Thursday, November 30, 2017

"Not of this World" November 30 Readings: Hosea 6-7, 1 Peter 2, Psalm 135:8–14, Proverbs 29:12–13



Today's Readings - Hosea 6-7, 1 Peter 2, Psalm 135:8–14, Proverbs 29:12–13


Devotional 


"This world is not my home, I'm just a-passing though."
Those of the words of an old country gospel song - not my favorite form of music but those words teach a truth we need to hear. Too many Christians are too tied to this world - its riches, its pleasures, its ambitions and achievements - and do not understand how the Bible describes the church of Jesus in this world. Look at 1 Peter 2:11.
Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and exiles to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against the soul.
Peter described us as "sojourners" and "exiles." We are not of this world. We were born as part of this world and its ways, but we were born again, adopted into the heavenly family. Our spiritual citizenship was changed and we are no longer first and foremost citizens of this world. Our citizenship is in heaven, Paul said (in Philippians 3). We now live in a world we are not a part of.

In this world, people live for self, for selfish ambition, for achievement and ambition and power; but we (are supposed to) live for the glory of God and the good of the kingdom. The world defines people by the money and possessions they have; we define ourselves by the rich treasure of grace which Christ bestowed on us by his death. The world seeks pleasure in whatever way possible; we live for the pleasure of the one who redeemed us and our pleasure is serving him. Granted, we don't always live out these ideals, but that is who we are - citizens of a different kingdom.

And we are only here for a short time. We are living here for a few years, awaiting the glory that will be revealed in us, the glory of heaven - which will last for all eternity. Because this world is a short time and eternity is, well, eternal, we ought to devote our lives to treasures in heaven more than on earth, to seeking first God's kingdom and its righteousness.

That is why we do battle against our fleshly desires. My heart, in its natural condition, desires this world and its things. But I do battle against the flesh, in the power of the Spirit. I abstain from those sinful desires that distract me from God's work.

Father, thank you for saving me out of this world of sin and its destructive desires. Fill my heart with Christ that I might do battle against the desires of my flesh, and help me remember I'm just a stranger here, and it's only for a short time. 

Think and Pray


How much a part of this world are you?
Are you fully invested in this world or are you a "stranger and alien?"

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

"Heavenly-Minded November 29 Readings: Hosea 4-5, 1 Peter 1, Psalm 135:1–7, Proverbs 29:9–11



Today's Readings - Hosea 4-5, 1 Peter 1, Psalm 135:1–7, Proverbs 29:9–11


Devotional 


"You are so heavenly-minded you are of no earthly good."

That was a favorite insult of a group in my college days, those who had abandoned the gospel of Jesus Christ for what is often called the "social gospel." They believed that we were put here to make the world a better place, to be the best we can be, and felt that getting bogged down in thinking about heaven and hell, deep things of theology, or our future hope would be a distraction from our responsibilities in the here and now.

Peter made it clear in 1 Peter 1:3-5 just how misguided that kind of thinking actually is. In fact, the opposite is true. Oh, certainly we are here to help people and to serve others in the name of Christ. But our hope is never in this world nor do we live for it. Look at what Jesus' disciple said.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 
We have been born again to a new life based on an imperishable inheritance kept for us by God and ready to be revealed at the end of time. In other words, we are living for the glory that is to come. Why is that? Because if we are doing it right, life in this world is going to be hard! Verse 6 carries on from the previous verses:
"...though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials ..." 
Trials are normal, natural - a part of every Christian's life. It's the life we can expect to lead. be Sometimes it will be small challenges and sometimes it will be huge sufferings, but either way we can expect our lives in this world of sin to be filled with challenges, heartaches, setbacks, opposition, and suffering. Like Jesus. Like Paul. Like Peter. Like just about every one of the key followers of Christ in the New Testament.

The idea that walking with Jesus and living for him brings health, wealth, ease, comfort, and constant "wonderfulness" in life is not gleaned from Scripture.

And that is why Peter tells his readers to do two things - consistently and repeatedly. First, he tells them to continue. As a marathon runner (former) I can tell you that the key to completing a marathon is this - when you feel like quitting, DON'T! Go another step and another. Run the race to the finish.

Peter has one more instruction. Walk in holiness. In times of suffering or in times of ease, this doesn't change. We have been saved for godly and holy lives. "Be holy, because I am holy." Jesus is our foundation, our cornerstone, and we must walk as he did - in purity, holiness, and daily obedience.

And contrary to what I was told back in college, it is when we are heavenly-minded that we can become of earthly good!
Father, I do not know what today will hold. I pray for a good day, but whatever challenges come, may your grace go before me. Help me to continue on without giving up - running the race you set before me to the finish. And may I walk in holiness and purity every day. 

Think and Pray


Do you expect everything to go well because you live for Jesus?
Are you depending on Christ and persevering through hard times, or do you tend to give up and quit when things get hard or there is opposition?
Are you consistently growing in holiness?



