4 SEP 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 4 SEP 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.  For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.” James 2:9-10

James warns the church of being prejudiced and showing favoritism, especially between the rich and poor believers.  It is a poor reflection on our Lord and Savior to treat others differently because of what they bring to the table or not.  It becomes a sin to do this.  Here lies the rub.

In the life of a believer, we will have all kinds of fellow Christians that we will be in relationship with.  God is drawing the nations to himself including those from every tribe, tongue, and socio-economic status.  We are commanded to love one another, in particular fellow family members of the faith.  This is a real test at times.  Many churches today are separated by these differences, but it will not be so in heaven.  We will all be together.

Learning to connect with fellow believers is a must.  Paul tells us that we are many parts, but one body.  Each believer is a valued member and will have complementary gifts that serve the church.  If one is missing, so is the connection to the others and the blessing they are to the whole.  The rich and the poor are alike in that God made them both.  You are where you are because God put you there.  Will you always be poor? Maybe or maybe not.  Will you always be rich? Maybe or maybe not. 

You will always be connected to Jesus if you belong to Him.  No one can separate you from Him and you will always have brothers and sisters in Christ.  God chose his kids, so get to know them and grow that relationship.

How are you doing with fellow believers?

Reading Plan: Psalm 25; 2 Chorn. 6:32-7:7; James 2:1-13; Mark 14:53-65

3 SEP 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 3 SEP 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Instead, train yourself to be godly.  Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” 1 Tim. 4:7b, 12b

New believers and even long-time believers need a focal point in what to do as a follower of Christ.  Paul started with the character of a believer and his development.  We are to be conformed to the image of Jesus and live like he did.  Think about it.  That is a tall order, no? Training for godliness is a lot like training in the weight room, but the benefits and outcomes are greater and eternal.

When you start with character, it works on a person’s heart, virtues, and holiness.  From the inner man pours out his love for his fellow man, his lifestyle, his faith, and his purity.   Our life becomes an example or model for others to follow, but it also has an impact on those who don’t know Jesus.  People will see us and have a taste of what God is like. 

Like weightlifting, you find that improvement is needed in some areas and an overhaul in others.  We are a work in process when it comes to godliness.  Unlike weightlifting, the work you put into becoming the person that God desires you to be is eternal.  A life lived in pursuit of godliness, is a full life, not a wasted one.  The charge given to Timothy is also given to you, your name train yourself to be godly…

Are you training for godliness? Are you an example for others?

Reading Plan: Psalm 148, 149, 150; 1 Kings. 8:22-30; 1 Tim. 4:7b-16; John 8:47-59

2 SEP23 Saturday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 2 SEP 23 Saturday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 

“He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” Acts 28: 30-31

When opportunity knocks to share your faith and invest in others, praise the Lord and engage it.  Paul found an opportunity in the midst of literal trials and suffering.  Everywhere he went there was always an audience for him to address.  He didn’t waste the time given him to proclaim and explain the faith.

These opportunities were orchestrated by God so that Paul could deliver the message and train whosoever received him.  He always was able to find a few people that he could invest in even if the location was less than desirable.  He was in jail a lot, on a prisoner transport ship, marooned on an island, or in a courtroom.  When we are going through life, there are always opportunities to be salt and light to those around us.

Currently, my job puts me in a different location every couple of years.  I have to remind myself that no matter where I go there will be people to share the gospel with and to invest in for that season.  Sometimes you have a lot of opportunities and other times you have a handful.  Either way, I try to boldly connect with others and see what the Lord does.  That is what the Lord expects of all of us.  Look around you, pray, and ask God to show you where the gospel is not.  Ask him for opportunities to impact your world and he will do it.

Are you seeking opportunities to share your faith and invest in others?

Reading Plan: Psalm 20, 21:1-7; 1 Kings. 7:51-8:21; Acts 28:17-31;  Mark 14:43-52

1 SEP 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 1 SEP 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 

“He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by.  Abba, Father, he cried out, everything is possible for you.  Please take this cup of suffering away from me.  Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Mark 14:35-36

When you read the gospel account of Christ's passion, you are shocked at what our Lord went through to free us from the penalty of our sin and evil.  This was not a plan “B”, but was the plan before the foundation of the world.  The only solution acceptable to God was the brutal suffering and death of his only Son, Jesus.  He had to go through great suffering to fulfill the plan, to rise again, and give us new life.

