26 APR 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 26 APR Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“All who believe in the Son of God know in their hearts that this testimony is true.  Those who don’t believe this are actually calling God a liar because they don’t believe what God has testified about his Son.” 1 John 5:10

The more I read the Scriptures, the more blunt and offensive it appears to be to our modern ears.  We think we know so much more than people from the previous eras of history.  We certainly have more information, but hardly the wisdom.  Sometimes we believe if we have the right evidence or the most prominent thinker, we can hang our hat on a topic and call it settled.

In doing so, we can presume that we have all truth and that is enough to discount God’s own testimony.  Christians face the indifference of opponents to our faith even rejection and hostility.  Rejection is a painful thing to be on the receiving end of.  We are personally made to feel less than and our message is viewed as a fairy tale.  That’s a politically correct way of saying the message is a lie or trash.

In reality, we are dealing with two things, our audience is spiritually dull and God is being insulted.  Every time we share the good news there will be people who reject the message because God has hidden the truth from them.  The pieces of the puzzle they do understand they suppress in their hearts thereby hardening themselves to God.   Their response to God, his message, and his messengers is taken as an offense.  Ultimately, they are calling God a liar and they will face the consequences.  May God have mercy on their souls.

Are you calling God a liar?

Reading Plan: Psalm 38; Dan. 5:1-12; 1 Jn. 5:1-12;  Luke 4:38-44

25 APR Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 25 APR Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Amazed, the people exclaimed, “What authority and power this man’s words possess! Even evil spirits obey him, and they flee at his command!” Luke 4:36

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Prov. 9:10) The more people understand who God is and his capabilities, the more likely fear will set in.  The people of Capernaum were in awe of Jesus’ teaching and how he spoke with authority.  It’s not that the other Rabbis were not learned or scholars or people of influence, but Jesus was something else.

As he preached and taught, he didn’t cite other people’s words or ideas unless he was exposing errors.  He taught from a position as “the” source of wisdom and truth.  When you read the Bible you find that he makes truth claims that leave no room for any other viable ideology, religion, or other truth.  This causes a stir in a person’s heart to be in awe of Jesus or to hate Him.

The people experience Jesus’ authority and power when he encounters a demon-possessed man.  Demons are fallen angels that rebelled against God and live on earth living among us.  In this case, a demon has overridden a man’s will and life controlling his every action.  Demons know Jesus and they know those that belong to Him.  When the demon sees Jesus, he is struck with fear.  He knows his maker and knows what he can do to him.

No one, not you or me or angel or animal or planet or demon can hold back the will and command of Jesus.  His will, will be done, period.  He does what he desires and no one can stop him or complain that he is doing this or that.  Jesus has both the authority and power to back it up.  That can spark fear, but it can also spark hope.  If Jesus is for you, who can be against you or what can man do to you?

Are you trusting in the authority and power of Jesus?

Reading Plan: Psalm 26, 28; Dan. 4:28-37; 1 Jn. 4:7-21;  Luke 4:31-37

23 APR 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 23 APR 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“King Nebuchadnezzar sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world: Peace and prosperity to you! I want you all to know about the miraculous signs and wonders the Most High God has performed for me.  How great are his signs, how powerful his wonders! His kingdom will last forever, his rule through all generations.” Daniel 4:1-3

The Book of Daniel is a great and exciting book with an overarching theme of God’s Sovereignty.  It gives a glimpse into the human heart and how we think.  It specifically gives us insight into the mind of a king and how pride and power blind him.  God reveals himself to the king in dreams and unbelievable actions.  

The king’s memory is short and quickly goes back to self-worship, pressuring the kingdom to worship him too.  After God delivers three of His children from the fiery furnace, the king is in awe of God and rightly proclaims the glory due to God’s name.  What he says is true about God and that is good, but it is only lip service.  The king’s heart wanes toward God’s mercy and grace and God shocks him with another dream of judgment on this kingdom.  

While he is full of pride, he is reminded that God is the one who establishes kingdoms and can remove them as he desires.  We can be fooled by our own minds that our success is by our own hands, but the true source is God.  Whether you are smart or not, rich or poor, your position in life is determined by God. (1 Sam. 2:7)  Learning to submit to God no matter the circumstance and honor God not just by our lips in the proclamation, but by obedience showing our possession of Him.