Tuesday, November 28, 2017

"God's Wayward People" November 28 Readings: Hosea 1-3, James 5, Psalm 133–134, Proverbs 29:7–8



Today's Readings - Hosea 1-3, James 5, Psalm 133–134, Proverbs 29:7–8


Devotional 


The prophets did some weird things to demonstrate the anger of God against sin and the love of God for his people. One wore ill-fitting undergarments to show how irritating Israel's sin was. But Hosea's story is perhaps the most graphic of all.

God commanded him to marry a woman who would illustrate Israel's sin (Hosea 1:2). When she strayed back into her life of sin, God sent Hosea to reclaim her and bring her home. This story is a verbal painting of the love of God - nothing sweet, syrupy or sentimental, but a gritty love, the kind that sticks around through the good times and the bad and changes lives.

Israel was a rebellious and spiritually adulterous nation, one that had left fidelity to the One True God and was chasing after the gods of the Canaanites. But God's grace was greater even than their infidelity. He told Hosea to illustrate that faithful love. The Old Testament is a record of two things - the constant infidelity of Israel and the even greater faithfulness of God who love never fails.

Hosea's prophecy highlights the amazing and relentless love of God, how he seeks and saves the lost. No, sin is never minor or inconsequential, but God's love overcomes. As he did with Israel, which sinned and failed repeatedly, God renews and restores us when we sin. He seeks and he saves. We are Gomer, wayward people who tend to drift into sin and away from God. We mimic the wayward wife, but the faithful God of Israel continues to overcome our sins today. By the powerful blood of Christ he cleanses every stain and brings us back to the place of renewal, of purity, and full fellowship with God.

Father, I thank you that your blood washes away every stain, and that when I fail, you are there to restore me and renew me. You are a good God - better than this Gomer deserves. 

Think and Pray


Consider the silliness of self-righteousness and our impulse to deny our sin and pretend we are "not so bad." The Bible consistently presents God as the friend of sinners, the one who seeks and saves the lost, the one who extends love to Gomer!

Thank God today for demonstrating his love to sinners...like you and me.

Monday, November 27, 2017

"An Adulterous Bride" November 27 Readings: Daniel 11-12, James 4, Psalm 132:13–18, Proverbs 29:4–6



Today's Readings - Daniel 11-12, James 4, Psalm 132:13–18, Proverbs 29:4–6


Devotional 


On August 27, 1978, I stood in front of a preacher (who doubled as my father) and made promises to God and to the woman standing next to me. I promised to stick with her for better and worse, richer and poorer, in sickness and in health. But along with those positive promises I also made a negative commitment.

"Forsaking all others."

Marrying one woman meant that I had to give up all the others. Saying yes to Jenni meant saying no to every other woman in the world. A positive commitment to one woman implies a negative commitment to all others.

We sometimes forget that as the "Bride of Christ" a similar commitment is required of all of us. We are to declare our love and commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. He is to be the primary passion of our lives. What we sometimes forget is that our positive commitment to Christ also requires a negative commitment to all others.

James spells this out in chapter 4, verses 4-5.
You adulterous people! Don’t you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? So whoever wants to be the friend of the world becomes the enemy of God. Or do you think it’s without reason that the Scripture says: The spirit he made to dwell in us envies intensely?
Verse 4 starts with a harsh accusation, "Adulteresses!" The Bride of Christ is cheating on the Savior, refusing to be faithful to its marriage vows. Then, verse 4 identifies the other man, the one with whom the church was committing adultery. They were engaged in a "friendship with the world" and friendship with the world is by definition hostility toward God. When you cheat on the Savior with this world - its pleasures and passions - it makes us enemies of God. In verse 5 we see that it even arouses jealousy.

There is an old saw, "we are in this world but not of this world." It is true, but it is also the greatest challenge ever. We are not called to live as hermits, to separate completely from this world. We live our lives here and are even allowed to enjoy that life. But we are never to love this world or the things in the world. Our hearts must belong to God as a husbands' must belong solely to his wife.

We must seek that balance every day as we live in this wicked world. We live, love, eat, drink, work and play in this world, but our heart must belong to Christ. He must be the one we love, the one we seek to please, and the one whose interests we serve. We must be loyal to Christ above all.

Forsaking all others, I must keep me only unto him, so long as I shall live!
Father, help me to be faithful, to keep my heart set on Christ above all things. 

Think and Pray


If you gave your husband or wife the same level of fidelity that you give to Christ, what would be the state of your marriage?
Do you struggle with being too much a friend of the world, forgetting that we must love Christ and not this sinful world?
When James says that God's Spirit is jealous, what does that mean? 