Jesus prayed fervently to the Father that he would not have to go through this, but he yielded to the Father’s will.  “I want your will to be done, not mine.” We need to put that one sentence in all of our prayers to God.  We need to recite that sentence morning, noon, and night.  At some point, we will go through things we don’t want to go through.  We will face disappointment, pain, suffering, or death.  That may be part of the plan for your life.

In our hearts, we naturally say, not your will, but mine be done.  Mankind desires autonomy, but that will never happen.  We were slaves to sin, but now we are slaves to God.  We have been purchased by God through the cross of Jesus.  We can’t say, ‘just do you’ to our neighbor.  You can only ‘do Jesus’.  John the Baptist got this when he told his disciples that he must decrease so that Jesus could increase.  John learned that he must suffer to fulfill God’s will for his life,  In his suffering, God was glorified.

Do you pray, thy will be done, not mine?

Reading Plan: Psalm 16, 17; 1 Kings. 5:1-6:1, 7; Acts 28:1-16;  Mark 14:27-42

25 AUG 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 25 AUG 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 

“O Lord, rescue me from evil people.  Protect me from those who are violent, those who plot evil in their hearts and stir up trouble all day long.  Their tongues sting like a snake; the venom of a viper drips from their lips.” Psalm 140: 1-3

We officially enter the season of the presidential election this week in the United States.  Candidates fill the airways with their vision for the next four years and how they will lead.  They discuss current problems and bring to bear their strategies for fixing a problem or creating a better tomorrow.  In the process, they expose to some level their own character.

It is good for us to look at a leader’s heart, character, and background to see what kind of person they are and not just the results they plan to deliver.  Most promise more than they can actually do.  It doesn’t take long in today’s political atmosphere for it to turn into a storm of verbal fighting.  It can pour over into the rest of society as people find the leader they like and begin to imitate the leader they want to follow and sling the same mud.

 As a follower of Christ, it is par for the course to be on the receiving end of confrontation.  David experiences this as he looks to please the Lord as he leads a nation.  People talk bad about him and curse him.  People lie about what he has done or what he has said.  He knows the pain that causes and how it can destroy another person with their words.  David describes his enemies as snakes and their tongues are full of deadly venom.  If you have ever had someone talk ill of you, you can understand.

David handles these attacks first and foremost in conversation with God.  He doesn’t complain and gripe to other people, but he goes to God.  We need to learn to go to the thrown before we go to the phone or social media.  It is the Lord that gives us perspective on the realities of our time.  He is the one who allows bad things to happen for his purposes.  He is also the one who can deliver us or walk with us through the fire.

How do you deal with damaging words from others?

Reading Plan: Psalm 140, 142; 2 Sam. 19:24-43; Acts 24:24-25:12;  Mark 12:35-44

24 AUG 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 24 AUG 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 

“Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus.  As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened.  Go away for now, he replied.” Acts 24: 24b-25

You never know who you will speak to about Jesus.  The Lord can and does orchestrate divine appointments with various people up and down the socio-economic ladder.  The route to people can be much different than you might expect.  Sometimes amid great suffering and persecution, God presents a beautiful opportunity to represent him.

Paul is a great example of this excellent work of God connecting him with people so that he can share the good news of Jesus.  He made the most of his opportunities even when he was not doing well.  His eyes and ears were always open seeking the lost whether poor or rich, farmer or king.  No matter who they are, reactions to the message are still the same.

People either reject the message, hostile to the message, desire to hear more or receive it.  In the passage above, Paul has been arrested and is in a courtroom defending himself in front of the Governor and judge.  This was not a quick case, which was fine by Paul.  It gave him time to reason through the Scriptures with the Governor.  Flex was not dismissive but desired to hear more even though it scared him at times.

Paul shared regularly for two years while he was in jail.  We don’t know if Felix or others came to faith or not.  We do know that Paul remained faithful and shared the good news with everyone he came into contact with.  For a man that could make excuses, he never did.  He just shared his faith.

Are you sharing the faith where you are or making excuses?

Reading Plan: Psalm 131, 132; 2 Sam. 19:1-23; Acts 24:1-23;  Mark 12:28-34

23 AUG 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 23 AUG 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 

“The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.” Psalm 119:160

Many historic universities used to have the Latin word, Veritas, in their motto or as their overall goal as an institution.  Veritas means, truth.  Today the minds of our culture and institution have become confused and blind.  There is real objective truth and absolute truth in this world and all of creation.  The culture and the institution alike have denied this reality.

