled before the Lord returns. He could come for us at any moment. Our task is not to try to decode current events or figure our the timing of that return, but to be actively obeying every day so that we are ready for Him. “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming” (1 John 2:28).
Dr. John Rice wrote:
Come, dear Lord Jesus, for long we've been watching;
God's children are homesick for Heaven, our home.
Come then, Lord Jesus, come quickly and take us;
The wedding feast waits when the Bridegroom shall come.
Jesus is coming, is coming, is coming
It may be tomorrow, it may be today
Maybe the trumpet sound, maybe the angel's shout
Then “Come up higher” the Saviour shall say.
Today's Growth Principle: Knowing that Jesus could return today should govern the way we act and think and use every moment.
FEBRUARY 24, 2021
My Vision
“For we live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
There is a famous Irish hymn entitled, “Be Thou My Vision.” One of the most moving worship experiences I have ever had was watching as Christian singer/songwriter Ginny Owens, who has been blind since she was a toddler, offered these words up to her Heavenly Father:
Be Though my vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.”
To say she understands these lyrics on another level would be an understatement. “Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.” Can you imagine awaking in the morning, opening your eyes, and still being enclosed in darkness? Eyes open, eyes closed…there is no difference, just darkness.
Those who are blind experience this darkness physically ever day of their lives. The truth is, however, that we all experience this spiritually without the light of Christ. His presence is our only light in the blackness of our sin. His light brings vision, opening the eyes of our hearts to see the beauty of the Gospel.
The hymn continues with these words:
“Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise
Thou mine inheritance, now and always
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.”
Can you say, with honesty and conviction, that Christ is first in your heart? Is He your greatest treasure?
When we live by faith, and not by sight, as 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, we will treasure the eternal over the temporary. We will choose the narrow path over the wide one, believing that Jesus is worth any earthly sacrifice.
Dear Lord, when there is so much I could be looking to for guidance and light, help me to look to you first, for you are the only light that will guide me down the path of righteousness. In Jesus' name, amen.
My Vision
“For we live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
There is a famous Irish hymn entitled, “Be Thou My Vision.” One of the most moving worship experiences I have ever had was watching as Christian singer/songwriter Ginny Owens, who has been blind since she was a toddler, offered these words up to her Heavenly Father:
Be Though my vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.”
To say she understands these lyrics on another level would be an understatement. “Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.” Can you imagine awaking in the morning, opening your eyes, and still being enclosed in darkness? Eyes open, eyes closed…there is no difference, just darkness.
Those who are blind experience this darkness physically ever day of their lives. The truth is, however, that we all experience this spiritually without the light of Christ. His presence is our only light in the blackness of our sin. His light brings vision, opening the eyes of our hearts to see the beauty of the Gospel.
The hymn continues with these words:
“Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise
Thou mine inheritance, now and always
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.”
Can you say, with honesty and conviction, that Christ is first in your heart? Is He your greatest treasure?
When we live by faith, and not by sight, as 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, we will treasure the eternal over the temporary. We will choose the narrow path over the wide one, believing that Jesus is worth any earthly sacrifice.
Dear Lord, when there is so much I could be looking to for guidance and light, help me to look to you first, for you are the only light that will guide me down the path of righteousness. In Jesus' name, amen.
FEBRUARY 23, 2021
Living in His Power
Philippians 4:13 --- I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.
Jesus had a humble heart. If He abides in us, pride will never dominate our lives. Jesus had a loving heart. If He dwells within us, hatred and bitterness will never rule us. Jesus had a forgiving and understanding heart.
If He lives within us, mercy will temper our relationships with our fellowmen. Jesus had an unselfish heart. If He lives in us, selfishness will not predominate, but service to God and others will come before our selfish interests. You say, “That’s a big order!” I admit that. It would be impossible if you had to measure up to Him in your own strength and with your natural heart. Paul recognized that he could never attain this heart purity by his own striving.
Prayer for the day --- So live in me today that I will be able to radiate Your love and grace, Jesus
Living in His Power
Philippians 4:13 --- I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.
Jesus had a humble heart. If He abides in us, pride will never dominate our lives. Jesus had a loving heart. If He dwells within us, hatred and bitterness will never rule us. Jesus had a forgiving and understanding heart.
If He lives within us, mercy will temper our relationships with our fellowmen. Jesus had an unselfish heart. If He lives in us, selfishness will not predominate, but service to God and others will come before our selfish interests. You say, “That’s a big order!” I admit that. It would be impossible if you had to measure up to Him in your own strength and with your natural heart. Paul recognized that he could never attain this heart purity by his own striving.
Prayer for the day --- So live in me today that I will be able to radiate Your love and grace, Jesus
FEBRUARY 22, 2021
The Purpose of Faith
Oftentimes we make the mistake of expecting that our faith will get us to a place where there’s total freedom from trouble. But the purpose of faith is not always to keep us from having trouble—it’s often to carry us through trouble. If we never had any trouble, we wouldn’t need any faith.
Even when we’re tempted to run away from our problems, God says that we need to go through them. The good news is that He’s promised to stick with us all the way through them, so we’ll never have to go through anything alone. He will always be there to help us and empower us to make it through (see Philippians 2:13; 4:13). He has said to us, “Fear not, for I am with you” (see Isaiah 41:10).
As we learn to stand our ground and effectively resist the enemy, we’ll come closer to God than we ever could if we had no challenges. Whatever you’re facing right now, know that God is with you to help you, so don’t give up! If you’ll keep going, He’ll increase your faith and bring you to the other side.
Prayer Starter: Father, please help me trust You when I’m going through things that are hard or frustrating. Increase my faith so I’ll be ready for the challenges I’m about to face. Thank You for carrying me through the things I thought I’d never make it through, and for bringing me closer to You in every moment. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The Purpose of Faith
Oftentimes we make the mistake of expecting that our faith will get us to a place where there’s total freedom from trouble. But the purpose of faith is not always to keep us from having trouble—it’s often to carry us through trouble. If we never had any trouble, we wouldn’t need any faith.
Even when we’re tempted to run away from our problems, God says that we need to go through them. The good news is that He’s promised to stick with us all the way through them, so we’ll never have to go through anything alone. He will always be there to help us and empower us to make it through (see Philippians 2:13; 4:13). He has said to us, “Fear not, for I am with you” (see Isaiah 41:10).
As we learn to stand our ground and effectively resist the enemy, we’ll come closer to God than we ever could if we had no challenges. Whatever you’re facing right now, know that God is with you to help you, so don’t give up! If you’ll keep going, He’ll increase your faith and bring you to the other side.
Prayer Starter: Father, please help me trust You when I’m going through things that are hard or frustrating. Increase my faith so I’ll be ready for the challenges I’m about to face. Thank You for carrying me through the things I thought I’d never make it through, and for bringing me closer to You in every moment. In Jesus’ name, amen.
FEBRUARY 21, 2021
Trust in the Lord
In looking back at your Christian journey so far, when did you experience the most spiritual growth? For many of us, it was during seasons of great discomfort. Jesus tells us we will encounter difficulties in the world (John 16:33), but that doesn’t mean we should just go about our life with resignation, waiting for something awful to happen.
Instead, we should try to think of waiting as an act of endurance—something that makes us more like Christ. And yet endurance looks different for each of us. Some people may become more active in serving their community, while others need to shift their focus inward—increasing in prayer, seeking wise counsel, and more consciously creating practices of giving thanks. Whatever it is, let us be encouraged to “run ... the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus” (Heb. 12:1-2).
THINK ABOUT IT
• Think about your seasons of greatest spiritual growth— or even the experience of coming to faith in Jesus. Was there a specific change or important occurrence in your life? Reflecting like this might help you identify the way God works—and perhaps see your circumstances differently, too.
Trust in the Lord
In looking back at your Christian journey so far, when did you experience the most spiritual growth? For many of us, it was during seasons of great discomfort. Jesus tells us we will encounter difficulties in the world (John 16:33), but that doesn’t mean we should just go about our life with resignation, waiting for something awful to happen.
Instead, we should try to think of waiting as an act of endurance—something that makes us more like Christ. And yet endurance looks different for each of us. Some people may become more active in serving their community, while others need to shift their focus inward—increasing in prayer, seeking wise counsel, and more consciously creating practices of giving thanks. Whatever it is, let us be encouraged to “run ... the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus” (Heb. 12:1-2).
THINK ABOUT IT
• Think about your seasons of greatest spiritual growth— or even the experience of coming to faith in Jesus. Was there a specific change or important occurrence in your life? Reflecting like this might help you identify the way God works—and perhaps see your circumstances differently, too.
FEBRUARY 20, 2021
God Still Judges Nations --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Deuteronomy 29:24-26 --- Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what meaneth the heat of this great anger? Then men shall say, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD God of their fathers, which he made with them when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt: For they went and served other gods, and worshipped them, gods whom they knew not, and whom he had not given unto them:
Though God does not have the same kind of covenant relationship with our nation or any modern nation that He had with Israel, it is still true that He judges nations for their conduct. Nations which at least attempt to follow the principles of righteousness and justice will be rewarded. But those nations which condemn good and promote evil can expect to receive His hand of judgment. David wrote, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalm 9:17).
History is littered with the wreckage of once great empires that exercised power and authority over vast stretches of land and huge numbers of people. One by one, they rose to positions of prominence and influence. Yet today only the ruins remain to show where the events recorded in the history books took place. The nations themselves no longer exist, or are merely a shell of what they once were. No country is exempt from God's judgment on their national conduct and character.
There are many who are concerned about the direction their country is taking. The real solution to the problem of a godless nation is not found in the seat of government power. Electing new leaders or passing new laws can not transform the hearts of people to do right. The only solution is found in the power of the
Gospel to change a nation one person at a time. We must live righteously ourselves, and we must share the good news with those around us—that is the best thing we can do for our country.
Today's Growth Principle: The process of making any nation more righteous starts in the hearts and lives of its Christian citizens.
God Still Judges Nations --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Deuteronomy 29:24-26 --- Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what meaneth the heat of this great anger? Then men shall say, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD God of their fathers, which he made with them when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt: For they went and served other gods, and worshipped them, gods whom they knew not, and whom he had not given unto them:
Though God does not have the same kind of covenant relationship with our nation or any modern nation that He had with Israel, it is still true that He judges nations for their conduct. Nations which at least attempt to follow the principles of righteousness and justice will be rewarded. But those nations which condemn good and promote evil can expect to receive His hand of judgment. David wrote, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalm 9:17).
History is littered with the wreckage of once great empires that exercised power and authority over vast stretches of land and huge numbers of people. One by one, they rose to positions of prominence and influence. Yet today only the ruins remain to show where the events recorded in the history books took place. The nations themselves no longer exist, or are merely a shell of what they once were. No country is exempt from God's judgment on their national conduct and character.
There are many who are concerned about the direction their country is taking. The real solution to the problem of a godless nation is not found in the seat of government power. Electing new leaders or passing new laws can not transform the hearts of people to do right. The only solution is found in the power of the
Gospel to change a nation one person at a time. We must live righteously ourselves, and we must share the good news with those around us—that is the best thing we can do for our country.
Today's Growth Principle: The process of making any nation more righteous starts in the hearts and lives of its Christian citizens.
FEBRUARY 19, 2021
Make Friends with Yourself
Are you at peace with yourself? Since we spend more time with ourselves than we do with anyone else, not liking who we are is a major problem. After all, we cannot get away from ourselves. And if we don’t like ourselves, we usually don’t enjoy being with anyone else, either.
This was true for me. I suffered from not liking myself for many years, but I didn’t realize it. Nor did I understand that my self-rejection and self-hate were why I didn’t get along with most people, and why most people couldn’t get along with me.
The way we see ourselves is the way others will see us. We can see this principle illustrated in Numbers 13, when the 12 spies Moses sent to investigate the Promised Land came back from their scouting expedition. Ten of the spies gave a very negative report: There we saw the Nephilim [or giants], the sons of Anak, who come from the giants; and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight (Numbers 13:33, AMPC).
Because 10 of the spies saw themselves as “grasshoppers,” their enemy saw them as grasshoppers, too. How can we expect others to accept us if we reject ourselves? Before we can make peace with others, we need to make peace with ourselves. And to make peace with ourselves, we need to know our identity in Christ. God’s Word assures us that we have tremendous value because of who we are—His beloved children.
What I do is not always perfect. But I still know who I am—a child of God that He loves deeply.
You have tremendous worth and value, and that will never change. You’re a treasure to God, He paid a high price to redeem you (see Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 1:19), and He has an amazing plan for your life (see Jeremiah 29:11). As you begin to believe that you are God’s precious, beloved son or daughter, that truth will bring more healing to your soul and freedom to your life than you ever thought possible.
Prayer Starter: Father, please help me to begin to see myself the way You see me—as Your treasured, deeply loved child—and help me receive Your love today. Thank You for placing such value on me that You would sacrifice Your only Son to redeem me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Make Friends with Yourself
Are you at peace with yourself? Since we spend more time with ourselves than we do with anyone else, not liking who we are is a major problem. After all, we cannot get away from ourselves. And if we don’t like ourselves, we usually don’t enjoy being with anyone else, either.
This was true for me. I suffered from not liking myself for many years, but I didn’t realize it. Nor did I understand that my self-rejection and self-hate were why I didn’t get along with most people, and why most people couldn’t get along with me.
The way we see ourselves is the way others will see us. We can see this principle illustrated in Numbers 13, when the 12 spies Moses sent to investigate the Promised Land came back from their scouting expedition. Ten of the spies gave a very negative report: There we saw the Nephilim [or giants], the sons of Anak, who come from the giants; and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight (Numbers 13:33, AMPC).
Because 10 of the spies saw themselves as “grasshoppers,” their enemy saw them as grasshoppers, too. How can we expect others to accept us if we reject ourselves? Before we can make peace with others, we need to make peace with ourselves. And to make peace with ourselves, we need to know our identity in Christ. God’s Word assures us that we have tremendous value because of who we are—His beloved children.
What I do is not always perfect. But I still know who I am—a child of God that He loves deeply.
You have tremendous worth and value, and that will never change. You’re a treasure to God, He paid a high price to redeem you (see Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 1:19), and He has an amazing plan for your life (see Jeremiah 29:11). As you begin to believe that you are God’s precious, beloved son or daughter, that truth will bring more healing to your soul and freedom to your life than you ever thought possible.
Prayer Starter: Father, please help me to begin to see myself the way You see me—as Your treasured, deeply loved child—and help me receive Your love today. Thank You for placing such value on me that You would sacrifice Your only Son to redeem me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
FEBRUARY 18, 2021
Hearing and Believing
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14)
Psychologists refer to them as “defining moments,” those events in your life that shape the person you have become. We all have them. But there is no defining moment like the moment when someone accepts Jesus and becomes a follower of Christ. So today, we are going to take a look at what happens at the defining moment when someone realizes they need a savior, that Jesus is that savior, and they trust Jesus as their savior.
Your defining moment of salvation takes place when you believe in the grace of God. That’s the very first step in accepting Jesus Christ as your savior.
As Paul is writing to the Ephesians, he is taking these believers back to that moment in time that they made the momentous decision to turn from death to life, and from darkness to light, by putting their faith and trust in the Son of God, Jesus Christ, as their Savior.
This decision to surrender their lives to Christ was a two-step process. First, they had to hear the gospel. And then one they heard it, they had to accept it as truth. They needed to come to the realization that the gospel is real. It’s not a fairytale. It’s not a myth. So the defining moment happens not just by hearing about the grace of God, but also believing in the grace of God, which ultimately brings salvation.
So you see, hearing about God’s grace isn’t enough. You have to believe in that grace and come to realize how desperately you need it. When you do, you will experience that defining moment of salvation Paul is talking about.
Dear Lord, thank you for your never-ending grace. I pray that you would help me not to gloss over the magnitude of your grace when I hear about it, but that I would continue to believe in it and understand how much I need it. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Hearing and Believing
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14)
Psychologists refer to them as “defining moments,” those events in your life that shape the person you have become. We all have them. But there is no defining moment like the moment when someone accepts Jesus and becomes a follower of Christ. So today, we are going to take a look at what happens at the defining moment when someone realizes they need a savior, that Jesus is that savior, and they trust Jesus as their savior.
Your defining moment of salvation takes place when you believe in the grace of God. That’s the very first step in accepting Jesus Christ as your savior.
As Paul is writing to the Ephesians, he is taking these believers back to that moment in time that they made the momentous decision to turn from death to life, and from darkness to light, by putting their faith and trust in the Son of God, Jesus Christ, as their Savior.
This decision to surrender their lives to Christ was a two-step process. First, they had to hear the gospel. And then one they heard it, they had to accept it as truth. They needed to come to the realization that the gospel is real. It’s not a fairytale. It’s not a myth. So the defining moment happens not just by hearing about the grace of God, but also believing in the grace of God, which ultimately brings salvation.
So you see, hearing about God’s grace isn’t enough. You have to believe in that grace and come to realize how desperately you need it. When you do, you will experience that defining moment of salvation Paul is talking about.
Dear Lord, thank you for your never-ending grace. I pray that you would help me not to gloss over the magnitude of your grace when I hear about it, but that I would continue to believe in it and understand how much I need it. In Jesus’ name, amen.
FEBRUARY 17, 2021
The Influence of Our Convictions
Daniel 1
Although our circles of influence vary in size, we all have the power to affect people at home, in church, or in the world. The fact is, our life is always on display, whether we’re aware of it or not.
Daniel didn’t set out to impress others, but his convictions had an effect on everyone who came in contact with him— from lowly servants to kings of empires. He clung to the truth of the Scriptures. When he was taken to Babylon’s royal court, he “made up his mind” not to defile himself with the king’s food (Dan. 1:8), because he knew that eating meat offered to idols was forbidden by the Mosaic law.
The important thing to notice is that Daniel’s convictions, not his environment, determined his behavior.
One can always find some reason to give in, but being sure of our beliefs ahead of time can help us stand firm in obedience to God. Although the world may mock our values, people actually lose respect for us when we waffle and yield to temptation. What’s worse, our witness for Christ is damaged.
Conviction about God’s truth is like an anchor holding you steady in the waves of temptation and the winds of opinion. Don’t underestimate your obedience to the Lord—it can powerfully influence others.
Bible in One Year: Numbers 26-27
The Influence of Our Convictions
Daniel 1
Although our circles of influence vary in size, we all have the power to affect people at home, in church, or in the world. The fact is, our life is always on display, whether we’re aware of it or not.
Daniel didn’t set out to impress others, but his convictions had an effect on everyone who came in contact with him— from lowly servants to kings of empires. He clung to the truth of the Scriptures. When he was taken to Babylon’s royal court, he “made up his mind” not to defile himself with the king’s food (Dan. 1:8), because he knew that eating meat offered to idols was forbidden by the Mosaic law.
The important thing to notice is that Daniel’s convictions, not his environment, determined his behavior.
One can always find some reason to give in, but being sure of our beliefs ahead of time can help us stand firm in obedience to God. Although the world may mock our values, people actually lose respect for us when we waffle and yield to temptation. What’s worse, our witness for Christ is damaged.
Conviction about God’s truth is like an anchor holding you steady in the waves of temptation and the winds of opinion. Don’t underestimate your obedience to the Lord—it can powerfully influence others.
Bible in One Year: Numbers 26-27
FEBRUARY 16, 2021
The Rain Will Come Down --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Matthew 7:24-27 --- Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
There are many uncertainties in life. No matter how carefully or wisely we plan for the future, we often find that there were things we did not expect. Sometimes these are major events we never saw coming. Yet there are also things of which we can certain. One of them is what Jesus described in the Sermon on the Mount. No matter what else happens, eventually the rain is going to fall—not a gentle soft rain, but a torrential downpour. And it is in those moments that we discover whether what we believe is real and will stand the test.
The rain Jesus described fell equally on the man with a rock for a foundation and the man who built on the sand. It did not rain because of the way they built. It rained because that is the way the world works. It is easy for us to assume that if we build well, we will avoid difficulty; and if others encounter difficulty, they must have built poorly. While some hardships can be avoided by wisdom, it is not always the case. Often bad things happen simply because we live in a fallen world. To survive the troubles and turmoil of life, we must have a solid foundation. We know hard days are coming, so we must establish our hearts and minds on an unshakable foundation before the rain descends.
Today's Growth Principle: If we wait until the storms come, we will not have the foundation we need to survive when the rain comes down.
The Rain Will Come Down --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Matthew 7:24-27 --- Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
There are many uncertainties in life. No matter how carefully or wisely we plan for the future, we often find that there were things we did not expect. Sometimes these are major events we never saw coming. Yet there are also things of which we can certain. One of them is what Jesus described in the Sermon on the Mount. No matter what else happens, eventually the rain is going to fall—not a gentle soft rain, but a torrential downpour. And it is in those moments that we discover whether what we believe is real and will stand the test.
The rain Jesus described fell equally on the man with a rock for a foundation and the man who built on the sand. It did not rain because of the way they built. It rained because that is the way the world works. It is easy for us to assume that if we build well, we will avoid difficulty; and if others encounter difficulty, they must have built poorly. While some hardships can be avoided by wisdom, it is not always the case. Often bad things happen simply because we live in a fallen world. To survive the troubles and turmoil of life, we must have a solid foundation. We know hard days are coming, so we must establish our hearts and minds on an unshakable foundation before the rain descends.
Today's Growth Principle: If we wait until the storms come, we will not have the foundation we need to survive when the rain comes down.
FEBRUARY 15, 2021
Which Came First?
“For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!” Romans 5:10
Which came first, the chicken or the egg? It is an age-old question. Strong arguments can be made on both sides. Life is filled with these types of questions. Scientists study, examine and argue over the origin, make-up, and effects of different forms of life and matter all of the time. Sometimes they find definitive answers, and sometimes they are left with more questions.
Likewise, there are many deep, theological questions that are continuously examined and debated in the Christian community. Some of these are important, while others only serve to divide, confuse, and preoccupy. Oswald Chambers wrote, “I am not saved by believing; I realize I am saved by believing.” In other words, “Which came first, my faith or my salvation?” While some might be frustrated by such a question, I believe it is a necessary one.
There is a danger for Christians to emphasize what we have done over what God has done in Christ when it comes to our salvation. We don’t mean to…but it happens. We look to our repentance, our prayer of salvation, and other outward signs to give us confidence that we are saved. We look to the point of our realization of what Christ had done; instead of to that cross thousands of years ago, as evidence that we are His.
The truth is, however, that if any of us are right with God, it is because of what Jesus did – prior to anything we have done. We are saved totally because of His finished work on the cross and His resurrection from the grave. When God reveals the truth of the Gospel to us, inviting us to believe, and we accept His invitation, we experience the supernatural grace of God. All at once, we stand right with God. Not because we repented and believed, but solely because of what Jesus has done.
Romans 5:10 tells us that we were reconciled with God – not when we believed – but while we were His enemies. Understanding this truth is paramount to living the life that Christ desires. There is nothing we did to earn salvation…and there is nothing we can do to earn God’s favor now. In Christ, we are truly free.
Dear Lord, as much as I want to honor you with my works and my obedience, I know that there's nothing I can do in my own power to save myself. Please help me to always remember that truth, and to find peace in the fact that it is only because of Jesus' work on the cross that I can have a relationship with you. In Jesus' name, amen.
Which Came First?
“For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!” Romans 5:10
Which came first, the chicken or the egg? It is an age-old question. Strong arguments can be made on both sides. Life is filled with these types of questions. Scientists study, examine and argue over the origin, make-up, and effects of different forms of life and matter all of the time. Sometimes they find definitive answers, and sometimes they are left with more questions.
Likewise, there are many deep, theological questions that are continuously examined and debated in the Christian community. Some of these are important, while others only serve to divide, confuse, and preoccupy. Oswald Chambers wrote, “I am not saved by believing; I realize I am saved by believing.” In other words, “Which came first, my faith or my salvation?” While some might be frustrated by such a question, I believe it is a necessary one.
There is a danger for Christians to emphasize what we have done over what God has done in Christ when it comes to our salvation. We don’t mean to…but it happens. We look to our repentance, our prayer of salvation, and other outward signs to give us confidence that we are saved. We look to the point of our realization of what Christ had done; instead of to that cross thousands of years ago, as evidence that we are His.
The truth is, however, that if any of us are right with God, it is because of what Jesus did – prior to anything we have done. We are saved totally because of His finished work on the cross and His resurrection from the grave. When God reveals the truth of the Gospel to us, inviting us to believe, and we accept His invitation, we experience the supernatural grace of God. All at once, we stand right with God. Not because we repented and believed, but solely because of what Jesus has done.
Romans 5:10 tells us that we were reconciled with God – not when we believed – but while we were His enemies. Understanding this truth is paramount to living the life that Christ desires. There is nothing we did to earn salvation…and there is nothing we can do to earn God’s favor now. In Christ, we are truly free.
Dear Lord, as much as I want to honor you with my works and my obedience, I know that there's nothing I can do in my own power to save myself. Please help me to always remember that truth, and to find peace in the fact that it is only because of Jesus' work on the cross that I can have a relationship with you. In Jesus' name, amen.
FEBRUARY 14, 2021
The Mystery of His Love
Jeremiah 31:3 --- 1 have loved thee with an everlasting love . . .
No human experience can fully illustrate the imputed righteousness of God, as conceived by His infinite love. It is a mystery-incomprehensible and inexplicable. Like the mystery of the sun’s heat and light, we cannot measure it or explain it, and yet we could not live without it. Writing of the mystery of completed righteousness, Paul said, “We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory. . . . But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:7, 9). What God has wrought in us is wonderful. But His work has just begun. He has a wonderful, exciting, thrilling future for all of His believing children.
Prayer for the day --- My finite mind cannot grasp all there is in store for those of us who love You—but this does not take away the joy and expectation all Your love has prepared—everlastingly!
The Mystery of His Love
Jeremiah 31:3 --- 1 have loved thee with an everlasting love . . .
No human experience can fully illustrate the imputed righteousness of God, as conceived by His infinite love. It is a mystery-incomprehensible and inexplicable. Like the mystery of the sun’s heat and light, we cannot measure it or explain it, and yet we could not live without it. Writing of the mystery of completed righteousness, Paul said, “We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory. . . . But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:7, 9). What God has wrought in us is wonderful. But His work has just begun. He has a wonderful, exciting, thrilling future for all of His believing children.
Prayer for the day --- My finite mind cannot grasp all there is in store for those of us who love You—but this does not take away the joy and expectation all Your love has prepared—everlastingly!
FEBRUARY 13, 2021
God’s Love Gives Us Confidence
We never have to be afraid of God. We should have reverential fear—meaning a respectful awe—of Him, but He doesn’t want us to feel timid or lack confidence when we come to Him. The Bible tells us to come "fearlessly and confidently and boldly" to the throne of grace and make our requests known (see Hebrews 4:16). We cannot operate in boldness and fear at the same time. We may feel fear, but we don’t have to bow down or give in to it; we can approach God with confidence.
In our society today, we have an epidemic of insecurity. The world is full of people who lack confidence, but thankfully as God’s children, we don’t have to be one of them. Our confidence comes from Christ alone and His love for us, not from anything we’ve done or not done. The Bible says we should put no confidence in the flesh (see Philippians 3:3), but be bold and courageous in Christ.
Begin to believe today that from now on you’ll step out in faith to do whatever He asks you to do. Don't draw back in fear and timidity, but go all the way through to the finish of each task.
Prayer Starter: Father, please set me free from any insecurities or lack of confidence that’s held me back. Thank You that I can always come boldly to You and ask for anything I need, and thank You for equipping me to do everything You’ve asked me to do with excellence. In Jesus’ name, amen.