Sunday, November 26, 2017

"Satan's Servant" November 26 Readings: Daniel 9-10, James 3, Psalm 132:6–12, Proverbs 29:1–3



Today's Readings -  Daniel 9-10, James 3, Psalm 132:6–12, Proverbs 29:1–3


Devotional 


When I look back on my 5 decades of Christianity, I would surmise that the highest percentage of my sins have been sins of the tongue. I avoided most of the "big" sins that sidetrack so many in their earlier years, and I would have to confess to more than a few sins of the mind - lust, anger, pride and such. But when I've gotten into trouble it's usually been my big fat mouth that started it all. I guess that ought not to be a huge surprise. My life, my work, my ministry - it's all about words, whether written or spoken. I preach. I counsel. I discuss. I strategize.

And all too often I sin. Angry words. Gossip. Backbiting. Inappropriate jokes. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, Jesus said, and my mouth has too often reflected the sin in my heart.

That is not unusual, though. According to James 3, the hardest part of the body to control is the tongue. Verse 2 spells it out.
For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a mature man who is also able to control his whole body.
One of the best signs of Christian maturity is when our mouths come under the control of the indwelling Spirit and we no longer say every foolish thing our hearts devise. There are many wonderful truths found in the next few verses. Permit me just to spell some of them out. 
  • Like a bit in a horse's mouth or a ship's rudder, the tongue, though small, has a huge effect on our lives, for good or ill.  The tongue steers the life. 3-4
  • The tongue is like fire, which can set an entire forest ablaze. Our tongues, out of control, are the most destructive force on earth. When a family falls apart or a church divides, out-of-control tongues are always at the root. There has yet to be a church split where gossip and waggling tongues were not at the root. 5
  • The tongue is "set on fire by hell." Satan means "the accuser." The word "devil" is the Greek word slanderer. When we let anger and bitterness flow from our lips we are doing Satan's work. The fuel of the uncontrolled tongue is hell itself! Christian friend, consider this - when your tongue is out of Christ's control it is doing Satan's work! 6
  • The tongue is the most uncontrollable force on earth. We can tame wild animals but we cannot tame the tongue. Only the power of the indwelling Spirit at work in the redeemed heart can accomplish that. 7-8
  • Too often, the tongue is like a poisonous snake bite - it injects destructive venom into the souls and minds of others, wreaking devastation in lives. 8
  • We cannot praise God and curse men with the same tongue. If my lips are used to backbite, to gossip, to slander, to inject verbal venom, all my words of praise and affirmations of my devotion to Christ are empty and hollow. 9-12
If I had a recording of every word you had spoken in the last week, what would it tell me about you? Would I know that you truly love God because the praises of the Creator are on your lips and those same lips are used to encourage others in his name? Or would I see inconsistency and duplicity? Do you try to speak both the love of God and hurtful words toward others, even though Scripture says it is not possible? Would I hear vileness, abuse, viciousness? What would your words say about you? 

Jesus told us that the tongue is a gauge of the heart. What is in your heart shows in what comes out of your mouth. What does your tongue say about you? 
Father, forgive me for my failure, too often, to control my tongue by the power of your Spirit. Give me a tongue filled with praise, with grace, with gentleness and kindness, a tongue that glorifies you with every word. 

Think and Pray


If a recording of your words over the last week was replayed, what would it say about you? Would your words demonstrate your love for Christ or would they reveal a heart of sin? 




Saturday, November 25, 2017

"Faith that Works" November 25 Readings: Daniel 7-8, James 2, Psalm 132:1–5, Proverbs 28:27–28



Today's Readings - Daniel 7-8, James 2, Psalm 132:1–5, Proverbs 28:27–28


Devotional 


Many have seen a conflict between Paul's consistent teaching on salvation by faith alone and the assertion of James in James 2:17 that faith without works is dead. James says in verse 21 that Abraham was justified by works when Paul maintained that Abraham was justified by faith, apart from works. So, did James stand in opposition to the teachings of Paul? Is this a contradiction between two passages of Scripture?

No, it is not. It is a matter of perspective. Almost every biblical truth has to be held in balance and in tension with another biblical truth - the Trinity combines God's Oneness with his existence in three distinct persons, Jesus is both man and God, God's sovereignty and human responsibility. The whole Bible is full of "truths in tension."

Remember the old story of the blind men who all touched an elephant? One grabbed the tail, another the trunk, another a leg, another a tusk, and another simply placed his hand on the elephant's side. They were all touching the same elephant, but they gave very different descriptions of the creature.

Paul was holding on to the truth of salvation by the grace of God, through faith alone. No one is able, by the works of the Law to earn a place in heaven. But Paul did not denigrate good works, he just maintained their proper place. After saying that we are saved "by grace through faith" in Ephesians 2:8-9, he says that we were "created in Christ Jesus to do good works." We are saved by grace to do good works.

That is exactly what James is saying here. He is not maintaining that anyone can perfectly keep the law and earn a place in glory. He is emphasizing that true faith produces good works. His thought is clear in verse 18.
Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith from my works.
Faith, real faith, faith that is a gift from God and saves us, also produces in us a radical life change that is reflected in the way we live. Someone who professes faith in Christ but is not changed by Christ has every reason to doubt the genuineness of his or her conversion. Faith that does not produce new works is dead.