There is a notion of relative truth and your own truth.  These things are constantly changing so much that they can’t even keep up with their own stories.  It is probably not much different than the days of Ceasar when Pilate asked Jesus, what is truth? It may be strange to some, but spiritual reality and biblical truth cannot be understood or received without the work of the Holy Spirit.

One thing is for sure, the word of God endures forever and it is absolutely true and trustworthy.  David understands this to be true in his writings in the book of Psalms.  His testimonies of God’s faithfulness even when David is not are extremely encouraging.  We this with every writer in the sixty-six books which make up the Bible.  Jesus himself says, “Til heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Our challenge today is knowing God and his word more.  We also must testify to the truth and shed light on things that are not true.  We need this as believers, but the world needs to know it too.  The truth becomes our shield if we put our trust in it.

Are you a student of the truth?

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:145-176; 2 Sam. 18:19-33; Acts 23:23-35;  Mark 12:13-27

21 AUG 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 21 AUG 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“I look up to the mountains-does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!” Psalm 121:1-2

 I was driving down the road the other day and the car’s license plate in front of me said, NUTN EZ.  I laughed, but there is some truth to that. In this life we will have trials, the Lord said. People can think that they will never face challenges, suffer, or experience death.  There is a feeling of invincibility that it won’t happen to you. Eventually, it does and all the insulating factors they have built around themselves are gone.  They stand naked and afraid looking for solutions.

Desperation sometimes leads to poor choices, but it can also lead to foundational clarity.  People look at horizontal solutions to get them through the problem or suffering.  They look to the latest psychological approach thinking the solution is within themselves.  They look to religious practices of the far east, like mindfulness and meditation.  Sometimes these work for a temporary fix.  These things are a false hope.

Others like David, leave all the world’s ways behind and find vertical soul-utions in God himself.  If God is the maker of heaven and earth, is there any problem that he cannot solve? If Jesus faced all the issues and challenges that we face plus suffered and died a horrible death, is there anything he cannot advise us or care for? David had a relationship with God and knew His character.  David to his cares for him because God would provide real and lasting solutions that would extend into eternity.

Are you putting your hope in Jesus or still exploring the world’s solutions?

Reading Plan: Psalm 121, 122, 123; 2 Sam. 18:9-18; Acts 23:12-24;  Mark 11:27-12:12

20 AUG 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 20 AUG 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“He said to them, The Scriptures declare, My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations, but you have turned it into a den of thieves.” Mark 11:17

At the beginning of this passage, Jesus curses a fig tree for not producing fruit even though it is not in season.  It seems strange except that the fig tree represents Israel and the life that they were living.  For all extensive purposes, the fig tree looked great on the outside, but it lacked fruit.  When people are healthy and faithful, there will always be fruit regardless of the season.

If you have no fruit in your life, the root cause is often unfaithfulness and/or worldliness.  Jesus shows this when he enters the temple and becomes angry at what was being done.   The leadership created a marketplace within the temple to make themselves wealthy.  He exposed their lack of trust and dependence on God for their lives and their dissatisfaction with the level of material status they were enjoying. They had become a fruitless and faithless people.

Their pursuit of wealth created a stumbling block for those that came to pray and worship. The temple was made for the people of God to pray and worship, not to conduct business.  The church today and individual Christians are the stones of God’s temple and our lives are made for his purposes, not our own.  God expects that we are faithful, fruitful, and making a clear path for those to connect with the Lord.

Does Jesus need to clear out the Church today?

Reading Plan: Psalm 106:1-18; 2 Sam. 17:24-18:8; Acts 22:30-23:11;  Mark 11:12-26

11 AUG 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 11 AUG 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“How long has this been happening? Jesus asked the boy’s father.  He replied, since he was a little boy.  The spirit often throws him into the fire or into the water, trying to kill him.  Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.  What do you mean, If I can? Jesus asked.  Anything is possible if a person believes.  The father instantly cried out, I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” Mark 9:21-24

Sometimes we face problems that are so big that no one has an answer or solution.  I’ve taken my car to several places or back to the same place repeatedly to get the thing fixed.  They cannot figure it out.  There was a time that one of my kids had a health concern, but at the time there was not any medicine or treatment for it.  It lasted for eighteen years! There was always a concern for a short life or complications that would always be there.