God’s Love Gives Us Confidence
We never have to be afraid of God. We should have reverential fear—meaning a respectful awe—of Him, but He doesn’t want us to feel timid or lack confidence when we come to Him. The Bible tells us to come "fearlessly and confidently and boldly" to the throne of grace and make our requests known (see Hebrews 4:16). We cannot operate in boldness and fear at the same time. We may feel fear, but we don’t have to bow down or give in to it; we can approach God with confidence.
In our society today, we have an epidemic of insecurity. The world is full of people who lack confidence, but thankfully as God’s children, we don’t have to be one of them. Our confidence comes from Christ alone and His love for us, not from anything we’ve done or not done. The Bible says we should put no confidence in the flesh (see Philippians 3:3), but be bold and courageous in Christ.
Begin to believe today that from now on you’ll step out in faith to do whatever He asks you to do. Don't draw back in fear and timidity, but go all the way through to the finish of each task.
Prayer Starter: Father, please set me free from any insecurities or lack of confidence that’s held me back. Thank You that I can always come boldly to You and ask for anything I need, and thank You for equipping me to do everything You’ve asked me to do with excellence. In Jesus’ name, amen.
FEBRUARY 12, 2021
Accepting God’s Solution
2 Chronicles 20:14-25
When we pray about a matter that is very important to us, it’s easy to begin telling the Lord how to answer our request. We’ve all done this, haven’t we? We start out asking God for help, but as our emotions enter in, we become more passionate about explaining what we want Him to do about it.
God promises to answer prayer (Mark 11:24), but sometimes His answers don’t satisfy us. Oftentimes we want relief from pain and difficulty rather than an extra measure of grace to endure in a manner that glorifies God.
King Jehoshaphat may have expected the Lord to answer his prayer by giving the army supernatural strength to win the battle, but God’s solution was entirely unexpected. His method was to send the choir out singing praises. Then God took care of the enemy without any help from Judah’s soldiers.
Instead of dictating a solution, Jehoshaphat trusted God to answer the prayer as He saw fit. And we should do likewise. Prayer is an opportunity to bring our concerns to the Lord and trust that He will answer in a way that brings glory to Him, not to us.
Accepting God’s Solution
2 Chronicles 20:14-25
When we pray about a matter that is very important to us, it’s easy to begin telling the Lord how to answer our request. We’ve all done this, haven’t we? We start out asking God for help, but as our emotions enter in, we become more passionate about explaining what we want Him to do about it.
God promises to answer prayer (Mark 11:24), but sometimes His answers don’t satisfy us. Oftentimes we want relief from pain and difficulty rather than an extra measure of grace to endure in a manner that glorifies God.
King Jehoshaphat may have expected the Lord to answer his prayer by giving the army supernatural strength to win the battle, but God’s solution was entirely unexpected. His method was to send the choir out singing praises. Then God took care of the enemy without any help from Judah’s soldiers.
Instead of dictating a solution, Jehoshaphat trusted God to answer the prayer as He saw fit. And we should do likewise. Prayer is an opportunity to bring our concerns to the Lord and trust that He will answer in a way that brings glory to Him, not to us.
FEBRUARY 11, 2021
I Am A Saint
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 1:1)
If you would like to know what the real God looks like, the God who is great and glorious, who is magnificent and majestic, who is supreme and sovereign, you need to look no further than a letter that was written two thousand years ago by a man named Paul who had met this God personally on the Damascus Road.
When you read who he says this God is and what this God has done, and what this God is doing and wants to do, the only word you’ll be thinking is, “unbelievable.” It may sound contradictory, but we really do believe in a God who is unbelievable. And in the book of Ephesians, Paul tells us that what God has done for his people is unbelievable and what God wants to do through His people is unbelievable.
Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians by saying, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 1:1). Do you know what he called everyone in the church? He called them saints. From this description, you get the idea they were a cut above you and me. But no, they had the same kind of people in their church that we have in our churches today – people who struggled with anger, lust, jealousy, bitterness gossip, and greed. Yet Paul calls them saints.
His point in doing so is that he is talking to ordinary believers like you and me. There is no special class of Christians who are saints. Every believer is a saint and every saint is a believer, because that’s what God says we are. May we not forget the power and comfort we can derive from that truth!
Dear Lord, thank you for Paul’s reminder that I am a saint because of your sacrifice. Help me to remember that truth everyday and to live in the power that comes with it. In Jesus’ name, amen.
I Am A Saint
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 1:1)
If you would like to know what the real God looks like, the God who is great and glorious, who is magnificent and majestic, who is supreme and sovereign, you need to look no further than a letter that was written two thousand years ago by a man named Paul who had met this God personally on the Damascus Road.
When you read who he says this God is and what this God has done, and what this God is doing and wants to do, the only word you’ll be thinking is, “unbelievable.” It may sound contradictory, but we really do believe in a God who is unbelievable. And in the book of Ephesians, Paul tells us that what God has done for his people is unbelievable and what God wants to do through His people is unbelievable.
Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians by saying, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 1:1). Do you know what he called everyone in the church? He called them saints. From this description, you get the idea they were a cut above you and me. But no, they had the same kind of people in their church that we have in our churches today – people who struggled with anger, lust, jealousy, bitterness gossip, and greed. Yet Paul calls them saints.
His point in doing so is that he is talking to ordinary believers like you and me. There is no special class of Christians who are saints. Every believer is a saint and every saint is a believer, because that’s what God says we are. May we not forget the power and comfort we can derive from that truth!
Dear Lord, thank you for Paul’s reminder that I am a saint because of your sacrifice. Help me to remember that truth everyday and to live in the power that comes with it. In Jesus’ name, amen.
FEBRUARY 10, 2021
What Comes First --- Paul Chappell
James 4:6-8 --- But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
All of us want to be victorious over sin, but from time to time we struggle with the temptations we face. We know that we have been given the power to triumph over sin, yet we also have to admit that too often we yield to it instead. There is a pattern God has given us for victory, and we must follow it if we expect to receive the benefits. The process of victorious living does not start with fighting against sin and the devil, but with our relationship with God. It is only after we submit to Him that we have the power to resist Satan.
Jesus warned Peter that he had been made a special target of Satan and was in danger of denying the Lord. Peter relied on his own strength and was confident that he would be faithful. Yet in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus came and found the self-confident disciple sleeping rather than praying. He told Peter, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).
Spiritual battles require spiritual weapons to win. The key to defeating the devil is not the strength of our will or our character, but the strength of our relationship with God. We must come to Him on His terms and place our will under the control of His plan for our lives. The strength that He gives only comes to those who seek it from Him. The threat of sin is constantly with us and we must stay on guard against it until we reach Heaven.
Today's Growth Principle: The more our hearts are submitted to God, the more strength we will have to resist the devil.
What Comes First --- Paul Chappell
James 4:6-8 --- But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
All of us want to be victorious over sin, but from time to time we struggle with the temptations we face. We know that we have been given the power to triumph over sin, yet we also have to admit that too often we yield to it instead. There is a pattern God has given us for victory, and we must follow it if we expect to receive the benefits. The process of victorious living does not start with fighting against sin and the devil, but with our relationship with God. It is only after we submit to Him that we have the power to resist Satan.
Jesus warned Peter that he had been made a special target of Satan and was in danger of denying the Lord. Peter relied on his own strength and was confident that he would be faithful. Yet in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus came and found the self-confident disciple sleeping rather than praying. He told Peter, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).
Spiritual battles require spiritual weapons to win. The key to defeating the devil is not the strength of our will or our character, but the strength of our relationship with God. We must come to Him on His terms and place our will under the control of His plan for our lives. The strength that He gives only comes to those who seek it from Him. The threat of sin is constantly with us and we must stay on guard against it until we reach Heaven.
Today's Growth Principle: The more our hearts are submitted to God, the more strength we will have to resist the devil.
FEBRUARY 9, 2021
God Is For Us
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
Four simple words…life-changing words. God is for us. He is on our side. He wants what is best for us in all things. He will never leave us or forsake us. This is life-transforming truth. Sometimes it’s easy to believe these words. But what about the times when God seems far away? What about the seasons of life that bring disappointment and heartbreak? How can we learn to remember this truth when it doesn’t feel true?
Notice that those four words – God is for us – are the response to a question posed by the Apostle Paul at the beginning of the verse. Romans 8:31 asks, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things?” The answer Paul gives, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” I believe the key to knowing that God is for us, no matter the circumstances or feelings we face, is found within the phrase, “these things.” What “things” is Paul referring to that should automatically elicit the response, “God is for us?”
To answer this question, we must look at what Paul had previously written in Romans 8. He has told us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (verse 1), we have been set free from the law of sin and death (verse 2), those led by the Spirit are children of God (verse 14), we have been given the Spirit of adoption (verse 15), we are co-heirs with Christ (verse 17), the Spirit Himself intercedes for us (verse 26), in all things God works for the good of those who love Him (verse 28), and we have been predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son (verse 29). Then he asks the question: In light of all of these things that God has done, what should we say in response? Could we come to any other conclusion except that God is for us? And if God is for us, who could be against us?
So the next time you don’t feel like God is for you, just look to Romans 8 and be reminded of all of “these things” He has done to demonstrate His love and faithfulness. Whatever we face in this life is temporary, but His gifts are eternal. This is all the reason we need to believe that God is for us.
Dear Lord, thank you for all the things you have done for me over the years, whether I recognized they were your doing or not. Help me to remember your blessings and your gifts so that I develop a stronger faith and trust in you. In Jesus' name, amen.
God Is For Us
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
Four simple words…life-changing words. God is for us. He is on our side. He wants what is best for us in all things. He will never leave us or forsake us. This is life-transforming truth. Sometimes it’s easy to believe these words. But what about the times when God seems far away? What about the seasons of life that bring disappointment and heartbreak? How can we learn to remember this truth when it doesn’t feel true?
Notice that those four words – God is for us – are the response to a question posed by the Apostle Paul at the beginning of the verse. Romans 8:31 asks, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things?” The answer Paul gives, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” I believe the key to knowing that God is for us, no matter the circumstances or feelings we face, is found within the phrase, “these things.” What “things” is Paul referring to that should automatically elicit the response, “God is for us?”
To answer this question, we must look at what Paul had previously written in Romans 8. He has told us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (verse 1), we have been set free from the law of sin and death (verse 2), those led by the Spirit are children of God (verse 14), we have been given the Spirit of adoption (verse 15), we are co-heirs with Christ (verse 17), the Spirit Himself intercedes for us (verse 26), in all things God works for the good of those who love Him (verse 28), and we have been predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son (verse 29). Then he asks the question: In light of all of these things that God has done, what should we say in response? Could we come to any other conclusion except that God is for us? And if God is for us, who could be against us?
So the next time you don’t feel like God is for you, just look to Romans 8 and be reminded of all of “these things” He has done to demonstrate His love and faithfulness. Whatever we face in this life is temporary, but His gifts are eternal. This is all the reason we need to believe that God is for us.
Dear Lord, thank you for all the things you have done for me over the years, whether I recognized they were your doing or not. Help me to remember your blessings and your gifts so that I develop a stronger faith and trust in you. In Jesus' name, amen.
FEBRUARY 8, 2021
Power Over Sin
Galatians 5:24 (TLB) --- Those who belong to Christ have nailed their natural evil desires to his cross and crucified them there.
The strength for our conquering and our victory is drawn continually from Christ. The Bible does not teach that sin is completely eradicated from the Christian in this life, but it does teach that sin shall no longer reign over you. The strength and power of sin have been broken. The Christian now has resources available to live above and beyond this world. The Bible teaches that whosoever is born of God does not practice sin. It is like the little girl who said that when the devil came knocking with a temptation, she just sent Jesus to the door.
Prayer for the day --- Lord Jesus, I need Your power continually. You know how many times I am tempted.
Power Over Sin
Galatians 5:24 (TLB) --- Those who belong to Christ have nailed their natural evil desires to his cross and crucified them there.
The strength for our conquering and our victory is drawn continually from Christ. The Bible does not teach that sin is completely eradicated from the Christian in this life, but it does teach that sin shall no longer reign over you. The strength and power of sin have been broken. The Christian now has resources available to live above and beyond this world. The Bible teaches that whosoever is born of God does not practice sin. It is like the little girl who said that when the devil came knocking with a temptation, she just sent Jesus to the door.
Prayer for the day --- Lord Jesus, I need Your power continually. You know how many times I am tempted.
FEBRUARY 7, 2021
Guilt and Forgiveness
When Jesus died on the cross, He didn’t only pay for our forgiveness, but He paid the price to free us from guilt as well. When we acknowledge or admit our sin to God, telling Him everything, refusing to hide our sin, we’re able to receive His gift of grace. Confession is good for the soul; it allows us to let go of heavy burdens that are caused by guilty secrets.
The feeling of guilt doesn’t always go away instantly, but we can choose to take God at His Word and say, “I am forgiven, and every trace of guilt has been removed from my record.” When we live by the truth of God’s Word, eventually our feelings will catch up with our decisions.
Let’s say it together: I receive what Christ did for me. I am forgiven; all my guilt has been removed, so I can move forward freely!
Prayer Starter: Father, today I choose to receive Your gift of forgiveness. Thank You that I can move forward knowing that You’ve already carried my guilt, so I can let it go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Guilt and Forgiveness
When Jesus died on the cross, He didn’t only pay for our forgiveness, but He paid the price to free us from guilt as well. When we acknowledge or admit our sin to God, telling Him everything, refusing to hide our sin, we’re able to receive His gift of grace. Confession is good for the soul; it allows us to let go of heavy burdens that are caused by guilty secrets.
The feeling of guilt doesn’t always go away instantly, but we can choose to take God at His Word and say, “I am forgiven, and every trace of guilt has been removed from my record.” When we live by the truth of God’s Word, eventually our feelings will catch up with our decisions.
Let’s say it together: I receive what Christ did for me. I am forgiven; all my guilt has been removed, so I can move forward freely!
Prayer Starter: Father, today I choose to receive Your gift of forgiveness. Thank You that I can move forward knowing that You’ve already carried my guilt, so I can let it go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
FEBRUARY 6, 2021
Dealing With Persecution
1 Peter 1:3-9
Harsh persecution for faith isn’t something most of us have been subjected to here in the United States.
Perhaps we’ve been rejected, ridiculed, or treated unfairly, but at this point in history, physical suffering, imprisonment, or death haven’t been a typical experience. However, in other places around the globe, believers are severely oppressed for their faith.
But whatever negative treatment we may encounter, the Bible consistently recommends a response of patient endurance and joy in the Lord. Jesus said anyone mistreated for His sake is actually blessed (Luke 6:22-23), and Peter points out that from God’s point of view, such oppression is designed to prove our faith genuine (1 Peter 1:6-7). Whenever the church is persecuted, it is purified because those who remain are dedicated followers of Jesus.
Persecution can have a similar purifying effect on our personal life: Having comforts, pleasures, and idols of this world stripped away can drive us to the Lord for strength and grace. Then pride, self-centeredness, and self-confidence lose their grip, and in our weakness, we recognize God and His eternal inheritance as our only hope. Though oppression is certainly nothing you or I would want, we can take heart knowing that even in such extreme situations, there are blessings that lead to rejoicing in Christ.
Bible in One Year: Leviticus 24-25
Dealing With Persecution
1 Peter 1:3-9
Harsh persecution for faith isn’t something most of us have been subjected to here in the United States.
Perhaps we’ve been rejected, ridiculed, or treated unfairly, but at this point in history, physical suffering, imprisonment, or death haven’t been a typical experience. However, in other places around the globe, believers are severely oppressed for their faith.
But whatever negative treatment we may encounter, the Bible consistently recommends a response of patient endurance and joy in the Lord. Jesus said anyone mistreated for His sake is actually blessed (Luke 6:22-23), and Peter points out that from God’s point of view, such oppression is designed to prove our faith genuine (1 Peter 1:6-7). Whenever the church is persecuted, it is purified because those who remain are dedicated followers of Jesus.
Persecution can have a similar purifying effect on our personal life: Having comforts, pleasures, and idols of this world stripped away can drive us to the Lord for strength and grace. Then pride, self-centeredness, and self-confidence lose their grip, and in our weakness, we recognize God and His eternal inheritance as our only hope. Though oppression is certainly nothing you or I would want, we can take heart knowing that even in such extreme situations, there are blessings that lead to rejoicing in Christ.
Bible in One Year: Leviticus 24-25
FEBRUARY 5, 2021
The Intercession of the Savior --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Hebrews 7:25-27 --- Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
The work of Jesus on the cross completely paid for our salvation once and for all. There is nothing else that needs to be done—as He said, “It is finished.” But although His work on earth is complete, He is still doing something that is vitally important. Jesus is interceding for us. The writer of Hebrews compares the work Jesus is doing for us now to that of the high priest in the Old Testament who stood before God once each year on the Day of Atonement as the representative of the people. Yet what Jesus is doing is superior because He has no need to continue sacrifices. That was done once for all. Now by virtue of His sacrifice on the cross, He can present our case directly to the Father.
Jesus is interceding for us now for the same reason that He came to die on the cross. He loves and cares for us that much. There is nothing we face that He does not understand and there will never be a day when He abandons or forsakes us. Frank Graeff wrote:
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song;
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?
(We used to sing this verse in my church on Okinawa, which we wrote during a sweltering Wednesday evening service-
Does Jesus care when I'm far away
On an island across the sea;
So far from home, and all alone,
I know He cares for me!)
O, yes, He cares—I know He cares!
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
Today's Growth Principle: We have a loving Savior in Heaven who is standing before the Father on our behalf.
The Intercession of the Savior --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Hebrews 7:25-27 --- Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
The work of Jesus on the cross completely paid for our salvation once and for all. There is nothing else that needs to be done—as He said, “It is finished.” But although His work on earth is complete, He is still doing something that is vitally important. Jesus is interceding for us. The writer of Hebrews compares the work Jesus is doing for us now to that of the high priest in the Old Testament who stood before God once each year on the Day of Atonement as the representative of the people. Yet what Jesus is doing is superior because He has no need to continue sacrifices. That was done once for all. Now by virtue of His sacrifice on the cross, He can present our case directly to the Father.
Jesus is interceding for us now for the same reason that He came to die on the cross. He loves and cares for us that much. There is nothing we face that He does not understand and there will never be a day when He abandons or forsakes us. Frank Graeff wrote:
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song;
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?
(We used to sing this verse in my church on Okinawa, which we wrote during a sweltering Wednesday evening service-
Does Jesus care when I'm far away
On an island across the sea;
So far from home, and all alone,
I know He cares for me!)
O, yes, He cares—I know He cares!
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
Today's Growth Principle: We have a loving Savior in Heaven who is standing before the Father on our behalf.
FEBRUARY 4, 2021
The Principle of Authority
Then David went out of the cave and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. (1 Samuel 24:8)
There is a story of a man in the Bible who one day would be king, who had every reason not just to disrespect the one who was king, but to destroy him and bring his kingdom to an end. But the fact that he did not and the reasons that he did serve as a great reminder over 2500 years later why respect is so important and what it looks like. This story teaches us a tremendous lesson that we need to not only learn, but desperately need to pass on to the next generation, and that lesson is to abide by the principle of authority.
David lived in a kingdom. He was under kingdom authority. Saul, as the king, was the embodiment of that principle of authority. That is so important to grasp. You don’t live your life by popularity - that is what everybody else thinks is right. You don’t live your life by practice - by what everybody else is doing. You live your life by principle - by a conviction of what is right.
David perfected the principle of authority. Saul was still the king. David was still under his authority. What set David apart from his men was he understood that what is right is not what we think is right at the moment or how others feel is right at the moment, but what God says is right at the moment.
One of the marks of maturity is the willingness to abide by the principle of authority even though you may not always agree with how that authority acts. It doesn’t mean that we support wickedness. It doesn’t mean that we approve of evil any more than David approved of what Saul was doing, but it does mean that we respect all authority unless that authority asks us to do something that is immoral, unethical or unbiblical.
So let’s take David’s story to heart and follow his example as we learn to respect the principle of authority, even when it isn’t easy.
Dear Father, anyone in authority has been placed in their position by you. Therefore, I want to be respectful of whatever authority you have placed over me. Help me to be more like David and to abide by the principle of authority in my own life so that I might honor you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The Principle of Authority
Then David went out of the cave and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. (1 Samuel 24:8)
There is a story of a man in the Bible who one day would be king, who had every reason not just to disrespect the one who was king, but to destroy him and bring his kingdom to an end. But the fact that he did not and the reasons that he did serve as a great reminder over 2500 years later why respect is so important and what it looks like. This story teaches us a tremendous lesson that we need to not only learn, but desperately need to pass on to the next generation, and that lesson is to abide by the principle of authority.
David lived in a kingdom. He was under kingdom authority. Saul, as the king, was the embodiment of that principle of authority. That is so important to grasp. You don’t live your life by popularity - that is what everybody else thinks is right. You don’t live your life by practice - by what everybody else is doing. You live your life by principle - by a conviction of what is right.
David perfected the principle of authority. Saul was still the king. David was still under his authority. What set David apart from his men was he understood that what is right is not what we think is right at the moment or how others feel is right at the moment, but what God says is right at the moment.
One of the marks of maturity is the willingness to abide by the principle of authority even though you may not always agree with how that authority acts. It doesn’t mean that we support wickedness. It doesn’t mean that we approve of evil any more than David approved of what Saul was doing, but it does mean that we respect all authority unless that authority asks us to do something that is immoral, unethical or unbiblical.
So let’s take David’s story to heart and follow his example as we learn to respect the principle of authority, even when it isn’t easy.
Dear Father, anyone in authority has been placed in their position by you. Therefore, I want to be respectful of whatever authority you have placed over me. Help me to be more like David and to abide by the principle of authority in my own life so that I might honor you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
FEBRUARY 3, 2021
Get Along with YOU
''The Bible teaches us that the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. That simply means that when the Lord, in the form of the Holy Spirit, comes to dwell in our heart because of our faith in His son Jesus Christ, He brings love with Him, because God is love (see 1 john 4:8).
We all need to ask ourselves what we’re doing with the love of God that has been freely given to us. Are we rejecting it because we don't think we’re valuable enough to be loved? Do we believe God is like other people who have rejected and hurt us? Or are we receiving His love by faith, believing that He is greater than our failures and weaknesses? What kind of relationship do you have with God, with yourself, and ultimately, with those around you?
For a long time, it never occurred to me that I even had a relationship with myself. It was just something I never thought of until God began teaching me in these areas. I now realize that I spend more time with myself than with anyone else, so it is vital that I get along well with me.
You are one person you never get away from. We all know how agonizing it is to work day after day with someone we don't get along with, but at least we don't have to take that person home with us at night. But we are with ourselves all the time, day and night. We never have one minute away from ourselves, not even a second—therefore, it’s incredibly important that we learn to have peace with ourselves. And one big way we can do that is by receiving the love the Holy Spirit has given us for ourselves.
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for pouring Your love into my heart through the Holy Spirit. Please help me to learn to get along better with myself today, and to be more intentional about receiving Your peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Get Along with YOU
''The Bible teaches us that the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. That simply means that when the Lord, in the form of the Holy Spirit, comes to dwell in our heart because of our faith in His son Jesus Christ, He brings love with Him, because God is love (see 1 john 4:8).
We all need to ask ourselves what we’re doing with the love of God that has been freely given to us. Are we rejecting it because we don't think we’re valuable enough to be loved? Do we believe God is like other people who have rejected and hurt us? Or are we receiving His love by faith, believing that He is greater than our failures and weaknesses? What kind of relationship do you have with God, with yourself, and ultimately, with those around you?
For a long time, it never occurred to me that I even had a relationship with myself. It was just something I never thought of until God began teaching me in these areas. I now realize that I spend more time with myself than with anyone else, so it is vital that I get along well with me.
You are one person you never get away from. We all know how agonizing it is to work day after day with someone we don't get along with, but at least we don't have to take that person home with us at night. But we are with ourselves all the time, day and night. We never have one minute away from ourselves, not even a second—therefore, it’s incredibly important that we learn to have peace with ourselves. And one big way we can do that is by receiving the love the Holy Spirit has given us for ourselves.
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for pouring Your love into my heart through the Holy Spirit. Please help me to learn to get along better with myself today, and to be more intentional about receiving Your peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.
FEBRUARY 2, 2021
Rely on God’s Spirit
Galatians 3:1-5
Many years ago I learned a valuable lesson from a missionary who had spent 40 years in China. I told her about a struggle I was having, and I’ve never forgotten her reply. She said, “Charles, you won’t ever be any better than you are, but the Holy Spirit who lives inside you will enable you. You can’t improve your flesh.”
Until then, I’d always thought that if I worked hard enough, I would be a better person. It was an eye-opener to realize that our heavenly Father does not want or need our self-efforts. They can neither earn us salvation nor enable us to live the Christian life. In his letter to the Galatians, the apostle Paul said basically the same thing when he wrote, “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” (Gal. 3:3).
In our own strength, we are unable to do anything of eternal value. To become the person God wants us to be and to accomplish His will in our life, we must totally rely upon His Spirit. But it’s important to remember that dependence is not inaction. Paul described it this way: “I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me” (Col. 1:29). Depending fully on the Holy Spirit is how our Father wants us to serve Him.
Rely on God’s Spirit
Galatians 3:1-5
Many years ago I learned a valuable lesson from a missionary who had spent 40 years in China. I told her about a struggle I was having, and I’ve never forgotten her reply. She said, “Charles, you won’t ever be any better than you are, but the Holy Spirit who lives inside you will enable you. You can’t improve your flesh.”
Until then, I’d always thought that if I worked hard enough, I would be a better person. It was an eye-opener to realize that our heavenly Father does not want or need our self-efforts. They can neither earn us salvation nor enable us to live the Christian life. In his letter to the Galatians, the apostle Paul said basically the same thing when he wrote, “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” (Gal. 3:3).
In our own strength, we are unable to do anything of eternal value. To become the person God wants us to be and to accomplish His will in our life, we must totally rely upon His Spirit. But it’s important to remember that dependence is not inaction. Paul described it this way: “I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me” (Col. 1:29). Depending fully on the Holy Spirit is how our Father wants us to serve Him.
FEBRUARY 1, 2021
Seeking God --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Jeremiah 29:12-14 --- Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.
The people of Israel in Jeremiah's day observed the outward forms of their religion. The Temple stood in Jerusalem, and the priests offered sacrifices there. Yet for most of them, it was only an empty ritual. Their hearts were not involved in their worship. Instead they were devoted to the other gods and idols they had borrowed from the heathen nations around them. They did not want to completely remove the God of Israel, but they were supplementing Him with other deities. And God brought judgement upon them for their idolatry.
Yet even in the midst of that judgment, God sent the prophet to them with the promise that if they would turn back to Him wholeheartedly, He would listen to their prayers and free them from bondage.
A. W. Tozer wrote, “If we would find God among all the religious externals, we must first determine to find Him, and then proceed in the way of simplicity. Now as always God reveals Himself to babes and hides Himself in thick darkness from the wise and prudent. We must simplify our approach to God!” The question each of us much answer is this: how much of our heart is truly devoted to God? Is He our first and foremost love in all things, or is He simply one more item on a checklist of priorities?
Today's Growth Principle: We cannot expect to have a close fellowship with God unless our hearts are devoted to Him.
Seeking God --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Jeremiah 29:12-14 --- Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.
The people of Israel in Jeremiah's day observed the outward forms of their religion. The Temple stood in Jerusalem, and the priests offered sacrifices there. Yet for most of them, it was only an empty ritual. Their hearts were not involved in their worship. Instead they were devoted to the other gods and idols they had borrowed from the heathen nations around them. They did not want to completely remove the God of Israel, but they were supplementing Him with other deities. And God brought judgement upon them for their idolatry.