Salvation by faith does not excuse us from living for Christ, from doing good works; no, it empowers us to live lives that glorify God, that are pure and holy, that serve others in Christ's name.
Father, may my life reflect the kind of works that are appropriate for one who has been saved by Christ.

Think and Pray


Someone once asked, "If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?"
Does your life give daily evidence of the work of Christ in you? 





Friday, November 24, 2017

"To See God's Power" November 24 Readings: Daniel 5-6, James 1, Psalm 130:5–131:3, Proverbs 28:25–26



Today's Readings - Daniel 5-6, James 1, Psalm 130:5–131:3, Proverbs 28:25–26


Devotional 


Wouldn't it be great if we could see the kind of miracles today that were seen in Daniel's day?  Three men were thrown into a fiery furnace who come out unharmed; a hand that writes a message to a pagan king on the wall; a man survives in a den of hungry lions - God did many great works. And I'd love to see things like that in this day.

But none of these works of power was done for entertainment value. They were performed in the lives of people who had risked their lives in obedience to God's Word. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego stood against an entire culture and refuse to bow the knee to an idol. They were called before the king who demanded they acquiesce to his demands but refused. They were thrown into a fiery furnace that was intended to kill them. It was then - when they had risked their lives to the point of death in obedience to God - that God stepped in to act in power.

In Daniel 6, Daniel is an old man but still a loyal servant of the king. Darius trusted him and gave him great responsibility, which created jealousy and hatred among others in the palace. They conspired against him to bring him down. These schemers manipulated Darius to sign an edict that only he should be worshiped for 30 days, knowing that Daniel would violate that rule and continue to worship the One True God. Daniel ended up in a den with hungry lions because of his obedience and faithfulness. And God acted in power to preserve the life of the man who acted in faithful obedience to him.

We would all like to see the kind of power God displayed in biblical days when God performed miracles that would leave his people in awe and his enemies in terror. But those miracles were never curiosities. They were performed to accomplish great works and used obedient people who put their very lives at risk to serve God and obey him.

God's great miracles are acts of war in the great cosmic battle and they are witnessed by those who are on the front lines of that conflict! It is in the fiery furnace that God's presence is experienced. It is in the lion's den that God's power is released.

Would you like to see the mighty power of God at work in your life? You will not see it sitting in your easy chair. God doesn't do miracles through spiritual spectators! Present your body to Christ as a living sacrifice and give yourself fully to him and his kingdom's work. When you are on the front lines of the kingdom conflict, you will see the power of God in ways you never will in places of comfort and peace.

Father, I want to be on the front lines, not on the sidelines, so that I can see your mighty hand of power at work in me. 

Think and Pray


Are you on the front lines of the great spiritual battle?
Remember that God releases his great power to accomplish his great work. If you want to see the power, engage the work!

Thursday, November 23, 2017

"Into the Fire" November 23 Readings: Daniel 3-4, Hebrews 13:20–25, Psalm 130:1–4, Proverbs 28:22–24



Today's Readings - Daniel 3-4, Hebrews 13:20–25, Psalm 130:1–4, Proverbs 28:22–24


Devotional 


It is one of my favorite stories in the Bible and has been since my youth. It has drama and tension and intrigue - everything that makes a story grand.

It begins in the mind of a megalomaniac named Nebuchadnezzar, who constructs a 90-foot high golden idol and demands that everyone in his kingdom bow down before it when the music sounded. Babylon was filled with captives, people from all over the world who still worshiped their own gods. The king didn't care about that as long as they kowtowed to his demands and when the instruments played demonstrated their loyalty by bowing before his god.

But there was a problem, one that was fairly easily identified, and one that Daniel 3:8-9 tells us was reported to the king. If when the music sounds everyone falls on their faces, it becomes pretty hard to hide the fact that three young Jewish men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, were not bowing down. They were faithful servants of the king, but they refused to bow to his gods. When Nebuchadnezzar heard about their refusal, he hit the roof. In verses 14-15 he offered them one last chance to bow down and to save their hides, but their response was forceful (verses 16-18).
“O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
They would serve him. They would honor him. They would seek to please him any way they could. But they would not bow down to his gods. There was a limit to their submission. They faced the king in faith and confidence, believing that the God they worshiped was stronger than the most powerful man on earth, but they were also willing to face torture and death rather than serve the false gods of Babylon. 

This infuriated the king. He ordered the fire in the furnace heated to a temperature seven times its norm. He was going to show these impudent Jews what happened to dissenters and make an example out of them to everyone. No one would defy him! Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were bound and carried to the fire to be thrown to their deaths. It was so hot that the soldiers who threw them in were incinerated - a tragedy, to be sure, but at least Nebuchadnezzar had gotten his message across. 

