22 MAR 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 22 MAR 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“However, those the Father has given me will come to me and I will never reject them.  For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will.  And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day.” John 6:37-40

Whenever you are in doubt of your salvation, you can look to a variety of verses that tell you that you are secure in Christ.  I point to the word because knowing your status with God is not based on a feeling or an experience.  It is the truth of what God himself says since salvation totally belongs to him.  We can go through life and feel like we are far from God, but in reality we are close.

We could also feel like we are right with God because we have had some experience, said a prayer, and then not be a child of God at all.  God has given Jesus people, marked to be his own forever.  Those that come, come because they are drawn to Jesus.  This hunger and thirst, as it is described, are spiritual pangs birthed by the Holy Spirit. (Born Again) Those that have these pangs will be satisfied and will find Jesus.  Hearing the gospel is the means, like being plugged into the power grid for this person.

Jesus says that he will not unplug you or reject you.  No one will take you from the palm of his hand or the Father’s hand.  You are eternally secure when God seeks you, regenerates you, gives you faith, sends gospel sharers, and connects you to himself by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Who can break that bond? No one.  You can’t unhook yourself either! 

Are you being drawn to Jesus or found satisfaction in knowing him?

Reading Plan: Psalm 101, 109:1-4, 20-30; Jer. 18:1-11; Rom. 8:1-11; John 6:27-40

21 MAR 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 21 MAR 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.  I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t.  I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.” Romans 7:18-19

In the early days of Jesus’ ministry, he made a salty statement about human nature.  “Jesus didn’t trust people because he knew all about mankind.  No one needed to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart.” (Jn 2:24-25) As followers of Christ, we need to be taught the true reality of human nature and the natural disposition of the heart.

Ask a person at work, are people naturally good or bad/evil? I bet the response you get is good.  We like to think that we are good people, but Jesus even said there is no one good but God.  The good we try to do is like menstrual rags to him. (Isa. 64:6) We gloss over the evil we do and call it bad or mistakes, but the truth is, we are evil at heart.

Paul takes time to explain our nature to the church in Rome and describes our condition as being slaves to sin.  We may desire to do the right thing or do good, but we do the bad.  It is our first nature, not our second.  As Paul shares his struggles with his own nature, it makes him very upset and cries out, Who can save me from this body of sin and death? The answer is Jesus.

When we become a Christian, we are given a new nature and sin’s hold on us is broken.  We now are able to live a life pleasing to God.  That doesn’t mean we will not still struggle with sin, but sin will not dominate our life and desires either.  We now can fight it and win!

Are you struggling with or being dominated by sin?

Reading Plan: Psalm 97, 99; Jer. 17:19-27; Rom. 7:13-25; John 6:16-27

20 MAR 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 20 MAR 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is sinful? Of course not! In fact, it was the law that showed me my sin.  I would never have known that coveting is wrong if the law had not said, “You must not covet”.” Romans 7:7

The law of God allows us to better understand the complete holiness and perfection of God and sets the plumb line for righteous living in our day to day lives.  The law is the light that exposes the darkness and sin in our lives.  We can become self-righteous by claiming that we are good people when in fact we are not.  When we look into the mirror of the law it tells a different story.

Jesus used the law to expose the condition of people’s hearts.  Jesus did this with the woman at the well and the rich young ruler.  He asked several prying questions.  Who is your husband? Commit adultery? Murder? Steal? Or testify falsely against another? Each was convicted as they reflected on what was asked.  Paul says that the law acts as our schoolmaster that leads us to Jesus.  It reveals our sin, our guilt, and need for Jesus to save us.

The one who was truly convicted by the law, will surrender to Jesus.  When you are having a conversation with someone about Jesus and they are being self-righteous and claim to be a good person, run them through the ten commandments.  See if the Lord will use it to help that person come to the true reality of their heart, which is brokenness and sin.  Then give them the gospel.

Do you know that God has a special mirror that reveals the true condition of your heart?

Reading Plan: Psalm 89:1-18; Jer. 16:10-21; Rom. 7:1-12; John 6:1-15

Daily Office Year 1

19 MAR 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 19 MAR 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth! Sing about the glory of his name! Tell the world how glorious he is.  Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.” Psalm 66:1, 16

“Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word.  Tell me the story oh so precious, sweetest that ever was heard.”  That song has stayed etched into my mind since I was a child.  God gave me a story to tell since I was seven years of age.  It was then that I surrendered my life to him.  God has always been faithful to me.

