Daily Devotions

Wednesday, August 13

God Wants Everyone

He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. - 2 Peter 3:9

At a family reunion, the younger ones and those who think they are still young get into a spirited softball game.  When choosing up sides before the game, there's always the problem of who's going to take the younger or less athletically gifted persons for their team.

Is that how God functions?  does he look at us when it comes to picking players for his team of believers?  If he does, whom would he choose?  We're all so disabled by sin that we're no good whatsoever.  we're all so deserving of hell that God wouldn't eve waste a first glance at us.

Now look in contrast at how God actually functions. "He is patient with you," Peter said.  Not only is he patient, he is gracious.  Instead of sending us to be on Satan's losing team in hell, he sent his Son from heaven to take care of our sins.  He's prepared the uniform of salvation.  It's his Son's payment for every sin and perfect obedience of every commandment.

God wants every single sinner on his team. He sent his Son to pay for every single sinner.  He gives life to every single sinner as the time to learn of the Savior and be readied for heaven.  Those who reject Jesus do so at their own peril.  Those who are clothed with him rejoice in God's grace.

Lord, thank you for bringing Jesus' salvation to me.  Amen.

Thursday, August 14

A Demonstration of Devotion

by: Max Lucando

Does this sound like you?  You have nothing to give God but problems.  All you have to offer him is your hurt.  You want to accept his gift of grace, but you feel unworthy of his sacrifice.

Maybe that has kept you from coming to God.  Oh, you've taken a step or two in his direction.  But then you saw the other people who follow him.  They seemed so clean, so neat, so trim and fit in their faith.  So you hesitated.

If that description fits, read the story of the nameless women in Mark 5.  She, considered unclean by her culture, demonstrated her devotion to Jesus by touching the hem of the Savior's garment.  And that slight gesture moved Jesus to heal her.  She was a shame-struck, penniless outcast who clutched onto her hunch that he could and her hope that he would.

Isn't that what faith is all about?  a conviction that he can and that he will.  Sounds similar to the definition of faith give by the Bible: "Without faith no one can please God.  Anyone who come to God must believe that he is real and that he rewards those who truly want to find him" (Hebrews 11:6).

Not too complicated, it it?  Faith is the belief that God is real and that God is good.  Faith is not a mystical experience or a midnight vision or a voice in the forest . . . it is a choice to believe that the One who made it all hasn't left it all and that he still sends light into shadows and responds to gestures of faith.

Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want.  Faith is the belief that God will do what is right.  God is always near and always available.  Just waiting for your touch.  So let him know.  Demonstrate your devotion:

Write a letter.

Ask forgiveness.

Confess.

Be baptized.

Feed a hungry person.

Pray.

Teach.

Go.

Do something that reveals your faith.  For faith with no effort is no faith at all.  God will respond.  He has never rejected a genuine gesture of faith.  Never.

God honors radical, risk-taking faith.  When arks are built, lives are saved.  When soliders march, Jerichos tumble.  When staffs are raised, seas still open.  When a lunch is shared, thousands are fed.  And when a garment is touched - whether by the hand of an anemic woman in Galilee or by the prayers of a beggar in Bangladesh - Jesus stops.  So make your choice, announce your faith to God, and demonstrate your devotion.

Friday, August 15

Sign of Growth

So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. - Acts 9:28

Paul was not trusted by the disciples in Jerusalem.  He had been known and feared as a persecutor of the yound Christian community.  Then on the Damascus road the risen Lord himself confronted Saul and he became Paul the apostle.  But was the change real?  Was it lasting?  When he attempted to join the disciples in Jerusalem they were suspicious.  Not until Barnabas spoke for him was Paul accepted.  He had changed.  The disciples saw signs of his conversion and growth.

We may no preach like Paul, as the old hymn has it.  But what is the sign of newness in our lives?  A former British Minister of Education stated three tests of an "educated person": Can you entertain a new idea? Can you entertain another person? Can you entertain yourself?