Yet even in the midst of that judgment, God sent the prophet to them with the promise that if they would turn back to Him wholeheartedly, He would listen to their prayers and free them from bondage.
A. W. Tozer wrote, “If we would find God among all the religious externals, we must first determine to find Him, and then proceed in the way of simplicity. Now as always God reveals Himself to babes and hides Himself in thick darkness from the wise and prudent. We must simplify our approach to God!” The question each of us much answer is this: how much of our heart is truly devoted to God? Is He our first and foremost love in all things, or is He simply one more item on a checklist of priorities?
Today's Growth Principle: We cannot expect to have a close fellowship with God unless our hearts are devoted to Him.
JANUARY 31, 2021
God Always Provides
Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together. When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram behind him caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. (Genesis 22:7-13)
The way that our faith and God’s faithfulness operates is this. God will not reveal his faithfulness until we exercise our faith. Faith means going all in. It is an all or nothing sell out. You can’t be half faithful to God.
You can’t be faithful part of the time to God. You can’t be faithful to God only when you feel like it, or want to be, or it doesn’t cost you anything.
As you go through life, you will find God will test you and he will stretch your faith and in the end he will provide. He always has provided, and he always will provide. Just like we read in today’s key passage, God provided for Abraham when Abraham was faithful, even to the point of giving up the son he had asked God to give him for decades.
So if you are ever asked to give up your Isaac just understand God will provide. He will not leave you hanging. He will come through, because that’s just who he is. He always comes through.
Dear Father, thank you for the example of your faithfulness and provision in the story of Abraham. I pray that you would help me to be faithful, even in my surrendering, as I trust you to provide your best for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
God Always Provides
Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together. When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram behind him caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. (Genesis 22:7-13)
The way that our faith and God’s faithfulness operates is this. God will not reveal his faithfulness until we exercise our faith. Faith means going all in. It is an all or nothing sell out. You can’t be half faithful to God.
You can’t be faithful part of the time to God. You can’t be faithful to God only when you feel like it, or want to be, or it doesn’t cost you anything.
As you go through life, you will find God will test you and he will stretch your faith and in the end he will provide. He always has provided, and he always will provide. Just like we read in today’s key passage, God provided for Abraham when Abraham was faithful, even to the point of giving up the son he had asked God to give him for decades.
So if you are ever asked to give up your Isaac just understand God will provide. He will not leave you hanging. He will come through, because that’s just who he is. He always comes through.
Dear Father, thank you for the example of your faithfulness and provision in the story of Abraham. I pray that you would help me to be faithful, even in my surrendering, as I trust you to provide your best for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
JANUARY 30, 2021
Jesus Is Our Comforter
2 Thessalonians 2:16,17 --- Our Lord Jesus Christ . . . which hath loved us . . . comfort your hearts . . .
Christ is the answer to sorrow. When Harry Lauder, the great Scottish comedian, received word that his son had been killed in France, he said, “In a time like this, there are three courses open to man: He may give way to despair and become bitter. He may endeavor to drown his sorrow in drink or in a life of wickedness. Or he may turn to God.” In your sorrow, turn to God. There are thousands of people who have turned to God, but you may be still carrying your burdens. God begs of you, “Cast all your cares on me, for I care for you” (1 Peter 5:7). You who must go through the valley of the shadow of death, you who must say goodbye to those whom you have loved, you who suffer privation and misery, you who are unjustly persecuted for righteousness’ sake-take heart, take courage. Our Christ is more than adequate for sorrow.
Prayer for the day --- In sorrow, Jesus, Your comfort will take all the bitterness and longing away and give me courage to face the heartache. Your grace will console me and Your arms will support me. Thank You, dear Lord.
Jesus Is Our Comforter
2 Thessalonians 2:16,17 --- Our Lord Jesus Christ . . . which hath loved us . . . comfort your hearts . . .
Christ is the answer to sorrow. When Harry Lauder, the great Scottish comedian, received word that his son had been killed in France, he said, “In a time like this, there are three courses open to man: He may give way to despair and become bitter. He may endeavor to drown his sorrow in drink or in a life of wickedness. Or he may turn to God.” In your sorrow, turn to God. There are thousands of people who have turned to God, but you may be still carrying your burdens. God begs of you, “Cast all your cares on me, for I care for you” (1 Peter 5:7). You who must go through the valley of the shadow of death, you who must say goodbye to those whom you have loved, you who suffer privation and misery, you who are unjustly persecuted for righteousness’ sake-take heart, take courage. Our Christ is more than adequate for sorrow.
Prayer for the day --- In sorrow, Jesus, Your comfort will take all the bitterness and longing away and give me courage to face the heartache. Your grace will console me and Your arms will support me. Thank You, dear Lord.
JANUARY 29, 2021
God’s Words Agree with His Word
I once sat down to do some writing on a book and sensed the Lord saying, "Take a few minutes and just wait on Me." I waited for a very short time and then started to make a phone call. The Lord gently said, "I didn't tell you to make phone calls; I told you to wait on Me." My desire to do something was not unusual; most people have a hard time being still and waiting on someone, something, or even God.After I got quiet and waited for a period of time, the Lord began to speak to me about angels—something I certainly was not expecting. He led me to look up several Scriptures and I ended up having a mini Bible study on the power and presence of angels. God has reasons for everything He does, and I believe He wanted me to be more aware of the angels working on my behalf—something I had not thought about for a long, long time.
You may wonder how I knew with certainty that God was speaking to me and that the whole subject of angels was not something I came up with in my own mind. The answer is that I had peace about what I heard. It felt "right" inside of me. My spirit confirmed it as a message from the Lord, and what I heard agreed with God's Word.
There have been other times I have waited on God and heard a similar voice, but knew intuitively that it was not God's. We must know God through His Word in order to safely know when He is speaking to us and when He isn't.
Prayer Starter: Father, I love hearing Your voice. Please help me to always recognize when it’s Your voice, and not just my own thoughts. In Jesus’ name, amen.
art, t
God’s Words Agree with His Word
I once sat down to do some writing on a book and sensed the Lord saying, "Take a few minutes and just wait on Me." I waited for a very short time and then started to make a phone call. The Lord gently said, "I didn't tell you to make phone calls; I told you to wait on Me." My desire to do something was not unusual; most people have a hard time being still and waiting on someone, something, or even God.After I got quiet and waited for a period of time, the Lord began to speak to me about angels—something I certainly was not expecting. He led me to look up several Scriptures and I ended up having a mini Bible study on the power and presence of angels. God has reasons for everything He does, and I believe He wanted me to be more aware of the angels working on my behalf—something I had not thought about for a long, long time.
You may wonder how I knew with certainty that God was speaking to me and that the whole subject of angels was not something I came up with in my own mind. The answer is that I had peace about what I heard. It felt "right" inside of me. My spirit confirmed it as a message from the Lord, and what I heard agreed with God's Word.
There have been other times I have waited on God and heard a similar voice, but knew intuitively that it was not God's. We must know God through His Word in order to safely know when He is speaking to us and when He isn't.
Prayer Starter: Father, I love hearing Your voice. Please help me to always recognize when it’s Your voice, and not just my own thoughts. In Jesus’ name, amen.
art, t
JANUARY 28, 2021
Evangelism: Every Believer’s Calling
Acts 1:1-8
One Sunday a man approached me between services to share his story. He had been addicted to drugs and was leading a hopeless life when he heard a Scripture verse in a sermon. He said that one passage led him to place his trust in Jesus Christ.
We all have a story. Oftentimes the more we surrender to God, the more we see His hand in our life. And the more we watch Him work, the more we want to share with others what He has done.
The same was true of the disciples, who gathered around Jesus before His ascension. They heard His command to spread the gospel, make disciples, and baptize people from all nations. Surely this seemed like an overwhelming task for a handful of followers, but they obeyed. Their personal experiences with Christ undoubtedly motivated them to share the good news, and they also must have gained confidence from Jesus’ promise of His presence and power.
Are you passionately telling others about Christ? One of our highest callings is to tell others about Him. As was true for the early Christians, our own experience with the Savior is the most exciting and convincing story to tell.
Bible in One Year: Exodus 36-38
Evangelism: Every Believer’s Calling
Acts 1:1-8
One Sunday a man approached me between services to share his story. He had been addicted to drugs and was leading a hopeless life when he heard a Scripture verse in a sermon. He said that one passage led him to place his trust in Jesus Christ.
We all have a story. Oftentimes the more we surrender to God, the more we see His hand in our life. And the more we watch Him work, the more we want to share with others what He has done.
The same was true of the disciples, who gathered around Jesus before His ascension. They heard His command to spread the gospel, make disciples, and baptize people from all nations. Surely this seemed like an overwhelming task for a handful of followers, but they obeyed. Their personal experiences with Christ undoubtedly motivated them to share the good news, and they also must have gained confidence from Jesus’ promise of His presence and power.
Are you passionately telling others about Christ? One of our highest callings is to tell others about Him. As was true for the early Christians, our own experience with the Savior is the most exciting and convincing story to tell.
Bible in One Year: Exodus 36-38
JANUARY 27, 2021
How to Get into God's Family --- Dr. Paul Chappell
John 1:10-13 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
People all around us are looking for a way to have a relationship with God. They may adopt a set of religious practices. They may join a particular movement. They may reject formal religion and seek God in the mountains or forests or deserts. They may be fervent and sincere in their desire to come to God, but all human efforts to bridge the gap between man and God are doomed to failure. The sinful nature each of us has at birth makes it impossible for us to reach God—He had to come to us. That is why Jesus was born into the world.
There are not many ways to God; there is only one way. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). We cannot earn our way to God. Instead we must receive the gift of salvation through faith alone. It is then that He gives us the power to enter into His family and become His children.
Salvation is not and cannot be an act of man. It must be accomplished by God. When Jesus was physically present on Earth, many people refused to receive Him as the Messiah and Saviour. It is no different today.
Lots of people refuse to accept the free offer of salvation. But everyone who receives it in faith by God's grace is saved forever.
Today's Growth Principle: Salvation is only possible because God gives us the free gift through His Son, Jesus Christ.
How to Get into God's Family --- Dr. Paul Chappell
John 1:10-13 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
People all around us are looking for a way to have a relationship with God. They may adopt a set of religious practices. They may join a particular movement. They may reject formal religion and seek God in the mountains or forests or deserts. They may be fervent and sincere in their desire to come to God, but all human efforts to bridge the gap between man and God are doomed to failure. The sinful nature each of us has at birth makes it impossible for us to reach God—He had to come to us. That is why Jesus was born into the world.
There are not many ways to God; there is only one way. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). We cannot earn our way to God. Instead we must receive the gift of salvation through faith alone. It is then that He gives us the power to enter into His family and become His children.
Salvation is not and cannot be an act of man. It must be accomplished by God. When Jesus was physically present on Earth, many people refused to receive Him as the Messiah and Saviour. It is no different today.
Lots of people refuse to accept the free offer of salvation. But everyone who receives it in faith by God's grace is saved forever.
Today's Growth Principle: Salvation is only possible because God gives us the free gift through His Son, Jesus Christ.
JANUARY 26, 2021
Foolishness
Proverbs 20:7 --- “The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.”
There are certain kinds of people that we need to teach our kids to handle with extreme caution. Solomon describes these people as “fools.” There are three Hebrew words used for the term, “fool.” One term refers to a hardheaded person who thinks he needs no advice. The second term refers to a thickheaded person who won’t even listen to advice. And the last term refers to an empty-headed person who doesn’t listen to advice, but does the opposite of good advice and lives a foolish lifestyle. All three of these people are considered to be fools.
This is what we today refer to as, “the wrong crowd.” These are the people intent on being at the wrong place, doing the wrong thing, at the wrong time. They aren’t interested in people pulling them up to a higher level; they are only interested in pulling people down to a lower level. A fool is someone who will not listen to godly advice, will not learn godly counsel, and will not live according to godly wisdom.
There are some people that children need to learn to simply avoid. There is a story about a man who called a telephone number one time. It was the wrong number, but he got a great laugh over the message. The recording said: “I’m not available right now, but I thank you for caring enough to call. I am making some changes in my life. Please leave a message after the beep. If I don’t return your call, you are one of the changes.” As parents, we must teach our children when it is time to make changes in relationships.
This is so important not just for earth, but also for eternity. The first thing we should all be teaching our children is that the most important relationship they will ever have is with Jesus Christ. When it comes to knowing, loving, and spending eternity with God, it is all about a right relationship with Jesus Christ. When our children have this relationship, they will have the Holy Spirit inside of them to help guide them as they navigate the rough terrain of friendships, enemies, and fools.
Dear Lord, please give my children wisdom and discernment to recognize and avoid foolish people. Help them to understand the value of wise, godly friends. And help me to teach them well what it looks like to choose friends wisely. In Jesus' name, amen.
Foolishness
Proverbs 20:7 --- “The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.”
There are certain kinds of people that we need to teach our kids to handle with extreme caution. Solomon describes these people as “fools.” There are three Hebrew words used for the term, “fool.” One term refers to a hardheaded person who thinks he needs no advice. The second term refers to a thickheaded person who won’t even listen to advice. And the last term refers to an empty-headed person who doesn’t listen to advice, but does the opposite of good advice and lives a foolish lifestyle. All three of these people are considered to be fools.
This is what we today refer to as, “the wrong crowd.” These are the people intent on being at the wrong place, doing the wrong thing, at the wrong time. They aren’t interested in people pulling them up to a higher level; they are only interested in pulling people down to a lower level. A fool is someone who will not listen to godly advice, will not learn godly counsel, and will not live according to godly wisdom.
There are some people that children need to learn to simply avoid. There is a story about a man who called a telephone number one time. It was the wrong number, but he got a great laugh over the message. The recording said: “I’m not available right now, but I thank you for caring enough to call. I am making some changes in my life. Please leave a message after the beep. If I don’t return your call, you are one of the changes.” As parents, we must teach our children when it is time to make changes in relationships.
This is so important not just for earth, but also for eternity. The first thing we should all be teaching our children is that the most important relationship they will ever have is with Jesus Christ. When it comes to knowing, loving, and spending eternity with God, it is all about a right relationship with Jesus Christ. When our children have this relationship, they will have the Holy Spirit inside of them to help guide them as they navigate the rough terrain of friendships, enemies, and fools.
Dear Lord, please give my children wisdom and discernment to recognize and avoid foolish people. Help them to understand the value of wise, godly friends. And help me to teach them well what it looks like to choose friends wisely. In Jesus' name, amen.
JANUARY 25, 2021
Love Your Enemies
Proverbs 20:22 --- “Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and He will avenge you.”
There is one thing that has been true of every human being who has lived long enough on this earth and that is everyone makes enemies. If you have convictions that you believe in, and the courage to stand up for them, you are going to make enemies. If you are willing to take a stand for Jesus Christ, you are going to make enemies. If you are willing to tell the truth – even in love – you are going to make enemies. The question is not, “Do we make enemies?” The question is, “How are we going to respond to our enemies?”
The Bible gives two pieces of advice on how to handle people that don’t like you, oppose you, harm you, or want to do you wrong. First, never go down to their level. There are countless people whose lives have been ruined, not by what has been done to them, but by how they have responded to it. There are people whose entire lives are built around how they can pay back someone who has done something wrong to them. This is not only an exercise in futility; it is unbiblical. Retribution and revenge can never heal your wounds. In fact, seeking to repay a wrong with another wrong only does more harm. Unforgiveness and anger lead to bitterness; and once bitterness takes root you will be miserable. There is only One who has the right to pay anyone back for a wrong; and God is the only One who knows how to pay back a wrong in the right way.
So how should we respond to our enemies? Proverbs 25:21-22 says, “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” Back in Bible days, homes were heated and meals were prepared on little stoves that would look like an outside barbecue grill. When the poor ran out of coals for the fire, they would put empty containers on their heads and pass under the windows of wealthier people, who would drop extra coals into the containers. At the end of the journey, the poor man would arrive back home with a pile of burning coals on his head for his fire. It was an act of kindness and generosity.
We must teach our children to fill their enemies with forgiveness and kindness. Often times, this will turn enemies into friends. And when it doesn’t, it displays the character of God, who loved us and sent His Son to die for us while we were His enemies.
Dear Lord, loving our enemies is one of the hardest things about being one of your followers, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try. Please help me to model obedience to the command well for my children so that they may learn to obey you as well. In Jesus' name, amen.
Love Your Enemies
Proverbs 20:22 --- “Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and He will avenge you.”
There is one thing that has been true of every human being who has lived long enough on this earth and that is everyone makes enemies. If you have convictions that you believe in, and the courage to stand up for them, you are going to make enemies. If you are willing to take a stand for Jesus Christ, you are going to make enemies. If you are willing to tell the truth – even in love – you are going to make enemies. The question is not, “Do we make enemies?” The question is, “How are we going to respond to our enemies?”
The Bible gives two pieces of advice on how to handle people that don’t like you, oppose you, harm you, or want to do you wrong. First, never go down to their level. There are countless people whose lives have been ruined, not by what has been done to them, but by how they have responded to it. There are people whose entire lives are built around how they can pay back someone who has done something wrong to them. This is not only an exercise in futility; it is unbiblical. Retribution and revenge can never heal your wounds. In fact, seeking to repay a wrong with another wrong only does more harm. Unforgiveness and anger lead to bitterness; and once bitterness takes root you will be miserable. There is only One who has the right to pay anyone back for a wrong; and God is the only One who knows how to pay back a wrong in the right way.
So how should we respond to our enemies? Proverbs 25:21-22 says, “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” Back in Bible days, homes were heated and meals were prepared on little stoves that would look like an outside barbecue grill. When the poor ran out of coals for the fire, they would put empty containers on their heads and pass under the windows of wealthier people, who would drop extra coals into the containers. At the end of the journey, the poor man would arrive back home with a pile of burning coals on his head for his fire. It was an act of kindness and generosity.
We must teach our children to fill their enemies with forgiveness and kindness. Often times, this will turn enemies into friends. And when it doesn’t, it displays the character of God, who loved us and sent His Son to die for us while we were His enemies.
Dear Lord, loving our enemies is one of the hardest things about being one of your followers, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try. Please help me to model obedience to the command well for my children so that they may learn to obey you as well. In Jesus' name, amen.
JANUARY 24, 2021
Meeting Spiritual Needs
Go and make disciples in all the nations . . . Matthew 28:19 (TLB)
Christian missions is unique in the aggressive movements of history. Christianity in its pure form has no “axe to grind,” no system to foster, and no profit motivation. Its job is simply to “seek and to save that which is lost.” Nothing more, nothing less. The words “apostle” and “missionary” mean the same thing: “One who is sent.” The word apostle is from the Greek; and the word missionary is from the Latin.
The New Testament is a book of missions. The Gospels tell of Jesus’ missionary accomplishments, and the Acts tell of the missionary endeavors of the apostles. The disciples were launched into the world by the power of the resurrection, and the Gospel made its impact upon the world’s people. Peter went to Lydda, Joppa, Antioch, Babylon, and Asia Minor. John went to Samaria, Ephesus, and to the cities on the Mediterranean. Thomas journeyed to far away India. Paul, the peer of all early missionaries, used the roads Rome had built to take the Gospel through the Empire. Today the need for missions is greater than ever before! The world is shrinking in size but expanding in population. We live in a world of conflicting, confusing beliefs! We live in a world of complex problems! But, more important, we live in a world of dire spiritual need.
Prayer for the day --- Father, help me to be a light in this world of darkness, ready for each opportunity to share Your love with those whose spiritual needs are great.
Meeting Spiritual Needs
Go and make disciples in all the nations . . . Matthew 28:19 (TLB)
Christian missions is unique in the aggressive movements of history. Christianity in its pure form has no “axe to grind,” no system to foster, and no profit motivation. Its job is simply to “seek and to save that which is lost.” Nothing more, nothing less. The words “apostle” and “missionary” mean the same thing: “One who is sent.” The word apostle is from the Greek; and the word missionary is from the Latin.
The New Testament is a book of missions. The Gospels tell of Jesus’ missionary accomplishments, and the Acts tell of the missionary endeavors of the apostles. The disciples were launched into the world by the power of the resurrection, and the Gospel made its impact upon the world’s people. Peter went to Lydda, Joppa, Antioch, Babylon, and Asia Minor. John went to Samaria, Ephesus, and to the cities on the Mediterranean. Thomas journeyed to far away India. Paul, the peer of all early missionaries, used the roads Rome had built to take the Gospel through the Empire. Today the need for missions is greater than ever before! The world is shrinking in size but expanding in population. We live in a world of conflicting, confusing beliefs! We live in a world of complex problems! But, more important, we live in a world of dire spiritual need.
Prayer for the day --- Father, help me to be a light in this world of darkness, ready for each opportunity to share Your love with those whose spiritual needs are great.
JANUARY 23, 2021
Dare to Dream
Each of us should have a dream and go after that dream with all our hearts. Dreams are different from plans. Plans are manageable opportunities, but dreams are often too big to be managed. You plan to assemble a model airplane, but you dream to fly.
Dreams always require faith because they are bigger than you or your ability to accomplish them. That is why I believe faith-filled dreams are so important. When you dream a big dream for God, you will need to become totally dependent on Him to bring it to pass. All dreamers come to the point where they stop and say, “Lord, this is the dream I believe You’ve given me, but I don’t know how to make it happen. I need You to make this dream come true. I need You to lead the way.”
Trust God’s timing and diligently take each step He guides you to take. You will see your God-ordained dreams come to pass if you don’t give up.
Prayer Starter: Thank You, Lord, for putting me big dreams in my heart. Help me step out in faith to do what I believe You have put in my heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Dare to Dream
Each of us should have a dream and go after that dream with all our hearts. Dreams are different from plans. Plans are manageable opportunities, but dreams are often too big to be managed. You plan to assemble a model airplane, but you dream to fly.
Dreams always require faith because they are bigger than you or your ability to accomplish them. That is why I believe faith-filled dreams are so important. When you dream a big dream for God, you will need to become totally dependent on Him to bring it to pass. All dreamers come to the point where they stop and say, “Lord, this is the dream I believe You’ve given me, but I don’t know how to make it happen. I need You to make this dream come true. I need You to lead the way.”
Trust God’s timing and diligently take each step He guides you to take. You will see your God-ordained dreams come to pass if you don’t give up.
Prayer Starter: Thank You, Lord, for putting me big dreams in my heart. Help me step out in faith to do what I believe You have put in my heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.
JANUARY 22, 2021
The Landmine of Unforgiveness
Ephesians 4:25-32
It can be difficult to let go of resentment towards those who have hurt us. But that is exactly what God asks us to do—not only for their good but also for our own. Unforgiveness causes stress and unhappiness that can creep into our relationships with co-workers, friends, and family. But when we choose to forgive, we will find freedom. Here are things to do if you have noticed bitterness in your heart:
• Assume full responsibility for your unforgiving spirit. The other person may be responsible for wrongful actions toward us, but we are nonetheless responsible for the sin of harboring bitterness.
• Confess honestly. It’s appropriate to admit to God when we harbor resentment or wish for someone’s punishment. But since an unforgiving spirit will return unless we can permanently lay down our anger, this is a choice many people must make repeatedly.
• Pray for your wrongdoer. We may not feel like talking to God on behalf of someone who’s hurt us, but doing so is the way to break the hold bitterness has on us.
Even after we have done these things, resentment may still crop up in our hearts. When that happens, we can thank God that we have, in fact, forgiven. We can also refuse Satan’s invitation to rehash the past.
Bible in One Year: Exodus 19-21
The Landmine of Unforgiveness
Ephesians 4:25-32
It can be difficult to let go of resentment towards those who have hurt us. But that is exactly what God asks us to do—not only for their good but also for our own. Unforgiveness causes stress and unhappiness that can creep into our relationships with co-workers, friends, and family. But when we choose to forgive, we will find freedom. Here are things to do if you have noticed bitterness in your heart:
• Assume full responsibility for your unforgiving spirit. The other person may be responsible for wrongful actions toward us, but we are nonetheless responsible for the sin of harboring bitterness.
• Confess honestly. It’s appropriate to admit to God when we harbor resentment or wish for someone’s punishment. But since an unforgiving spirit will return unless we can permanently lay down our anger, this is a choice many people must make repeatedly.
• Pray for your wrongdoer. We may not feel like talking to God on behalf of someone who’s hurt us, but doing so is the way to break the hold bitterness has on us.
Even after we have done these things, resentment may still crop up in our hearts. When that happens, we can thank God that we have, in fact, forgiven. We can also refuse Satan’s invitation to rehash the past.
Bible in One Year: Exodus 19-21
JANUARY 21, 2021
Fellowship --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Acts 2:41–42 "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."
My wife enjoys baking during the Christmas season, but she especially delights in the opportunity it provides for fellowship as loved ones gather together to enjoy the delicious fruit of her labor. One of the precious, although sometimes overlooked, gifts we have through Christ is Christian fellowship. It is impossible to overstate the importance and benefit of Christian fellowship to our walk with God.
One of the keys to the power of the early church was the fact that they spent so much time together. It is a hallmark of genuine believers that they long to be together. Praying and learning the Word of God together strengthens the bonds of unity in the church, but it also strengthens each individual who takes part. The challenges and struggles we face as part of daily life in a fallen world require more strength than any of us has on our own. While we receive strength from God to face these battles (“the inward man is renewed day by day,” 2 Corinthians 4:16), He has also ordained that we encourage and minister strength to each other during difficult times.
Christianity is not meant to be lived in isolation but in groups. Regular fellowship with other believers—both as part of church services or activities and on a personal basis—is meant to be a source of strength and encouragement as we face the challenges and struggles of life. Thank God for the fellowship you have with
His people and together enjoy the celebration of His birth.
Today's Growth Principle: Build and strengthen your relationships with God’s people. True Christian friendship is a gift from Him.
Fellowship --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Acts 2:41–42 "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."
My wife enjoys baking during the Christmas season, but she especially delights in the opportunity it provides for fellowship as loved ones gather together to enjoy the delicious fruit of her labor. One of the precious, although sometimes overlooked, gifts we have through Christ is Christian fellowship. It is impossible to overstate the importance and benefit of Christian fellowship to our walk with God.
One of the keys to the power of the early church was the fact that they spent so much time together. It is a hallmark of genuine believers that they long to be together. Praying and learning the Word of God together strengthens the bonds of unity in the church, but it also strengthens each individual who takes part. The challenges and struggles we face as part of daily life in a fallen world require more strength than any of us has on our own. While we receive strength from God to face these battles (“the inward man is renewed day by day,” 2 Corinthians 4:16), He has also ordained that we encourage and minister strength to each other during difficult times.
Christianity is not meant to be lived in isolation but in groups. Regular fellowship with other believers—both as part of church services or activities and on a personal basis—is meant to be a source of strength and encouragement as we face the challenges and struggles of life. Thank God for the fellowship you have with
His people and together enjoy the celebration of His birth.
Today's Growth Principle: Build and strengthen your relationships with God’s people. True Christian friendship is a gift from Him.
JANUARY 20, 2021
Loyalty
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” Proverbs 12:26
Psychologists once asked a group of college students to jot down the initials of people they disliked. Some of the students could only think of one person. Other students listed as many as fifteen. What is interesting is the students who disliked the largest number of people were themselves the most widely disliked.
One of the most important aspects of healthy relationships begins with self. We must be likable, and teach our children to be likable, because the more likable we are, the more likely we are to be liked by others. One of the best selling books of all time was written by Dale Carnegie and entitled, “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” In that book he wrote this, “You can make more friends in two months by being interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” We must teach our children that they are not the center of the universe. The natural inclination is always to be selfish; so we must train our children to think of others and not only themselves. This is the first step in making good friends…learning to be a good friend.