But, wait! He looked into the fire to see to satiate his wrath and see the three young men writhing in agony, but he saw something very different. He saw the men who had been cast into the fire walking around, unbound, and there was another being with them, one he described as "like a son of the gods." I have a theory about who that might have been, but I'll let you guess that on your own! 

He called to the men and they walked out of the fire, unharmed, without even a whiff of an odor of smoke on them. Suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar knew the truth. There is a God in Israel, one unlike any other god. This God is real, not an idol. He's not some impersonal force to whom supplication is made to receive favors. He is a real God, a powerful God, a miracle-working God. 

How Nebuchadnezzar's attitude had changed. He may not have been "converted" but he suddenly had an amazing respect for the God these men worshiped. 

This all happened because three young men believed God enough to obey him, even at great cost, at the threat of their own lives. But because they believed, a wicked man saw the power of a mighty God. May we believe God and obey him that the world may see his power and tremble!

Father, may I live in faith and obedience to you in such a way that the world may see your power and tremble before you!

Think and Pray


Are you willing to suffer for the cause of Christ?
Do you trust God enough to "go into the fire" in serving him?

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

"Moral Courage" November 22 Readings: Daniel 1-2, Hebrews 12:18–13:19, Psalm 129, Proverbs 28:20–21



Today's Readings - Daniel 1-2, Hebrews 12:18–13:19, Psalm 129, Proverbs 28:20–21


Devotional 


Daniel is one of the truly great men of biblical history. He is one of the few characters in the Bible's story without a major flaw or a sinful failing. From his boyhood in captivity until his older years in the lion's den and through all the visions God gave him, he is an example of spiritual courage and moral excellence.

As we face life in a land that has abandoned and disdained our values, we can gain much from observing how Daniel and his friends took their stands.

On the one hand, they were uncompromising and firm in their beliefs, in Daniel 1 and in future events such as those that led his friends into a fiery furnace and him into a lion's den. Daniel and his friends were young men taken from their homes and families, likely teens who knew that their families were dead and their nation lay in ruins. They had every reason to "go along to get along." "When in Rome, do as the Romans." But they did not. They refused to compromise their convictions.

I am not sure why Daniel refused to eat the meat served to him - nothing in the Jewish law demanded vegetarianism. It is likely that the meats that they were served were "unclean" and not permitted under Jewish law. The point is that he refused to eat that which dishonored God. He lived by his convictions.

But he was not belligerent, insulting or confrontational about it. He spoke privately to his overseer and worked to strike a compromise, giving them 10 days to prove that they would be okay eating the food they desired to eat. He did not protest or call fire from heaven down on Ashpenaz, threatening him if he did not submit. He was pleasant and tactful, and Ashpenaz was favorable toward him.

Of course, there is a time when a Christian has to take a confrontational stand. John the Baptist was willing to lose his head. Stephen confronted the religious leaders of Israel in strong terms and was stoned to death for it. But when possible, the people of God should live in peace with those around us. We should seek to be more like Daniel and his friends.

Their actions demonstrated an enormous faith in God. They were going to obey God no matter what, believing that God would watch over them - in this situation, in a furnace, in a den with hungry lions - and God always did.

Our calling to be faithful and obedient to God in all things. We ought to do this tactfully as much as possible, without being obnoxious or unnecessarily confrontational. We must trust that the God of Heaven will bless and use our obedience with his mighty hand of power.

Father, help me to walk in humble obedience to you, to trust that your will is always best, your way is always right and your word is always true. 

Think and Pray


Think of a time when you faced a difficult moral choice - a chance to either stand for God and for what is right or to compromise and to go along with the world. What did you do?
Do you stand in moral courage for what is right?

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

"And the Crowds Cheer" November 21 Readings: Ezekiel 47-48, Hebrews 12:1–17, Psalm 128, Proverbs 28:17–19



Today's Readings - Ezekiel 47-48, Hebrews 12:1–17, Psalm 128, Proverbs 28:17–19


Devotional 



It is one of my favorite metaphors for the Christian life. Having been a marathon runner (slow and steady doesn't win the race, but it gets to the finish line!), I find the words of Hebrews 12:1-2 meaningful.
Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnessessurrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him,[c] he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
In my first marathon (December 1981), I was quite sure I was going to die over the last 5 miles of the race. My feet hurt. My toenails had cut into my toes and they were bleeding. My arm muscles were cramping. I had run the middle miles of the race in close to an 8 minute per mile pace (mile 10 to 21) and then I hit the wall. Hard. Smack. I walked. I jogged. I cried out to God in pain. Then, as I neared Dallas' White Rock Lake, I began to hear the crowds that lined the finish. My pace picked up a little as I neared the end. I remember when I passed the 26-mile mark. That meant I had 385 yards left. Now, crowds lined the street we ran on and they were cheering. FOR ME! I did something I would have sworn I couldn't have done a few miles earlier. I sprinted (to be honest, it felt like a sprint - not sure what it looked like.) I crossed the line and collapsed. I must have looked as bad as I felt. Famed aerobics doctor Kenneth Cooper was at the finish line and he came up to me to check on me!