I was blessed to be raised in a godly family and they were faithful to bring me up in the faith.  My parents were great models of faith to me, but I also had and have a host of relatives that also walk with the Lord.  My life has been a rollercoaster adventure.  There were times that I would take the wheel and run my life off road and wreck it, but Jesus dusted me off and rebuilt me.  He has been patient with me for sure.

The Lord has allowed me to go from a hot mess and no direction, to one with peace and purpose.  He has allowed me to tell my story of the wonderful things he has done in and through me.  He is glorious and faithful and has blessed me in every way.  He has given me a passion to tell other people about him.  That has borne more fruit than I can share.

What has Jesus done in your life? Are you telling anybody?

Reading Plan: Psalm 66, 67; Jer. 14:1-9, 17-22; Gal. 4:21-5:1; Mark 8:11-21

Daily Office Year 1

18 MAR 23 Saturday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 18 MAR 23 Saturday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Do not let sin control the way you live, do not give in to sinful desires.  Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin.  Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life.  So use your whole body and an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.” Romans 6: 12-13

There are many instances when Jesus healed someone or forgave someone their sin, then told them to go and sin no more.  Once Jesus died on the cross, the power of sin was broken.  Those that believe in and put their trust in Jesus have the power to live a life that is pleasing to God.  Sin no longer has a hold on them and they have the power to overcome sin and live a holy life.  Jesus desires for us to live a life that glorifies him.

Like Jesus, Paul tells the church in Rome that they are no longer slaves to sin, but are slaves to Christ.  They are living in the freedom of God’s grace which allows us to live righteous lives.  The Holy Spirit gives us promptings when temptation comes to mind so that we now have an opportunity to choose God’s way instead of our own.  

Throughout our life the Spirit gives us direction for every decision we make.  He gives us the opportunity to either be an instrument in the hands of God or Satan.  That is a daily choice to set the trajectory of our lives toward God which leads to the life that Jesus promises will make us happy and holy.  If you are, then you are headed in the right direction.

Are you an instrument in the hand of God or Satan? 

Reading Plan: Psalm 87, 90; Jer. 13:1-11; Rom. 6:12-23; John 8:47-59

Daily Office Year 1

17 MAR 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 17 MAR 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t hear me! Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God.  But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.  I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!” John 8:43, 47, 51

There are some people who reject Jesus, but often say they think he is a great teacher.  This is preposterous! The most religious people on the planet during the time of Jesus’ ministry saw or heard the miracles of healings and deliverance and balked at his teaching.  They could tell that he taught with authority not like their own.

HIs teaching got him into the most trouble.  It inflamed people to homicidal ideation to the nth degree.  Jesus posed questions to them about their lack of understanding and unbelief.  Realize the questions he asked were not for himself as if he was frustrated at the effectiveness of his teaching.  It was to open their ears so that the rebuke and rejection he was about to give would take root.

They couldn’t understand his teaching because they did not belong to God.  What a blow! They were playing church and doing stuff, but were not children of God.  They were spiritually deaf, blind, and dead.  But those that “do” hear and obey, are God’s children.  John 10:4 says, his sheep knows his voice and follows him.  Jesus is seeking his lost sheep throughout the world.  They come in every shape, size, and color. (nation, language, & tongue)

Those that are his, will hear and turn to him and follow.  That’s amazing! That is why God is great and the gospel is so powerful to those that are being saved.  It is also why it is the stench of death and offense to those that are not his.

Do you hear the voice of Jesus and follow him? Woe to you if you don’t!

Reading Plan: Psalm 88, 95; Jer. 11:1-8, 14-20; Rom. 6:1-11; John 8:33-47

Daily Office Year 1

12 MAR 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 12 MAR 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“But you can’t say that our bodies were made for sexual immorality.  They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies.  You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price.  So you must honor God with your body. 1 Cor. 6:13b, 19b-20

Our culture has nicely laid out an alphabet string (LGBTQ+) that lists out what God calls sexual immorality.  It is not all encompassing, since new sins are added daily.  We should add A, for adultery, F for fornication, P for pedaphilia, and an additional B for bestiality to round it out.  From start to finish, God defines these actions as sinful and should not be done by his children.  God being the creator, has in mind what is good, right and holy.

God sets the plumb line for sexual activity for his creation.  When we stay in alignment to his plans, it is pleasing and honoring to him.  Our human nature is always striving against the will of God.  All sinful actions start in the mind, this causes a battle within us.  For followers of Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit that resides in us that can help us overcome temptation and win the battle.