In Proverbs 12:26 God reminds us to choose our friends carefully. That word, “choose,” in the Hebrew language refers to a man that would search out land that he was thinking about buying. It was a person who was exploring and evaluating whether or not the land was worthy of an investor. We need to teach our children not only how to be the right friend, but how to choose the right friends.
There are, of course, different levels of friendship. People are not pieces of property. Everyone is worthy of kindness. Proverbs 12:26 refers to the deepest level of friendship. These are the people you put in your inner circle. These are the friends you seek out for advice and who have the most influence on you. We must choose these friends carefully.
Let me caution parents to never teach your children that they should not associate with kids who don’t believe what they believe, or live life exactly as they do. Jesus was a friend of sinners and we should be as well. We cannot reach unbelievers with the Gospel if we refuse to associate with them. In these types of friendships, however, we must make sure we are doing the influencing rather than being influenced.
Dear Lord, I know that loyalty is one of the greatest traits we can have as your children. Please give me the opportunities to emulate loyalty so that my children can learn what it looks like to be loyal in their own lives. In Jesus' name, amen.
Loyalty
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” Proverbs 12:26
Psychologists once asked a group of college students to jot down the initials of people they disliked. Some of the students could only think of one person. Other students listed as many as fifteen. What is interesting is the students who disliked the largest number of people were themselves the most widely disliked.
One of the most important aspects of healthy relationships begins with self. We must be likable, and teach our children to be likable, because the more likable we are, the more likely we are to be liked by others. One of the best selling books of all time was written by Dale Carnegie and entitled, “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” In that book he wrote this, “You can make more friends in two months by being interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” We must teach our children that they are not the center of the universe. The natural inclination is always to be selfish; so we must train our children to think of others and not only themselves. This is the first step in making good friends…learning to be a good friend.
In Proverbs 12:26 God reminds us to choose our friends carefully. That word, “choose,” in the Hebrew language refers to a man that would search out land that he was thinking about buying. It was a person who was exploring and evaluating whether or not the land was worthy of an investor. We need to teach our children not only how to be the right friend, but how to choose the right friends.
There are, of course, different levels of friendship. People are not pieces of property. Everyone is worthy of kindness. Proverbs 12:26 refers to the deepest level of friendship. These are the people you put in your inner circle. These are the friends you seek out for advice and who have the most influence on you. We must choose these friends carefully.
Let me caution parents to never teach your children that they should not associate with kids who don’t believe what they believe, or live life exactly as they do. Jesus was a friend of sinners and we should be as well. We cannot reach unbelievers with the Gospel if we refuse to associate with them. In these types of friendships, however, we must make sure we are doing the influencing rather than being influenced.
Dear Lord, I know that loyalty is one of the greatest traits we can have as your children. Please give me the opportunities to emulate loyalty so that my children can learn what it looks like to be loyal in their own lives. In Jesus' name, amen.
JANUARY 19, 2021
The Joy of Knowing
Psalm 146:5 --- Happy is he . . . whose hope is in the Lord his God.
Happy is the man who has learned the secret of coming to God in daily prayer. Fifteen minutes alone with God every morning before you start the day can change circumstances and remove mountains! But all of this happiness and all of these unlimited benefits which flow from the storehouse of heaven are contingent upon our relationship to God. Absolute dependency and absolute are the conditions of being His child. Only His children are entitled to receive those things that lend themselves to happiness; and in order to be His child, there must be the surrender of the will to Him. Man does not come to know God through works—he comes to know God by faith, through grace. You cannot work your way toward happiness and heaven, you cannot moralize your way, you cannot reform your way, you cannot buy your way. It comes as a gift of God through Christ.
Prayer for the day --- Thank You, heavenly Father, for the gift of joy which comes from knowing Your Son, Jesus Christ.
The Joy of Knowing
Psalm 146:5 --- Happy is he . . . whose hope is in the Lord his God.
Happy is the man who has learned the secret of coming to God in daily prayer. Fifteen minutes alone with God every morning before you start the day can change circumstances and remove mountains! But all of this happiness and all of these unlimited benefits which flow from the storehouse of heaven are contingent upon our relationship to God. Absolute dependency and absolute are the conditions of being His child. Only His children are entitled to receive those things that lend themselves to happiness; and in order to be His child, there must be the surrender of the will to Him. Man does not come to know God through works—he comes to know God by faith, through grace. You cannot work your way toward happiness and heaven, you cannot moralize your way, you cannot reform your way, you cannot buy your way. It comes as a gift of God through Christ.
Prayer for the day --- Thank You, heavenly Father, for the gift of joy which comes from knowing Your Son, Jesus Christ.
JANUARY 18, 2021
Work Now, Play Later
We have seen that the Bible teaches us that we are to owe no man anything except to love him. When we allow debt to overwhelm us, it can bring discouragement and even depression. When Dave and I were young marrieds, we got into trouble with debt. We did it by running up our credit cards to the maximum buying things we wanted for ourselves and our children. We were making the minimum payment on the balance each month, but the interest was so high we never seemed to make any progress toward paying off what we owed. In fact, we just kept getting deeper and deeper into debt.
If you and I are ever going to get anywhere in the kingdom of God, we must learn to live by wisdom and not by our carnal desire, which is human emotion (SEE PROVERBS 3:13). The Bible teaches that Jesus has been made unto us wisdom, and that the Holy Spirit is wisdom within us (SEE 1 CORINTHIANS 1:30 AND EPHESIANS 1:17). If we will listen to the prompting of the Spirit, we will not get into trouble. But if we live by the dictates of the flesh, we are headed for destruction.
Wisdom makes the decision today it will be comfortable with tomorrow. Emotion does what feels good today and takes no thought of tomorrow. When tomorrow arrives, the wise enjoy it in peace and security, but the foolish end up in discouragement and depression. Why? Because the wise have prepared for tomorrow and are able to enjoy the fruits of their labor, while the foolish who have put pleasure first must now pay for yesterday.
It is much better to work now and play later, than to play now and worry later! It is so discouraging to go to the mailbox every day and find nothing there but bills, bills, and more bills. Eventually that discouragement leads to depression because of the pressure of not being able to see a way out. How many people are deep in depression right this moment because of overwhelming debt?
To live a disciplined life, we have to be willing to invest today so that we can reap tomorrow. To relieve the discouragement and depression that come from being in debt, we must get out of debt by becoming self-disciplined to think not of today's sacrifices but of tomorrow's rewards.
Get ready to see your life transformed by God’s timeless wisdom. Check out Joyce’s newest book, In Search of Wisdom, available now at joycemeyer.org/wisdom or wherever books are sold.
Prayer Starter: Lord, I know I haven’t always been mindful of the future. I ask You to help me operate in wisdom today and every day, so that I can enjoy a more peaceful tomorrow. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Work Now, Play Later
We have seen that the Bible teaches us that we are to owe no man anything except to love him. When we allow debt to overwhelm us, it can bring discouragement and even depression. When Dave and I were young marrieds, we got into trouble with debt. We did it by running up our credit cards to the maximum buying things we wanted for ourselves and our children. We were making the minimum payment on the balance each month, but the interest was so high we never seemed to make any progress toward paying off what we owed. In fact, we just kept getting deeper and deeper into debt.
If you and I are ever going to get anywhere in the kingdom of God, we must learn to live by wisdom and not by our carnal desire, which is human emotion (SEE PROVERBS 3:13). The Bible teaches that Jesus has been made unto us wisdom, and that the Holy Spirit is wisdom within us (SEE 1 CORINTHIANS 1:30 AND EPHESIANS 1:17). If we will listen to the prompting of the Spirit, we will not get into trouble. But if we live by the dictates of the flesh, we are headed for destruction.
Wisdom makes the decision today it will be comfortable with tomorrow. Emotion does what feels good today and takes no thought of tomorrow. When tomorrow arrives, the wise enjoy it in peace and security, but the foolish end up in discouragement and depression. Why? Because the wise have prepared for tomorrow and are able to enjoy the fruits of their labor, while the foolish who have put pleasure first must now pay for yesterday.
It is much better to work now and play later, than to play now and worry later! It is so discouraging to go to the mailbox every day and find nothing there but bills, bills, and more bills. Eventually that discouragement leads to depression because of the pressure of not being able to see a way out. How many people are deep in depression right this moment because of overwhelming debt?
To live a disciplined life, we have to be willing to invest today so that we can reap tomorrow. To relieve the discouragement and depression that come from being in debt, we must get out of debt by becoming self-disciplined to think not of today's sacrifices but of tomorrow's rewards.
Get ready to see your life transformed by God’s timeless wisdom. Check out Joyce’s newest book, In Search of Wisdom, available now at joycemeyer.org/wisdom or wherever books are sold.
Prayer Starter: Lord, I know I haven’t always been mindful of the future. I ask You to help me operate in wisdom today and every day, so that I can enjoy a more peaceful tomorrow. In Jesus’ name, amen.
JANUARY 17, 2021
The Lord Guides Us
Have you ever encountered a rule that seemed confusing or unnecessary? Often in situations like those, what we lack is context—a deeper understanding. Sometimes the Lord’s wisdom can feel frustrating or confusing, too. But chances are, we simply need more insight and time. That’s why a regular discipline of reading and meditating on Scripture is so essential. Alongside prayer and consistent worship, the ongoing intake of God’s Word is the foundation of our growth in Christ.
We need time to get to the point of understanding what it means to be free in Christ while simultaneously submitting to Him. Becoming spiritually mature is a lifelong process, and there are no shortcuts. Wherever you are in your faith journey, remember there is still room to grow in Christlikeness. And that requires both intention and attention, as you take steps each day to seek Him. The Lord knows just what you need to keep moving. All you have to do is ask.
Think about it
• Our understanding of freedom in Jesus grows over time. In your own journey, which moments taught you the most?
• What does it mean to “take care” with regard to your liberty in Christ, as Paul puts it (1 Corinthians 8:9)?
Bible in One Year: Exodus 4-6
The Lord Guides Us
Have you ever encountered a rule that seemed confusing or unnecessary? Often in situations like those, what we lack is context—a deeper understanding. Sometimes the Lord’s wisdom can feel frustrating or confusing, too. But chances are, we simply need more insight and time. That’s why a regular discipline of reading and meditating on Scripture is so essential. Alongside prayer and consistent worship, the ongoing intake of God’s Word is the foundation of our growth in Christ.
We need time to get to the point of understanding what it means to be free in Christ while simultaneously submitting to Him. Becoming spiritually mature is a lifelong process, and there are no shortcuts. Wherever you are in your faith journey, remember there is still room to grow in Christlikeness. And that requires both intention and attention, as you take steps each day to seek Him. The Lord knows just what you need to keep moving. All you have to do is ask.
Think about it
• Our understanding of freedom in Jesus grows over time. In your own journey, which moments taught you the most?
• What does it mean to “take care” with regard to your liberty in Christ, as Paul puts it (1 Corinthians 8:9)?
Bible in One Year: Exodus 4-6
JANUARY 16, 2021
Light and Darkness --- Dr. Paul Chappell
2 Corinthians 4:4-6 --- In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
On the first day of Creation, God called forth light into existence, and then separated the light from the darkness (Genesis 1:3–4). There has been a divide between the two ever since. Despite all the efforts that have been made through the centuries to blur that distinction, light and dark remain as divided as ever. The Apostle Paul compared what happened on that first day of Creation with what happens in our hearts when we receive Christ as Savior: we are immediately moved from darkness into light.
Like the moon reflects the light of the sun rather than giving off its own light, we are to reflect the light of God's glory to the world around us. There is no question that we live in a world filled with darkness. Things are not getting better. That is no surprise, for nearly two thousand years ago, Paul warned Timothy that in the last days “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13).
However, we should not allow ourselves to be discouraged because of the darkness. The growing evil in our world makes the light even brighter by contrast. God is not struggling to overcome Satan. That battle has already been won, and the future is certain. We simply must be faithful to shine as lights in the world for as long as God leaves us here.
Today's Growth Principle: The darkness around us gives us even more opportunity to show the light of God's love to the world.
Light and Darkness --- Dr. Paul Chappell
2 Corinthians 4:4-6 --- In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
On the first day of Creation, God called forth light into existence, and then separated the light from the darkness (Genesis 1:3–4). There has been a divide between the two ever since. Despite all the efforts that have been made through the centuries to blur that distinction, light and dark remain as divided as ever. The Apostle Paul compared what happened on that first day of Creation with what happens in our hearts when we receive Christ as Savior: we are immediately moved from darkness into light.
Like the moon reflects the light of the sun rather than giving off its own light, we are to reflect the light of God's glory to the world around us. There is no question that we live in a world filled with darkness. Things are not getting better. That is no surprise, for nearly two thousand years ago, Paul warned Timothy that in the last days “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13).
However, we should not allow ourselves to be discouraged because of the darkness. The growing evil in our world makes the light even brighter by contrast. God is not struggling to overcome Satan. That battle has already been won, and the future is certain. We simply must be faithful to shine as lights in the world for as long as God leaves us here.
Today's Growth Principle: The darkness around us gives us even more opportunity to show the light of God's love to the world.
JANUARY 15, 2021
The Purpose
But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. (Genesis 39:21)
The story of Joseph is a great example of the intentionality God has with each of His children. God doesn’t play games with your life. God has a purpose for your life. He has a purpose for every life. He has a purpose for everything.
Joseph didn’t know it, but the purpose of everything that happened to Joseph was so that he could place Joseph in a place to be a savior for his people. He was not just to be a savior for his people, but so that his people could bring a savior into the world.
Behind every plan there is a purpose. You need to understand something about God’s plan for your life. It wasn’t drawn up last night. He doesn’t make it up on the fly. He doesn’t have to improvise or adjust. God’s plan for you and me are wrapped around the purpose He has, not just for you and me, but for the entire world. God’s plan is in accordance with God’s purpose. There is a method to God’s madness. God has a purpose in everything that He does, and He not only has a plan He wants to achieve, He has a purpose He wants to accomplish.
The God in you is bigger than the evil that others do to you. Our job is to forgive what others do to us. God’s job is to providentially fit what others do to us into His plan and purpose for our good and His glory. And by the way, He has a one-hundred percent success rate.
Dear Lord, thank you that your plan has been set in stone since before I was even born. Help me to trust every aspect of your plan that I might fulfill the purpose you have for my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The Purpose
But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. (Genesis 39:21)
The story of Joseph is a great example of the intentionality God has with each of His children. God doesn’t play games with your life. God has a purpose for your life. He has a purpose for every life. He has a purpose for everything.
Joseph didn’t know it, but the purpose of everything that happened to Joseph was so that he could place Joseph in a place to be a savior for his people. He was not just to be a savior for his people, but so that his people could bring a savior into the world.
Behind every plan there is a purpose. You need to understand something about God’s plan for your life. It wasn’t drawn up last night. He doesn’t make it up on the fly. He doesn’t have to improvise or adjust. God’s plan for you and me are wrapped around the purpose He has, not just for you and me, but for the entire world. God’s plan is in accordance with God’s purpose. There is a method to God’s madness. God has a purpose in everything that He does, and He not only has a plan He wants to achieve, He has a purpose He wants to accomplish.
The God in you is bigger than the evil that others do to you. Our job is to forgive what others do to us. God’s job is to providentially fit what others do to us into His plan and purpose for our good and His glory. And by the way, He has a one-hundred percent success rate.
Dear Lord, thank you that your plan has been set in stone since before I was even born. Help me to trust every aspect of your plan that I might fulfill the purpose you have for my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
JANUARY 14, 2021
God Never Makes Mistakes
2 Corinthians 12:9 --- Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
God is especially close to us when we are lying on a sickbed. God will make the bed soft and will freshen it with His presence and with His tender care. He makes the bed comfortable and wipes away our tears. He ministers to us with special tenderness at such a time and reveals His great love for us. Tell me why the gardener trims and prunes his rosebushes, sometimes cutting away productive branches, and I will tell you why God’s people are afflicted. God’s hand never slips. He never makes a mistake. His every move is for our own good and for our ultimate good. Oftentimes He must deform us and mutilate our own image. Deformity sometimes precedes conformity.
God Never Makes Mistakes
2 Corinthians 12:9 --- Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
God is especially close to us when we are lying on a sickbed. God will make the bed soft and will freshen it with His presence and with His tender care. He makes the bed comfortable and wipes away our tears. He ministers to us with special tenderness at such a time and reveals His great love for us. Tell me why the gardener trims and prunes his rosebushes, sometimes cutting away productive branches, and I will tell you why God’s people are afflicted. God’s hand never slips. He never makes a mistake. His every move is for our own good and for our ultimate good. Oftentimes He must deform us and mutilate our own image. Deformity sometimes precedes conformity.
JANUARY 13, 2021
Freedom to Be Ourselves
Ask 21st-century women, “How do you feel about yourself?” and many will confess, “I hate myself.” Or perhaps their opinion of themselves is not that severe, but they will admit they really don’t like themselves.
Our world has created a false, unrealistic image of what women are supposed to look like and act like. But the truth is that every woman was not created by God to be skinny, with a flawless complexion and long flowing hair. Not every woman was intended to juggle a career as well as all of the other duties of being a wife, mother, citizen, and daughter. Single women should not be made to feel they are missing something because they are not married. Married women should not be made to feel they must have a career to be complete. We must have the freedom to be our individual selves.
Many women hate themselves and have no self-confidence because they have been abused, rejected, abandoned, or in some way damaged emotionally. Women need to experience a revival of knowing their infinite worth and value.
Prayer Starter: Father, You know exactly how I feel about myself. You know how deeply I’ve been influenced by the messages of our culture and how confusing it is. Help me discover the truth of my worth and value in Your eyes. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Freedom to Be Ourselves
Ask 21st-century women, “How do you feel about yourself?” and many will confess, “I hate myself.” Or perhaps their opinion of themselves is not that severe, but they will admit they really don’t like themselves.
Our world has created a false, unrealistic image of what women are supposed to look like and act like. But the truth is that every woman was not created by God to be skinny, with a flawless complexion and long flowing hair. Not every woman was intended to juggle a career as well as all of the other duties of being a wife, mother, citizen, and daughter. Single women should not be made to feel they are missing something because they are not married. Married women should not be made to feel they must have a career to be complete. We must have the freedom to be our individual selves.
Many women hate themselves and have no self-confidence because they have been abused, rejected, abandoned, or in some way damaged emotionally. Women need to experience a revival of knowing their infinite worth and value.
Prayer Starter: Father, You know exactly how I feel about myself. You know how deeply I’ve been influenced by the messages of our culture and how confusing it is. Help me discover the truth of my worth and value in Your eyes. In Jesus’ name, amen.
JANUARY 12, 2021
God’s Message to His Children
1 John 4:7-14
Sometimes we hear so much about love in books, songs, and conversations that we begin to lose sight of its spiritual dimensions. Believers must remember that God’s love is of a much higher caliber—it is the starting point of our salvation. If He had not loved us first, we’d be destined for eternal condemnation rather than eternal life.
God revealed the extent of His love by sending His Son to die in our place. Jesus Christ became our substitute and bore God’s wrath for our sins so we could be forgiven and receive life everlasting.
But divine love extends even further. Not only are we pardoned forever, but God has also adopted us into His family (Eph. 1:5). As His children we are loved, accepted, and cared for by our heavenly Father. Yet even this is not the full extent of His love. God has also made us co-heirs with His Son (Rom. 8:17). Our inheritance is reserved for us in heaven, and one day when He returns to earth as King, we will one day rule with Christ in His kingdom.
Never let the world’s shallow concept of love rob you of the wonder of being a recipient of God’s divine love, which transforms us from enemies to heirs.
Bible in One Year: Genesis 39-41
God’s Message to His Children
1 John 4:7-14
Sometimes we hear so much about love in books, songs, and conversations that we begin to lose sight of its spiritual dimensions. Believers must remember that God’s love is of a much higher caliber—it is the starting point of our salvation. If He had not loved us first, we’d be destined for eternal condemnation rather than eternal life.
God revealed the extent of His love by sending His Son to die in our place. Jesus Christ became our substitute and bore God’s wrath for our sins so we could be forgiven and receive life everlasting.
But divine love extends even further. Not only are we pardoned forever, but God has also adopted us into His family (Eph. 1:5). As His children we are loved, accepted, and cared for by our heavenly Father. Yet even this is not the full extent of His love. God has also made us co-heirs with His Son (Rom. 8:17). Our inheritance is reserved for us in heaven, and one day when He returns to earth as King, we will one day rule with Christ in His kingdom.
Never let the world’s shallow concept of love rob you of the wonder of being a recipient of God’s divine love, which transforms us from enemies to heirs.
Bible in One Year: Genesis 39-41
JANUARY 11, 2021
Ephesians 2:11–13 --- "Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ."
Salvation changes far more than just our eternal destiny. It also changes our current situation. We move from the family of Satan to the family of God. We move from being in the world to being in Christ. Yet too often we fail to fully recognize the changes that have taken place, and thus we do not benefit from them as we should.
R. A. Torrey said, “When Jesus died, He died as my representative, and I died in Him; when He arose, He rose as my representative, and I arose in Him; when He ascended up on high and took His place at the right hand of the Father in the glory, He ascended as my representative and I ascended in Him, and today I am seated in Christ with God in the heavenlies. I look at the cross of Christ, and I know that atonement has been made for my sins; I look at the open sepulcher and the risen and ascended Lord, and I know the atonement has been accepted. There no longer remains a single sin on me, no matter how many or how great my sins may have been.”
We have already received these blessings as part of our conversion. The challenge is for us to overcome the snares of the world and the guilt of the past and begin to live as if what God says about our new position in life and in Him is true.
Today's Growth Principle: Live up to your position and privileges as a child of God today.
Ephesians 2:11–13 --- "Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ."
Salvation changes far more than just our eternal destiny. It also changes our current situation. We move from the family of Satan to the family of God. We move from being in the world to being in Christ. Yet too often we fail to fully recognize the changes that have taken place, and thus we do not benefit from them as we should.
R. A. Torrey said, “When Jesus died, He died as my representative, and I died in Him; when He arose, He rose as my representative, and I arose in Him; when He ascended up on high and took His place at the right hand of the Father in the glory, He ascended as my representative and I ascended in Him, and today I am seated in Christ with God in the heavenlies. I look at the cross of Christ, and I know that atonement has been made for my sins; I look at the open sepulcher and the risen and ascended Lord, and I know the atonement has been accepted. There no longer remains a single sin on me, no matter how many or how great my sins may have been.”
We have already received these blessings as part of our conversion. The challenge is for us to overcome the snares of the world and the guilt of the past and begin to live as if what God says about our new position in life and in Him is true.
Today's Growth Principle: Live up to your position and privileges as a child of God today.
JANUARY 10, 2021
The Providence of God
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
When people hurt you, mistreat you, disappoint you, throw you under the bus, the first step to forgiving them is to acknowledge what they have done. You can’t sweep it under the rug. You can’t pretend it didn’t happen. And you can’t just keep saying, “It’s okay. I’ll be fine.” You have to address the hurt head-on.
Now, I realize that addressing your hurt can be a painful process. It can bring up a lot of feelings and emotions that are hard to handle, leaving you feeling helpless and overwhelmed. But you have to remember that even when it seems like everything is out of control, God is in control. Behind everything that happens to you, even the bad, the evil, and the horrible, God intends it ultimately for your good.
God never has to say, “Well that wasn’t in the script.” With God, everything is in the script. In the movie of your life, there are going to be valleys and deserts, bad times and good times, good and evil. But when the movie ends it will all work out for your good. Remember all the bad things that happened to you and all the bad people that do them, with the providence of God, God will use them and what they do ultimately for your good.
He will not let anything in your life go to waste. So even in the pain and the hurt, remember and trust that He has your best interest in mind at all times.
Dear Father, you know the hurt I have experienced and the pain I have faced in my life so far. You know the valleys I’ve walked through and the storms I’ve endured. Please help me to remember that even my toughest circumstances can be used for good in my life. Give me the strength and the wisdom to trust that you love me and that you know what’s best for me so that I can become more like Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The Providence of God
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
When people hurt you, mistreat you, disappoint you, throw you under the bus, the first step to forgiving them is to acknowledge what they have done. You can’t sweep it under the rug. You can’t pretend it didn’t happen. And you can’t just keep saying, “It’s okay. I’ll be fine.” You have to address the hurt head-on.
Now, I realize that addressing your hurt can be a painful process. It can bring up a lot of feelings and emotions that are hard to handle, leaving you feeling helpless and overwhelmed. But you have to remember that even when it seems like everything is out of control, God is in control. Behind everything that happens to you, even the bad, the evil, and the horrible, God intends it ultimately for your good.
God never has to say, “Well that wasn’t in the script.” With God, everything is in the script. In the movie of your life, there are going to be valleys and deserts, bad times and good times, good and evil. But when the movie ends it will all work out for your good. Remember all the bad things that happened to you and all the bad people that do them, with the providence of God, God will use them and what they do ultimately for your good.
He will not let anything in your life go to waste. So even in the pain and the hurt, remember and trust that He has your best interest in mind at all times.
Dear Father, you know the hurt I have experienced and the pain I have faced in my life so far. You know the valleys I’ve walked through and the storms I’ve endured. Please help me to remember that even my toughest circumstances can be used for good in my life. Give me the strength and the wisdom to trust that you love me and that you know what’s best for me so that I can become more like Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.
JANUARY 9, 2021
He Is Coming Back
Mark 13:35, 36 --- Keep a sharp lookout! For you do not know when I will come. . . . Watch for my return!
The great Dwight L. Moody used to say, “I never preached a sermon without thinking that possibly the Lord may come before I preach another.” Dr. G. Campbell Morgan, the distinguished British clergy-man, said, “I never begin my work in the morning without thinking that perhaps he may interrupt my work and begin His own. I am not looking for death. I am looking for Him.” That is the way a Christian should live his life—in the constant anticipation of the return of Jesus Christ! If we could live every day as though it may be the very last one before the final judgment, what a difference it would make here on earth! But we don’t like to think that way. We don’t like to think that our carefully made plans, our long range schemes may be interrupted by the trumpet of God. Too many people would rather say, “Oh, well, the end of the world hasn’t come yet, so why think about it – it’s probably a thousand years away.”
Prayer for the day --- Today might be the last day when Jesus returns. Cleanse me, Father.
He Is Coming Back
Mark 13:35, 36 --- Keep a sharp lookout! For you do not know when I will come. . . . Watch for my return!
The great Dwight L. Moody used to say, “I never preached a sermon without thinking that possibly the Lord may come before I preach another.” Dr. G. Campbell Morgan, the distinguished British clergy-man, said, “I never begin my work in the morning without thinking that perhaps he may interrupt my work and begin His own. I am not looking for death. I am looking for Him.” That is the way a Christian should live his life—in the constant anticipation of the return of Jesus Christ! If we could live every day as though it may be the very last one before the final judgment, what a difference it would make here on earth! But we don’t like to think that way. We don’t like to think that our carefully made plans, our long range schemes may be interrupted by the trumpet of God. Too many people would rather say, “Oh, well, the end of the world hasn’t come yet, so why think about it – it’s probably a thousand years away.”
Prayer for the day --- Today might be the last day when Jesus returns. Cleanse me, Father.
JANUARY 8, 2021
Take Care of What God Has Given You
What if you went to a church and it was run-down? Peeling paint, broken doors, and smudged windows that didn't let the light in? You'd wonder about the pastor, wouldn't you? The church is his instrument for celebrating the glory of God, yet if he doesn't respect the church enough to take the time to keep it in good condition, what does this say about his relationship with God?
The same question applies to your own body—taking care of the body God has given you is the most important kind of "home maintenance" you can do! Your body is the home of your spirit where God dwells. To do the work you were meant to do, you need to keep it in shape.
