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

18 DEC 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

 18 DEC 22 Sunday SOAPS Devotional

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 24, 29; Isa.42:1-12; Eph. 6:10-20; John 3:16-21

The Fourth week of Advent

Are you evil? Do you do evil?

S- And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.  All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. John 3:19-20

O- The coming of Jesus brings light and life into the world like no other time in history.  Everyone who was and will be are born into sin and darkness.  We are darkness according to Paul and do evil continually.  What is evil? Brace yourself.  It is us.  In our core we are evil and our actions: lying, stealing, fornicating, murder, adultery, homosexuality, idol worship, etc are evil.  Jesus says we all have done these things and fall short of his standards.  We cannot change ourselves, only Jesus can do that for you.  This is why he came into the world.

A- I will rejoice in the Lord, creator of heaven and earth.  I will rejoice in my savior who loved me and demonstrated that by coming into the world, living a perfect life, and dying for me.  I will rejoice in his grace and mercy on my life.

P- Almighty and everlasting God, you are gracious to me and your love is unfailing.  Thank you Jesus for coming to save me, an unworthy evil person in my core.  I rejoice that you have made me new, making me holy and giving me your righteousness.  All praise, glory, and honor be your name forever more. Amen and amen.

S- all who have ears to hear.