31 JAN 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 31 JAN 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Have I now become your enemy because I am telling you the truth? I feel as if I’m going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives.” Galatians 4:16, 19

One of the most difficult things in a leader’s life, whether you lead one or one hundred, is the pain of defense and development of disciples.  Paul was dealing with his spiritual children that were being led astray by false teachers that were baiting them with good things.  Their good was only there to get them in, but not something that would last.  

As a new believer, you don’t know the plethora of enemies that are in the community and even in the church.  Sound doctrine, established rhythms, and wise counsel is a must.  If you have that, you will recognize where the issues are and the enemy at hand.  Today, we have the same issues that Paul and the church at Galatia had.  Unfortunately we are bombarded with false teaching and enemies on television and social media.

We have to help our spiritual children to develop quicker than in previous years.  It is painful to watch them have to go through hostility, persecution, and in some places in the world death.  Being a disciple of Jesus has its challenges, but the Lord is always there walking with you through it.  If you or your spiritual children are not experiencing these trials, then you probably are not living for Jesus or are following false teachers.  Take responsibility for your maturity in Jesus.

Do you get angry with those that tell you the truth?

Lord, we face a barrage of enemies and false teachers on every front as we live into the mission of your Son.  Empower us to combat these foes with your word and prayer.  Give us wisdom as we raise up new disciples of Jesus to be light in this dark world.  Help us not to grow deaf to the truth and to those that you have put in our lives to develop us.  Give us the tools we need to be the people you have made us to be.  In your great name, amen. 

Reading Plan: Psalm 61, 62; Isa. 52:1-12; Gal. 4:12-20; Mark  8:1-10

Daily Office Year 1

30 JAN 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 30 JAN 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.  I praise God for what he has promised .  I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56

There are times in life that we are all afraid of something or someone.  When children are young they will often be afraid of the dark or the mythical boogie man that hides in the closet or under the bed.  As you get older, new sets of fears arise whether real or felt.  The psalmist gives us insight as he talks to God about his fear of being killed by his enemies.

He has  an awareness that God is bigger than anything that he will face, even death.  It takes putting real faith in and entrusting your very life to God.  It cannot be a mere intellectual assent.  When you do so, God manifests himself in your life and gives you peace of mind because you have peace with God.

Jesus did this after he was crucified and risen from the dead.  He scared his disciples to death when he entered the upper room.  They were not expecting him and got a jump scare out of it.  Jesus told them, peace be with you.  My peace I give to you.  When you are right with God, there is no real fear because there is nothing that man or devil can do that God can’t restore. Knowing and believing this will lead to worship and praise.

Heavenly Father, you are so good to your children by allowing us to speak to you at any time and anywhere.  Thank you for blessing us with your peace that goes beyond all understanding and power to overcome our fears.  You are bigger than anything that we will face in this life, man or devil.  Let us not forget you or be dismayed in times of trouble.  Amen.

Reading Plan: Psalm 56, 57; Isa. 51:17-23; Gal. 4:1-11; Mark  7:24-37

Daily Office Year 1

29 JAN 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 29 JAN 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Wake up, wake up, O Lord! Clothe yourself with strength! Flex your mighty right arm! Rouse yourself as in the days of old when you slew Egypt, the dragon of the nile.” Isaiah 51:9

I have a picture that my mom took when I was probably about seven of me flexing my muscles in the mirror in the hallway.  I still do it and probably will continue to do so well into my 90s, Lord willing.  All men flex because we realize we have some power and we like it.  It gives us confidence that we can do and accomplish stuff.

If you live long enough, you will realize that there are other men that are bigger, faster, stronger and smarter than you.  You have limitations and are not invincible.  That can be a sobering moment.  The Jews felt that when they were in bondage as slaves to the Egyptians even though they outnumbered their oppressor.  God used that moment to reveal to the Jews and the Egyptians his might and care for his own people.

God, our warrior and defender, flexed his mighty muscles and put to death the entire Egyptian Army.  It was no difficulty for him to do this.  He didn’t break a sweat.  He is the same God that made the earth and all of the galaxies in space.  He controls the change in climate and the spiritual forces of wickedness.  At the end He will cast the Devil to hell with “one” word.  We serve a mighty God who is truly awesome.  God says, get a grip, I got you!

So why are we afraid of climate change and evil people?