I still have to remind myself of this. Once I hurt my voice by speaking in a seminar with an extremely sore throat. That morning when I woke up, I knew I shouldn't speak, but I thought about the disappointment of the audience if I didn't. So, I forced myself to speak, but the next day I could not make a sound. I couldn't the next day, either. I finally went to the doctor, who told me I had damaged my vocal cords. He said each time we push ourselves beyond reasonable limits, we do some damage, and if we do it too often, we get to a point where we can't recover. He said it might reach a point where I could not teach at all if I did not respect my voice and take care of it.
I nearly jeopardized my entire public ministry! If I had permanently damaged my voice, I would have wound up helping far fewer people and derailing my life's calling. Now I'm more careful about protecting the tools I need to do God's work—my voice, my mind, my heart, my emotions, and my body. Please take care of yourself so you can glorify God and do all that He has intended for you to do.
Prayer Starter: Lord God, thank You for the temple that is my body. Please guide me in how to take better care of myself. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Take Care of What God Has Given You
What if you went to a church and it was run-down? Peeling paint, broken doors, and smudged windows that didn't let the light in? You'd wonder about the pastor, wouldn't you? The church is his instrument for celebrating the glory of God, yet if he doesn't respect the church enough to take the time to keep it in good condition, what does this say about his relationship with God?
The same question applies to your own body—taking care of the body God has given you is the most important kind of "home maintenance" you can do! Your body is the home of your spirit where God dwells. To do the work you were meant to do, you need to keep it in shape.
I still have to remind myself of this. Once I hurt my voice by speaking in a seminar with an extremely sore throat. That morning when I woke up, I knew I shouldn't speak, but I thought about the disappointment of the audience if I didn't. So, I forced myself to speak, but the next day I could not make a sound. I couldn't the next day, either. I finally went to the doctor, who told me I had damaged my vocal cords. He said each time we push ourselves beyond reasonable limits, we do some damage, and if we do it too often, we get to a point where we can't recover. He said it might reach a point where I could not teach at all if I did not respect my voice and take care of it.
I nearly jeopardized my entire public ministry! If I had permanently damaged my voice, I would have wound up helping far fewer people and derailing my life's calling. Now I'm more careful about protecting the tools I need to do God's work—my voice, my mind, my heart, my emotions, and my body. Please take care of yourself so you can glorify God and do all that He has intended for you to do.
Prayer Starter: Lord God, thank You for the temple that is my body. Please guide me in how to take better care of myself. In Jesus’ name, amen.
JANUARY 7, 2021
Goals and Conscience
1 Timothy 1:18-19
Perhaps this has happened to you: While working toward a goal that honestly seems good, you realize getting there will require a choice or action that feels troubling. Anytime that is the case, you can be sure the Lord hasn’t approved the plan, because a godly goal will never force you to violate your conscience.
As we spend time in prayer and Bible study, the Holy Spirit builds God’s truth into our conscience, the “filter” through which we process our behavior and decisions. An inner alarm will go off if we think or act in a way that doesn’t align with that filter—it is God’s warning when we have stepped out of bounds.
The Lord won’t ever approve a goal that is achieved on a godless trail. Following that path will lead only to heartache, disappointment, and regret. If reaching an objective requires violation of your conscience, then you are headed where God has not called you, and the goal is your own—not His.
Good intentions aren’t enough to make a proposed plan right. Learn to appreciate your conscience—God’s gift of an internal warning system—and heed its admonitions.
Bible in One Year: Genesis 24-25
Goals and Conscience
1 Timothy 1:18-19
Perhaps this has happened to you: While working toward a goal that honestly seems good, you realize getting there will require a choice or action that feels troubling. Anytime that is the case, you can be sure the Lord hasn’t approved the plan, because a godly goal will never force you to violate your conscience.
As we spend time in prayer and Bible study, the Holy Spirit builds God’s truth into our conscience, the “filter” through which we process our behavior and decisions. An inner alarm will go off if we think or act in a way that doesn’t align with that filter—it is God’s warning when we have stepped out of bounds.
The Lord won’t ever approve a goal that is achieved on a godless trail. Following that path will lead only to heartache, disappointment, and regret. If reaching an objective requires violation of your conscience, then you are headed where God has not called you, and the goal is your own—not His.
Good intentions aren’t enough to make a proposed plan right. Learn to appreciate your conscience—God’s gift of an internal warning system—and heed its admonitions.
Bible in One Year: Genesis 24-25
JANUARY 6, 2021
Lights in a Dark World --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Matthew 5:14–16 "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
God does not have in mind His children blending in with their surroundings. We are meant to stand out as a witness to the world. Too many of God’s children have, like a chameleon, adapted to their surroundings in such a way that they are no longer visible. This defense mechanism is effective for animals but damaging to believers and to God’s work. The desire to fit in and be accepted, the fear of criticism or persecution, and the temptation to avoid conflict, often lead those who should be the brightest testimonies of grace and the Gospel to instead hide their lights from view.
D. L. Moody said, “A holy life will make the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns, they just shine.” If the way in which we live reflects the glory and grace of God, we will not need to make loud pronouncements of our faith—it will be evident. The best witness is that which comes when our lives and words match and we are glorifying our heavenly Father.
If we are faithful to follow God’s Word, do what is right and good, and share His plan of salvation, we will have an impact on our world. When the darkness is greatest, even small lights shine brightly. We do not have to be the largest or brightest lights that shine—merely faithful. Take your light out of hiding and make sure everyone who sees your life knows from your actions that you are God’s child.
Today's Growth Principle: God placed His light within you so you will hold it high to give hope to a dark and needy world.
Lights in a Dark World --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Matthew 5:14–16 "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
God does not have in mind His children blending in with their surroundings. We are meant to stand out as a witness to the world. Too many of God’s children have, like a chameleon, adapted to their surroundings in such a way that they are no longer visible. This defense mechanism is effective for animals but damaging to believers and to God’s work. The desire to fit in and be accepted, the fear of criticism or persecution, and the temptation to avoid conflict, often lead those who should be the brightest testimonies of grace and the Gospel to instead hide their lights from view.
D. L. Moody said, “A holy life will make the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns, they just shine.” If the way in which we live reflects the glory and grace of God, we will not need to make loud pronouncements of our faith—it will be evident. The best witness is that which comes when our lives and words match and we are glorifying our heavenly Father.
If we are faithful to follow God’s Word, do what is right and good, and share His plan of salvation, we will have an impact on our world. When the darkness is greatest, even small lights shine brightly. We do not have to be the largest or brightest lights that shine—merely faithful. Take your light out of hiding and make sure everyone who sees your life knows from your actions that you are God’s child.
Today's Growth Principle: God placed His light within you so you will hold it high to give hope to a dark and needy world.
JANUARY 5, 2021
Parenting Advice
“Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105
There are two things in life that you don’t know what to expect until they happen. One is marriage and the other is having a child. Many well-meaning couples mistakenly think that raising children just cannot be so hard. After all, all sorts of people from all sorts of backgrounds do it every day, right? How hard could it be?
Throughout my life I continue to learn that good things never come easy. Good families don’t just happen. Good marriages don’t just happen. Likewise, good children don’t just happen. It takes hard work and sacrifice to raise a child.
So often I get asked this question: “Can you recommend a good book on parenting?” I have read many parenting books over the years; and there certainly are some wonderful ones out there. But I am convinced, especially after bringing up three children myself, that the greatest book ever written on parenting is the Bible.
God’s Word should be our first source on parenting issues. Before we call a friend, buy a self-help book, or peruse the Internet, we should ask God what He has to say. After all, the first-ever, and only-perfect parent – God Himself, wrote the Bible. Just as our Heavenly Father wants what is best for His children, He knows that we want the same for our children.
There is no money-back guarantee on raising small children to become godly adults, but there are some valuable principles in the Bible that will help us to do the best job that we can. His Word is our wisdom. It is our source of truth and hope. Psalm 119:105 reminds us that God’s Word can illuminate the next right step as we walk the long and sometimes dark journey of raising children.
Dear Father, when I am tempted to follow the example and teaching of the world when it comes to parenting, remind me that I have all the guidance I need in you and your Word. Help me not to forget where the true standard for parenting comes from. In Jesus' name, amen.
Parenting Advice
“Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105
There are two things in life that you don’t know what to expect until they happen. One is marriage and the other is having a child. Many well-meaning couples mistakenly think that raising children just cannot be so hard. After all, all sorts of people from all sorts of backgrounds do it every day, right? How hard could it be?
Throughout my life I continue to learn that good things never come easy. Good families don’t just happen. Good marriages don’t just happen. Likewise, good children don’t just happen. It takes hard work and sacrifice to raise a child.
So often I get asked this question: “Can you recommend a good book on parenting?” I have read many parenting books over the years; and there certainly are some wonderful ones out there. But I am convinced, especially after bringing up three children myself, that the greatest book ever written on parenting is the Bible.
God’s Word should be our first source on parenting issues. Before we call a friend, buy a self-help book, or peruse the Internet, we should ask God what He has to say. After all, the first-ever, and only-perfect parent – God Himself, wrote the Bible. Just as our Heavenly Father wants what is best for His children, He knows that we want the same for our children.
There is no money-back guarantee on raising small children to become godly adults, but there are some valuable principles in the Bible that will help us to do the best job that we can. His Word is our wisdom. It is our source of truth and hope. Psalm 119:105 reminds us that God’s Word can illuminate the next right step as we walk the long and sometimes dark journey of raising children.
Dear Father, when I am tempted to follow the example and teaching of the world when it comes to parenting, remind me that I have all the guidance I need in you and your Word. Help me not to forget where the true standard for parenting comes from. In Jesus' name, amen.
JANUARY 4, 2021
Assurance of His Love
Psalm 27:1 --- The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
Today many people are living in the bondage of fear. In a recent study a psychiatrist said that the greatest problem facing his patients was fear. Fear of going insane, committing suicide, being alone, or fear of heart disease, cancer, disaster, or death. We are becoming a nation of fearful people. Down through the centuries in times of trouble, temptation, trial, bereavement, and crisis, God has brought courage to the hearts of those who love Him. The Bible is crowded with assurances of God’s help and comfort in every kind of trouble which might cause fears to arise in the human heart. Today the Christian can come to the Scriptures with full assurance that God is going to deliver the person who puts his trust and confidence in God.
Christians can look into the future with promise, hope, and joy, and without fear, discouragement, or despondency.
Prayer for the day --- Your assurances of love still the fears of my heart, Lord.
Assurance of His Love
Psalm 27:1 --- The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
Today many people are living in the bondage of fear. In a recent study a psychiatrist said that the greatest problem facing his patients was fear. Fear of going insane, committing suicide, being alone, or fear of heart disease, cancer, disaster, or death. We are becoming a nation of fearful people. Down through the centuries in times of trouble, temptation, trial, bereavement, and crisis, God has brought courage to the hearts of those who love Him. The Bible is crowded with assurances of God’s help and comfort in every kind of trouble which might cause fears to arise in the human heart. Today the Christian can come to the Scriptures with full assurance that God is going to deliver the person who puts his trust and confidence in God.
Christians can look into the future with promise, hope, and joy, and without fear, discouragement, or despondency.
Prayer for the day --- Your assurances of love still the fears of my heart, Lord.
JANUARY 3, 2021
You Are Loved
It is very important to begin each day knowing that you are loved! God loves you unconditionally, and His love is more valuable and important than anyone else’s. He doesn’t love us because we deserve it, but simply because He wants to.
As you receive God’s love freely, it will give you confidence and enable you to live life without fear. God’s perfect love casts out all fear and dread (see 1 John 4:18)
Perhaps you have known the pain of not being chosen. You were not picked for class president or asked to attend the party that everyone else was going to. When we are left out it hurts, but the good news for you today is that God has chosen. You! You are special to Him and His love for you will never end.
Prayer Starter: Lord, thank you for loving me unconditionally. Thank you for choosing me. Help me love You with all of my heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
JANUARY 2, 2021
Answered Prayer
Luke 11:1-13
We are commanded to persevere in prayer, and Scripture assures us God will answer. And while it may at times seem as if He’s ignoring us, that is not the case. Our heavenly Father, who loves us perfectly and knows all things fully, will certainly provide what is best when we ask Him. Oftentimes, unanswered prayer is not about God’s unwillingness to respond but has to do with requests made with wrong motives or limited perspective. We should keep three things in mind:
First, we must make wise requests. When we ask according to God’s will, we have confidence that He’ll answer our requests (1 John 5:14-15). The purpose of prayer is not to manipulate God but to submit ourselves to His desires.
Second, we should examine our motives. When we request something for purely selfish reasons without regard to God’s desires, we should not expect Him to answer (James 4:3).
Third, we are to trust god’s perspective. Man sees glimpses only of the immediate future, but God can see everything at once. He’s not slow about answering our petitions, because His timing is perfect (2 Peter 3:8-9).
Never give up on prayer, but as you present your requests, ask the Lord to reveal if you’re hindering His answer in some way. Remember, prayer is about His will, not ours.
Bible in One Year: Genesis 1-3
Answered Prayer
Luke 11:1-13
We are commanded to persevere in prayer, and Scripture assures us God will answer. And while it may at times seem as if He’s ignoring us, that is not the case. Our heavenly Father, who loves us perfectly and knows all things fully, will certainly provide what is best when we ask Him. Oftentimes, unanswered prayer is not about God’s unwillingness to respond but has to do with requests made with wrong motives or limited perspective. We should keep three things in mind:
First, we must make wise requests. When we ask according to God’s will, we have confidence that He’ll answer our requests (1 John 5:14-15). The purpose of prayer is not to manipulate God but to submit ourselves to His desires.
Second, we should examine our motives. When we request something for purely selfish reasons without regard to God’s desires, we should not expect Him to answer (James 4:3).
Third, we are to trust god’s perspective. Man sees glimpses only of the immediate future, but God can see everything at once. He’s not slow about answering our petitions, because His timing is perfect (2 Peter 3:8-9).
Never give up on prayer, but as you present your requests, ask the Lord to reveal if you’re hindering His answer in some way. Remember, prayer is about His will, not ours.
Bible in One Year: Genesis 1-3
JANUARY 1, 2021
Never Alone --- Dr. Paul Chappell
John 14:16–18 --- "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."
Jesus promised that we would not be left alone—that a Comforter, the Holy Spirit—would come and dwell with us forever. This happens at the moment that we are saved. Though we are to surrender to God’s leading so that we can be filled with the Spirit, we do not need a second baptism to get more of Him in our lives. Instead, we need for Him to have more of us. This is vital to every aspect of our lives and walk with God.
Charles Spurgeon rightly said, “Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are as ships without the wind, branches without sap, and like coals without fire, we are useless.” It is impossible to live a victorious Christian life or do any meaningful and lasting work for God apart from the power of His Holy Spirit. Our own strength was never meant to be equal to that task. As the old hymn says, “All is vain unless the Spirit of the Holy One comes down.”
There is no substitute for the Holy Spirit’s presence and power. No plan, no program, no effort will replace what only He can do in and through us. Jesus did His work on Earth in the power of the Spirit of God. John 3:34 tells us, “God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.” Jesus had unlimited Holy Spirit power, and though we will never reach that level, we must have His power active in our lives.
Today's Growth Principle: As you yield to the Holy Spirit who dwells in your heart, you will find power to do what God calls you to do.
Never Alone --- Dr. Paul Chappell
John 14:16–18 --- "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."
Jesus promised that we would not be left alone—that a Comforter, the Holy Spirit—would come and dwell with us forever. This happens at the moment that we are saved. Though we are to surrender to God’s leading so that we can be filled with the Spirit, we do not need a second baptism to get more of Him in our lives. Instead, we need for Him to have more of us. This is vital to every aspect of our lives and walk with God.
Charles Spurgeon rightly said, “Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are as ships without the wind, branches without sap, and like coals without fire, we are useless.” It is impossible to live a victorious Christian life or do any meaningful and lasting work for God apart from the power of His Holy Spirit. Our own strength was never meant to be equal to that task. As the old hymn says, “All is vain unless the Spirit of the Holy One comes down.”
There is no substitute for the Holy Spirit’s presence and power. No plan, no program, no effort will replace what only He can do in and through us. Jesus did His work on Earth in the power of the Spirit of God. John 3:34 tells us, “God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.” Jesus had unlimited Holy Spirit power, and though we will never reach that level, we must have His power active in our lives.
Today's Growth Principle: As you yield to the Holy Spirit who dwells in your heart, you will find power to do what God calls you to do.
DECEMBER 31, 2020
Climbing The Ladder
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)
Have you ever thought about the fact that any religion, any spiritual belief that talks about any heaven or hell always talks about heaven being “up” and hell being “down”? You find it all over the Bible. For example, Psalm 14:2 says, “The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind...”
You see, the birth of Christ was really just the beginning of a round trip that Jesus took from heaven down to earth and then took back up to heaven. In the second chapter of a letter that Paul wrote called Philippians, Paul describes this round trip so that we can understand it better.
The entire life of Jesus isn’t a story about somebody climbing a ladder; it is a picture of someone coming down a ladder. In eternity, He was at the top of the organizational chart of the universe, but He went from the top to the bottom. In fact, He even went lower than an angel. He became an ordinary human being, and He wasn’t born in a palace to a king and a queen but laid in a manger as a pheasant son of a poverty-stricken couple.
From the time that He was born until He died, He spent His entire life doing two things: obeying God and serving others.
Paul says we ought to have that same mindset. We are not God, but we can be gracious. We are not heavenly, but we can be humble. We are not sovereigns, but we can be servants. At the end of the day, it’s not about climbing the ladder. It’s not about elevating yourself. It’s about emulating Jesus and serving others, putting those around you before yourself.
Dear Lord, thank you for the example of selflessness and service you set while you were on earth. Please give me more opportunities to serve like you did and help me to put others before myself rather than walking through life with a selfish attitude. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Climbing The Ladder
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)
Have you ever thought about the fact that any religion, any spiritual belief that talks about any heaven or hell always talks about heaven being “up” and hell being “down”? You find it all over the Bible. For example, Psalm 14:2 says, “The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind...”
You see, the birth of Christ was really just the beginning of a round trip that Jesus took from heaven down to earth and then took back up to heaven. In the second chapter of a letter that Paul wrote called Philippians, Paul describes this round trip so that we can understand it better.
The entire life of Jesus isn’t a story about somebody climbing a ladder; it is a picture of someone coming down a ladder. In eternity, He was at the top of the organizational chart of the universe, but He went from the top to the bottom. In fact, He even went lower than an angel. He became an ordinary human being, and He wasn’t born in a palace to a king and a queen but laid in a manger as a pheasant son of a poverty-stricken couple.
From the time that He was born until He died, He spent His entire life doing two things: obeying God and serving others.
Paul says we ought to have that same mindset. We are not God, but we can be gracious. We are not heavenly, but we can be humble. We are not sovereigns, but we can be servants. At the end of the day, it’s not about climbing the ladder. It’s not about elevating yourself. It’s about emulating Jesus and serving others, putting those around you before yourself.
Dear Lord, thank you for the example of selflessness and service you set while you were on earth. Please give me more opportunities to serve like you did and help me to put others before myself rather than walking through life with a selfish attitude. In Jesus’ name, amen.
DECEMBER 30, 2020
Why We Have the Bible
John 20:31 --- These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God . . .
God caused the Bible to be written for the express purpose of revealing to us God’s plan for His redemption.
God caused the Book to be written that He might make His everlasting laws clear to His children, and that they might have His great wisdom to guide them, and His great love to comfort them as they make their way through life. For without the Bible this world would indeed be a dark and frightening place, without signpost or beacon. The Bible easily qualifies as the only book in which God’s revelation is contained.
There are many bibles of different religions; there is the Mohammedan Koran, the Buddhist Canon of Sacred Scripture, the Zoroastrian Zend-Avesta, and the Brahman Veda . . . They all begin with some flashes of true light, and end in utter darkness. Even the most casual observer soon discovers that the Bible is radically different. It is the only Book that offers redemption to us and points the way out of our dilemma.
Prayer for the day --- Lord Jesus, as I read Your Word, Your truth shines through and illuminates a dark world.
Why We Have the Bible
John 20:31 --- These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God . . .
God caused the Bible to be written for the express purpose of revealing to us God’s plan for His redemption.
God caused the Book to be written that He might make His everlasting laws clear to His children, and that they might have His great wisdom to guide them, and His great love to comfort them as they make their way through life. For without the Bible this world would indeed be a dark and frightening place, without signpost or beacon. The Bible easily qualifies as the only book in which God’s revelation is contained.
There are many bibles of different religions; there is the Mohammedan Koran, the Buddhist Canon of Sacred Scripture, the Zoroastrian Zend-Avesta, and the Brahman Veda . . . They all begin with some flashes of true light, and end in utter darkness. Even the most casual observer soon discovers that the Bible is radically different. It is the only Book that offers redemption to us and points the way out of our dilemma.
Prayer for the day --- Lord Jesus, as I read Your Word, Your truth shines through and illuminates a dark world.
DECEMBER 29, 2020
The Choice Is Yours
The first step in doing anything is choosing to do it. In order to encourage someone, you first choose to look for the best. In order to be at peace, you first choose not to worry. In order to start something new, you first choose to step out and go for it.
You may not know how it’s all going to work out, but you can make some foundational choices today. Begin by saying things like, Today, I choose peace over fear! Today, I choose to start to break that old habit and start a good one! Today, I choose not to lash out in anger! Today, I choose to live fully in this moment!
Make a choice, take a step, and never forget to ask for God’s help (His grace) in the process. We can do all things with and through Him, but we can do nothing without Him (see Philippians 4:13; John 15:5).
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You that You have a divine destiny for my life. As I step out in faith, help me discover Your plan for my life. Thank You for showing me more about who You are and who I am as I walk with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The Choice Is Yours
The first step in doing anything is choosing to do it. In order to encourage someone, you first choose to look for the best. In order to be at peace, you first choose not to worry. In order to start something new, you first choose to step out and go for it.
You may not know how it’s all going to work out, but you can make some foundational choices today. Begin by saying things like, Today, I choose peace over fear! Today, I choose to start to break that old habit and start a good one! Today, I choose not to lash out in anger! Today, I choose to live fully in this moment!
Make a choice, take a step, and never forget to ask for God’s help (His grace) in the process. We can do all things with and through Him, but we can do nothing without Him (see Philippians 4:13; John 15:5).
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You that You have a divine destiny for my life. As I step out in faith, help me discover Your plan for my life. Thank You for showing me more about who You are and who I am as I walk with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
DECEMBER 28, 2020
Entrusted With the Gospel
Matthew 25:14-30
Imagine that you’re minding two children. As they play, the younger one asks you to hold a dirty plastic pail. Awhile later the older one hands you a necklace that had been her grandmother’s. You wouldn’t worry too much about the toy, but you’d probably guard the jewelry with great care. The way we handle a possession reveals its value to us.
We see this principle in Jesus’ parable about the master who entrusted his workers with various sums of money. The two who invested theirs were later commended. Their efforts showed that they valued both the treasure and their master. A third worker, however, simply buried the amount he’d been given, and all he “earned” was a harsh rebuke.
Like these men, we are responsible for something of great worth. God has placed in our keeping the most powerful and precious message in existence—the gospel of Jesus. And we are accountable for what we do with it.
Do you feed on God’s Word daily and obey all it says? He has commanded us to share His life-saving message with a hurting and needy world. Whether we listen and obey reveals how much we value the gospel.
Bible in One Year: Revelation 5-8
Entrusted With the Gospel
Matthew 25:14-30
Imagine that you’re minding two children. As they play, the younger one asks you to hold a dirty plastic pail. Awhile later the older one hands you a necklace that had been her grandmother’s. You wouldn’t worry too much about the toy, but you’d probably guard the jewelry with great care. The way we handle a possession reveals its value to us.
We see this principle in Jesus’ parable about the master who entrusted his workers with various sums of money. The two who invested theirs were later commended. Their efforts showed that they valued both the treasure and their master. A third worker, however, simply buried the amount he’d been given, and all he “earned” was a harsh rebuke.
Like these men, we are responsible for something of great worth. God has placed in our keeping the most powerful and precious message in existence—the gospel of Jesus. And we are accountable for what we do with it.
Do you feed on God’s Word daily and obey all it says? He has commanded us to share His life-saving message with a hurting and needy world. Whether we listen and obey reveals how much we value the gospel.
Bible in One Year: Revelation 5-8
DECEMBER 27, 2020
The Precious Word of God --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Deuteronomy 17:18–20 "And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel."
Long before Israel foolishly rejected God in search of a king to rule over them, God gave instruction to Moses for what the king should do when he assumed office. One of the critical assignments each king was supposed to follow was to make for himself a handwritten copy of the law of God from the scrolls carefully kept and preserved by the priests. This would be a labor-intense task that would consume a great amount of time in the life of a busy man with many responsibilities. Yet God commanded that the investment of time and effort be made.
This command illustrates the vital priority that the Word of God should have in our lives. It is from the Scriptures that we learn to fear and obey God and keep His commandments. It is from the Scriptures that we learn to be humble and to instruct others to follow God. In our day when copies of the Bible are readily available, it is easy for us to take the Word for granted. Instead, we should treasure and cherish it, and make it part of our daily lives.
Today's Growth Principle: Treasure the amazing gift you have in the Word of God. Read it and heed it, and you will do well.
The Precious Word of God --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Deuteronomy 17:18–20 "And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel."
Long before Israel foolishly rejected God in search of a king to rule over them, God gave instruction to Moses for what the king should do when he assumed office. One of the critical assignments each king was supposed to follow was to make for himself a handwritten copy of the law of God from the scrolls carefully kept and preserved by the priests. This would be a labor-intense task that would consume a great amount of time in the life of a busy man with many responsibilities. Yet God commanded that the investment of time and effort be made.
This command illustrates the vital priority that the Word of God should have in our lives. It is from the Scriptures that we learn to fear and obey God and keep His commandments. It is from the Scriptures that we learn to be humble and to instruct others to follow God. In our day when copies of the Bible are readily available, it is easy for us to take the Word for granted. Instead, we should treasure and cherish it, and make it part of our daily lives.
Today's Growth Principle: Treasure the amazing gift you have in the Word of God. Read it and heed it, and you will do well.
DECEMBER 26, 2020
Where Does Your Hope Lie?
Jeremiah 17:7 --- Blessed is the man who trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.
The Scriptures predict that a new day is coming. There will be a golden age of prosperity when all perplexing problems-religious, social, or political-will find their complete solution. It will be a marvelous time for this mixed-up world. However, the Bible teaches that man will not bring about this coming golden age. Man alone cannot.
The flaw in human nature is too great. Man has no ability to repair this damaged planet. God is our only hope! His plans are already formed, and they are perfectly stated in the Scriptures.
Prayer for the day --- All my hope and plans are laid at Your feet, Lord Jesus.
DECEMBER 25, 2020
The Son Of God
And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35)
Jesus is called the Son, because the Father wants us to understand that the human Jesus was born just like we are, but He wasn’t the spitting image of his earthly mother. He was the spitting image of His Heavenly Father.
The Greek word for “image” is the word “eikon” which gives us our word “icon.” It refers to a perfect replica, a precise copy, an exact reproduction. The plainest way to say it is, Jesus was God in human flesh. Jesus Christ the Son is just as much God as God the Father.
Jesus was fully God. He was not fractionally God. He was not partially God; He was fully God. There was a time when Jesus was not a human being. There has never been a time when Jesus was not God. If you need God, you go to Jesus. If you come to God, you come to Jesus. If you love God you love Jesus, because He is fully God.
That baby who was laid in a manger by the hands of His earthly father was in fact the God who holds the whole world in His hands. In fact, He doesn’t just hold you and me in His hands; He holds the whole universe in His hands. He is the glue of the galaxies. He is the cement of creation. He is the Lord of the universe that we worship.