It was the cheering of the crowds that gave me the energy to go on when I thought I had to quit! These people helped me make it to the end. Hebrews 12:1 builds on chapter 11, the Hall of Faith, describing the heroes of the OT who walked by faith, not by sight. They are the cloud of witnesses who surround us and encourage us to continue our walk of faith and obedience with Jesus Christ. They are not just observers or cheerleaders, but much more. Their lives testify to us that the life of faith is worth it, that those who depend on God and obey, even in the worst of times will never be dismayed!
  • When I feel the weight of the guilt of my sins holding me back, when I wonder if my sins can ever really be washed away, I can listen to the witness of Abel who tells me, "The Father is pleased by a sacrifice of blood, especially that of the Son." 
  • When I don't understand God's ways or his commands, I can listen for the voice of Noah telling me to trust and obey, even if it takes a long time. 
  • When God's promises do not seem to be coming true, I hear the witness of Abraham who shouts for me to wait, to be patient, and that eventually God's promises will be fulfilled. 
  • When I fear for my family, I can hear the testimony of the Patriarchs who speak of the faithfulness of God from generation to generation. 
  • When you are faced with a task that is bigger than you, that is beyond your abilities, listen for Moses. God is bigger than your task. Obey God and he can empower you to face Pharaoh and deliver the people. Moses will remind you that we serve a Mighty God. Whatever the obstacles, whatever the challenges or disappointments or struggles of life, these witnesses remind us that the life of faith is a life of power, a life in which the glory of God is revealed. 
So I pick up the pace and press on. I don't give up and I run to the finish line. I lay aside those worldly weights that hinder me - passions, habits, anything that competes with Christ for my affections - and I run with perseverance the race he has set before me. I keep my eyes focused on  Christ, on the finish, looking forward to that day when I cross the finish line and see Jesus face to face. Yes, that will be glory beyond words.

Run to Jesus. The race is not easy. It can be painful as you pursue Christ in this world. But Jesus is worth it. Every morning when you get up, renew your commitment to Christ and your desire to serve him. Day by day, week by week, year by year, pursue Christ. Run with perseverance until the day the race is over and you hear the Savior say, "Well done."
Father, strengthen me to run the race today, to seek Jesus and to serve him with my whole being. I long for that day when faith becomes sight and I see Jesus face to face. 

Think and Pray


Are you running with perseverance?
Are you listening to the testimony of those who have gon on before to remind you that the life of faith works and that Jesus will never let you down?
Are your eyes fixed on Jesus? 


Monday, November 20, 2017

"Faith Is the Victory" November 20 Readings: Ezekiel 45-46, Hebrews 11:15–40, Psalm 127, Proverbs 28:15–16



Today's Readings -  Ezekiel 45-46, Hebrews 11:15–40, Psalm 127, Proverbs 28:15–16


Devotional 


Imagine what you could do if you just had more faith!

That's what the spiritual shysters tell you. Work up a little more confidence, positive confession, words of affirmation, or however they define faith and you can have whatever you want. Faith, defined as they define it, is a guarantee of a positive outcome. You will get all you want, have your hopes and dreams fulfilled! All you have to do is have faith.

But those who think this haven't read Hebrews 11. Frankly, they haven't read the Bible, except for a few verses they have lifted out of context, but we will focus on Hebrews 11 for today. In yesterday's readings, we learned a little about the nature of faith. Faith, which verse 6 tells us is essential - without it we cannot please God, is living on the basis of what God has said, even when you cannot see it as true. Look at verse 1.
Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.
The "Hall of Faith" passage goes on to talk about man after man who did what God told him to even though the circumstances of the world made it look like God's word could not possibly be true. Abraham, Moses, and many more are commended for walking by faith and not by sight. Faith isn't about working up some kind of confidence or wishful thinking so that you can get what you want from God. It is about walking in obedience to God in spite of circumstances.

But wait, someone says. Verses 33-35 describe people of faith in glowing terms.
"...who by faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the raging of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, gained strength in weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead, raised to life again."
Look at that! Faith enabled them to win great wars, conquer lions, escape the sword and fire, gain strength and become mighty. Women even received their loved ones back from the dead. That's what I'm talking about! That's faith. You believe well enough, hard enough, big enough, and you get what you want.

But we need to read on. Yes, sometimes obedience to God enables us to win great victories. Sometimes we stand at the top of the mountain in glory because of what God has done and it is our faith in God that has enabled us to get there. But verse 35 continues, and through verse 37 reveals a very different outcome of faith.
"Other people were tortured, not accepting release, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Others experienced mockings and scourgings, as well as bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they died by the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, destitute, afflicted, and mistreated..."
No great victories for these folks. These were the ones who knelt on the beach, refusing to renounce their faith while they were beheaded! The "sawn in two" refers to a tradition about Isaiah and how he died, but it speaks of a myriad of faithful men who died rather than compromise their faith. These men wore animal skins, were destitute and mistreated.