Reading Plan: Psalm 24, 29; Isa. 51:9-16; Heb. 11:8-16; John  7:14-31

Daily Office Year 1

28 JAN 23 Saturday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 28 JAN 23 Saturday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came, it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith.  And now that the way of faith has come; we no longer need the law as our guardian.  For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:24-26

In many of my spiritual conversations with non-believers, the question of being right with God will come up.  The response always trends toward being a good person.  The assumption is that if we are good then that is enough or should be enough to be accepted.  There is also an assumption that all people are God’s children.  Both of those are dead wrong.

When you get this response, realize that these people don’t have a relationship with God and don’t understand the gospel.  It is an opportunity to press the conversation.  The law itself functions as a tool of evaluation to see if you are a good person.  Have you told a lie? Have you stolen anything? Have you looked at another person with lust? If you have broken one, you have broken them all and ultimately failed the test of being a good person.  No one passes this test.  Everyone has and will fail it.

 The law exposes us as sinful and broken people.  We need to be acceptable to God and we cannot get there on our own. What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.  The way to become a child of God is through faith in Jesus for who he is and what he has done for you on the cross. We must all surrender our sinful lives and trust in Jesus.

Have you surrendered your life to Jesus?

Heavenly Father, thank you for planning to save me from before the world was made.  Thank Jesus for laying down your life to spare me from the wrath of your Father and give me eternal life in heaven.  Thank you Holy Spirit for finding me, changing my will, opening my eyes and ears, giving me a new heart, and the gift of faith to trust in Jesus.  Amen. 

Reading Plan: Psalm 55; Isa. 51:1-8; Gal. 3:23-29; Mark  7:1-23

Daily Office Year 1

27 JAN 23 Friday - A Closer Walk Devotional

 27 JAN 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary.  Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will.” Isaiah 50:4

What wisdom are you looking for today?

Isaiah’s writings are full of information about God and his attributes.  It is up to us if we keep it as mere head knowledge or put to use the patterns and information into our lives.  Isaiah lets us know that every morning he wakes up and spends time with the Lord.  He seeks God’s will and ways to bring the message to bear on people’s lives.  He understands that the only good information comes from God.

At the end of this chapter, he warns that if you are only being guided by your own wisdom then you will end in torment.  This is kind of like Dr. Phil, asking that great question, how’s that working for you? Without Jesus, the light that we guide ourselves by and comfort ourselves with is really darkness and unsatisfying.  Been there and done that.  It is not a pleasant state to be.

God is offering his time and wisdom to his children to make sure that we are fully equipped with the right tools to help us each and every day.  There are enough troubles to deal with today, so start the day with God.  He will shine the light of his word on them and give you peace.  He will also give you the tools and insight to live with joy.

Lord, I thank you for your word this morning as it is a regular reminder of your care and concern.  I am grateful for the wisdom you impart that works not just for me, but allows me to encourage and care for others too.  Give me the wisdom I need, to brings solutions to bear on the problems we face. Amen. 

Reading Plan: Psalm 40, 54; Isa. 50:1-11; Gal. 3:15-22; Mark  6:47-56

Daily Office Year 1

23 JAN 23 Monday -A Closer Walk Devotional

 23 JAN 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all.  You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ.  Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different  kind of Good News than the one we preached to you.” Galatians 1:6b-7

A few years ago I spent a good deal of time working in neighborhoods that were pretty hardcore.  Even in the midst of a high crime apartment complex, more issues were afoot in the realm of spiritual warfare.  It is manifest in various false religions and cults that have made deep inroads such as Jehovah Witness, Mormon (LDS), and Black Hebrew Israelites.

Those are the straight up wrong, but the ones that are just as problematic are the subtle peddlers of false gospel on television.  If it is on TBN or bookshelves at Walmart, it is probably a health, wealth, and prosperity messaging which is “not” found in the Bible.  Paul stresses that even in his day, false teachers were having a terrible effect on the church and the surrounding communities.  They needed to sure-up their understanding of Scripture.

The challenge for the church is regular training and equipping in the truth of the gospel and orthodox doctrine in order to recognize and defend the faith against these false gospels and teachings.  The more that you interact with people in the church and the world, the more you will realize your own gaps of knowledge and experience.  This is how you grow deeper as these gaps are filled with God’s truth.  The next time you encounter people from false religions you might be able to impart truth that will set them free.

Do you recognize the false religions and teachings today? Are you prepared to give an answer?

