31 JAN 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 31 JAN 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Have I now become your enemy because I am telling you the truth? I feel as if I’m going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives.” Galatians 4:16, 19

One of the most difficult things in a leader’s life, whether you lead one or one hundred, is the pain of defense and development of disciples.  Paul was dealing with his spiritual children that were being led astray by false teachers that were baiting them with good things.  Their good was only there to get them in, but not something that would last.  

As a new believer, you don’t know the plethora of enemies that are in the community and even in the church.  Sound doctrine, established rhythms, and wise counsel is a must.  If you have that, you will recognize where the issues are and the enemy at hand.  Today, we have the same issues that Paul and the church at Galatia had.  Unfortunately we are bombarded with false teaching and enemies on television and social media.

We have to help our spiritual children to develop quicker than in previous years.  It is painful to watch them have to go through hostility, persecution, and in some places in the world death.  Being a disciple of Jesus has its challenges, but the Lord is always there walking with you through it.  If you or your spiritual children are not experiencing these trials, then you probably are not living for Jesus or are following false teachers.  Take responsibility for your maturity in Jesus.

Do you get angry with those that tell you the truth?

Lord, we face a barrage of enemies and false teachers on every front as we live into the mission of your Son.  Empower us to combat these foes with your word and prayer.  Give us wisdom as we raise up new disciples of Jesus to be light in this dark world.  Help us not to grow deaf to the truth and to those that you have put in our lives to develop us.  Give us the tools we need to be the people you have made us to be.  In your great name, amen. 

Reading Plan: Psalm 61, 62; Isa. 52:1-12; Gal. 4:12-20; Mark  8:1-10

Daily Office Year 1

30 JAN 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 30 JAN 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.  I praise God for what he has promised .  I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56

There are times in life that we are all afraid of something or someone.  When children are young they will often be afraid of the dark or the mythical boogie man that hides in the closet or under the bed.  As you get older, new sets of fears arise whether real or felt.  The psalmist gives us insight as he talks to God about his fear of being killed by his enemies.

He has  an awareness that God is bigger than anything that he will face, even death.  It takes putting real faith in and entrusting your very life to God.  It cannot be a mere intellectual assent.  When you do so, God manifests himself in your life and gives you peace of mind because you have peace with God.

Jesus did this after he was crucified and risen from the dead.  He scared his disciples to death when he entered the upper room.  They were not expecting him and got a jump scare out of it.  Jesus told them, peace be with you.  My peace I give to you.  When you are right with God, there is no real fear because there is nothing that man or devil can do that God can’t restore. Knowing and believing this will lead to worship and praise.

Heavenly Father, you are so good to your children by allowing us to speak to you at any time and anywhere.  Thank you for blessing us with your peace that goes beyond all understanding and power to overcome our fears.  You are bigger than anything that we will face in this life, man or devil.  Let us not forget you or be dismayed in times of trouble.  Amen.

Reading Plan: Psalm 56, 57; Isa. 51:17-23; Gal. 4:1-11; Mark  7:24-37

Daily Office Year 1

29 JAN 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 29 JAN 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Wake up, wake up, O Lord! Clothe yourself with strength! Flex your mighty right arm! Rouse yourself as in the days of old when you slew Egypt, the dragon of the nile.” Isaiah 51:9

I have a picture that my mom took when I was probably about seven of me flexing my muscles in the mirror in the hallway.  I still do it and probably will continue to do so well into my 90s, Lord willing.  All men flex because we realize we have some power and we like it.  It gives us confidence that we can do and accomplish stuff.

If you live long enough, you will realize that there are other men that are bigger, faster, stronger and smarter than you.  You have limitations and are not invincible.  That can be a sobering moment.  The Jews felt that when they were in bondage as slaves to the Egyptians even though they outnumbered their oppressor.  God used that moment to reveal to the Jews and the Egyptians his might and care for his own people.

God, our warrior and defender, flexed his mighty muscles and put to death the entire Egyptian Army.  It was no difficulty for him to do this.  He didn’t break a sweat.  He is the same God that made the earth and all of the galaxies in space.  He controls the change in climate and the spiritual forces of wickedness.  At the end He will cast the Devil to hell with “one” word.  We serve a mighty God who is truly awesome.  God says, get a grip, I got you!

So why are we afraid of climate change and evil people?

Reading Plan: Psalm 24, 29; Isa. 51:9-16; Heb. 11:8-16; John  7:14-31

Daily Office Year 1

28 JAN 23 Saturday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 28 JAN 23 Saturday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came, it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith.  And now that the way of faith has come; we no longer need the law as our guardian.  For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:24-26

In many of my spiritual conversations with non-believers, the question of being right with God will come up.  The response always trends toward being a good person.  The assumption is that if we are good then that is enough or should be enough to be accepted.  There is also an assumption that all people are God’s children.  Both of those are dead wrong.

When you get this response, realize that these people don’t have a relationship with God and don’t understand the gospel.  It is an opportunity to press the conversation.  The law itself functions as a tool of evaluation to see if you are a good person.  Have you told a lie? Have you stolen anything? Have you looked at another person with lust? If you have broken one, you have broken them all and ultimately failed the test of being a good person.  No one passes this test.  Everyone has and will fail it.

 The law exposes us as sinful and broken people.  We need to be acceptable to God and we cannot get there on our own. What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.  The way to become a child of God is through faith in Jesus for who he is and what he has done for you on the cross. We must all surrender our sinful lives and trust in Jesus.

Have you surrendered your life to Jesus?

Heavenly Father, thank you for planning to save me from before the world was made.  Thank Jesus for laying down your life to spare me from the wrath of your Father and give me eternal life in heaven.  Thank you Holy Spirit for finding me, changing my will, opening my eyes and ears, giving me a new heart, and the gift of faith to trust in Jesus.  Amen. 

Reading Plan: Psalm 55; Isa. 51:1-8; Gal. 3:23-29; Mark  7:1-23

Daily Office Year 1

27 JAN 23 Friday - A Closer Walk Devotional

 27 JAN 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary.  Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will.” Isaiah 50:4

What wisdom are you looking for today?

Isaiah’s writings are full of information about God and his attributes.  It is up to us if we keep it as mere head knowledge or put to use the patterns and information into our lives.  Isaiah lets us know that every morning he wakes up and spends time with the Lord.  He seeks God’s will and ways to bring the message to bear on people’s lives.  He understands that the only good information comes from God.

At the end of this chapter, he warns that if you are only being guided by your own wisdom then you will end in torment.  This is kind of like Dr. Phil, asking that great question, how’s that working for you? Without Jesus, the light that we guide ourselves by and comfort ourselves with is really darkness and unsatisfying.  Been there and done that.  It is not a pleasant state to be.

God is offering his time and wisdom to his children to make sure that we are fully equipped with the right tools to help us each and every day.  There are enough troubles to deal with today, so start the day with God.  He will shine the light of his word on them and give you peace.  He will also give you the tools and insight to live with joy.

Lord, I thank you for your word this morning as it is a regular reminder of your care and concern.  I am grateful for the wisdom you impart that works not just for me, but allows me to encourage and care for others too.  Give me the wisdom I need, to brings solutions to bear on the problems we face. Amen. 

Reading Plan: Psalm 40, 54; Isa. 50:1-11; Gal. 3:15-22; Mark  6:47-56

Daily Office Year 1