5 JAN 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 5 JAN 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional

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

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

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

Are you ready to be successful and happy this year?

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

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

Daily Office Year 1

4 JAN 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 4 JAN 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

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

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

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

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

Daily Office Year 1

3 JAN 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 3 JAN 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live.  Remember he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30

This beautiful chapter lays out practically what to do and not do with your life.  We have been chosen by God to be his children and cannot lose our salvation.  He contrasts that with the lost that live lives that are displeasing to God and will ultimately perish.  We have also been created to be a distinct people with a distinct lifestyle and mission.  To live like an unsaved person is to insult God and bring sorrow to the Holy Spirit.

We are told in verse 22-24 to throw off that old nature of sin and embrace a life that is righteous and holy.  That is not easy to do in a society that takes pride in immorality and impurity.  Nevertheless, we are told and  empowered to live as a godly reflection and shine in this dark world.  Living into the life we were made for brings joy to the Lord.

Are you living a life that brings sorrow or joy to the Holy Spirit? 

Gracious Lord, thank you for choosing me, saving me, and assuring me that our relationship cannot be broken.  I rejoice that the gift of eternal life cannot be lost or taken back and is mine forever.  Empower me to live the life that “you” want me to live so that I can bring you glory.  Help me to encourage others and continue to find your lost sheep while there is time.  Amen.

Reading Plan: Psalm 68; 1 Kings 19:9-18; Eph. 4:17-32; John 6:15-27

Daily Office Year 1

2 JAN 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 2 JAN 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

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

As we start this new year, remember that our lives are worship to the Lord.  What we do and say can bring pleasure to God and give us a deeper relationship with him.  While our primary audience is God, the world around us needs to hear your testimony of what God has done for you.  Don’t boast about yourself, but boast in the Lord.  There are many lost children of God that need to be found and brought along in the faith.  

Are you going to intentionally live a life of worship this year?

Heavenly Father, help us to commit to you every morning our heart, mouth, and hands for worship.  Empower us to faithfully live for you and not ourselves.  Give to us people we can share the good news with each and every day.  Bring some into a relationship with you we pray.  Amen.

Reading Plan: Psalm 34; Gen. 12:1-7, 15-16; Heb. 11:1-12; John 6:35-42, 48-51

Daily Office Year 1

1 JAN 23 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

 1 JAN 23 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 103; Gen. 17:1-12a, 15-16; Col. 2:6-12; John 16:23-30

Daily Office Year 1

S- Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of the world, rather than from Christ.  Col. 2:8

O- As a believer and follower of Jesus, everything will try to derail you from the truth and living for God.  Paul tells this church the reality of being a Christian.  It is difficult to constantly come against ideologies, philosophies, and haters of God.  Know it is coming and be ready to defend yourself and speak the truth.

A- I will recognize the challenges that face me as a follower of Christ and will be prepared for this life of hostility.  I will be ready to answer opposing worldviews.

P- Lord, I thank you for your word and how you do not sugar coat the Christian life.  Help me to be a defender of the faith and understand competing worldviews so that I can explain the gospel.  Give me wisdom and patience as I do your will.  Amen.

S- K, L