Reading Plan: Psalm 41, 52; Isa. 48:1-11; Gal. 1:1-17; Mark  5:21-43

Daily Office Year 1

22 JAN 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 22 JAN 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches.  Crowds of sick people-blind, lame, or paralyzed-lay on the porches.  One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years.  When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?”” John 5:2-6

Growing up in the 70s, we had all kinds of memorable commercials and jingles to promote everything.  One of those was McDonald’s, “you deserve a break today”.  The idea that we “deserve” something has become an American value or virtue.  In the minds of many people, they are not just looking for a break, it is demanded.

We carry that mindset over to God.  We deserve to receive, fill in the blank because he is a loving God.  We presume on God’s grace and mercy, but don’t understand that he has mercy where he wills. The story in John shows Jesus pass by the masses that needed help and he only healed one.  What about the others? Didn’t they deserve healing? Well, no.

Mercy is not getting what you deserve and grace is getting what you don’t deserve in the positive.  Mercy and grace are dispensed not by our desire, but solely on God’s sovereign choice and his good pleasure.  We have done nothing to warrant God’s blessing, only his wrath.  So, erase the “deserve” from your vocabulary.

Do you desire to receive God’s mercy and grace?

Then confess your sins, repent of them, and put your trust in what Jesus did for you on the cross.  Then and only then, will grace fall like rain on your life as you become a child of God.

Reading Plan: Psalm 63:1-11; Isa. 47:1-15; Heb. 10:19-31; John 5:2-18

Daily Office Year 1

20 JAN 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 20 JAN 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Slaves obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear.  Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all of your heart.  Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than people.  Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.” Ephesians 6:5-8

In the last three years, our nation and much of the world have looked back on history with today’s shifting virtues and values in disgust.  They condemn the current generation for the way their forefathers held or traded slaves.  The history of every nation on earth has had slavery and is not unique to the USA.  God knew from before creation how sin would affect our treatment of one another.  

God also created the plan to solve the issue of our brokenness and sin.  At the same time, God has placed people into the nation we live in, the body we have, and our position in the socio-economic strata.  What we do with that depends on our relationship to God.  His children are instructed how to live no matter where we are or our situation.  Whether rich or poor, slave or free, we can live to glorify God and have a joyful life.

Suffering, persecution, and even death is to be expected if you are God’s child because the world hates God and therefore by extension hates you. There is joy now in the midst of this struggle and hope for the future for God’s children.  God gives a future in his presence and a new heaven and earth to live in.  God will deal with the children of wrath, their future is secure in the lake of fire.  

Are you complaining about life and others or rejoicing into eternity?

Reading Plan: Psalm 31; Isa. 45:18-25; Eph. 6:1-9; Mark 4:35-41

Daily Office Year 1

19 JAN 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 19 JAN 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 “What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator.  Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, “Stop, you’re doing it wrong!” Psalm 45:9

From time to time, we get so focused on ourselves: me, myself, and I.  We are focused on our personal goals, desires, and future.  We get upset when things do go our way or see the inequalities around us.  We get bent out of shape about it and complain.  We forget that we are the creature and not the creator.

We are made in the image of God and have great value.  We have been gifted specifically by God and given a purpose for life.  We are created to do God’s will and to bring him glory.  The rub is that we are not here for selfish and sinful reasons, but for God.  Even those that are not chosen by God to be his children have been made for a purpose.

The potter makes from the same lump of clay one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use. (Rm 9:21)  As children of God, we have been shown mercy and grace to be vessels of honor to the Lord.  Learning to embrace and understand our role within God’s will is a lifelong adventure in the faith that builds contentment and happiness.

Are you wrestling with God over your position in life?

Reading Plan: Psalm 37:1-18; Isa. 45:5-17; Eph. 5:15-33; Mark 4:21-34

Daily Office Year 1

18 JAN 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 18 JAN 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord.  So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.” Ephesians 5:8-9

“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil because thou art with me.” Believers know well that we are in a war and there will be days that will be dark.  Our struggles become real as they say.  Pain, suffering, and being overwhelmed emotionally is the lot for the children of God too.  We are not exempt, but it is different for us.

It is a temporary event that God can use to shape and develop us like precious metals.  The heat and pressure purifies the believer and brings glory to God in the process.  At the end of our lives in this mortal body, we move on to be in the fullness of God himself in an eternal body that experiences no pain, suffering, or death.  Whereas the lost face eternal suffering.

Paul gives plain instruction in chapter five to stay in alignment with God and to live a life that burns through the darkest places of our lives.  Imitate God, embrace a life of love, and to live in the light which produces the good, right, and true things that make you strong and is a pleasing aroma to God.  We were once evil and darkness, now we are light.  We can expose self-inflicted darkness which is our sins or external foes that wish to kill and destroy us.