Dear Jesus, thank you for this wonderful reminder of your majesty as the Son of God. Help me not to forget that even though you were fully human on earth, you were fully God as well, and you are worthy to be worshipped and praised. In your name I pray, amen.
The Son Of God
And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35)
Jesus is called the Son, because the Father wants us to understand that the human Jesus was born just like we are, but He wasn’t the spitting image of his earthly mother. He was the spitting image of His Heavenly Father.
The Greek word for “image” is the word “eikon” which gives us our word “icon.” It refers to a perfect replica, a precise copy, an exact reproduction. The plainest way to say it is, Jesus was God in human flesh. Jesus Christ the Son is just as much God as God the Father.
Jesus was fully God. He was not fractionally God. He was not partially God; He was fully God. There was a time when Jesus was not a human being. There has never been a time when Jesus was not God. If you need God, you go to Jesus. If you come to God, you come to Jesus. If you love God you love Jesus, because He is fully God.
That baby who was laid in a manger by the hands of His earthly father was in fact the God who holds the whole world in His hands. In fact, He doesn’t just hold you and me in His hands; He holds the whole universe in His hands. He is the glue of the galaxies. He is the cement of creation. He is the Lord of the universe that we worship.
Dear Jesus, thank you for this wonderful reminder of your majesty as the Son of God. Help me not to forget that even though you were fully human on earth, you were fully God as well, and you are worthy to be worshipped and praised. In your name I pray, amen.
DECEMBER 24, 2020
Holidays and Commandments ---Dr. Paul Chappell
John 15:9–11 "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full."
Benjamin Franklin said, “How many observe Christ’s birthday! How few His precepts! O ‘tis easier to keep holidays than commandments.” As we celebrate the love of God demonstrated to us at Christmas, we should also be showing our love for Him through our obedience to His commandments. God offers salvation freely through His grace, and we do nothing to earn His favor. He has every right, however, to expect our obedience.
The proper understanding of grace does not lead to us to live any way we please. Instead, it leads us to live in a way that is pleasing to God. Paul wrote to Titus about the role of grace: “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:12). When people declare that they can do something wrong because of grace, it is a sign that they really don’t understand what grace is.
The more we love God, the more we want to do what He says—not out of a desire to earn our
place or favor with Him, but from a desire to please Him. This is the way Jesus lived His life on Earth.
Speaking of His Father in Heaven He said, “I do always those things that please him” (John 8:29).
How would the next few days of this Christmas season be different for you if you were as observant of Christ’s commandments as you are of commemorating His birthday?
Today's Growth Principle: Honor God this Christmas and show your love for Him by obeying His commandments.
Holidays and Commandments ---Dr. Paul Chappell
John 15:9–11 "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full."
Benjamin Franklin said, “How many observe Christ’s birthday! How few His precepts! O ‘tis easier to keep holidays than commandments.” As we celebrate the love of God demonstrated to us at Christmas, we should also be showing our love for Him through our obedience to His commandments. God offers salvation freely through His grace, and we do nothing to earn His favor. He has every right, however, to expect our obedience.
The proper understanding of grace does not lead to us to live any way we please. Instead, it leads us to live in a way that is pleasing to God. Paul wrote to Titus about the role of grace: “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:12). When people declare that they can do something wrong because of grace, it is a sign that they really don’t understand what grace is.
The more we love God, the more we want to do what He says—not out of a desire to earn our
place or favor with Him, but from a desire to please Him. This is the way Jesus lived His life on Earth.
Speaking of His Father in Heaven He said, “I do always those things that please him” (John 8:29).
How would the next few days of this Christmas season be different for you if you were as observant of Christ’s commandments as you are of commemorating His birthday?
Today's Growth Principle: Honor God this Christmas and show your love for Him by obeying His commandments.
DECEMBER 23, 2020
God’s Wisdom Revealed
1 Corinthians 2:6-16
In today’s reading, the apostle Paul discusses godly wisdom. This kind of knowledge isn’t available through human reasoning. It is of a higher realm and comes through divine revelation.
This supernatural insight is the only way to accurately know the Lord and His ways. People who lack it will often try to fit God into their preconceived image of Him. This amounts to custom-designing a god, based on their own ideas, to fit their preferences.
The Bible is our most reliable source of divine revelation. When we search for truth, we must consider the entirety of God’s Word instead of just picking and choosing verses we want to believe. For example, imagine if we were to focus only on passages about the Lord’s lovingkindness while disregarding those that deal with His holiness and justice—we’d end up with a lopsided understanding of His true nature.
So let’s take the entire counsel of Scripture into consideration. And remember that divine wisdom is available to every believer through the Holy Spirit, who searches the depths of God. May we never try to limit Him to fit our preferences. Instead, let’s allow the Lord to enlarge our minds so that we can know Him fully.
Bible in One Year: 1 Peter 1-5
God’s Wisdom Revealed
1 Corinthians 2:6-16
In today’s reading, the apostle Paul discusses godly wisdom. This kind of knowledge isn’t available through human reasoning. It is of a higher realm and comes through divine revelation.
This supernatural insight is the only way to accurately know the Lord and His ways. People who lack it will often try to fit God into their preconceived image of Him. This amounts to custom-designing a god, based on their own ideas, to fit their preferences.
The Bible is our most reliable source of divine revelation. When we search for truth, we must consider the entirety of God’s Word instead of just picking and choosing verses we want to believe. For example, imagine if we were to focus only on passages about the Lord’s lovingkindness while disregarding those that deal with His holiness and justice—we’d end up with a lopsided understanding of His true nature.
So let’s take the entire counsel of Scripture into consideration. And remember that divine wisdom is available to every believer through the Holy Spirit, who searches the depths of God. May we never try to limit Him to fit our preferences. Instead, let’s allow the Lord to enlarge our minds so that we can know Him fully.
Bible in One Year: 1 Peter 1-5
DECEMBER 22, 2020
A Promise of Pain --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Luke 2:33-35 “And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
We think to think of Christmas in terms of joy, and it is truly a joyful occasion. But it was not easy or simple. Mary went through the same physical pain in childbirth that other mothers have experienced through the years. She was not miraculously shielded from the suffering just because the child to whom she was giving birth was the Messiah. And the pain of childbirth was only the beginning—the greatest pain Mary would experience was yet to come when Jesus was crucified.
The prophecy Simeon had given Mary when Jesus was a baby came true as she watched Him die. “When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!” (John 19:26). Even in His final moments, Jesus made sure that Mary would be cared for after His death. He knew that her heart was broken, and she would need the physical and emotional comfort John would be able to provide.
There is no salvation possible apart from sacrifice. And there is no way to follow God’s Son without carrying our own crosses just as He did. Mary willingly accepted her part in God’s plan, but it came at a very high price. There is great joy and glory and reward in faithfully obeying and serving God, but it is not an easy road we have been called to walk.
Today's Growth Principle: The seriousness of sin is measured by the amount of pain the solution for it brought both to the Lord and those who loved Him.
A Promise of Pain --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Luke 2:33-35 “And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
We think to think of Christmas in terms of joy, and it is truly a joyful occasion. But it was not easy or simple. Mary went through the same physical pain in childbirth that other mothers have experienced through the years. She was not miraculously shielded from the suffering just because the child to whom she was giving birth was the Messiah. And the pain of childbirth was only the beginning—the greatest pain Mary would experience was yet to come when Jesus was crucified.
The prophecy Simeon had given Mary when Jesus was a baby came true as she watched Him die. “When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!” (John 19:26). Even in His final moments, Jesus made sure that Mary would be cared for after His death. He knew that her heart was broken, and she would need the physical and emotional comfort John would be able to provide.
There is no salvation possible apart from sacrifice. And there is no way to follow God’s Son without carrying our own crosses just as He did. Mary willingly accepted her part in God’s plan, but it came at a very high price. There is great joy and glory and reward in faithfully obeying and serving God, but it is not an easy road we have been called to walk.
Today's Growth Principle: The seriousness of sin is measured by the amount of pain the solution for it brought both to the Lord and those who loved Him.
DECEMBER 21, 2020
Encouraging Correction
“Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” --- Ephesians 6:4b
The Apostle Paul encourages parents to bring their children up in the instruction of the Lord. That word, instruction, is made up of two Greek words – the noun “mind” and the verb “to place.” It literally means, “to place before the mind.” It is usually translated “warning” or “admonition.” If you are warning or admonishing someone you are correcting or disciplining him. In other words, part of instruction is correction.
Suffice it to say it is much more fun to direct children to do what is right than to correct them when they do what is wrong; but both are necessary. There are two things I would encourage you to remember about discipline when it is necessary: 1) Make sure the punishment fits the crime; and 2) Make sure the crime deserves punishment.
It is vitally important that when you discipline a child, no matter the age of that child, he/she understands why you are doing it. You should always refer to exactly what the child did wrong. Help your child to understand that the discipline is not something you are doing to him, but for him. A good thing to say is, “I love you too much to let you behave like that or get away with that.”
I encourage you to remember that the purpose of discipline is to encourage your children towards godliness. Discipline is intended not just to punish them for doing wrong, but to encourage them to do what is right. Not every hill is worth dying on. Always make sure that you choose your battles wisely. Fight only those worth fighting, and when you fight them do it in a way that ultimately encourages your children instead of discouraging them.
Dear Lord, thank you for giving me guidance and direction through your Word on how to discipline my children. I pray that you would give me wisdom and diligence as I discipline so that I may raise them to be obedient to you. In Jesus' name, amen.
Encouraging Correction
“Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” --- Ephesians 6:4b
The Apostle Paul encourages parents to bring their children up in the instruction of the Lord. That word, instruction, is made up of two Greek words – the noun “mind” and the verb “to place.” It literally means, “to place before the mind.” It is usually translated “warning” or “admonition.” If you are warning or admonishing someone you are correcting or disciplining him. In other words, part of instruction is correction.
Suffice it to say it is much more fun to direct children to do what is right than to correct them when they do what is wrong; but both are necessary. There are two things I would encourage you to remember about discipline when it is necessary: 1) Make sure the punishment fits the crime; and 2) Make sure the crime deserves punishment.
It is vitally important that when you discipline a child, no matter the age of that child, he/she understands why you are doing it. You should always refer to exactly what the child did wrong. Help your child to understand that the discipline is not something you are doing to him, but for him. A good thing to say is, “I love you too much to let you behave like that or get away with that.”
I encourage you to remember that the purpose of discipline is to encourage your children towards godliness. Discipline is intended not just to punish them for doing wrong, but to encourage them to do what is right. Not every hill is worth dying on. Always make sure that you choose your battles wisely. Fight only those worth fighting, and when you fight them do it in a way that ultimately encourages your children instead of discouraging them.
Dear Lord, thank you for giving me guidance and direction through your Word on how to discipline my children. I pray that you would give me wisdom and diligence as I discipline so that I may raise them to be obedient to you. In Jesus' name, amen.
DECEMBER 20, 2020
Light of the World
During Jesus’ ministry on earth, people had many opinions about who He was. Some thought the Lord was a great prophet (John 7:40), while others believed He truly was the Messiah (v. 41). These opinions caused so much confusion and discord that Jesus was almost arrested (John 7:41-46). So just a short while later, when Jesus called Himself the “Light of the world,” it’s no surprise that He was challenged again (John 8:12-13).
Light is used throughout Scripture to describe God and His glory, and the people around Jesus would have understood His words to be a statement of His deity. For those who believed He was the Messiah, it would have offered reassurance and signaled the fulfillment of a long-awaited promise: The darkness would be overcome.
Think about it
• What made Jesus the Light of the world?
• Read Matthew 5:14. Why do you think the Lord uses the same language to describe His followers, calling them the light of the world?
Bible in One Year: Hebrews 10-11
Light of the World
During Jesus’ ministry on earth, people had many opinions about who He was. Some thought the Lord was a great prophet (John 7:40), while others believed He truly was the Messiah (v. 41). These opinions caused so much confusion and discord that Jesus was almost arrested (John 7:41-46). So just a short while later, when Jesus called Himself the “Light of the world,” it’s no surprise that He was challenged again (John 8:12-13).
Light is used throughout Scripture to describe God and His glory, and the people around Jesus would have understood His words to be a statement of His deity. For those who believed He was the Messiah, it would have offered reassurance and signaled the fulfillment of a long-awaited promise: The darkness would be overcome.
Think about it
• What made Jesus the Light of the world?
• Read Matthew 5:14. Why do you think the Lord uses the same language to describe His followers, calling them the light of the world?
Bible in One Year: Hebrews 10-11
DECEMBER 19, 2020
“God with Us” --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Matthew 1:21–23 --- “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
Most religions throughout history have featured deities who were aloof and distant—needing persuasion to intervene in human affairs, and often doing so in fickle ways that brought more harm than help. Ever since sin entered the world, there has been a separation between God and man. No matter how man tries to bridge that divide, whether through worship or works, it cannot be crossed from the human side. Only God could reach across the gap, and that is why Jesus was born. He was God living with man to bring man back to God.
Jesus lived some two thousand years ago, and He has long since returned to Heaven. But His departure does not mean that God is no longer present. Jesus told His disciples, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (John 14:16–17).
The Holy Spirit lives in every believer, and is always present with us. People sometimes speak of feeling like they are far away from God, but that feeling is never caused by His withdrawal from us. We can and often do break the closeness of the relationship but it never changes. He never leaves or forsakes His children.
Today's Growth Principle: God’s Spirit is just as real and present with us today as Jesus was with His disciples when He walked the earth.
“God with Us” --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Matthew 1:21–23 --- “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
Most religions throughout history have featured deities who were aloof and distant—needing persuasion to intervene in human affairs, and often doing so in fickle ways that brought more harm than help. Ever since sin entered the world, there has been a separation between God and man. No matter how man tries to bridge that divide, whether through worship or works, it cannot be crossed from the human side. Only God could reach across the gap, and that is why Jesus was born. He was God living with man to bring man back to God.
Jesus lived some two thousand years ago, and He has long since returned to Heaven. But His departure does not mean that God is no longer present. Jesus told His disciples, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (John 14:16–17).
The Holy Spirit lives in every believer, and is always present with us. People sometimes speak of feeling like they are far away from God, but that feeling is never caused by His withdrawal from us. We can and often do break the closeness of the relationship but it never changes. He never leaves or forsakes His children.
Today's Growth Principle: God’s Spirit is just as real and present with us today as Jesus was with His disciples when He walked the earth.
DECEMBER 18, 2020
The Heart Behind Giving
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:43-44)
The most generous givers do not necessarily or always give the largest gifts. Simply put, generosity is not always measured by what you give. There is a difference between giving the greatest amount and being the most generous giver. A million dollars may be a dream gift, but a tenth of a penny may make you a dream giver.
What the poor widow teaches in this story is that you don’t have to be rich to be generous. You don’t have to have a lot to give, and you don’t have to have a lot to give a lot. One of these days, we are going to find that some of the most generous people who ever lived were some of the poorest people we ever knew.
Jesus is not impressed with the greatness of what we give, but with the generosity of what we give.
Keep in mind, the generous widow was not going to get a tax deduction. She didn’t give out of show. Not only did she not know that anyone was looking, but she probably would have been embarrassed if somebody was. She for sure didn’t give flippantly. For the moment, she carefully thought this through and though she didn’t say it out-loud she was making a clear statement to God.
Actions speak louder than words and did her actions ever speak loudly and clearly, because when this woman gave everything she had, she was saying three things: God, I look to you to provide my needs; God, I love you more than I love money; and God, I live for you and you alone.
Two thousand years later, we still remember her and talk about her because of her generosity. You are not going to be remembered by how much you made, how much you spent, or even how much you saved. You are going to be remembered for how much you gave.
Dear Lord, thank you for the example of generosity set by the widow in Mark 12. Even though I may not have a large amount to give, help me to still be faithful in my giving and trust you to use my generosity for your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The Heart Behind Giving
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:43-44)
The most generous givers do not necessarily or always give the largest gifts. Simply put, generosity is not always measured by what you give. There is a difference between giving the greatest amount and being the most generous giver. A million dollars may be a dream gift, but a tenth of a penny may make you a dream giver.
What the poor widow teaches in this story is that you don’t have to be rich to be generous. You don’t have to have a lot to give, and you don’t have to have a lot to give a lot. One of these days, we are going to find that some of the most generous people who ever lived were some of the poorest people we ever knew.
Jesus is not impressed with the greatness of what we give, but with the generosity of what we give.
Keep in mind, the generous widow was not going to get a tax deduction. She didn’t give out of show. Not only did she not know that anyone was looking, but she probably would have been embarrassed if somebody was. She for sure didn’t give flippantly. For the moment, she carefully thought this through and though she didn’t say it out-loud she was making a clear statement to God.
Actions speak louder than words and did her actions ever speak loudly and clearly, because when this woman gave everything she had, she was saying three things: God, I look to you to provide my needs; God, I love you more than I love money; and God, I live for you and you alone.
Two thousand years later, we still remember her and talk about her because of her generosity. You are not going to be remembered by how much you made, how much you spent, or even how much you saved. You are going to be remembered for how much you gave.
Dear Lord, thank you for the example of generosity set by the widow in Mark 12. Even though I may not have a large amount to give, help me to still be faithful in my giving and trust you to use my generosity for your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
DECEMBER 17, 2020
The Prince of Peace
Proverbs 10:12 --- Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
To hate, to discriminate against those who look different, who talk different, who have different national backgrounds, or who act differently from the dominant group, is a universal trait of human nature. I say that there is only one possible solution and that is a vital experience with Christ on the part of all races. In Christ the middle wall of partition is broken down, the Bible says. There is no Jew or Gentile, or black or white or yellow or red. We could be one great brotherhood in Christ. However, until we come to recognize Him as the Prince of Peace, and receive His love in our hearts, the racial tensions will increase.
Prayer for the day --- I pray for Your love, Lord Jesus, to conquer hate or prejudice—whenever these ugly transgressions seep into my heart.
The Prince of Peace
Proverbs 10:12 --- Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
To hate, to discriminate against those who look different, who talk different, who have different national backgrounds, or who act differently from the dominant group, is a universal trait of human nature. I say that there is only one possible solution and that is a vital experience with Christ on the part of all races. In Christ the middle wall of partition is broken down, the Bible says. There is no Jew or Gentile, or black or white or yellow or red. We could be one great brotherhood in Christ. However, until we come to recognize Him as the Prince of Peace, and receive His love in our hearts, the racial tensions will increase.
Prayer for the day --- I pray for Your love, Lord Jesus, to conquer hate or prejudice—whenever these ugly transgressions seep into my heart.
DECEMBER 16, 2020
You Have Value
Worth - that property or those properties of a thing that render it useful or estimable
The fact that God sent His only beloved Son to die a painful death to buy our freedom assigns tremendous value to us, and lets us know God loves us immensely.
The Bible says we are bought with a price, a price that is precious—the blood of Jesus (see 1 Peter 1:19). He paid for all our sins, secured our justification, made our account with God balanced, and absolved us from all guilt (see Romans 4:25). Jesus is our substitute. He stood in our place, taking the punishment that we deserved, and freely gave us what He deserves—every kind of blessing.
So the next time you feel you have no value, remember all that Jesus did out of His great love for you. He gave everything to be in relationship with you…because you’re everything to Him.
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for paying such a high price for my freedom. When I forget that or start to feel worthless, please help me remember Your love for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
You Have Value
Worth - that property or those properties of a thing that render it useful or estimable
The fact that God sent His only beloved Son to die a painful death to buy our freedom assigns tremendous value to us, and lets us know God loves us immensely.
The Bible says we are bought with a price, a price that is precious—the blood of Jesus (see 1 Peter 1:19). He paid for all our sins, secured our justification, made our account with God balanced, and absolved us from all guilt (see Romans 4:25). Jesus is our substitute. He stood in our place, taking the punishment that we deserved, and freely gave us what He deserves—every kind of blessing.
So the next time you feel you have no value, remember all that Jesus did out of His great love for you. He gave everything to be in relationship with you…because you’re everything to Him.
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for paying such a high price for my freedom. When I forget that or start to feel worthless, please help me remember Your love for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
DECEMBER 15, 2020
God’s Provision in Storms
Matthew 14:22-27
Sailing or driving through a storm is scary because obscured vision makes us unsure of our direction and fearful for our safety. This is also true of spiritual storms, in which sudden, unexpected circumstances seem to turn our world upside down.
When the disciples were being battered by gale force winds on the Sea of Galilee, they learned some valuable truths, which can also help us in the midst of our own tempests.
Jesus intercedes for us. While the disciples were struggling through the wind and the waves, Jesus was on the mountain praying. Today He is in heaven, interceding for us (Rom. 8:34).
Jesus is our protector. He watched over the disciples in the boat, and He does the same for us, ensuring that we encounter nothing outside of His will.
Jesus is sovereign over all storms. He’s the one who forms them, determines their intensity, guides us through them, and brings them to an end in His perfect time.
Christ has not abandoned us in our storms but instead is intimately involved, using them for our ultimate benefit. Knowing this, we can respond with trust, dependence, and worship.
Bible in One Year: 2 Timothy 1-4
God’s Provision in Storms
Matthew 14:22-27
Sailing or driving through a storm is scary because obscured vision makes us unsure of our direction and fearful for our safety. This is also true of spiritual storms, in which sudden, unexpected circumstances seem to turn our world upside down.
When the disciples were being battered by gale force winds on the Sea of Galilee, they learned some valuable truths, which can also help us in the midst of our own tempests.
Jesus intercedes for us. While the disciples were struggling through the wind and the waves, Jesus was on the mountain praying. Today He is in heaven, interceding for us (Rom. 8:34).
Jesus is our protector. He watched over the disciples in the boat, and He does the same for us, ensuring that we encounter nothing outside of His will.
Jesus is sovereign over all storms. He’s the one who forms them, determines their intensity, guides us through them, and brings them to an end in His perfect time.
Christ has not abandoned us in our storms but instead is intimately involved, using them for our ultimate benefit. Knowing this, we can respond with trust, dependence, and worship.
Bible in One Year: 2 Timothy 1-4
DECEMBER 14, 2020
The Precious Name of Jesus --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Luke 1:30-33“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”
When Gabriel announced to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah, he told her to name Him Jesus, which means “Jehovah is our Saviour.” There was no question or doubt from the beginning regarding the purpose behind Jesus coming into the world. He did many wonderful things and taught many wonderful truths, but the driving motivation behind the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ was the salvation of the lost.
There is no way we can fully comprehend the majesty, glory, and wonder of the Lord. Human minds and human words fail to even begin to praise Him as He deserves. We are simply not up to the task. Billy Sunday said, “There are two hundred and fifty-six names given in the Bible for the Lord Jesus Christ, and I suppose this was because He was infinitely beyond all that any one name could express.” He is worthy of all praise.
The name of Jesus is the power of the gospel message. When Peter was told to stop preaching about Jesus, he replied, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The world may treat the name of Jesus as a curse word or a punch line, or use it almost like punctuation. But it is a lovely and precious name, and we should never take it lightly.
Today's Growth Principle: The very name of Jesus contains God’s promise of salvation for those who trust in Him.
The Precious Name of Jesus --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Luke 1:30-33“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”
When Gabriel announced to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah, he told her to name Him Jesus, which means “Jehovah is our Saviour.” There was no question or doubt from the beginning regarding the purpose behind Jesus coming into the world. He did many wonderful things and taught many wonderful truths, but the driving motivation behind the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ was the salvation of the lost.
There is no way we can fully comprehend the majesty, glory, and wonder of the Lord. Human minds and human words fail to even begin to praise Him as He deserves. We are simply not up to the task. Billy Sunday said, “There are two hundred and fifty-six names given in the Bible for the Lord Jesus Christ, and I suppose this was because He was infinitely beyond all that any one name could express.” He is worthy of all praise.
The name of Jesus is the power of the gospel message. When Peter was told to stop preaching about Jesus, he replied, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The world may treat the name of Jesus as a curse word or a punch line, or use it almost like punctuation. But it is a lovely and precious name, and we should never take it lightly.
Today's Growth Principle: The very name of Jesus contains God’s promise of salvation for those who trust in Him.
DECEMBER 13, 2020
Keep Persevering
After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. (Job 42:10)
It is one thing to be tempted to quit, to be tempted to give in, or give out and give up. It is another thing to be told to do it and especially by the people closest to you. In the midst of Job’s pain and suffering, he needed a helping hand to pull him out, but instead those he loves and trusts the most put their foot on his head.
The one thing that Job had continued to do in all of this was the right thing. He had done the right thing by not responding in the wrong way. Yes, later on in the book, he will confront God, but he will never curse God. He will try to reason with God, but he will never reject God. He will try to stand up to God, but he will never walk away from God. Just imagine your husband or your wife, the best friend you have in the world, basically telling you to commit suicide, to end your own life, but do it while you are cursing God and shaking a fist in his face. There are two things that Satan will always try to get us to do, particularly in tough times – quit on God and quit on your faith in God.
Here is what we know about a man named Job. He didn’t wallow in self- pity. He didn’t walk away from God but went to God in worship. No blame, no bitterness, no whining, no cursing, no “How dare you do this to me knowing what an upright man I’ve been.” He gives God the one thing that God always deserves in the good times or bad – worship. Job’s entire world had walked out on him, but he would not walk out on God.
Because of God and his faith in God, he did not quit on himself and that is why you can read this fantastic testimony about him.
You may question God, but don’t you ever quit on God, because God never quits on you. When God starts a work in you, he finishes it. God promises he will never quit on you. What if Jesus had quit before he got to the cross? What if Jesus had quit on the cross – but he didn’t, so we wouldn’t, and we shouldn’t.
Dear Lord, thank you for never quitting on me or giving up on me. You are so good and so faithful. Give me the strength to keep trusting you when I’m tempted to give up hope. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Keep Persevering
After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. (Job 42:10)
It is one thing to be tempted to quit, to be tempted to give in, or give out and give up. It is another thing to be told to do it and especially by the people closest to you. In the midst of Job’s pain and suffering, he needed a helping hand to pull him out, but instead those he loves and trusts the most put their foot on his head.
The one thing that Job had continued to do in all of this was the right thing. He had done the right thing by not responding in the wrong way. Yes, later on in the book, he will confront God, but he will never curse God. He will try to reason with God, but he will never reject God. He will try to stand up to God, but he will never walk away from God. Just imagine your husband or your wife, the best friend you have in the world, basically telling you to commit suicide, to end your own life, but do it while you are cursing God and shaking a fist in his face. There are two things that Satan will always try to get us to do, particularly in tough times – quit on God and quit on your faith in God.
Here is what we know about a man named Job. He didn’t wallow in self- pity. He didn’t walk away from God but went to God in worship. No blame, no bitterness, no whining, no cursing, no “How dare you do this to me knowing what an upright man I’ve been.” He gives God the one thing that God always deserves in the good times or bad – worship. Job’s entire world had walked out on him, but he would not walk out on God.
Because of God and his faith in God, he did not quit on himself and that is why you can read this fantastic testimony about him.
You may question God, but don’t you ever quit on God, because God never quits on you. When God starts a work in you, he finishes it. God promises he will never quit on you. What if Jesus had quit before he got to the cross? What if Jesus had quit on the cross – but he didn’t, so we wouldn’t, and we shouldn’t.
Dear Lord, thank you for never quitting on me or giving up on me. You are so good and so faithful. Give me the strength to keep trusting you when I’m tempted to give up hope. In Jesus’ name, amen.