To grow as a Christian is not simple.  It means to grow in our ability to accept God's new life, to care for others, and to know by experience that we have been made new.

We search for newness in ourselves and sometimes find

little evidence.  Lord help us to grow and demonstrate the 

signs of growth.  Amen.

Saturday, August 16

You Are

Your identity isn't defined by your successes, your possessions, your past mistakes, or other people's opinions.  When you trust in Jesus Christ, you are exactly who God says you are.

In Christ, You Are . . .

A new creation:  If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. - 2 Corinthians 5:17

Known - even before you were born: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. - Jeremiah 1:5

Marvelously designed: I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. - Psalm 139:14

Loved:  God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. - John 3:16

Forgiven: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. - 1 John 1:9

Redeemed: In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. - Ephesians 1:7

Blameless before God: There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. - Romans 8:1

Free: Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. - Romans 8:2

Victorious: [God] gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Corinthians 15:57

Created for a purpose: You are chosen generation . . . His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. - 1 Peter 2:9

A Child of God: Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! - 1 John 3:1

Cared for: Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:7

Strengthened by God: My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Not alone: Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9

Not afraid: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. - Isaiah 43:1

Guarded by God's peace: The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:7

Blessed: [God] has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. - Ephesians 1:3

Eternally secure: I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them our of My hand. - John 10:28

A Citizen of Heaven: Our citizenship is in Heaven. - Philippians 3:20

If you have not yet trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior, the Bible says you are "without strength . . . having no hope and without God" (Romans 5:6 & Ephesians 2:12). To receive God's give of salvation and all the blessings found in Jesus Christ, listen to what God says:

1. Everyone needs salvation: All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God - Romans 3:23
2. Jesus died for our salvation: God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:8
3. God saves all who call upon Him: Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. - Romans 10:13

Will you admit to God you are a sinner and rest your faith completely in Jesus?  He will set you free from the guilt and shame of your old life, and give you His Spirit, empowering you to live a new life that glorifies God.

You are loved by God - call out to Him today!

Sunday, August 17

Shalom and Shalah

Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the father has sent me, I am sending you." - John 20:21

Jesus says shalom (which means "peace") and shalah (which means "Go", or "I send you").  His full greeting is "Peace! Go!" We are used to thinking or peace as rest, quiet, or inaction.  But the Hebrew word shalom has a much fuller meaning.  That is why this same word is used in several ways - to say "hello", "good-bye", "best wishes", or "God bless you." Yet shalom really means, "May you have wholeness, health, a well-balanced life". Rest and quietness are only one part of that balance.

To quote a religious folk song, "The peace of God, it is no peace." Jesus says, "I give you peace; now get a move on!" Jesus gives us the kind of peace that is most real to us when we are in the thick of things.

I know two theologians, one who carries on an incredible schedule of writing, lecturing, and teaching, and another who does difficult counseling in a medical center.  Both are famous for their ability to take a catnap in the midst of a hectic schedule.  They understand the connection between shalom and shalah.

Thanks, God, for the peace to go. Amen.

Monday, August 18

A Short Course In Godliness

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

"You can't just talk the talk; you have to walk the walk."  That is not a verbatim translation, but it carries the freight of what Micah was saying.  God has three expectations of those who claim to be part of God's family: do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.  Here are three short phrases that reflect God's nature.

Do justice. Micah says that there is too much talk and not enough action.  Justice begins in each person's heart.  God desires that we treat people with compassion that goes above and beyond the letter of the law.

Love kindness. Sometimes charity is done with a sense of expectation or obligation.  We do things that are received kindly, but our hearts have no delighted in the sharing.  We are urged to go beyond the rules of etiquette - to express kindness with such lavishness that our hearts cannot help but be aglow with love.

Walk humbly with your God.  We owe everything to God.  In no sense can we claim God's special favor because of our faithfulness.  We can only stand in awe and gratitude that God gave everything for us, even his Son, to be our Savior.

Holy God, let us reflect your goodness in all we do.  Amen

Tuesday, August 19

The Paradox of Paradoxes

My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. - 2 Corinthians 12:9

"When I am weak, then I am strong."