Are you fully living in the light or still dabbling in darkness?

Reading Plan: Psalm 38; Isa. 44:24-45:7; Eph. 5:1-14; Mark 4:1-20

Daily Office Year 1

17 JAN 23 Tuesday -A Closer Walk Devotional

17 JAN 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“How foolish are those who manufacture idols.  These prized objects are really worthless.  The people who worship idols don’t know this, so they are all put to shame.” Isaiah 44:9

Both the Isaiah and the Ephesians passage, God gives us insight into the mind of people that are not believers.  All of us were in a state of confusion, full of darkness, and our minds closed to God.  Funny that today our opponents and the enemies of God, tell us that we are closed or narrow minded toward their views.  They project their self-righteous virtues in order to cast themselves as good.

God explains that they are spiritually dead to God and blind to his way of life.  They don’t even realize that their prized objects of worship are worthless.  They are self deceived and ignorant to the things of God.  Today we look to education as an end to various social problems.  It is now worshiped and so are the people who dispense it.  They count themselves wise, when in fact God calls them fools.

God tells us not to buy into their ways because they are wicked and offensive to him.  We were chosen to be his people and to live to glorify him, not ourselves or others.  Renew your mind and attitudes with the Spirit.  Put on the new nature given to you so that God can make you into the person you were made to be.

 Are you living in your old nature or the new?

Reading Plan: Psalm 26, 28; Isa. 44:9-20; Eph. 4:17-32; Mark 3:19b-35

Daily Office Year 1

16 JAN 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 16 JAN 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.  Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11

It is interesting that we have made changes over the centuries to what was intended in being the church and how it is to function.  The old saying, form follows function rings true and explains the frustration of many in the church.  Pastors wonder why the people are not embracing the “doing” side of the church and the people wonder why they are not getting the entertainment value from their tithing dollars.  We are off the mark in a big way.

The form of church actually produces the very problem that everyone is complaining about.  Pastors and teachers have become pushers of information and motivational speech entertainment.  The people have become consumers and self focused.  Paul states that everyone is to grow healthy and mature, being able to live the life Christ expects.

The leaders of the church are supposed to be trainers, not orators or entertainers.  The people are to be developed into practitioners to do the work of ministry both in the church and reaching the lost for Christ.  All of us have roles and responsibilities that serve to fulfill the mission we were commissioned to complete.  If the church is not fulfilling the mission, producing mature people, and multiplying disciples, it is not a church.  It’s a country club.

Are you being developed into a practitioner or a consumer?

Reading Plan: Psalm 25; Isa. 44:6-8, 21-23; Eph. 4:1-16; Mark 3:7-19 

Daily Office Year 1

15 JAN 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 15 JAN 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because  the woman said, “He told me everything I ever did!” When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village.  So he stayed for two days, long enough for many more to hear this message and believe.” John 4:39-41

The amazing thing about this story is how quickly a person can have an eternal impact on others in their sphere of influence.  The woman that encountered Jesus at the well had a brief conversation, became born again, received the gospel, and immediately went and told the people in her town.  There was no additional education, baptism, or guidance.  She just did it.

Her compelling story aided many others to saving faith.  This should compel us to go and share our story of what Jesus has done for us.  Most likely you have walked with the Lord much longer than her, so you should have no problem telling others the story of Jesus.  The only reason we don’t, is because we are disobedient and afraid.   Jesus expects you to go and tell.  

Who is in your sphere of influence that hasn’t heard what Jesus has done for you?

Reading Plan: Psalm 148, 149, 150; Isa. 43:14-44:5; Heb. 6:17-7:10; John  4:27-42

Daily Office Year 1

14 JAN 23 Saturday - A Closer Walk Devotional

 14 JAN 23 Saturday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.  I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom; I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place.  Others were given in exchange for you.  I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me.  You are honored and I love you.” Isaiah 43:3-4

This is an amazing passage of God's love and compassion for “his” people.  There is a hard truth that a great sacrifice was made by God in order to make a people for himself.  In the Old Testament, all the other people were rejected and the Jews were accepted.  In the New Testament, God exchanged his own Son Jesus so that people from all nations would be a part of his family.

Understand that salvation is not universal, meaning that not everyone will be saved.  God chose from all the nations of the world people that would be his and receive salvation and eternal life.  It is given as a gift to his elect and is withheld from those that are not his elect. This is not a foreign concept in the Bible. 