When we are faced with great problems, it can cloud our judgment because all we see is the big issue and nothing else.  Sometimes it causes us to doubt, which is normal.  We doubt when people have failed us or have not been truthful.  There is a sense that doubt is an inability to believe in something or someone.  It causes us to question.  Are they trustworthy? Capable?

Then there is unbelief.  That says I won’t believe it despite the evidence or testimony.  We find this with Martha after Lazurus’ death, Thomas, and the Father in Mark’s passage.  The father asks for help and questions Jesus’ ability to deal with the son’s condition.  No one else was able to fix this problem that has been going on for years.  Thankfully, Jesus condescends to those he intends on manifesting himself toward.  Jesus rebukes the man for his unbelief thereby clearing the fog of his problem to see Jesus for who he is.

Jesus gave faith to the man and healing to his son.  Both are great miracles.  You may be struggling with something in your life.  Do you have a challenge with family? Work? Health? Know that Jesus is ready, willing, and able, and will walk with you through it all.   He is worthy of your trust.

Does God need to help you with your unbelief?

Reading Plan: Psalm 88; 2 Sam. 12:1-14; Acts 19:21-41;  Mark 9:14-29

10 AUG 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 10 AUG 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“I will praise the Lord at all times.  I will constantly speak of his praises.  I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart.” Psalm 34: 1-2

The Lord commanded everyone, to Love the Lord your God will all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength.  Do you with your all? All the time? With your time? The answer is probably, no. When we don’t intentionally prioritize the Lord, our nature fills that space in our lives with other things.  We begin to love other things, many of which, are not wicked in and of themselves.

They can become not just a barrier to our relationship with God, but an idol.  Take a moment this week to see how you spend your time and money.  We all operate on some kind of spending plan and looking at will reveal where our heart is.  How much time do we spend in conversation with God? When was the last time you prayed? Served others? Shared the gospel? Read the Scriptures? Worshiped by yourself, with family, or with other believers?

How much of your finances are dedicated to the spread of the Kingdom? Do you give to missionaries? Local church? Are you generous in giving to meet the needs of fellow Christians or family members? Do you seek out opportunities to give? How you spend your time and resources reflects or demonstrates your love for the Lord.  That is worship in your everyday life.  The psalmist goes on to state that he verbally testifies to the goodness and greatness of God.

Do you tell God how thankful you are? Do you tell others what God is doing and has done for you? Do you boast about God? He expects us to ascribe to him the glory that is due.  God is not a genie to serve our needs and fulfill our wishes.  He is the Lord and the authority of the universe and our lives.  There are people who are helpless and broken that need to hear that He is there for them like he is for you.

Does the Lord receive praise from your lips and daily life?

Reading Plan: Psalm 34; 2 Sam. 11:1-27; Acts 19:11-20;  Mark 9:2-13

9 AUG 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 9 AUG 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Then calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.  If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it.  But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.” Mark 8:34-35

One of the great things that Jesus does in his ministry is being forthright and blunt.  He does not sugarcoat his call on your life and does not hide the difficulties you will face.  There are things that will be true about your life if you desire to belong to Jesus.  There are no rose-colored glasses or promises of health, wealth, and prosperity on this adventure.  If you are being told that by a pastor or friend, they are promoting a lie.

If you want to follow Jesus, you must give up your life and the way you desire to live it.  That is a hard thing to do for most people.  They have plans, dreams, and goals that they want to achieve.  Jesus says, what will it mean to you if you gain the world and lose your soul? The rich young ruler walked away because he loved his life, his possessions, and the future he was building.  Jesus did not die for you in order for you to do what you please.

You were already living for yourself and God was paying your wages in death. When you understand that Jesus purchased your life with ‘his’ death, you will live for him and not yourself.  Jesus gives you life in exchange for the death you were supposed to die.  If you think you are his follower and don’t do what he says, you will face a horrible reality.  Jesus will say he “never” knew you.  

We are also to take up our own cross.  We must understand that we will suffer for being a Christian.  We will be mocked and dismissed because of him.  We will be insulted and labeled with many names and lies.  We will lose jobs, be beaten, jailed and some killed because we belong to him.  If we are not receiving any of this, we may not be living for him.  If you are obedient to Jesus you will see fruit and will suffer.

Are you living your best life now or living for Jesus?