Evidently, they didn't understand how positive confession works?

That's the point here. Both groups were people of faith. By faith, some won victories. By faith, others died as martyrs. By faith, some succeeded. By faith, others failed! By faith some got rich; by faith others lived in poverty. Faith is not about guaranteeing an outcome, but about believing God and walking in obedience to him, no matter what comes.

May we be men and women of faith - whether we succeed by faith or suffer in faith. May we trust God and walk in him!

Father, I want to be a man of faith, trusting you and walking in you, no matter what. If I succeed, I trust. If I fail, I trust. 

Think and Pray


Do you walk in faith, believing in and obeying God?








Sunday, November 19, 2017

"In the Mirror" November 19 Readings: Ezekiel 43-44, Hebrews 11:1–14, Psalm 126, Proverbs 28:12–14



Today's Readings - Ezekiel 43-44, Hebrews 11:1–14, Psalm 126, Proverbs 28:12–14


Devotional 


Links to Today's Readings

"Christians need to be more positive, to spend less time focusing on sin and judgment and more time focusing on God's love, acceptance and grace."
It sounds great, doesn't it? I don't like to think about my own failures and the guilt of my sins. Just as I don't like to look at myself in the mirror first thing in the morning, I don't much like it when God's word holds a mirror to my soul and I see the filth and wickedness within. Of course, I'd rather think about the good things. I'd love to ignore my sin and only ponder the positives.

But there is a problem with that attitude which is so prevalent today. According to Proverbs 28:13, if we ignore sin we can never receive the blessings of God.
The one who conceals his sins will not prosper,
but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
We can never prosper or grow spiritually by ignoring our sins or hiding them. It is only as we honestly look at them, confessing renouncing them before God, that we find mercy and grace. Hidden sin is never healed. There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, but there is no blessing for those who fail to face and admit their sin, either. 

The first step on the path of blessing is confession, repentance - taking a long, hard look at myself in the mirror of the word and admit the reality of my depravity. The pretense, denial, self-justification, and rationalization must go as pride melts away. It is by wandering through the darkness of confession and repentance that we find the light of forgiveness. 

Today, as you pray, let the Spirit examine you and show you your heart - no artifice, no denial, just an honest look at the depths of your sin. Through that painful pursuit lies the path to joy, to hope, to forgiveness and to God's merciful bounty. This is not morbid. It is beautiful! It reminds you that it's not you, it's HIM! It's not works, it's grace! It's not earned, it's a gift. You will be filled with gratitude and moved to worship and to walk in holiness. 

Father, show me my heart, that by repentance I might know your mercy more fully every day. 

Think and Pray


Open yourself to the Spirit's searchlight today.
Confession is both general (I am sinful) and specific (I commit this sin).
Confess your sin to God that you might prosper spiritually.


Saturday, November 18, 2017

"Holy of Holies" November 18 Readings: Ezekiel 41-42, Hebrews 10, Psalm 125, Proverbs 28:10–11



Today's Readings -  Ezekiel 41-42, Hebrews 10, Psalm 125, Proverbs 28:10–11


Devotional 


It was hard to get to God in the Old Testament era. One had to travel to Jerusalem (or wherever the tabernacle was in the pre-temple days) and secure a sacrifice. That sacrifice was taken by the priests and put on the altar. But to enter the Holy of Holies - that was even more difficult. No one could go there, where the presence of God dwelt; no one except the high priest and then only once a year. On that day he would enter the holiest place on earth to sprinkle blood on the mercy seat and make intercession for the sins of all Israel.

But that all changed one day on a hill just outside the gates of Jerusalem, where a man hung on a cross. He was not just a high priest, but a Great High Priest. Having shed his blood, he ascended and went through the heavenly curtain to make final intercession for us, purchasing our redemption and atoning for our sins.

But he did something else that day. He opened a new path to heaven, to the presence of God.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesushe has inaugurated for us a new and living way through the curtain (that is, through his flesh)—and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water.  Hebrews 10:19-22.
Now, because of Christ, it is no longer difficult to enter the presence of God. We can walk through the curtain boldly in the name of Christ into the heavenly Holy of Holies. We have a new and living way to God. 

And we are enjoined, in verse 22, to take advantage of this, to draw near to God in faith, knowing that it is opened to those who are in Christ. The redeemed must choose daily to take advantage of this blessing God has granted us, and walk boldly through the curtain, drawing near to him. 

Father, what a shame that your Son opened this new and living way into your presence and yet so often I fail to seek you with full assurance. Today, I draw near to you because of Christ. 