God did this in Genesis telling Rebekah the future of her twin boys, Jacob I love and Esau I rejected.  He did this prior to them doing any right or wrong.  God’s sovereign love and grace has been the same from the beginning.  He has mercy on whom he has mercy.  It is a marvelous thing to receive unmerited favor from God.  I didn’t deserve his mercy or favor, but he gave it.

If you are God’s child, are you joyful that you are or do you take it for granted?

Reading Plan: Psalm 20, 21; Isa. 43:1-13; Eph. 3:14-21; Mark 2:23-3:6

Daily Office Year 1

13 JAN 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 13 JAN 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Then Jesus went out to the lakeshore again and taught the crowds that were coming to him.  As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at his tax collector’s booth.  “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Levi got up and followed him.” Mark 2:13-14

One of the things that strikes me in Jesus’ ministry is his consistency in sharing the good news, looking for those that are open, and directly choosing who will be his.  You figure Jesus did good things like healing, exorcisms, and feeding thousands, but at the end of his ministry had only eleven solid guys and hundred plus beginning to get it.

You would fire Jesus if he was a salesman because his pitch to close ratio was terrible.  Jesus wasn’t selling anything, he was finding those that belonged to him, which were few, and developed them into productive disciples.  Many heard the call, but few were chosen.  Do you get that? The disciples met that same ratio when at pentecost several million people witnessed the move of the Spirit and heard the gospel and three thousand came to faith.

Gospel work is to be intentionally done by “every” disciple, seeking the open, and investing deeply in the few.  There is never zero.  There are always some, few, and in some cases many to be found.  There is still work to be done until you are called home or Jesus returns.

Are you consistently and intentionally sharing the gospel?

Reading Plan: Psalm 16, 17; Isa. 42:1-17; Eph. 3:1-13; Mark 2:13-22

Daily Office Year 1

12 JAN 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 12 JAN 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups.  Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.” Ephesians 2:15-16

There are many Christians that get bent out of shape with the Sovereign Grace of God to choose people for himself, but never think about or complain that he chose the Jews out of all the other nations of the world.  No one, but the Jews had a relationship with God for much of history.  In God’s plan and good pleasure, he made and is making a people for himself from the Jews and Gentiles.

Praise be to God that he has made “a way” at all because before we were without hope and separated from the love and relationship of God.  We received common graces and mercy, but no thought or love from him.  But God established a reconciling process through his Son Jesus that allows Jews and Gentiles to be a part of his family.  It is through the gate of Jesus all must enter. 

All those that have entered through the narrow gate, rejoice! God’s amazing grace has come to you.

Have you been reconciled to God and part of his family?

Reading Plan: Psalm 18:1-20; Isa. 41:17-29; Eph. 2:11-22; Mark 2:1-12

Daily Office Year 1

11 JAN 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 11 JAN 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.  But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) Ephesians 2:3b-5

Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus is packed with great truth in every sentence.  Our depravity is on full display describing us spiritually dead and following the desires and inclinations of our sinful nature.  Our will and life were in alignment with Satan and had no ability within us to see God, understand, or respond to him.

God shows mercy to his chosen people by giving us spiritual birth and life everlasting. He makes it a point here to tell us that we had no part in that decision.  God solely and happily did it on our behalf.  When you really think about the unmerited favor God has shown, it will leave you speech-full.  It will make you boast in the Lord and give you a desire to tell others.

Are you in awe of God’s grace and mercy for you?

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:1-24; Isa. 41:1-16; Eph. 2:1-10; Mark 1:29-45

Daily Office Year 1

10 JAN 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 10 JAN 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal? Asks the Holy One.  Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth.  He never grows weak or weary.   No one can measure the depths of his understanding.” Isaiah 40:25, 28

There are times in our life that things get so overwhelming that we lose sight of reality.  We can become consumed with our pain, sorrow, suffering or even our ambitions.  Our focus is on those things and our desires to be satisfied in some capacity.  We search for answers within and come up short remaining in want.

The Christian faith understands that the answer is not inside us because we are broken sinners without the ability to choose the right way.  The answer is outside of us in the person of Jesus Christ who makes us fully satisfied and complete.  Isaiah knows that we have to look to the One that is incomparable and is capable of fixing us and saving us.  Who else can do it besides Jesus? No one.  He is the creator of heaven and earth.  He is the author and finisher of our faith.

Have you lost sight of the way because of your problems or ambition?