You may proclaim who God is, but do you possess Him?

Reading Plan: Psalm 148, 149, 150; Dan. 4:1-18; 1 Pet. 4:7-11;  John 21:15-25

18 APR 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

18 APR Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin.  But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father.  He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.” 1 John 2:1

As believers, we are called to live a life that is different from the world.  The plumb lines that are set by Jesus are to live holy and righteous lives.  The world doesn’t recognize these standards and often makes fun of them on one end and will hate you on the other.  God’s ways are light and that helps us to see where we are going so we do not stumble.

The world is blinded by darkness.  When we bring light, it reveals the truth and sins.  Have you ever had someone turn the lights on when you were dead asleep? You probably hissed and moaned then pulled the sheets over your head, right? As Christians, this shouldn’t be so.  We are learning to walk in that light and need one another to help us stay the course.

You never know where there might be deadly traps or subtle detours.  John knows that we are still tempted to do things and can get out of alignment with God’s standards for us.  When we sin, we are not left in the dark and alone.  We have someone that is praying for us and advocating for us with the Father.  He can restore us when we repent. (1Jn. 1:9)  The Holy Spirit is also there to guide us in making the right choices.  When we obey his word and follow his lead then our path will remain illuminated for us.  When we don’t, we walk in darkness and subject to falls. 

We also need one another to love us and tell us if we are walking in darkness.  The church is there to build each other up and to fortify our hands for battle.  The world, our flesh, and the devil are always fighting to harm us so we must be mentally and spiritually awake to fight. 

Are you walking in the light and leaning on your Advocate?

Reading Plan: Psalm 5, 6; Dan. 2:1-16; 1 John 2:1-11;  John 17:12-19

16 APR 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 16 APR 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“But you are my witnesses, O Israel says the Lord.  You are my servant.  You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God.  There is no other God-there never has been, and there never will be.” Isa. 43:10

If I didn’t reference the book that this quote came from, you might have thought that it came from the book of Acts, chapter one.  God’s ways have not changed and do not change.  He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Our struggles with our study of salvation in the New Testament can be satisfied by our study of the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible).

You might ask yourself, why Israel? What is so great about them? Why did they receive such favor? The Jews were not special, bright, mighty, or large in number nor did they do anything to get noticed. If you are Christian, stick your name into those last three questions.  Jesus says the same thing to his disciples in John 14:16. We are not his because we are smart, fit, attractive, race, ethnicity, or any other reason.  

You were selected, elected, or chosen by grace, unmerited favor, and for no other reason than by His good pleasure and glory.  Anyone that belongs to Him, is His for a purpose.  We are to glorify Him in all of life, be His witnesses, and serve Him.  The 1 Peter passage below, says that we are a chosen people, royal priests, and a holy nation for God’s possession.  This is fantastic and humbling news.

Why am I a Christian?

Reading Plan: Psalm 146, 147; Isa. 43:8-13; 1 Pet 2:2-10;  John 14:1-7

14 APR Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 14 APR Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“But in fact, it is best for you that I go away because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away then I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.” John 16: 7-8

There is an interesting discipleship pattern that is subtle in the gospels.  Jesus initially calls the disciples and tells them up front the vision he has for their lives.  He tells them to follow him and he will make them into fishers of men, disciple-makers.  Throughout the gospel account which covers their three years together,  we see Jesus model for them everything they will be expected to do.  Jesus gives them the opportunity to serve with Him but also gives them time to do ministry on their own while being observed.

They will begin to understand people from Jesus’ viewpoint.  They will also be tested throughout many challenging situations so that their faith and dependence on Jesus would grow.  By the time Jesus is ready to ascend to heaven, the disciples have reached the level of training needed to start a movement.  Jesus charged them (and everyone who follows him) to go and make disciples, the very thing they were trained to do.

The next phase could only come if Jesus left.  They had to be on their own and learn how to walk by the Spirit.  The Holy Spirit would be their teacher, and comforter, and give them the power to do ministry and overcome sin.  As disciple-makers, we too will have to train others to the point of doing the same thing.  If we stay with them, it will hinder their development and reliance on the Holy Spirit.  It will also hinder our walk because God has more for us to do outside of them.