DECEMBER 12, 2020
Loving One Another
1 Thessalonians 3:12 --- And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men . . .
One of the growing psychological problems facing people today is loneliness. One of the greatest ministries that a person can have today is just being a good listener. Many people are longing not only to be loved but to have someone who will listen to them. When we love God with all our hearts, then we have the capacity to love our neighbor. The greatest need in the world today is not more science, not more social engineering, not more teaching, not more knowledge, not more power, not even more preaching—the greatest need we have today is for love. And the only way that love can be supplied is by a supernatural act of the Holy Spirit that transforms lives.
The love that God gives is not the ordinary love that we find in the world today. When we love our neighbors, it is not our loving with natural love, it is God loving through us. If you are willing to do this, God will give you His love.
Prayer for the day --- I love You, Jesus. How often I take for granted Your immeasurable act of love for me upon the cross. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You, that through Your supreme example I can reach out to my neighbor.
Loving One Another
1 Thessalonians 3:12 --- And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men . . .
One of the growing psychological problems facing people today is loneliness. One of the greatest ministries that a person can have today is just being a good listener. Many people are longing not only to be loved but to have someone who will listen to them. When we love God with all our hearts, then we have the capacity to love our neighbor. The greatest need in the world today is not more science, not more social engineering, not more teaching, not more knowledge, not more power, not even more preaching—the greatest need we have today is for love. And the only way that love can be supplied is by a supernatural act of the Holy Spirit that transforms lives.
The love that God gives is not the ordinary love that we find in the world today. When we love our neighbors, it is not our loving with natural love, it is God loving through us. If you are willing to do this, God will give you His love.
Prayer for the day --- I love You, Jesus. How often I take for granted Your immeasurable act of love for me upon the cross. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You, that through Your supreme example I can reach out to my neighbor.
DECEMBER 11, 2020
God’s Vision for You
God’s plan for the people of Israel was only for their good, yet they wandered around in the wilderness for 40 years on what was actually an 11-day journey. Why? Was it their enemies, their circumstances, the trials along the way, or something entirely different that kept them from arriving at their destination in a timely manner?To really know the answer to this question, let’s look back a little. God had called the children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt to go to the land He had promised to give them as a perpetual inheritance—a land that flowed with milk, honey and every good thing they could imagine—a land in which there would be no shortage of anything they needed—a land of prosperity in every realm of their existence.
But the Israelites had no positive vision for their lives—no dreams. They knew where they came from, but they didn’t know where they were going. Everything was based on what they had seen in the past or what they could presently see—they didn’t know how to see the future with eyes of faith.We really shouldn’t view the Israelites with astonishment, because most of us unknowingly do the same thing they did; we keep dealing with the same problems over and over again. The disappointing result is that it takes us years to experience victory over something that could have and should have been dealt with quickly.
I come from a background of abuse. My childhood was filled with fear and torment, and my personality was a mess! I built up walls of protection to keep people from hurting me, not realizing that while I was locking others out, I was also locking myself in. I was filled with fear, and believed that the only way I could face life was to be in control so no one could hurt me.
As a young adult trying to live for Christ and follow the Christian lifestyle, I knew where I had come from, but I didn’t know where I was going. I felt that my future would always be marred by my past. I thought, How could anyone with a past like mine ever be all right? It’s impossible!
But Jesus had a different plan. He said, The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me . . . to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity] (Luke 4:18).
Jesus came to open the prison doors and set the captives free—and that included me. However, I did not make any progress until I started to believe that I really could be set free. I had to get rid of my negative thinking and replace it with a positive vision for my life—God’s vision for me. I had to believe that neither my past nor my present could determine my future. Only then could Jesus free me from the bondage of my past—and free me, He did. Looking back, I realize what a miracle that was!
You may have had a miserable past; you might even be in current circumstances that are extremely negative and depressing. You may be facing situations that are so bad it seems you have no real reason to hope. But I say to you boldly: Your future is not determined by your past or your present!
Most of the generation the Lord called out of Egypt never entered into the Promised Land. Instead, they died in the wilderness. To me, this is one of the saddest things that can happen to a child of God—to have so much available and yet never be able to enjoy any of it.
Start believing that God’s Word is true. Mark 9:23 reminds you that with God all things are possible. Because you serve a God who created everything you see out of the unseen realm (see Hebrews 11:3), you can give Him your nothingness and watch Him go to work on your behalf. All you have to do is have faith in Him and believe His Word—He will do the rest!
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for loving me and having a vision—a good plan—for my life. Please help me overcome any negative mindsets that are keeping me from the future You have for me, and make my life what You want it to be. In Jesus’ name, amen.
God’s Vision for You
God’s plan for the people of Israel was only for their good, yet they wandered around in the wilderness for 40 years on what was actually an 11-day journey. Why? Was it their enemies, their circumstances, the trials along the way, or something entirely different that kept them from arriving at their destination in a timely manner?To really know the answer to this question, let’s look back a little. God had called the children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt to go to the land He had promised to give them as a perpetual inheritance—a land that flowed with milk, honey and every good thing they could imagine—a land in which there would be no shortage of anything they needed—a land of prosperity in every realm of their existence.
But the Israelites had no positive vision for their lives—no dreams. They knew where they came from, but they didn’t know where they were going. Everything was based on what they had seen in the past or what they could presently see—they didn’t know how to see the future with eyes of faith.We really shouldn’t view the Israelites with astonishment, because most of us unknowingly do the same thing they did; we keep dealing with the same problems over and over again. The disappointing result is that it takes us years to experience victory over something that could have and should have been dealt with quickly.
I come from a background of abuse. My childhood was filled with fear and torment, and my personality was a mess! I built up walls of protection to keep people from hurting me, not realizing that while I was locking others out, I was also locking myself in. I was filled with fear, and believed that the only way I could face life was to be in control so no one could hurt me.
As a young adult trying to live for Christ and follow the Christian lifestyle, I knew where I had come from, but I didn’t know where I was going. I felt that my future would always be marred by my past. I thought, How could anyone with a past like mine ever be all right? It’s impossible!
But Jesus had a different plan. He said, The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me . . . to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity] (Luke 4:18).
Jesus came to open the prison doors and set the captives free—and that included me. However, I did not make any progress until I started to believe that I really could be set free. I had to get rid of my negative thinking and replace it with a positive vision for my life—God’s vision for me. I had to believe that neither my past nor my present could determine my future. Only then could Jesus free me from the bondage of my past—and free me, He did. Looking back, I realize what a miracle that was!
You may have had a miserable past; you might even be in current circumstances that are extremely negative and depressing. You may be facing situations that are so bad it seems you have no real reason to hope. But I say to you boldly: Your future is not determined by your past or your present!
Most of the generation the Lord called out of Egypt never entered into the Promised Land. Instead, they died in the wilderness. To me, this is one of the saddest things that can happen to a child of God—to have so much available and yet never be able to enjoy any of it.
Start believing that God’s Word is true. Mark 9:23 reminds you that with God all things are possible. Because you serve a God who created everything you see out of the unseen realm (see Hebrews 11:3), you can give Him your nothingness and watch Him go to work on your behalf. All you have to do is have faith in Him and believe His Word—He will do the rest!
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for loving me and having a vision—a good plan—for my life. Please help me overcome any negative mindsets that are keeping me from the future You have for me, and make my life what You want it to be. In Jesus’ name, amen.
DECEMBER 10, 2020
Confidence Amidst Distress
It seems as if the world today is constantly changing. This might cause us to be filled with anxiety unless we remember that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1)
Disturbing times should remind us we are only pilgrims on this earth. Our citizenship is in a heavenly kingdom that can never be shaken.
The commotion of this current world is nothing unprecedented. I remember 1944 being a year of tremendous turmoil in our country because of World War II. Many people anxiously listened to the evening news, fearing the death of loved ones as battles in various locations were reported.
When times are frightening and uncertain—whether personally, nationally, or globally—the place to find comfort and assurance is the Bible, especially the book of Psalms. Scripture helps us look at circumstances from God’s perspective. That reassures us of His love and care for us and lifts our eyes to a higher hope than anything this world can offer.
We all want to find peace, and the first step is to cease striving (Psalm 46:10). Remember that the Lord is always with you, and know that His kingdom is coming.
Bible in One Year: Colossians 1-4
Confidence Amidst Distress
It seems as if the world today is constantly changing. This might cause us to be filled with anxiety unless we remember that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1)
Disturbing times should remind us we are only pilgrims on this earth. Our citizenship is in a heavenly kingdom that can never be shaken.
The commotion of this current world is nothing unprecedented. I remember 1944 being a year of tremendous turmoil in our country because of World War II. Many people anxiously listened to the evening news, fearing the death of loved ones as battles in various locations were reported.
When times are frightening and uncertain—whether personally, nationally, or globally—the place to find comfort and assurance is the Bible, especially the book of Psalms. Scripture helps us look at circumstances from God’s perspective. That reassures us of His love and care for us and lifts our eyes to a higher hope than anything this world can offer.
We all want to find peace, and the first step is to cease striving (Psalm 46:10). Remember that the Lord is always with you, and know that His kingdom is coming.
Bible in One Year: Colossians 1-4
DECEMBER 9. 2020
God Is in Control ---Dr. Paul Chappell
Luke 2:1, 3–5 "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child."
The Christmas story has many wonderful aspects. One of the aspects that sometimes goes unremarked is that it is a demonstration of God’s sovereignty. God exercised sovereign control over the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies regarding the birth of Christ.
The world would have said that Caesar Augustus was the ruler, but God was the one in control. He used the decree from Caesar Augustus to move Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem so that Jesus would be born where the prophet Micah had said. Christmas is the story of God working to fulfill His prophetic promises so that everything happened just as He said it would.
Though it’s not usually one of the things we focus on at this time of year, I encourage you to view Christmas as a demonstration of God’s power and allow the wonderful story of the birth of Christ to build and to strengthen your faith.
The same God who sent the angels to the shepherds and the star to guide the wisemen is in control of your life today. His power and wisdom have not diminished. He is just the same today as He was when Christ was born. Things may happen that we do not understand, but we can trust that God is in control—orchestrating our circumstances for our good and for His glory.
Today's Growth Principle: As you reflect on the Christmas story, allow the wonderful way God worked to give you confidence in His working in your life.
DECEMBER 8, 2020
Convinced
“And when He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness.” John 16:8
If we are going to come to Jesus, we must believe not only that we are sinners in need of a Savior, but also that we are failures in need of forgiveness. Not only will the Holy Spirit convict us of what is wrong; but He will also convince us of what is right. Why does the Holy Spirit have to convince us of what is right? It stands to reason that if we don’t truly understand what is wrong (our sin problem) apart from the Holy Spirit, then we cannot understand what it means to be right apart from the Holy Spirit.
It is interesting that when Jesus talks about righteousness in John 16:10, He doesn’t mention what we do, but rather what He has already done. He doesn’t talk about who we are, but who He is. In John 16:9 when He said, “I go to My Father and you see Me no more,” Jesus was referring to the fact that He was going to die on a cross, come back from the dead, and then go back to His Father where He came from as our Savior, our Redeemer, and our righteousness.
The only righteousness that God will accept is His righteousness; and the only way you can gave His righteousness is to receive the righteousness that is in Jesus Christ. You can compare yourself to a murderer, a rapist, a terrorist, a liar, a thief, or a bank robber and think you are a really good person. But when you compare yourself to Jesus, you realize you are a failure in need of forgiveness.
There has only been one man who could go to God on His own righteousness and stand equal with God and that is Jesus. You cannot come to God except through Jesus Christ; and you can only come to Jesus through the Holy Spirit.
Dear Father, thank you for the example Jesus set for me to follow. I know that I will never measure up to His level of perfection, so please forgive me when I fall short. In Jesus' name, amen.
Convinced
“And when He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness.” John 16:8
If we are going to come to Jesus, we must believe not only that we are sinners in need of a Savior, but also that we are failures in need of forgiveness. Not only will the Holy Spirit convict us of what is wrong; but He will also convince us of what is right. Why does the Holy Spirit have to convince us of what is right? It stands to reason that if we don’t truly understand what is wrong (our sin problem) apart from the Holy Spirit, then we cannot understand what it means to be right apart from the Holy Spirit.
It is interesting that when Jesus talks about righteousness in John 16:10, He doesn’t mention what we do, but rather what He has already done. He doesn’t talk about who we are, but who He is. In John 16:9 when He said, “I go to My Father and you see Me no more,” Jesus was referring to the fact that He was going to die on a cross, come back from the dead, and then go back to His Father where He came from as our Savior, our Redeemer, and our righteousness.
The only righteousness that God will accept is His righteousness; and the only way you can gave His righteousness is to receive the righteousness that is in Jesus Christ. You can compare yourself to a murderer, a rapist, a terrorist, a liar, a thief, or a bank robber and think you are a really good person. But when you compare yourself to Jesus, you realize you are a failure in need of forgiveness.
There has only been one man who could go to God on His own righteousness and stand equal with God and that is Jesus. You cannot come to God except through Jesus Christ; and you can only come to Jesus through the Holy Spirit.
Dear Father, thank you for the example Jesus set for me to follow. I know that I will never measure up to His level of perfection, so please forgive me when I fall short. In Jesus' name, amen.
DECEMBER 7, 2020
The Manifestation of Faith
1 John 3:21 --- we can come to the Lord with perfect assurance and trust . . .
The Bible teaches that faith will manifest itself in three ways. It will manifest itself in doctrine—in what you believe. It will manifest itself in worship—your communion with God and the fellowship of the church. It will manifest itself in morality—in the way you live and behave. . . . The Bible also teaches that faith does not end with trust in Christ for your salvation. Faith continues. Faith grows. It may be weak at first, but it will become stronger as you begin to read the Bible, pray, go to church, and experience God’s faithfulness in your Christian life. You will learn more and more how to rely on Christ for every need, in meeting every circumstance, and every trial.
Prayer for the day --- Your Word teaches how greatly You desire for me to rely on Your love and strength. I praise Your name, my Lord and my Redeemer.
The Manifestation of Faith
1 John 3:21 --- we can come to the Lord with perfect assurance and trust . . .
The Bible teaches that faith will manifest itself in three ways. It will manifest itself in doctrine—in what you believe. It will manifest itself in worship—your communion with God and the fellowship of the church. It will manifest itself in morality—in the way you live and behave. . . . The Bible also teaches that faith does not end with trust in Christ for your salvation. Faith continues. Faith grows. It may be weak at first, but it will become stronger as you begin to read the Bible, pray, go to church, and experience God’s faithfulness in your Christian life. You will learn more and more how to rely on Christ for every need, in meeting every circumstance, and every trial.
Prayer for the day --- Your Word teaches how greatly You desire for me to rely on Your love and strength. I praise Your name, my Lord and my Redeemer.
DECEMBER 6, 2020
Watch Your Step
When soldiers go to war, they intentionally protect their feet so they can stand and fight the enemy. In the same way, Paul is telling us that we must walk in peace in order to defeat Satan’s attacks. To have peace in your life, you need to be someone who makes peace and works to maintain it—you can’t just wait for peace to fall upon you. The psalmist instructs us to pursue, inquire for, crave, and go after peace (see Psalm 34:14).
If you truly want peace, you will make whatever changes you need to make in order to have it. For instance, if you’re stressed out all the time and exceeding your limits, you need to cut a few things out of your life so you can have enough space to breathe and walk in peace.
Satan is an expert at stealing our joy and getting us upset enough that we lose our peace, which opens the door for him to wreak havoc in our lives. When the enemy’s working overtime to aggravate us, the most powerful thing we can do is refuse to let it upset us and instead walk in peace (see Philippians 1:28). As we keep our eyes on Jesus, He’ll take care of things and help us trust Him with the situations we’re stressed about.
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for the peace You’ve given me. Please help me to begin to walk in it more today, and teach me how to make and maintain peace, wherever I am. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Watch Your Step
When soldiers go to war, they intentionally protect their feet so they can stand and fight the enemy. In the same way, Paul is telling us that we must walk in peace in order to defeat Satan’s attacks. To have peace in your life, you need to be someone who makes peace and works to maintain it—you can’t just wait for peace to fall upon you. The psalmist instructs us to pursue, inquire for, crave, and go after peace (see Psalm 34:14).
If you truly want peace, you will make whatever changes you need to make in order to have it. For instance, if you’re stressed out all the time and exceeding your limits, you need to cut a few things out of your life so you can have enough space to breathe and walk in peace.
Satan is an expert at stealing our joy and getting us upset enough that we lose our peace, which opens the door for him to wreak havoc in our lives. When the enemy’s working overtime to aggravate us, the most powerful thing we can do is refuse to let it upset us and instead walk in peace (see Philippians 1:28). As we keep our eyes on Jesus, He’ll take care of things and help us trust Him with the situations we’re stressed about.
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for the peace You’ve given me. Please help me to begin to walk in it more today, and teach me how to make and maintain peace, wherever I am. In Jesus’ name, amen.
DECEMBER 5, 2020
Dealing With Immorality
Colossians 3:5-11
How can you live a moral life in an immoral society? When the appeal of the world’s standards is strong, you may feel powerless to resist, but that’s not what Scripture teaches. Through Christ, you have everything you need to live righteously. However, if you repeatedly follow your own desires, then in a moment of temptation, you won’t want to obey God.
The time to stop sin is not at the moment of the act but in the desire for it. Scripture says our old self has been crucified with Christ and we’re to consider ourselves dead to evil desires (Rom. 6:6; Col. 3:5). Sin once held dominion over us, but Jesus has broken its power and set us free. Now we have a new self created in His image (Col. 3:9-10).
Instead of giving in to sinful desires, we should respond to temptations on the basis of who we are in Christ. Sin no longer fits us, because we are new creations with divine power at our disposal. That means we can now resist evil lusts and instead make God-honoring choices.
Begin today to reflect on the power of Christ within you, and trust Him to guard you against future sins.
Bible in One Year: Galatians 1-3
Dealing With Immorality
Colossians 3:5-11
How can you live a moral life in an immoral society? When the appeal of the world’s standards is strong, you may feel powerless to resist, but that’s not what Scripture teaches. Through Christ, you have everything you need to live righteously. However, if you repeatedly follow your own desires, then in a moment of temptation, you won’t want to obey God.
The time to stop sin is not at the moment of the act but in the desire for it. Scripture says our old self has been crucified with Christ and we’re to consider ourselves dead to evil desires (Rom. 6:6; Col. 3:5). Sin once held dominion over us, but Jesus has broken its power and set us free. Now we have a new self created in His image (Col. 3:9-10).
Instead of giving in to sinful desires, we should respond to temptations on the basis of who we are in Christ. Sin no longer fits us, because we are new creations with divine power at our disposal. That means we can now resist evil lusts and instead make God-honoring choices.
Begin today to reflect on the power of Christ within you, and trust Him to guard you against future sins.
Bible in One Year: Galatians 1-3
DECEMBER 4, 2020
When Sin Is Finished --- Dr. Paul Chappell
James 1:13–15 "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."
A 1982 ABC Evening News special reported an unusual invention, with an even more unusual response to it.
Someone had attached a chair to a loaded shotgun. People could sit in the chair and look directly down the gun barrel. The only drawback was that the inventor had set the gun on a timer, and it would fire at a predetermined (but unreleased) date sometime within the next one hundred years.
The incredible response to this invention was that people would actually wait in line for their chance to sit in the chair and stare down the loaded gun barrel. Every one of those people knew the risk, but they thought it was worth taking their chance so they could brag on it later.
One of the most common and most tragic mistakes of our day is the belief that the results of sin will be different for us. When we fall prey to the lie of Satan that we are somehow exempt from the consequences of sin, he has us right where he wants us. It is rare for someone to sin with a full understanding and appreciation for the awful results that will follow. Instead, we rationalize and convince ourselves that we will be able to avoid them somehow.
God has written the law of sowing and reaping into the very fabric of the universe. As Moses warned the children of Israel, “be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23). When we do what we should not or fail to do what we should, we will suffer the consequences just as God declares in Scripture. How much better to instead resist sin at the point of temptation!
Today's Growth Principle: Sin always brings painful and devastating consequences, and none of us are an exception to that rule
When Sin Is Finished --- Dr. Paul Chappell
James 1:13–15 "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."
A 1982 ABC Evening News special reported an unusual invention, with an even more unusual response to it.
Someone had attached a chair to a loaded shotgun. People could sit in the chair and look directly down the gun barrel. The only drawback was that the inventor had set the gun on a timer, and it would fire at a predetermined (but unreleased) date sometime within the next one hundred years.
The incredible response to this invention was that people would actually wait in line for their chance to sit in the chair and stare down the loaded gun barrel. Every one of those people knew the risk, but they thought it was worth taking their chance so they could brag on it later.
One of the most common and most tragic mistakes of our day is the belief that the results of sin will be different for us. When we fall prey to the lie of Satan that we are somehow exempt from the consequences of sin, he has us right where he wants us. It is rare for someone to sin with a full understanding and appreciation for the awful results that will follow. Instead, we rationalize and convince ourselves that we will be able to avoid them somehow.
God has written the law of sowing and reaping into the very fabric of the universe. As Moses warned the children of Israel, “be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23). When we do what we should not or fail to do what we should, we will suffer the consequences just as God declares in Scripture. How much better to instead resist sin at the point of temptation!
Today's Growth Principle: Sin always brings painful and devastating consequences, and none of us are an exception to that rule
DECEMBER 3, 2020
Courage
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? – Esther 4:14
There is a character trait that I believe is lacking more and more in every part of our society. It is why we refuse to listen to each other, refuse to face and solve our biggest problems, refuse to face up to reality, and refuse to call things the way they are. That character trait is courage.
The type of courage I am talking about is moral courage. It is the kind of courage that exposes you to ridicule, criticism, ostracism, and the judgmental wrath of others. It is the kind of courage described in the story that has been preserved for more than twenty-five hundred years, and that is the story of Esther.
Esther is a great example of costly it is to be courageous and unfortunately, courage never goes on sale.
When the opportunity came to either show up or shy away, Esther rose to the occasion in order to save her people.
You are going to face similar times in life where risk and fear is staring you in the face. I believe that is why the Bible says, “Fear not” three hundred and sixty-five times, because God knows every day there is a chance for fear to make us crawl under the bed, hide in the closet, and retreat from the battle. That is why the first step of courage is just showing up. The best-selling leadership author, Brené Brown said this, “Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just to have the courage...to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.
There will come times in your life when you have to decide and decide quick what is first in your life and who is first in your life. When you have to decide if you are going to do the right thing or the wrong thing, your thing or God’s thing. Are you going to be courageous or a coward? Are you going to show up or wimp out?
Dear Lord, I want to be bold and courageous like Esther. When opportunities come my way to show courage, please help me to stand strong and not be fearful. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Courage
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? – Esther 4:14
There is a character trait that I believe is lacking more and more in every part of our society. It is why we refuse to listen to each other, refuse to face and solve our biggest problems, refuse to face up to reality, and refuse to call things the way they are. That character trait is courage.
The type of courage I am talking about is moral courage. It is the kind of courage that exposes you to ridicule, criticism, ostracism, and the judgmental wrath of others. It is the kind of courage described in the story that has been preserved for more than twenty-five hundred years, and that is the story of Esther.
Esther is a great example of costly it is to be courageous and unfortunately, courage never goes on sale.
When the opportunity came to either show up or shy away, Esther rose to the occasion in order to save her people.
You are going to face similar times in life where risk and fear is staring you in the face. I believe that is why the Bible says, “Fear not” three hundred and sixty-five times, because God knows every day there is a chance for fear to make us crawl under the bed, hide in the closet, and retreat from the battle. That is why the first step of courage is just showing up. The best-selling leadership author, Brené Brown said this, “Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just to have the courage...to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.
There will come times in your life when you have to decide and decide quick what is first in your life and who is first in your life. When you have to decide if you are going to do the right thing or the wrong thing, your thing or God’s thing. Are you going to be courageous or a coward? Are you going to show up or wimp out?
Dear Lord, I want to be bold and courageous like Esther. When opportunities come my way to show courage, please help me to stand strong and not be fearful. In Jesus’ name, amen.
DECEMBER 2, 2020
All He Requires
John 11:4 --- Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
If you are a young man or young woman hooked on dissent or despair, ready to split, then lend me your attention. My answer concerns your dreams, and the element in your make-up called “faith.” All that God requires of anyone in taking his first step toward Him and toward total self-fulfillment is faith—faith in His Word, that teaches that God loves you and that you were alienated from Him by sin, that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you, that when you make a personal surrender to Him as Lord and Savior, He can transform you from the inside out.
Prayer for the day --- Your Word, heavenly Father, brings me hope and redemption through Jesus Christ—thrusts through the despondencies of life and says You love me!
All He Requires
John 11:4 --- Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
If you are a young man or young woman hooked on dissent or despair, ready to split, then lend me your attention. My answer concerns your dreams, and the element in your make-up called “faith.” All that God requires of anyone in taking his first step toward Him and toward total self-fulfillment is faith—faith in His Word, that teaches that God loves you and that you were alienated from Him by sin, that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you, that when you make a personal surrender to Him as Lord and Savior, He can transform you from the inside out.
Prayer for the day --- Your Word, heavenly Father, brings me hope and redemption through Jesus Christ—thrusts through the despondencies of life and says You love me!
DECEMBER 1, 2020
Guard Your Heart
Breastplate - Armor for the heart
Brace yourself for a mind-blowing fact: Jesus did not die so we could have a religion. He died so we could receive forgiveness for our sins, be made right with God, and enjoy a deep, genuine friendship with Him.
Religion is people’s attempt to get to a place where God will accept them; it is humanity’s idea of God’s expectations. But Christianity is different—it isn’t about us striving to get to God, but about God coming down to humanity in the person of Jesus Christ to rebuilding the bridge between us so we could have relationship with Him.
Righteousness is described in the Bible as a breastplate that covers, or protects, the heart or spirit of a person (see Ephesians 6:14). Our spirits need to be covered with righteousness if we’re to have rich fellowship with God and walk in freedom. That’s why Jesus took on our sin—so we could become His righteousness (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). God gives us righteousness by His grace, but we are the ones who choose to receive it by faith and walk in it.
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for providing me with the breastplate of righteousness through Jesus. Please help me remember to put it on every day so my heart is fully protected from the enemy’s attacks. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Guard Your Heart
Breastplate - Armor for the heart
Brace yourself for a mind-blowing fact: Jesus did not die so we could have a religion. He died so we could receive forgiveness for our sins, be made right with God, and enjoy a deep, genuine friendship with Him.
Religion is people’s attempt to get to a place where God will accept them; it is humanity’s idea of God’s expectations. But Christianity is different—it isn’t about us striving to get to God, but about God coming down to humanity in the person of Jesus Christ to rebuilding the bridge between us so we could have relationship with Him.
Righteousness is described in the Bible as a breastplate that covers, or protects, the heart or spirit of a person (see Ephesians 6:14). Our spirits need to be covered with righteousness if we’re to have rich fellowship with God and walk in freedom. That’s why Jesus took on our sin—so we could become His righteousness (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). God gives us righteousness by His grace, but we are the ones who choose to receive it by faith and walk in it.
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for providing me with the breastplate of righteousness through Jesus. Please help me remember to put it on every day so my heart is fully protected from the enemy’s attacks. In Jesus’ name, amen.
NOVEMBER 30, 2020
God Is in Control
Psalm 103:19-22
In today’s psalm, David discusses a fundamental attribute of God: His sovereignty. This means God has complete authority and control over all human beings and every aspect of the universe. It also means that “luck” and “good fortune” have no place in a discussion about Him. And because God is good, we can have full confidence in His absolute and loving control over every aspect of our existence.
When we trust in the Father’s sovereignty, we stand on two assurances. The first is that He is intimately involved in our daily life. No matter what, He never stops providing, protecting, and caring for every believer. He knows what we need for today and tomorrow.
The second is that the Lord will work every circumstance for our benefit—without exception! When situations are more demanding, our confidence may waiver, but Scripture promises “that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).