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:97-120; 2 Sam. 9:1-13; Acts 19:1-10;  Mark 8:34-9:1

8 AUG 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 8 AUG 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands.  Then they will not be like their ancestors-stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God.” Psalm 78:7-8

As a father of seven children, my heart desires that my children will surrender their hearts to God and live a life that is pleasing to Him.  There are two sides to the same coin of salvation.  There is man’s point of view and God’s.  We look to our point of view and become frustrated with our children and other people when they are not surrendering or following the Lord.

As spiritual fathers or mothers, we pour into the people that God has given us.  We teach them the things of God and explain the Gospel to them so they can understand.  It can feel like you are teaching algebra to a two-year-old.  My dad can relate to the frustration of teaching me algebra when I was about fifteen.  I swear that I took a few years off of his life.  

The point is, we desire the people we love to have what we have. When they don’t, it is disappointing and frustrating.  We can often blame ourselves, thinking we didn’t explain it correctly or live it out in front of them. If that is you, take a deep breath and exhale.  It is not up to you.  Salvation is up to the Lord alone.  Man cannot change the condition of his own heart, nor can he gain spiritual understanding apart from God.

The Lord alone must open our minds and enable our hearts to receive the message.  The Scriptures are clear, the Lord will not save everyone.  Many will remain stubborn, rebellious, and refusing to give their hearts to God.  God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility are still there.  In this, we find peace as we invest in others because it is about God and not us.

Is your hope anew on God or your ability?

Reading Plan: Psalm 78:1-39; 2 Sam. 7:18-29; Acts 18:12-28;  Mark 8:22-33

28 JUL 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 28 JUL 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“I waited patiently on the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and mire.  He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.  He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.” Psalm 40:1-3a

How many times in your life do you feel lost, trapped, or down? The reality is, in this life, there will be trials and difficulties.  Life is hard and we have times of dryness in our souls.  What do we do? Is the answer within us or outside of us? David shows us that the answer is outside of us in the person of God.  Building that relationship and learning to trust in Him will help us through all life’s situations.

God knows the difficulties, stresses, suffering, and pain that you personally have faced and will face in the future.  God manifests himself in a special way in those periods of life so that we experience his love and presenece.  We are shaped by our suffering in that God gives us peace, purpose, and even joy during our darkest days.  Like David, sometimes we have to wait patiently.  Isaiah said the same thing, “they that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength”. 

 In the waiting, we find God present and listening.  Job who lost all his kids and wealth overnight was devastated and in the fog of grief had a moment of clarity.  Instead of hating God for what was happening to him, he said, “should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never any bad?” He blessed God. David found joy as he saw the hand of God in all of the challenges he faced and was given a song of praise to sing.  Sometimes we are not delivered from the pain, but delivered straight into the arms of Jesus.

Are you standing on solid rock or sinking sand?

Reading Plan: Psalm 40, 54; 1 Sam. 31:1-13; Acts 15:12-21;  Mark 5:21-43

27 JUL 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 27 JUL 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“For you refuse my discipline and treat my words like trash.  Repent, all of you who forget me, or I will tear you apart, and no one will help you.  But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.  If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:17, 22-23

Have you been offended before? That’s a funny question today since everyone seems to be offended about something.  We know what it is like and how that feels.  It is not pleasant and we desire apologies, satisfaction, or straight-up revenge if we are honest.  The offended party must learn to have thick skin and have some patience.  The offender must learn to keep accounts short by correcting wrongs they have done quickly rather than letting them fester.

As we look at social media and the news, we see the root causes of the problems in our culture. (USA) We sin. We do evil. It affects the people around us.  Most people don’t see what they do as evil or bad, it is merely preference and freedom being exercised.  The moral compass of our society is broken and we lack love for our neighbor.  There is One that is offended by how we live our lives and the condition of our hearts.

God hates all sin and evil that we do.  It is actually a sin against God first, even though we sin against our neighbor.  He has written his law on our hearts and we know what is right and wrong.  He has given us his word in the Bible too, but we treat them like trash and do the offensive thing.  God calls all people to repent of their sins and turn to Jesus for salvation.  Without Jesus, you will perish in your sins and suffer in hell.  Nobody wants that! You need to check yourself before you wreck yourself.

Are you ignoring God’s claim on your life? Do you treat his word with contempt?