Over against the ecstatic high points of irrepressible joy - and we cherish them for ourselves as well as for others - are those balloon-puncturing experiences that flatten us in despair.  It may well be that we need both in our lives to keep us close to our Creator and Redeemer.  The remarkable thing is that the Spirit of God is often more obvious and more capable of using us during those low, thorn-in-the-flesh points in our lives.

The thing that most often drives us into depression is some pernicious, unconquered fault or weakness in our makeup.  We are certainly no expected to reveal in our weaknesses; we need to overcome or control these inbred distortions that afflict us and may even harm others around us; but we need not crumble in defeat or falter in despair.

They may actually, though indirectly, be the means by which we can recognized and learn to rely on God's promised, all-sufficient grace.  God is great.  He accepts us as we are.  He can work our His purposes through us - even in spite of us.  He can work out His continually submit to Him our whole beings - strengths, weaknesses, and all - and let Him have His way with us.

May God speak to you as He did to Paul: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness."

O Lord, I am often belabored and weighed down by my 

weaknesses and imperfections.  I thank You that despite these

things in my life, You continue to grant me value and 

significance as Your beloved child and servant.  Amen.

Wednesday, August 20

A Prayer about Why We Love Jesus

But he [Jesus] has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.  Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. - Hebrews 9:26-28

Dear Jesus, there are so many convincing reasons why you are singularly worthy of being loved, praised, trusted, and served.  But as I begin this day, I want to rehearse some of those many reasons out loud - for any of a number of pseudo-gods, wannabe gods, and demigods will be clamoring for my heart's attention and affection today.  Help me, my family, and my friends to love you with focused abandon and unwavering allegiance.

Jesus, you expressly came into the world to time zones and molecules, at the "end of the ages," at the appointed time in the history of redemption, to "do away with sin" - to take away the sins of your people, which includes my sins.  The price was your life of perfect obedience, including obedience to death on the cross. Never let me think or speak of your offering glibly, mindlessly, presumptuously, or with a yawn, for the implications of your sacrifice are astounding.

Of these things we can be certain: Jesus, you've exhausted the penalty of our sins.  Though I'm still destined to die, I've already been delivered from judgement because of your once-and-for-all sacrifice.  You've broken the power of sin.  Sin's dominion has been destroyed in my life.  You're the boss, and the reign of grace is secure and is expanding.  And when you "appear a second time", you'll rid my being and the entire cosmos of the very presence of sin.

Jesus, there is no other Savior like you.  You've borne sins and you're bringing salvation; you're borne our sin and you're bringing us salvation; you've borne my sin and you're brining me salvation! Love you? Indeed! Wait for you? Like a much-loved bride longing for her much-anticipated wedding day.  Even so, Lord Jesus, come!  We pray in your matchless name.  Amen.

Thursday, August 21

Blessings

Mary's Song of Praise

My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.  For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. - Luke 1:46-48

Of all the women in the world - young or old, rich or poor, of high status or love - You chose a young girl from an unimportant, backwater province to bear Your Son, our Savior.  Her response was, appropriately, a song of joy and praise, one of the most moving prayers in the Bible.  Mary understood that You had given her a great honor that would be remembered forever, and she welcomed it - as well as the responsibility that came with it - with joy.  You bless my life in many ways every day, Father.  May I receive Your blessings with a song of thanksgiving on my lips.

God's Mercy

For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.  And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. - Luke 1:49-50

Mary realized that her honor was not of her own making but came as a gift from You, Father.  All she had done was live in obedience to Your laws the best she could, as had her fathers and those before them since Abraham.  You had promised to do mighty things for Your people.  Sometimes they had obeyed You and flourished; other times they had followed idols and felt the pain of Your anger.  However, Your mercy is always on them who follow You, and their blessings flow from Your constant love. Make me mindful of Your great gifts, Father, that my song may praise Your work in my life.