Are you training disciple makers and then leaving them to it? Maybe you should.

Reading Plan: Psalm 136; Dan. 12:1-4, 13; Acts 4:1-12;  John 16:1-15

13 APR 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 13 APR Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.  The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world.  I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” John 15:18-19

When I first read this passage many years ago, I was frankly surprised that if you live for Jesus people would hate you.  Then, I started sharing my faith with my friends in Middle School.  I got a lot of kickbacks and rude responses.  In my mind, I thought I was sharing the greatest news ever, which it is, but my audience didn’t think so and wasn’t afraid to tell me.

The reality is people will reject you if you are sharing your faith and living for Jesus.  Jesus tells us in the Beatitudes so we are not surprised.  He tells his disciples again in John 15 that people in their nature hate Jesus and we are hated by association.  Today, Christians are persecuted and killed more than at any other time in history.  

We don’t have to fear suffering for Jesus.  He actually gives us the grace to receive it as joy and knows we have been counted worthy to suffer for his name. Paul, the chief sinner and sufferer, commands us to rejoice! If you are spoken against, dismissed, treated with indifference, verbally or physically harmed, know that it happened to Jesus first.  These are the marks we carry as faithful follower of Jesus.  Never think we are victims.  We are victorious…more than conquerors even!

Are you hated for living out your faith in Jesus?

Reading Plan: Psalm 146, 147; Ezek. 37:1-14; Acts 3:11-26;  John 15:12-27

12 APR Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 12 APR Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.  When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples.  This brings great glory to my Father.” John 15: 2, 8

The passage in John paints a picture of a vineyard in which Jesus is the vine, we are the branches and the Father is the vinedresser or gardener.  He intentionally works in the vineyard to produce a regular crop of fruit.  We can miss some really good information about what our lives should look like and our part in that.  We can also get what he is saying wrong and begin to feel like we are not doing enough.  God wants you to be filled with joy, not sorrow.

If you focus on the fruit, then you will miss out on all the heavenly glory. (paraphrasing Bruce Lee) The fruit is a byproduct of being connected to Jesus and receiving the life-giving spirit from abiding in him. We are to be focused on being faithful, not fruitful.  He tells us in this passage that we cannot produce fruit apart from him.  If we are not remaining in Him, we will wither and die.  Those branches are broken off because they are useless.

The fruit itself is both internal and external.  The internal fruit is that of the Spirit and is about your maturity and development as the person that God wants you to be.  The external fruit has to do with people coming to faith through your testimony, gospel sharing, and investment of time.  In both cases, it is the Lord that is working through you moving that life-giving power like a branch connected to the vine.  If you are connected, you will see fruit and prove that you are His.  

Are you remaining faithful to Jesus?

Reading Plan: Psalm 97, 99; Micah. 7:7-15; Acts 3:1-10;  John 15:1-11

11 APR 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 11 APR 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart.  And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.  So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

There are many troubles, frustrations, and fears in this life that cloud our minds.  We try to find answers through all kinds of measures such as diet, exercise, psychology, medicine, and religious practices.  While they can be helpful to our general health, we are still left wanting when it comes to soul issues.  Those issues bring fear into our life.  How do we deal with this?

Jesus in the gospel accounts tells us that we need both peace “with” God and the peace “of” God.  If you have this you are given a spirit of power, of love, and self-control.  These fears troubles, frustrations, and fears can be overcome or endured.  Jesus says that this peace cannot be given to you by the world.  It is not theirs to give.  This is not a principle to develop strategies or glean or rewrap or sold as a new prescription.   

It is a gift that is freely given by God's grace, which was paid for by Jesus on the cross.  The gift of peace “with” God comes first.  When you surrender to Jesus, you are no longer enemies but are now friends.  You are right with God and do not face his wrath.  The peace “of” God is also given throughout life as we face trials, fears, temptations, and even the horrors of life.  It gives us resilience that pours out when we need it to protect us.

Jesus promises to give us His peace when we believe in our hearts in what He did on the cross, repent of our sins, and put our trust in Him.   If we don’t do that we will never experience true peace.  This gift is offered to all, but few receive it.  Have you?