Paul tells the church in Corinth and Ephesus the root of the problem and the target goal of godliness in our actions.  He also tells us that we have been equipped with the armor of God to protect us and to fight. (Eph. 6) When you have been saved, you are not your own.  It’s not about what you want, even your deepest desires and dreams.  Thy will be done, not mine.  This is easier said than done.  

I’m convinced that God will help those that humbly submit to him and seek help through the church family.  Healing, restoration, and strength can be found.  

Are you denying, dealing with, or fighting sexual sin?

Reading Plan: Psalm 93, 96; Jer. 6:9-15; 1 Cor. 6:12-20; Mark 5:1-20

Daily Office Year 1

7 MAR 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 7 MAR 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ.  It is the power of God at work saving everyone who believes-the Jew first and also the Gentile.  This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight.” Romans 1:16-17

Many Christians are not sharing their faith with others who stand condemned to hell.  If you were to poll a church and ask by a raise of hands, how many have shared their faith in the last six months, there would be a small handful.  If you asked them how many are making disciples, you might get two.  That could be a church of 50 or 2000.  Why?

Many would say, I don’t “know” enough.  If you have been in church for a few years, you are likely to have more education than many missionaries overseas.  The woman at the well knew Jesus for an hour and shared immediately.  Many say, they don’t know anyone that is not saved.  All their friends are from church and have insulated themselves from the world.  Others say they are afraid of rejection or offending people, so they don’t share.  Lastly, people straight out say, they will not do it.

All of these are excuses and reveal to God our disobedience and lack of love for him and others.  It also reveals our shame of God and the Gospel.  If this is you, you need to ask yourself if you are really saved? Are you derelict in your duty to God? Either way, repent and believe in the Gospel of Christ and give it to others.

Are you ashamed of the Gospel of Christ?

Reading Plan: Psalm 61, 62; Jer. 2:1-13; Rom. 1:16-25; John 4:43-54

Daily Office Year 1

6 MAR 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 6 MAR 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“You know the saying, One plants and another harvests.  And it’s true.  I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.” John 4: 37-38

In John 4, Jesus intentionally takes a detour to find a person that has been prepared to receive the good news and is open to a heart examination with the law.  Jesus takes this woman through a series of questions that exposes her sin and understanding of spiritual things.  By the end of the conversation, she believes that Jesus is the Christ and is here to save the world.

She then leaves the scene as the disciples return in order to share the good news she has just heard.  Many people from her village come to know Jesus as their savior and Lord.  The disciples are mystified on a number of levels.  Jesus explains to them the mystery of their current and future work by relating it to farming, from planting seed to gathering the harvest.

The work of God will be done in people from a variety of socio-economic, race, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.  The disciples were surprised Jesus was talking to a Samaritan woman which were two things Jewish people don’t do.  He opened the aperture of understanding and scope of their work.  Jesus has people from other flocks outside of the Jewish community.  The Holy Spirit is working through believers to plant seeds of the gospel and gathering those already prepared that receive the good news.

  As we faithfully share, God will give the increase among the people and in his timing.  None of our efforts are in vain because God will use it and be glorified by it.

Are you planting seeds and/or gathering in believers?

Reading Plan: Psalm 56, 57; Jer. 1:11-19; Rom. 1:1-15; John 4:27-42

Daily Office Year 1

1 MAR 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 1 MAR 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Jesus replied, I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.  Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.” John 3:3, 6

I used to hear the question from time to time from those that shared their faith, have you been born again? I thought it was a strange introduction for conversation other than it helping to be a filter.  If they said no, then you proceeded to tell them the gospel and watch the Spirit work.  If they say yes, then ask their story and their understanding of it.  Either way you had a starting point.

Whenever I am sharing the gospel consistently and get rejections it can be frustrating, just to be real.  Then, I go back and read chapter three of John and other passages to remind myself how people come to faith.  Who is the author and finisher of my faith?  It is the Lord. I have to remember that my role is to faithfully share the gospel to everyone and leave the results to God.  Ultimately, it is God who decides the person and when the regeneration of the heart of a lost person happens.

Until that happens, it matters not how eloquent you are or eager, the light will not come on until the Holy Spirit flips the switch.  That’s what being born again is.   That gives me peace of mind, but also focuses my prayers and gospel conversations.  Being a faithful witness will always make you fruitful whether that is one or hundreds.  God is still seeking his lost sheep among the earth and they will be found.  Today examine yourself with the question Jesus posed to Nichodemus.

Are you born again? Where do you stand?

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:49-72; Deut. 9:13-21; Heb. 3:12-19; John 2:23-3:15

Daily Office Year 1