Scattering the Proud

He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.  He hath put down the might from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. - Luke 1:51-52

Mary knew that she was not important in the eyes of the world, not in the ways people usually reckon importance.  Pride is of no value.  It is a false feeling or righteousness that only lives "in the imagination of their hearts."  In choosing Mary to bear Your Son, You ignored the proud and powerful, demonstrating Your love for the unimportant people of the world, those who follow Your ways in spite of the world.  Mary claimed no part of Your glory.  Help me understand that You value faithfulness and to trust in Your love above all else, claiming none of Your glory as a personal reward.

In Remembrance of His Mercy

He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.  He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

Not only did You bless Mary, Father, You also blessed Israel, sending Your Son to redeem this people You had always loved.  Your constant mercy to them had been demonstrated from Abraham onward, even when they sinned against You and followed idols.  Now Your promises to them would be fulfilled through Mary's delivery of the Saivor.  Not allw would accept this precious sign of Your mercy, but the offer was made for all.  I am not worthy of Your gifts of mercy and forgiveness, Father, but I accept them with the joy of Mary.

Saturday, November 30

The Unchanging Christ: The Same Yesterday

The Unchanging Christ: The Same Yesterday

All of my life I have heard the plea for a relevant “new Christ for a new age.”

The truth is Jesus Christ is God’s final word to men in all ages. He is relevant for every age. He is “the same yesterday, today and forever” (Heb. 13:8).

The same Jesus sits today “on the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Heb. 1:3). He is the same person as He was when here on the earth.

When we read the words, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday” we are carried back to the long ages before He became flesh. I can point to a date, time, and place when I was born. However, Jesus did not begin to live when He was born in the flesh of the virgin Mary in Bethlehem. He simply changed His robes.

The apostle Paul tells us Jesus was in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, divested Himself of His garments of glory that had been His from all eternity and clothed Himself in the garments of a common household slave in the flesh and was obedient unto death. He was God-man. He was fully God and fully human (Phil. 2:5-8).

The absolutely essential fact is He was the same in past eternity; He changes not.

I search for an absolute in an age of change; He changes not, and I therefore have security.

He came from the Father and He returned to the Father. He dwelt in the ageless past in the bosom of His eternal Father. The apostle John tells us, “in the beginning was the Word.” When everything else had a beginning He already existed and He had no beginning. His beginning had no beginning. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men” (John 1:1-4).

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday . . .” His eternal existence is declared in these words, “in the beginning was the Word.” He is no vacillating whim of the age. “The Word was with God,” a distinct personality of the true and perfect deity because “the Word was God.” His personal relationship with the Father is unchangeable. He “was in the beginning with God,” and because of His resurrection and ascension, He still is in the presence of the Father in a perfect relationship.

Moreover, His understanding of man never needs to change. No one knows me like the one who made me. “All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.” “In Him is life.”

Where would you turn for a relevant Christ that is not found in the historic Christ? Would you, like the modern self-made cults, turn to your own making, or to some new age “enlightenment”?

God in Christ has already become one of us in order to demonstrate His love for us, and to show us what God is really like. God came and revealed Himself to sinful and disobedient rebellious men.

I don’t need a greater “light.” I only need to respond to the One true and all supreme Lord of all creation. Why should I turn to some lesser “light”? All other spiritual lights are only creepy shadows of the one who masquerades as “the angel of light,” Satan himself.

We don’t have to look afar to discover what evil lurks within the heart of man. God has fully revealed Himself (Heb. 1:1-3), and man in his stubborn rebellion cries for something greater and better like selfish, pampered, narcissistic children whining for something new.

God has spoken. He has not changed and He will not. He is the same as He was yesterday, and I find stability for my soul and eternal peace with God. Because He is the same I have eternal security of a right relationship with Him, not of my self-making, or choosing, but in His all-sufficient wisdom and grace.

Because He is the same yesterday, I know that what He has said will still remain true for you and me today. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

That great truth will not change, because our Savior changes not. His word and eternal promises remain the same throughout all eternity. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Thank God.