Are you dealing with a troubled mind and need peace?

Reading Plan: Psalm 103; Isa. 30:18-21; Acys 2:26-41;  John 14:15-31

7 APR 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 7 APR 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins.  He was beaten so we could be whole.  He was whipped so we could be healed.  But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief.  Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants.” Isaiah 53:5, 10

Today is Good Friday which is an understatement.  It was a fantastic day for those that are being saved.  People outside of the faith look at this and scratch their heads, why is it good? Didn’t your god die? Yep! He sure did, but that is only part of the story.  Good Friday is not something to Passover, no pun intended.  

Since the Passion of the Christ came out some years ago, we have watched it on this day.  It is extremely raw and graphic, but it also reminds us that Jesus’ death is the most important one in all of history past, present, and future.  Isaiah writes hundreds of years prior to Jesus’ death and the significance of it.  Jesus did not die for his sins because he did not commit any.

He died for sinners, the ungodly, and enemies of God.  God’s plan was created before the earth was created or even Adam existed.  The Trinity met and laid this out from start to finish.  It pleased God to crush him because it fulfilled the plan to make himself known and bring him glory.  God planned to save some people from all the history of the world through the work of his Son on the cross.  It would demonstrate his love, mercy, grace, and justice.

God is still seeking people to give to Jesus as his family.  You might be one of them.

Have you responded to the call of the gospel on your life?

Reading Plan: Psalm 22, 10-17; Isa. 52:13-53:12; Heb. 10:16-25; John 18:1-19:1-42

3 Circles (Gospel Presentation, Ray Vaughn)

6 APR 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 6 APR 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.” 1 Cor. 11:26

The early disciples set forth marks of a healthy church that should be practiced regularly.  If we see these marks happening, we can tell whether it is healthy or not.  The metrics they measured were not the number of people on a Sunday, the amount of money in the offering plate, or if they had a building.  One of these marks was the practice of the Lord’s Supper, Communion, Eucharist, or Mass.  All of these terms describe the same idea.

Jesus implemented this sacrament the night before he was crucified and commanded that it continue to be practiced until he returns at the second coming.  The Lord’s supper causes us to remember what it took to give us forgiveness of sins, our adoption, eternal life, and peace with God.  Remembrance leads us to worship God with praise and thanksgiving for what he did for his people.  Understanding the high cost brings humility.

The Lord’s Supper is an expression and visible sign of God’s love for us and the love we are to have for God and others.  Paul shows the church that he started in Corinth the pattern of doing this.  Every church practices the Lord’s Supper to some extent, but not all in the exact same manner or frequency.  They do bring the focus of Jesus’ death into focus so the church can remember this great sacrifice made on our behalf.  

Are you taking the time to remember Jesus’ death with other believers?

Reading Plan: Psalm 116:1, 10-17; Ex. 12:1-4,11-14; 1 Cor. 11:23-26; John 13:1-7, 31-35

5 APR 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 5 APR 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.  Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.  Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people, then you won’t become weary and give up.” Hebrews 12:2b-3

As we move through each day of Holy Week, we are exposed to the plan and the pain of Christ that brings us salvation.  We often complain about the common pains and suffering that come to mankind and kick against God.  We wonder why God would allow my loved one to suffer or die before we are ready for them to go.  

People get upset with those that share the gospel and say, ‘God has a wonderful plan for your life’.  Rightly so, since God never promises health, wealth, and prosperity in this life.  Pain and suffering have their purpose in this life and Jesus promises you will have it if you follow him. It was in God’s plan from the world’s foundation to send Jesus to suffer and die so that some of the people would receive salvation.

Jesus told the disciples over and over again throughout his ministry that soon he would head to the cross and be executed.  His death would satisfy the penalty of our sins and give us “the” way to life.  Whoever God sends to the Son will have life and be raised on the last day.  Our suffering and death will be used to bring God glory, to develop us, and to change others around us.  When we do suffer, look at what Jesus went through for us.  The writer of Hebrews says that this will help us to endure.

Do you know there is a purpose in suffering and death?

Reading Plan: Psalm 70; Isa. 50:4-9a; Heb. 12:1-3; John 13:21-32

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