Reading Plan: Psalm 50; 1 Sam. 28:3-20; Acts 15:1-11;  Mark 5:1-20

26 JUL 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 26 JUL 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, where they strengthened the believers.  They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that they must suffer many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:21-22

The brutal facts of life need to be reflected on from time to time.  The Lord himself said that ‘in this life, there will be trials”.   Life in general is hard and even more so for the Christian.  Didn’t sign up for that, did you? Jesus in his paradoxical sermon on the mount, gave the Beatitudes in order to tell us how to be blessed or happy.  That happiness is in the midst of suffering, persecution, and even death for being one of his kids.

Paul demonstrated his willingness to suffer in verse nineteen of the same passage.  He is dragged out, stoned, and left for dead.  What did Paul do? The man got up and went back to town.  He was dealt vicious blows at the hands of those who rejected the message and the messenger.  Paul was not there for the people who reject him, he is there for the people who receive him.  Paul took his licks and stayed focused.  

He went and preached the Good News and made “many” disciples.  Here this! No matter where you go in this world there will be opposition, but there will always be “some, few, or many” that will receive the Lord and become disciples.  Jesus commanded us to go out and do the work of reaching the lost and developing the faithful.  We grow as we go.  Share the message and let it be the filter.  People are like a traffic light, they are either red, yellow, or green.  Don’t waste your time on the red lights because there are too many yellows and greens that are ready to receive the good news or be developed.  

Are you facing opposition and suffering as a Christian? 

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:49-72; 1 Sam. 25:23-44; Acts 14:19-28;  Mark 4:35-41

25 JUL 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 25 JUL 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine.  For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light.” Mark 4:21-22

Whenever I read this passage, it makes me reflect on my life.  How am I doing? Am I light to those around me? Am I illuminating and revealing Jesus to others? Or am I hiding my testimony and my relationship with Jesus? As we enter the election season and candidates position themselves for victory, people choose who they want to lead.  Then people get involved to the level they desire.

Some people will start by putting a bumper sticker on their car or a sign in their yard.  They plant their flag and show in a subtle yet direct way, their hope.  Others begin to chat around the water cooler at work or the coffee shop.  Some become activists and go door to door passing out information and forming groups to get the word out.  Some don’t do anything and just vote when the time comes or don’t vote at all.

As Christians, we have been given a great gift and serve an eternal King that will bring about lasting change, a new earth, and a new heaven.  He will bring real solutions to sin, evil, and peace.  Politicians and philosophies will never bring about a solution.  They will always leave us wanting and bring in more sin, evil, and division.   If the people of God would do half of what people do for elections, there would be a lot of light in the world and people coming to faith.

What are you doing with the light that has been given to you?

Reading Plan: Psalm 45; 1 Sam. 25:1-22; Acts 14:1-18;  Mark 4:21-34

23 JUL 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 23 JUL 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least it could have gotten some interest on it.’  Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 25: 26-27, 30

One of the more shocking stories in the New Testament is the Parable of the three servants.  Jesus uses these parables, hard sayings, and sonship teachings to filter out those who are not His and a wake-up call.  God had given the Jews a task they were responsible for, but they did not do it.  The expectation that God has is that we are faithful to what he has given us and obey all that he has commanded.

Sometimes we believe we think that we are responsible for the fruit and the quantity.  We see two of the servants double their investment and see the numbers.  We also read that Jesus commands us to be fruitful and bear much fruit.  We think we need to keep track of those numbers so we can show Jesus his return on investment.  The actual numbers and fruitfulness are not within our control.  That is not what Jesus looks at.

Jesus looks at our faithfulness and our heart.  If we are faithful, we will be fruitful.  The problem in the passage is with the person that decides to bury the gift that was entrusted to him rather than use it for what it was intended.  This person did not bear fruit. He was unfaithful and useless to the Master.  This is an issue with people in the church today.  We are disobedient and refuse to use the gift of life purchased for us to live for God.  We still live for ourselves and our desires.  In reality, we have wasted our life! Let this passage make you reflect on your life.  

When Jesus returns, will he find you faithful and fruitful or useless?

Reading Plan: Psalm 63:1-8, 98; 1 Sam. 23:7-18; Rom. 11:33-12:2;  Matt. 25:14-30

21 JUL 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 

21 JUL 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“After the usual readings from the books of Moses and the prophets, those in charge of the service sent them this message: “Brothers if you have any word of encouragement for the people, come and give it.” Acts 13:15

The format of a synagogue service is very similar to traditional services in the church today.  An interesting part didn’t make it through except for house churches, such as impromptu speakers, and questioning.  We do have planned guest speakers to come to our churches to teach specifically on topics in which there is expertise or when the pastor needs a break.  

