6 SEP 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 6 SEP 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.  And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth.  Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!” James 3:9-10

One thing that is evident in our culture today is our lack of control over our tongues.  From children to Presidents, people freely use bad language to express frustration, anger, and even happiness.  I even saw a shirt that said, “I’m a chaplain, but I cuss a little.”  Being a Navy Sailor, there are things within the culture that reinforce bad language, like the stereotype “cursing like a sailor”.   Ultimately, it  dishonors the Lord when you use bad language.

Paul speaks of what will “not” be in the life of a follower of Jesus.  “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.” (Col. 3:8) The standard you set is the standard you get.  If you let it slide, then it will be the norm.  The Holy Spirit works on every believer in the areas of sin in your life.  He will turn up the heat to remove the dross and purify you.  He intends to have a holy people to himself, not an unholy one.

As you read the third chapter of James, he lays out different pictures to describe the tongue.  It has the power to heal and praise but also to damage and curse.  So how are you doing?

Do you have a praising mouth or a potty mouth?

Reading Plan: Psalm 28; 1 Kings. 9:24-10:13; James 3:1-12; Mark 15:1-11

5 SEPT 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 5 SEP 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?” James 2:14

My dad used to use the phrase, ‘The proof is in the pudding’. As a kid, I would scratch my head when I heard it.  People can say they are a believer, but the proof is in how they live out their lives.  People say a prayer, raise their hands, and walk the aisle, but their lives never reflect that they belong to Jesus.  There is a difference between profession and possession.  The proof is in the pudding. 

When a person goes to trial, the prosecutor has to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt their guilt.  He presents evidence and brings witnesses to the stand to enforce his case against the defendant.  Here is the question, Is there enough evidence to prove the person guilty? James is not saying that the person is not reconciled to God, as in  ultimate justification.  Is there enough evidence in your life to prove the claim that you are a follower of Jesus? 

James is contending against people who seek to embrace Jesus as Savior without embracing Him as Lord.  Lord means master and authority which is Jesus’ place in our lives.  We on the other hand are slaves.  We have been purchased and are no longer belong to ourselves nor in bondage to sin.  We do what Jesus says to do.  If we do not, then we are not His.  Jesus himself says, ‘Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and don’t do what I say?’

Is there enough evidence in your life to prove you are a Christian?

Reading Plan: Psalm 26, 28; 1 Kings  8:65-9:9; James 2:14-9:9; Mark 14:66-72

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