Lord, we get derailed in life by our suffering and even for our desire for success.  We are left dissatisfied and wanting.  You Lord are good and great.  You have loved us from before the foundation of the world and give us lasting satisfaction when you come into our lives.  There is none like you and you are capable of handling any issue or pursuit of our hearts.  Bless us with more of you and help us not to lose sight of you.  Amen.

Reading Plan: Psalm 5, 6; Isa. 40:25-31; Eph. 1:15-23; Mark 1:14-28

Daily Office Year 1

9 JAN 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 9 JAN 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.  Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.” Ephesians 1:3-4

Paul gives us reason to rejoice and to be in awe of God for his sovereign love.  Before the foundation of the world he planned to choose and love a people for himself.  Those that believe in Jesus become his children or sheep and obey him.  Because we are connected to Jesus he has given us spiritual blessings to live in a way that is pleasing to him now.

When we become God’s children, he sees us with a different set of lenses and new reality.  We are positionally holy and righteous because he makes us so when we come to faith.  Jesus takes our sin and he gives us his righteousness.  God empowers us to live into this new life and develop us to live holy and be without fault.  That’s a beautiful thing.

Are you ready to know God deeper and live a fuller life?

Reading Plan: Psalm 1, 2, 3; Isa. 40:12-23; Eph. 1:1-14; Mark 1:1-13

Daily Office Year 1

6 JAN 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 6 JAN 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!” Isaiah 52:7

In the military and in sports it is important to make sure you keep your feet clean and healthy.  If you don’t it can lead to all kinds of problems and ultimately keep you from reaching mission goals.  It can mean success or failure,  life or death.  Every day you have to examine your feet to make sure they are good and repair any issues or add protection.

The Christian life is like the military and sports, in that we have missions and objectives to meet.  Each person has a part and role to play in bringing the good news of Jesus to those around us.  We are called to walk in his ways and be on the move taking the message everywhere.  Physically our feet and bodies should show the marks of this work and overtime we might look beat up.  But God, he sees that and calls it beautiful and he is pleased with you.  Right now you know the condition of your feet.

How’s your feet?  Would God call them beautiful? 

Reading Plan: Psalm 46, 97; Isa. 52:7-10; Rev. 21:22-27; Matt. 12:14-21

Daily Office Year 1

5 JAN 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 5 JAN 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Study this Book of Instruction continually.  Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it.  Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” Joshua 1:8

Joshua has just been handed the reigns of leadership over Israel and will take the people into the promised land.  The question of leaders when they first take office is, what now? There is a burning desire to be successful in the position given to us and we don’t want to disappoint.  God told him that he has everything he needs to be successful, but it will require him to know God’s will and to do it.

God’s will and instructions for a happy and successful life are found in the Bible.  Obedience is the key factor in demonstrating our love for God and he responds by loving us more and answering our prayers.  Obedience will produce fruit that will last and multiply.  Our life will thrive and our joy will be complete and satisfying, so hear, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the word.  Then do the word.

Are you ready to be successful and happy this year?

Lord, I thank you for blessing me with life that I may live it for you.  Speak to me as I read your word and give me the courage to obey no matter the consequences.  Grant that my life will bring you glory and that many will know you because of it.  Give me people that I can invest in this year and bless me with a closer walk with you.  Amen.

Reading Plan: Psalm 2, 110:1-7; Josh. 1:1-9; Heb. 11:32-12:2; John 15:1-16

Daily Office Year 1

4 JAN 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 4 JAN 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin.  He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.” Hebrews 11:25-26

Is the juice worth the squeeze? Most people will not go after a great treasure because it takes too long, difficult, impatience, laziness, and they might suffer and die to obtain it.  The long view in life is not there and they just don’t see the worth to sacrifice their time and pleasure.  Moses could have remained in Midian and enjoyed peace, quiet, his wife, his home, and frankly the pleasures of sin.

When he encountered God in the burning bush, his life changed forever.  He saw a future that made everything else pale in comparison.  There was nothing in this life that could satisfy or last through decay or theft.  Suffering for the sake of Christ, gives lasting joy in this life and treasure that lasts forever that will never rust, decay, or be subject to theft.  We sacrifice and suffer for fools gold and fleeting pleasures that are worthless.  This year cast those aside, pick up your cross, and live for Jesus.  The juice is worth the squeeze.

Reading Plan: Psalm 85, 87; Exod. 3:1-12; Heb. 11:23-31; John 14:6-14

Daily Office Year 1