Rarely does the person who leads the service glance or scans the audience and asks someone to bring a word of encouragement. Why? Well, it is scary.  You never know what is going to fly out of someone’s mouth.  The structure and size of our service do not yield to that kind of flexibility nor do we discern the Spirit at that level.  In the synagogue, there is a period of question and answer on what the Rabi has taught.

Asking questions is a part of the learning process and helps us to better understand information, concepts, application, and the development of relationships.  We do rebuttals like “amen or preach it brother”, in order to affirm the pastor in the good thing he is saying.  In a lecture format, people are not accustomed to asking questions and discussing the effects on their lives.  This is the way to fortify discipleship within the context of worship, but it takes an adjustment to the way we do things.

Paul always looked for opportunities to either share the gospel or develop the saints’ maturity and for the mission.  When called upon he would bring a word.  We have to be ready to do so as well whether in a large gathering, house church, or individually with a person over coffee.

Are you prepared to bring a word of encouragement?

Reading Plan: Psalm 31; 1 Sam. 21:1-15; Acts 13:13-25;  Mark 3:7-19a

20 JUL 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 20 JUL 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit.  They went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus.  There, in the town of Salamis, they went to the Jewish synagogues and preached the word of God.” Acts 13:4-5

When you enter into a relationship with God Almighty and surrender your life to “his” will, things can get interesting and exciting.  You never know what adventure the good Lord will take you on.  Saul, also known as Paul, came to saving faith during an encounter with Jesus that left him literally blind for a few days.  Another believer, Ananias, also was put on an adventure to minister to a known terrorist!

Both men were obedient to the Lord’s orders even though initially they were scared of the unknown.  Paul had to learn to just “do” what the Lord commanded and he got to see the hand of God work through his life.  This was no fuzzy unicorn life of tooting rainbows and butterflies.  Walking with God takes you to places you may not want to go, you may suffer, and have to deal with all kinds of evil people.

Barnabas and Paul were sent from a great church to a place where the gospel had not been heard.  God put them in difficult situations to be salt and light.  Sometimes God takes you to a place and you see no fruit.  That doesn’t mean that he is not working and doing things in the midst of your turmoil.  Your presence in that very situation brings the maker of heaven and earth to bear on the people.

God always gives some or a few that are prepared to receive him for the first time and others that need investing.  We can trust that God will clear away the obstacles for people to hear the good news about Jesus.  Paul had to clear away a demonic sorcerer in this passage that tried to keep a man from hearing the gospel.  God removed that obstacle and he will do the same for us.

Are you on an adventure with the Lord?

Reading Plan: Psalm 37:1-18; 1 Sam. 20:24-42; Acts 13:1-12;  Mark 2:23-3:6

16 JUL 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 16 JUL 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given.  As a result, all who believe in this are made right with God.” Romans 10: 4

There are so many in this world who labor to gain the attention and favor of God.  They religiously attend meetings, worship, and prayer times, and try to do good works.  They are under the impression that there is a scale that determines the fate of their life if they can only “do” enough to outweigh the bad deeds they have done.  When Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons, and Muslims connect with me in conversation they are quick to say what they “do”.

They must feel worn out checking the boxes on their self-righteousness menu, always hoping, yet never securing eternal life for themselves.  At the end of the day, they hope in the mercy of God to save them.  Have they “done” enough to get them over the bar? The answer is, no! No one is made right with God through good works, no one.  The scale is crushed by the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Jesus’ work on the cross accomplished the purpose for which the law was given.

Any good works we do are considered dirty rags. (Isaiah 64:6).  No one is good or does good, not one. (Lk 18:19, Rm 3:12) All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Rm. 3:23) If we say that we are good when God says that we are not, then we are self-righteous and call God a liar.  This should strike us with fear and humility which points us to our need for Jesus.

Jesus is good, holy, and righteous.  He lived a life among his creation and did not sin, thus fulfilling the law.  Only he was able to do this.  The wonderful news is, we can be made right with God by believing in Jesus for what he did on the cross for us.  He exchanges our sins and gives us his righteousness so that we can be presented to the Father holy and blameless.  Our task is to hear, believe, and obey his word, plus pass it on to everyone we know. (HBO-Plus)

Do you have HBO-Plus?

Reading Plan: Psalm 148, 149, 150; 1 Sam. 17:50-18:4; Rom. 10:4-17;  Matt. 23:29-39