20 JUN 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 20 JUN 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. The Lord gives both death and life; he brings some down to the grave but raises others up.  The Lord makes some poor and others rich; he brings some down and lifts others up.” 1 Sam. 2:2,6-7

In the second chapter of Samuel, we have a beautifully rich theological prayer of Hannah.  She has received an answer to prayer and dedicates her only son to God, releasing him into permanent service to God.  Her guilt and shame are taken away by this gift of a child.  She pauses in reflection and praises what God has done for her.  This is very much like the song of Mary when she has been given the honor and privilege of being the mother of Jesus.

Worship is the response of someone who has been shown grace by the Lord.  The more you understand what God has done for you, the more your life becomes worship.  Hannah really has great things to say about God and the significance of his sovereignty and grace.  Understanding that God is holy, is a great place to start.  He is something completely different.  He is perfect in every way and without sin.  There is no evil in Him, nor does he do evil.

Sometimes we look at what God does or allows and can get bent and accuse him of injustice.  No one has ever experienced injustice from God.  You either experience justice or mercy.  There is no other God, just the God of the Bible.  All others then are either products of man or Satan.  One of the things that Hannah gets is God places us into the time, location, socio-economic slot, and situations.  If you grow up poor or rich, the Lord allows that for his own reasons.  Like Hannah, she took what she was given and took it to the Lord and He satisfied her.

All the things we think will bring us satisfaction will fail and leave us wanting.  Surrendering it all and throwing yourself onto God will bring satisfaction and joy that is lasting through every challenge this life can bring.  God will raise you up those who are his when this life is over.  Now that is something that will cause our hearts to praise God like Hannah.

Is there a song of praise in your heart to God?

Reading Plan: Psalm 78:1-39; 1 Sam. 1:21-2:11; Acts 1:15-26;  Luke. 20:19-26

19 JUN 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 19 JUN 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.  And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere - in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

After three years of walking with the Lord Jesus, seeing him crucified, dead, and risen from the grave, the disciples are given a final mission that continues until Jesus’ return.  The disciples were trained and equipped to carry on the work that Jesus did and were given the power and authority to effectively do it.  We can miss something that is important in this passage that can plague our life as believers.  We have a primary purpose and the ability to fulfill it.

In the Westminster Confession of Faith, the catechism asks what the chief end is for man. In other words, why do you exist? The answer is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.  Everything we do in this life can glorify God when we live according to our purpose.  We glorify God and demonstrate our love by obeying his commands.  Jesus commands his followers to be His witness and make disciples. (Matt. 28:19) That is the primary task of “every” follower of Jesus.

The disciples could not say to Jesus, wait we do not know enough.  Wait, many people do not want to hear this or receive it.  Wait, I do not want to be a witness that must be for a special Christian.  Someone has to have the “gift” of sharing.  Jesus simply and directly commands, “You will be”.  From the moment you become a follower of Jesus, you will be my witness and you will be until you die or He returns.

The reason the Holy Spirit is given is to help you to do this work.  The Holy Spirit makes effective the call on people’s lives when the gospel is shared.  Your role is to faithfully share the good news and leave the results to God.  Those that come to faith, need your investment in becoming a disciple who makes disciples.  You do this with whomever the Lord puts in your path in life. (Family, friends, co-workers, sports, leisure, shopping stores, etc.)

Are you faithfully being a witness for Jesus?

Reading Plan: Psalm 80; 1 Sam. 1:1-20; Acts 1:1-14;  Luke. 20:9-19

9 JUN 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 9 JUN 23 Friday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way are handling this generous gift.  We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.” 2 Cor. 8:20-21

Integrity is a trait that is needed by every believer and leader within the church.  We see in our society, business leaders, politicians, the military, and everyone else, struggle with living and working in a manner that is honorable.  Pride, greed, and power are temptations that become sins and damage our trust horizontally with other people, but also vertically with the Lord.

Paul makes the point and puts in the effort and protective factors in place to protect himself and their ministry.  Once trust is lost, it is very difficult to build that back.  In this case, Paul is traveling back to Jerusalem to take the money collected from the regional churches for the needy believers.  Whenever you are dealing with money, people are naturally suspicious.

Paul doesn’t want to give the appearance of wrongdoing nor put himself in a position to do wrong with what was entrusted to him.  Even in his day, there were spiritual charlatans that took advantage of people for financial gain which does long-term damage.  He wanted to bring honor to the Lord and to the churches so that the focus is on the mission and not on them.  These protective factors are necessary so that we are built up as a whole and positive accountability is established so that integrity becomes the standard.

Are you establishing accountability for personal integrity?

Reading Plan: Psalm 40, 54; Deut. 26:1-11; 2 Cor. 8:16-24;  Luke. 18:9-14

8 JUN 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 8 JUN 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor.  But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.  For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more.  And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem.” 2 Cor. 8:2-4

Jesus said it is better to give than receive.  There is something to be said about that, especially in the light of the verses above.  We can easily determine how giving or generous we are by looking at our bank statements.  How are we doing? We can also look at our attitude when we give.  Is it drudgery, stress, or anger, or are we happy about it?

The churches in Macedonia faced many trials and troubles that caused them to suffer greatly.  They were also very poor.  You would probably think that they would be looking to be the recipient of the money and seeking support, but they didn’t.  They were joyful and excited to give to others that were in need.  They even ‘begged’ Paul that they too could get in on the giving! Have you ever begged to give?

One of the marks of a healthy church and disciple is generosity which comes from love.  You look for an opportunity to give and support other Christians in need and their ministry.  In turn, you feel the joy of being able to invest in others financially as a demonstration of your love for them.  It becomes an exciting thing and you want to do it even if you have very little to give.  You are willing to sacrifice so that other followers of Jesus can meet their needs.

Would others describe you as a generous person? 

Reading Plan: Psalm 50; Deut. 16:18-20, 17:14-20; 2 Cor. 8:1-16;  Luke. 18:1-8

7 JUN 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

7 JUN 23 Wednesday : A Closer Walk Devotional

“The false prophets and visionaries who try to lead you astray must be put to death, for they encourage rebellion against the Lord your God, who redeemed you from slavery and brought you out of the land of Egypt.” Deut. 13: 5

When the Lord calls a people to himself, those people are separated from the world. They live and worship differently, and act in a manner that reflects God’s character and values.   As the Good Shepherd, he not only guides us in daily life, but also protects us.  We need to hear what he says in his Word in regards to those that would lead us astray from the worship we give and the life we live.

From the time he established a relationship with the Jews and the church, he warned of false teachers and prophets that will come into the community of faith.  Today is no different.  Every generation has the same problems and the same formation and testing.  We are told to handle these false teachers and prophets intentionally and harshly because they ultimately harm the individual and community.

Some think they are prophets with a capital P, that they are hearing from God and deliver a gospel or word that doesn’t line up with the Word.  If their predictions don’t come true, even one, they should be dismissed as false teachers.  There are many on tv, in pulpits, and congregations saying, “God told me..”.  Beware! This is the phrase of the day that leads us astray.   

We are not called to put them to death, but to call them to repentance. If they don’t, then put them out of the church until they do. 

Are you aware of the false prophets and teachers around you and what to do?

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:49-72; Deut. 13:1-11; 2 Cor. 7:2-16;  Luke. 17:20-37