You and I do not live by chance. As children of a sovereign God, we live secure and under His control. Trust Him to carry you through whatever trial stands in your way.
Bible in One Year: 1 Corinthians 11-13
God Is in Control
Psalm 103:19-22
In today’s psalm, David discusses a fundamental attribute of God: His sovereignty. This means God has complete authority and control over all human beings and every aspect of the universe. It also means that “luck” and “good fortune” have no place in a discussion about Him. And because God is good, we can have full confidence in His absolute and loving control over every aspect of our existence.
When we trust in the Father’s sovereignty, we stand on two assurances. The first is that He is intimately involved in our daily life. No matter what, He never stops providing, protecting, and caring for every believer. He knows what we need for today and tomorrow.
The second is that the Lord will work every circumstance for our benefit—without exception! When situations are more demanding, our confidence may waiver, but Scripture promises “that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).
You and I do not live by chance. As children of a sovereign God, we live secure and under His control. Trust Him to carry you through whatever trial stands in your way.
Bible in One Year: 1 Corinthians 11-13
NOVEMBER 29, 2020
Finding Contentment --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Philippians 4:11–13--- "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Many people are searching for contentment, but very few seem to find it. That is largely because most people are seeking contentment in the wrong place. It is never found in possessions or circumstances. It is never based on what is happening outside. Contentment flourishes despite circumstances either good or bad, because it grows in a grateful heart.
F. B. Meyer said, “If we would find content, let us go to homes where women are crippled with rheumatism, or dying of cancer, where comforts are few, where long hours of loneliness are not broken by the intrusion of friendly faces, where the pittance of public charity hardly suffices for necessary need, to say nothing of comfort, it is there that contentment reveals itself like a shy flower. How often in the homes of the wealthy one has missed it, to find it in the homes of the poor! How often it is wanting where health is buoyant, to be discovered where disease is wearing out the strength!”
God did not promise us that things would be easy. Some of the greatest Christians in all of history suffered great persecution, bouts of grave illness, financial lack, and times of despair. What God promised us instead was His presence, and in that presence we can find contentment regardless of what else is happening in our lives. God knows everything about your circumstances today, and nothing comes into your life that does not first pass through His hands.
Today's Growth Principle: When you learn to accept whatever God has chosen to give you, you are on the pathway to learning true contentment.
Finding Contentment --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Philippians 4:11–13--- "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Many people are searching for contentment, but very few seem to find it. That is largely because most people are seeking contentment in the wrong place. It is never found in possessions or circumstances. It is never based on what is happening outside. Contentment flourishes despite circumstances either good or bad, because it grows in a grateful heart.
F. B. Meyer said, “If we would find content, let us go to homes where women are crippled with rheumatism, or dying of cancer, where comforts are few, where long hours of loneliness are not broken by the intrusion of friendly faces, where the pittance of public charity hardly suffices for necessary need, to say nothing of comfort, it is there that contentment reveals itself like a shy flower. How often in the homes of the wealthy one has missed it, to find it in the homes of the poor! How often it is wanting where health is buoyant, to be discovered where disease is wearing out the strength!”
God did not promise us that things would be easy. Some of the greatest Christians in all of history suffered great persecution, bouts of grave illness, financial lack, and times of despair. What God promised us instead was His presence, and in that presence we can find contentment regardless of what else is happening in our lives. God knows everything about your circumstances today, and nothing comes into your life that does not first pass through His hands.
Today's Growth Principle: When you learn to accept whatever God has chosen to give you, you are on the pathway to learning true contentment.
NOVEMBER 28, 2020
Testify
“And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.” John 15:27
When is the last time you talked to someone about Jesus who doesn’t know Him? When is the last time you spoke up for Him? When I ask these questions, there are three common answers I hear most often. They are: 1) I don’t have the gift; 2) I don’t know how; and 3) I am too afraid. Did you know there is one answer to every one of these excuses? His name is the Holy Spirit.
Evangelism, or witnessing, is perhaps the most intimidating part of following Christ for most believers. But it should not be this way. The only job of a witness is to testify to what you know, what you have seen, and what you have heard. If you know that you are a sinner in need of salvation, and you know that Jesus Christ died for your sins and God raised Him from the dead, and if you know that you are saved only by the grace of God, then you know how to share the gospel with someone else. The Holy Spirit will use your testimony to do that.
The Holy Spirit’s sole purpose is to bear witness to Jesus Christ; but He witnesses through God’s people. He has no tongue to speak and no physical voice except for ours. If you have the Holy Spirit living in you and you are surrendered to Jesus, you will be His witness. Jesus understands every insecurity and fear we have.
That is why He sent the Holy Spirit. When we open our mouth, the Holy Spirit not only gives us the words to say, but He gives us the power to say them. But we must choose to open our mouths. Do you know how you can tell if a person is filled with the Holy Spirit? He will talk about Jesus. When the Holy Spirit came to those first disciples at Pentecost, what did they do? They started preaching about Jesus. They started writing about Jesus.
If you talk to anyone who has become a follower of Jesus Christ you will find it was because of three things: The Word of God, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the witness of a Christian. We are the last link in that chain. We witness for Jesus, but we do not do it alone. We witness through the power and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
You don’t have to be intelligent, well read, eloquent in speech, impressive in appearance, or have the gift of persuasion to be a witness. If you have experienced the grace of God, fallen in love with the Son of God, and been filled with the Spirit of God you will be a witness.
Dear Father, I have a lot of insecurities and shortcomings. I am far from perfect, but may that truth not hinder me from sharing the gospel with others. Give me boldness and confidence in your Spirit as you lead me to witness to the people you put in my path. In Jesus' name, amen.
Testify
“And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.” John 15:27
When is the last time you talked to someone about Jesus who doesn’t know Him? When is the last time you spoke up for Him? When I ask these questions, there are three common answers I hear most often. They are: 1) I don’t have the gift; 2) I don’t know how; and 3) I am too afraid. Did you know there is one answer to every one of these excuses? His name is the Holy Spirit.
Evangelism, or witnessing, is perhaps the most intimidating part of following Christ for most believers. But it should not be this way. The only job of a witness is to testify to what you know, what you have seen, and what you have heard. If you know that you are a sinner in need of salvation, and you know that Jesus Christ died for your sins and God raised Him from the dead, and if you know that you are saved only by the grace of God, then you know how to share the gospel with someone else. The Holy Spirit will use your testimony to do that.
The Holy Spirit’s sole purpose is to bear witness to Jesus Christ; but He witnesses through God’s people. He has no tongue to speak and no physical voice except for ours. If you have the Holy Spirit living in you and you are surrendered to Jesus, you will be His witness. Jesus understands every insecurity and fear we have.
That is why He sent the Holy Spirit. When we open our mouth, the Holy Spirit not only gives us the words to say, but He gives us the power to say them. But we must choose to open our mouths. Do you know how you can tell if a person is filled with the Holy Spirit? He will talk about Jesus. When the Holy Spirit came to those first disciples at Pentecost, what did they do? They started preaching about Jesus. They started writing about Jesus.
If you talk to anyone who has become a follower of Jesus Christ you will find it was because of three things: The Word of God, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the witness of a Christian. We are the last link in that chain. We witness for Jesus, but we do not do it alone. We witness through the power and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
You don’t have to be intelligent, well read, eloquent in speech, impressive in appearance, or have the gift of persuasion to be a witness. If you have experienced the grace of God, fallen in love with the Son of God, and been filled with the Spirit of God you will be a witness.
Dear Father, I have a lot of insecurities and shortcomings. I am far from perfect, but may that truth not hinder me from sharing the gospel with others. Give me boldness and confidence in your Spirit as you lead me to witness to the people you put in my path. In Jesus' name, amen.
NOVEMBER 27, 2020
Whose Son Is He?
1 Corinthians 8:6 --- To us there is but one God, the Father . . . and one Lord Jesus Christ . . .
Ultimately, in one way or another, or at one time or another, we shall be faced with this question: What think ye of Christ? Whose Son is He? If Jesus Christ is not who He claimed to be, He is a deceiver, or an egomaniac. We must answer this question with both belief and action. We must not only believe something about Jesus, but we must do something about Him. We must accept Him, or reject Him.
Jesus made clear who He was, and why He came into the world. He asked His disciples, “Whom do men say that I, the Son of man, am?” They told Him of a variety of designations on the human level. Then Jesus turned to them and asked, “But whom say ye that I am?” Whereupon Peter replied with his historic affirmation, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:13-16).
This is the apex of faith. This is the pinnacle of belief. This is where the faith of each must rest if he hopes for salvation. Christ is inescapable! You, too, must decide, “What shall I do with Christ?”
Prayer for the day ---You are the Christ, Lord Jesus, Son of the living God! In adoration I worship You—my Redeemer.
Whose Son Is He?
1 Corinthians 8:6 --- To us there is but one God, the Father . . . and one Lord Jesus Christ . . .
Ultimately, in one way or another, or at one time or another, we shall be faced with this question: What think ye of Christ? Whose Son is He? If Jesus Christ is not who He claimed to be, He is a deceiver, or an egomaniac. We must answer this question with both belief and action. We must not only believe something about Jesus, but we must do something about Him. We must accept Him, or reject Him.
Jesus made clear who He was, and why He came into the world. He asked His disciples, “Whom do men say that I, the Son of man, am?” They told Him of a variety of designations on the human level. Then Jesus turned to them and asked, “But whom say ye that I am?” Whereupon Peter replied with his historic affirmation, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:13-16).
This is the apex of faith. This is the pinnacle of belief. This is where the faith of each must rest if he hopes for salvation. Christ is inescapable! You, too, must decide, “What shall I do with Christ?”
Prayer for the day ---You are the Christ, Lord Jesus, Son of the living God! In adoration I worship You—my Redeemer.
NOVEMBER 26, 2020
You Can't "Catch" Holiness
Holiness = separation to God, which should result in conduct befitting those so separated
In the New Testament, the same Greek word translated holiness is also translated sanctification, which the Greek dictionary says "cannot be transferred or imputed." That means that holiness is an individual possession, one that is built up little by little, so it cannot be given to or taken from another person. In other words, you and I cannot become holy by going through a prayer line, or by having hands laid on us, or by spending time with someone else who is holy.
As we see in today’s passage from the Old Testament prophet Haggai, unholiness is contagious, but holiness is not. What that means is that if we spend a lot of time with someone who is living an ungodly life, that person’s sinful patterns can rub off on us—we can catch it like a disease. But holiness is not like that. It can't be picked up by contact or exposure; it has to be chosen on purpose.
This is one reason why it’s so very important that we choose our friends intentionally, and especially to spend the most time with other believers who are sincerely seeking Jesus. When we do that, we can spur each other on to keep following Him (see Proverbs 27:17; Hebrews 10:24-25).
Prayer Starter: Father, please help me to proactively choose holiness, and connect me with other solid believers who are pursuing You above all else. Thank You for Your grace today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
NOVEMBER 25, 2020
How to Make a Difference
1 Peter 4:10-11
The Lord has given believers an amazing responsibility—He has called them to accomplish His work here on earth. How remarkable that God Almighty, who can do all things, invites us to participate in drawing people to Him, helping His children reach spiritual maturity, and caring for those in need.
Being a servant of the Lord means we put ourselves under His authority, listen to His instructions, and carry out His commands. In our own strength, this task is impossible, but when we defer to God and rely on Him, He supplies everything we need.
The Father always equips His children. He begins by developing Christlike character within us. Then, as we cooperate with His Spirit, God transforms a self-centered heart into the heart of a servant who delights in meeting others’ needs. And the Lord also bestows the spiritual gift needed for the specific work He’s appointed each believer to do.
The invitation is issued; the strength and ability are provided. All that is needed are some willing servants to participate in the most exciting adventure on earth. Join with the Lord in His work, use your spiritual gifts, and make an impact for Christ in this world.
Bible in One Year: Romans 10-13
How to Make a Difference
1 Peter 4:10-11
The Lord has given believers an amazing responsibility—He has called them to accomplish His work here on earth. How remarkable that God Almighty, who can do all things, invites us to participate in drawing people to Him, helping His children reach spiritual maturity, and caring for those in need.
Being a servant of the Lord means we put ourselves under His authority, listen to His instructions, and carry out His commands. In our own strength, this task is impossible, but when we defer to God and rely on Him, He supplies everything we need.
The Father always equips His children. He begins by developing Christlike character within us. Then, as we cooperate with His Spirit, God transforms a self-centered heart into the heart of a servant who delights in meeting others’ needs. And the Lord also bestows the spiritual gift needed for the specific work He’s appointed each believer to do.
The invitation is issued; the strength and ability are provided. All that is needed are some willing servants to participate in the most exciting adventure on earth. Join with the Lord in His work, use your spiritual gifts, and make an impact for Christ in this world.
Bible in One Year: Romans 10-13
NOVEMBER 24, 2020
Our Greatest Need --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Matthew 20:26–28 "But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
A missionary was preaching in Philadelphia. At the close of the service a man came and said, “I don’t like the way you spoke about the cross. I think that instead of emphasizing the death of Christ, it would be far better to preach Jesus, the teacher and example.” The missionary replied, “If I presented Christ in that way, would you be willing to follow Him?” “I certainly would,” said the man without hesitation.
“All right then,” said the missionary, “let’s take the first step. He did no sin. Can you claim that for yourself?”
The man looked confused and somewhat surprised. “Why, no,” he said. “I acknowledge that I do sin.” The missionary replied, “Then your greatest need is to have a Saviour, not an example!”
Jesus was perfect, and He is a wonderful example—but it is an example that we are incapable of following apart from the power of the Spirit of God. Setting an example was not the primary purpose for His coming. Instead, He came to provide salvation for all who believe. This willingness to meet our greatest need is a striking testimony to the deep love God has for us.
Having received His salvation, we have the responsibility to share that Good News with others. Many churches have fallen into thinking that if they provide food or medicine or clothing for the poor, they are doing all Christ called them to do. It is certainly important to meet physical needs, but these are not the greatest needs of those we serve. They need the salvation that can only be found in Jesus Christ.
Today's Growth Principle: Since God has provided our greatest need—a Saviour—we should be busy telling others about His wonderful provision.
Our Greatest Need --- Dr. Paul Chappell
Matthew 20:26–28 "But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
A missionary was preaching in Philadelphia. At the close of the service a man came and said, “I don’t like the way you spoke about the cross. I think that instead of emphasizing the death of Christ, it would be far better to preach Jesus, the teacher and example.” The missionary replied, “If I presented Christ in that way, would you be willing to follow Him?” “I certainly would,” said the man without hesitation.
“All right then,” said the missionary, “let’s take the first step. He did no sin. Can you claim that for yourself?”
The man looked confused and somewhat surprised. “Why, no,” he said. “I acknowledge that I do sin.” The missionary replied, “Then your greatest need is to have a Saviour, not an example!”
Jesus was perfect, and He is a wonderful example—but it is an example that we are incapable of following apart from the power of the Spirit of God. Setting an example was not the primary purpose for His coming. Instead, He came to provide salvation for all who believe. This willingness to meet our greatest need is a striking testimony to the deep love God has for us.
Having received His salvation, we have the responsibility to share that Good News with others. Many churches have fallen into thinking that if they provide food or medicine or clothing for the poor, they are doing all Christ called them to do. It is certainly important to meet physical needs, but these are not the greatest needs of those we serve. They need the salvation that can only be found in Jesus Christ.
Today's Growth Principle: Since God has provided our greatest need—a Saviour—we should be busy telling others about His wonderful provision.
NOVEMBER 23, 2020
Spirit of Truth
“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth, who proceeds from the Father, He will bear witness about Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.” John 15:26-27
Jesus often called the Holy Spirit “The Spirit of Truth,” when He spoke of Him. And in John 15:26-27 we learn that the Holy Spirit has come to bear witness of Jesus. What is the job of a witness? A witness has one purpose – to tell the truth.
The Holy Spirit only wants to talk about one thing – that is Jesus. He only wants to teach about one thing – that is Jesus. The Holy Spirit only wants to think about one thing – that is Jesus. The Holy Spirit’s purpose in our lives is to make known the truths of Christ. He teaches, guides, and reminds us of what is true about Jesus.
I have learned that the easiest way to get anyone to talk to you is simply to find out what his/her favorite subject is and then talk about it. Whether it’s a certain sport, hobby, or person, if you can find out what someone is passionate about, they will talk to you. If you want the Holy Spirit to talk to you, ask Him about Jesus. That is not just His favorite subject – it is His only subject.
How do you talk to the Holy Spirit about Jesus? The best way is through the Word of God and prayer. Ask Him to speak to you about Jesus through His Word. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is filled with truths about Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit is the key to unlocking these truths. Remember, His purpose is to bear witness about Jesus. He wants to show us the treasures of Christ; but we must be listening. The more we listen, the more we are able to bear witness to others the truth that has been revealed to us.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit living within me. Help me to be diligent to not only talk to the Holy Spirit, but to also listen for Him to speak to me as well. In Jesus' name, amen.
Spirit of Truth
“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth, who proceeds from the Father, He will bear witness about Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.” John 15:26-27
Jesus often called the Holy Spirit “The Spirit of Truth,” when He spoke of Him. And in John 15:26-27 we learn that the Holy Spirit has come to bear witness of Jesus. What is the job of a witness? A witness has one purpose – to tell the truth.
The Holy Spirit only wants to talk about one thing – that is Jesus. He only wants to teach about one thing – that is Jesus. The Holy Spirit only wants to think about one thing – that is Jesus. The Holy Spirit’s purpose in our lives is to make known the truths of Christ. He teaches, guides, and reminds us of what is true about Jesus.
I have learned that the easiest way to get anyone to talk to you is simply to find out what his/her favorite subject is and then talk about it. Whether it’s a certain sport, hobby, or person, if you can find out what someone is passionate about, they will talk to you. If you want the Holy Spirit to talk to you, ask Him about Jesus. That is not just His favorite subject – it is His only subject.
How do you talk to the Holy Spirit about Jesus? The best way is through the Word of God and prayer. Ask Him to speak to you about Jesus through His Word. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is filled with truths about Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit is the key to unlocking these truths. Remember, His purpose is to bear witness about Jesus. He wants to show us the treasures of Christ; but we must be listening. The more we listen, the more we are able to bear witness to others the truth that has been revealed to us.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit living within me. Help me to be diligent to not only talk to the Holy Spirit, but to also listen for Him to speak to me as well. In Jesus' name, amen.
NOVEMBER 22, 2020
Thanksgiving with Meaning
Psalm 34:18 (TLB) --- The Lord is close to those whose hearts are breaking; he rescues those who are humbly sorry for their sins.
It is the custom of many Christians to bow their heads in public places and give thanks for the food that has been placed before them. I have had scores of waiters and waitresses tell me that when we bowed our heads, it was the first time they had ever seen that happen in their restaurant.
Millions never pause to give a word of thanks to God for the food provided. Few homes have a moment of thanksgiving at the beginning of the meal or at any other time of the day. Even at Thanksgiving time only a minority will pause and give thanks to God.
Thanksgiving is recognition of a debt that cannot be paid. We express thanks, whether or not we are able otherwise to reimburse the giver. When thanksgiving is filled with true meaning and is not just the formality of a polite “thank you,” it is the recognition of dependence.
Prayer for the day --- Lord Jesus, I know that apart from You I can do nothing of lasting value. Help me to come to the end of self and allow You to control the reins of my life.
Thanksgiving with Meaning
Psalm 34:18 (TLB) --- The Lord is close to those whose hearts are breaking; he rescues those who are humbly sorry for their sins.
It is the custom of many Christians to bow their heads in public places and give thanks for the food that has been placed before them. I have had scores of waiters and waitresses tell me that when we bowed our heads, it was the first time they had ever seen that happen in their restaurant.
Millions never pause to give a word of thanks to God for the food provided. Few homes have a moment of thanksgiving at the beginning of the meal or at any other time of the day. Even at Thanksgiving time only a minority will pause and give thanks to God.
Thanksgiving is recognition of a debt that cannot be paid. We express thanks, whether or not we are able otherwise to reimburse the giver. When thanksgiving is filled with true meaning and is not just the formality of a polite “thank you,” it is the recognition of dependence.
Prayer for the day --- Lord Jesus, I know that apart from You I can do nothing of lasting value. Help me to come to the end of self and allow You to control the reins of my life.
NOVEMBER 21, 2020
Boundaries, Not Walls
One of the first things God did after the Israelites entered the Promised Land was tell Joshua to divide the land that still remained to be conquered among the tribes of Israel. Joshua 13:8–33 details the boundaries of each tribe, except for the tribe of Levi because God Himself was their inheritance (v. 33).
Throughout the Bible, God told people and nations what their geographic boundaries were. As long as different groups respected the boundaries, they could live peaceably together. But when one group crossed a boundary and infringed on a neighbor’s land, that’s when trouble—and even war—broke out.
Just as groups of people need boundaries, it’s also important for us to have boundaries. Because everyone who wants to come into our lives may not be good for us, we can decide whether to allow them to get close to us or not. This kind of boundary setting can be physical, but it can also be emotional and mental. We get to decide whether or not we will give certain people access to our hearts and minds. We can choose how much we will allow our hearts to love or trust them—if at all. We can also choose how much we will think about them. One of the keys to being a healthy individual is to have appropriate boundaries in relationships.
There is a difference between boundaries and walls, and sometimes when a person is very wounded in their soul, they’ll put up walls instead of setting boundaries. Let me explain the difference. A person who puts up walls says to themselves: “I’ve been hurt before and nobody is ever going to hurt me again! I am not going to allow anyone to get close to me ever again. That way they can’t hurt me.”
A person who sets healthy boundaries says: “I have experienced a lot of hurt in my life, and I need to protect myself and be involved with people who are safe for me. I am going to be wise and discerning as I build relationships. If someone begins to disrespect me or take advantage of me, I will confront his or her behavior. If it continues, I will not continue to allow the person in my life.”
Do you see the difference between building walls and setting boundaries? Building walls leaves no room for healthy relationships because it closes off the possibility of close relationships completely. A person who sets boundaries is open to deep relationships, but only if they are respectful and beneficial. A person with boundaries doesn’t shut out all people or certain categories of people, but remains open to people as long as they are positive, not negative, in her life. Setting boundaries is not easy, but God will help you do it as you heal.
Prayer Starter: Father, please teach me how, where and when to set healthy boundaries with the people in my life. Thank You for helping me take down any unhealthy walls, and for directing me to relationships that will be good for me and others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Boundaries, Not Walls
One of the first things God did after the Israelites entered the Promised Land was tell Joshua to divide the land that still remained to be conquered among the tribes of Israel. Joshua 13:8–33 details the boundaries of each tribe, except for the tribe of Levi because God Himself was their inheritance (v. 33).
Throughout the Bible, God told people and nations what their geographic boundaries were. As long as different groups respected the boundaries, they could live peaceably together. But when one group crossed a boundary and infringed on a neighbor’s land, that’s when trouble—and even war—broke out.
Just as groups of people need boundaries, it’s also important for us to have boundaries. Because everyone who wants to come into our lives may not be good for us, we can decide whether to allow them to get close to us or not. This kind of boundary setting can be physical, but it can also be emotional and mental. We get to decide whether or not we will give certain people access to our hearts and minds. We can choose how much we will allow our hearts to love or trust them—if at all. We can also choose how much we will think about them. One of the keys to being a healthy individual is to have appropriate boundaries in relationships.
There is a difference between boundaries and walls, and sometimes when a person is very wounded in their soul, they’ll put up walls instead of setting boundaries. Let me explain the difference. A person who puts up walls says to themselves: “I’ve been hurt before and nobody is ever going to hurt me again! I am not going to allow anyone to get close to me ever again. That way they can’t hurt me.”
A person who sets healthy boundaries says: “I have experienced a lot of hurt in my life, and I need to protect myself and be involved with people who are safe for me. I am going to be wise and discerning as I build relationships. If someone begins to disrespect me or take advantage of me, I will confront his or her behavior. If it continues, I will not continue to allow the person in my life.”
Do you see the difference between building walls and setting boundaries? Building walls leaves no room for healthy relationships because it closes off the possibility of close relationships completely. A person who sets boundaries is open to deep relationships, but only if they are respectful and beneficial. A person with boundaries doesn’t shut out all people or certain categories of people, but remains open to people as long as they are positive, not negative, in her life. Setting boundaries is not easy, but God will help you do it as you heal.
Prayer Starter: Father, please teach me how, where and when to set healthy boundaries with the people in my life. Thank You for helping me take down any unhealthy walls, and for directing me to relationships that will be good for me and others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
NOVEMBER 20, 2020
Our Righteousness
Ephesians 2:1-10
Anyone who thinks of himself as a pretty good person ought to think again. Ephesians 2:1 says we come into the world spiritually dead—ruled by Satan, his world system, and our own sin nature. From the divine perspective, we are deserving of punishment.
Meanwhile, God is so pure and holy that He is separated from all sin. He cannot look upon sin with any favor or approval (Hab. 1:13). Everything He does is pure and right, and by comparison, even mankind’s righteous acts are like filthy rags (Isa. 64:6 NIV). Yet, even though we have nothing of value to offer, the Lord wants us for His own and works to draw us close to Himself.
When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, we are made spiritually alive in Him, and all our sins are forgiven.
What a striking contrast between what we were and who we now are in the Lord! But this change has nothing to do with how good we’ve been. Even the faith with which we respond to the Savior comes from God. We can never make ourselves righteous; it’s all a gift from Him. And once He declares us justified, we will never be pronounced guilty again.
Bible in One Year: Acts 25-26
Our Righteousness
Ephesians 2:1-10
Anyone who thinks of himself as a pretty good person ought to think again. Ephesians 2:1 says we come into the world spiritually dead—ruled by Satan, his world system, and our own sin nature. From the divine perspective, we are deserving of punishment.
Meanwhile, God is so pure and holy that He is separated from all sin. He cannot look upon sin with any favor or approval (Hab. 1:13). Everything He does is pure and right, and by comparison, even mankind’s righteous acts are like filthy rags (Isa. 64:6 NIV). Yet, even though we have nothing of value to offer, the Lord wants us for His own and works to draw us close to Himself.
When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, we are made spiritually alive in Him, and all our sins are forgiven.
What a striking contrast between what we were and who we now are in the Lord! But this change has nothing to do with how good we’ve been. Even the faith with which we respond to the Savior comes from God. We can never make ourselves righteous; it’s all a gift from Him. And once He declares us justified, we will never be pronounced guilty again.
Bible in One Year: Acts 25-26
NOVEMBER 19, 2020
Unfailing Encouragement --- Dr. Paul Chappell
1 Samuel 30:6–8 "And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech’s son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David. And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all."
All of us have times when we need encouragement, and almost all of us have known the experience of not finding anyone with a good or kind word to say. In that situation where do we turn for help? I’ve heard about some pretty heated board meetings, but I’ve never heard of one where they were ready to vote on stoning the leader. Yet David’s men were so distraught that they were ready to kill their leader.
At that crucial moment, without the help of friends or encouragers, the Bible tells us that David encouraged himself “in the Lord his God.” This is not the humanist notion of telling ourselves that we are good and things will get bett
Unfailing Encouragement --- Dr. Paul Chappell
1 Samuel 30:6–8 "And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech’s son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David. And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all."
All of us have times when we need encouragement, and almost all of us have known the experience of not finding anyone with a good or kind word to say. In that situation where do we turn for help? I’ve heard about some pretty heated board meetings, but I’ve never heard of one where they were ready to vote on stoning the leader. Yet David’s men were so distraught that they were ready to kill their leader.
At that crucial moment, without the help of friends or encouragers, the Bible tells us that David encouraged himself “in the Lord his God.” This is not the humanist notion of telling ourselves that we are good and things will get bett