Think and Pray


Give thanks that Jesus opened a new and better way for us to approach the "Holy of Holies" and to be in God's presence.
Are you regularly taking advantage of the access you have to God in the name of Christ? "


Friday, November 17, 2017

"Without the Shedding of Blood" November 17 Readings: Ezekiel 40, Hebrews 9, Psalm 124, Proverbs 28:7–9



Today's Readings -  Ezekiel 40, Hebrews 9, Psalm 124, Proverbs 28:7–9


Devotional 


There is no doctrine more precious or abused than that of the love of God. It is glorious beyond words that God loves me and has acted by his grace to save me. Praise God! But the doctrine is twisted and perverted as well into the idea that God has no standards, that he doesn't care about our sin. God's love does not abrogate his holy standards. In fact, God's love properly understood exalts both God's love and his holiness.

There are two facts we must never forget. First of all, someone has to pay for our sins. God will not, by his holy nature he cannot simply look the other way and ignore our sins. His righteousness cries out against sin and demands payment, demands atonement. "The wages of sin is death," Paul said in Romans. Here, the author of Hebrews makes a bold assertion.
...and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Hebrews 9:22
Because of sin, blood had to be shed. The Old Testament sacrificial system required that offerings be made. It is not that God is cruel, but that sin is such an offense, such a violation of God's creation, of God's holy character, that a sacrifice must be made. But the Old Testament sacrifices never completely conquered sin. They had to be offered repeatedly and did not eternally cover sin.

But Jesus offered "better sacrifices than these" which permanently and eternally paid for our sins. That is the second fact, "Jesus paid it all." His one sacrifice did what all the Levitical sacrifices in Israelite history could not do, he completely atoned for all our sins.

That is how the love of God is demonstrated. God doesn't just ignore our sin - because of his holiness, he cannot do that. But he loved us so much he sacrificed his Son to pay for our sins. No greater love has ever been seen in this world.

Thank you for your love, Father, which paid the debt for my sins by the once-for-all sacrifice of your Son. I am loved eternally, completely and radically. All I can say is thank you, and give myself completely to you. 


Think and Pray


There are three responses to the consideration of the blood of Christ.
First, praise and thank God that your sins are forgiven - fully, infinitely, and eternally.
Second, see that you are not using this as an excuse for living a careless, sinful life. Jesus didn't die on the Cross so you could live in sin. He died to free you.
Finally, "love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all." The only appropriate response to the blood of Christ is to fully give yourself to him.



Thursday, November 16, 2017

"This Means War" November 16 Readings: Ezekiel 38-39, Hebrews 8, Psalm 123, Proverbs 28:5–6



Today's Readings - Ezekiel 38-39, Hebrews 8, Psalm 123, Proverbs 28:5–6


Devotional 


"I guess you know, this means war!" 
Bugs Bunny's famous words remind us of an important truth about the Christian life.

I am afraid that we, as American Christians, have developed a skewed idea of the nature of Christianity. We are used to living at ease, at peace, to being in comfort. We have devised a theological framework in which health, wealth, peace, ease, comfort, and prosperity are the norm for those who are walking in the faith. But such is not the case very often in the word of God. Yes, God is good and he provides joy to his people. But the peace that he gives is not the absence of conflict or enemies, but the calm assurance that no matter how fierce our foes, no matter how awful the things are that come against us, God is bigger than our enemies and he will see us through.

In fact, throughout Scripture, the people of God always had enemies - powerful enemies, scary, imposing, life-threatening enemies. When they walked in obedience to God they were able to defeat those enemies - Pharaoh, the Canaanites, the Philistines, the Moabites, and Midianites. When they disobeyed God, they fell under the dominion of those who came against them.

Ezekiel 38-39 describe (at least according to my end-times perspective) the greatest battle of all, the great conflict at the end of time. But without delving into the details of who God and Magog are or trying to identify all the details of the battle, this prophetic story reminds us of some very important truths.

1. There will always be enemies fighting against God's People. 


In the Garden, Adam and Eve were living in peace and minding their own business. Along came the Serpent, slithering in with his lies to derail the paradise of God. Since that initial confrontation, when our first parents chose the dark path of sin, enemies have come against us. Sometimes, they simply lied to lead us astray. Sometimes it is more blatant, as with Pharaoh or Nebuchadnezzar, who tried to destroy God's people completely. So it will be right up until the end when the army described in Ezekiel 38 will come against the restored Israel.

The moment you trust Christ you become part of the great cosmic conflict and you can assume that until the day that you go to Jesus or he returns for us that conflict will continue. He will lie and will seek to undermine all that God is doing. We are at war and we must be prepared to live as such. Thus it always has been. Thus it always will be. Thus it is today. Count on it.

2. God fights the enemies of his people. 


That could strike fear in us, but it should not. The testimony of Scripture is clear, that God consistently and eternally fights for his people. This powerful enemy will sweep down from the north against Israel, but 39:3-6 tells us that God is still on his throne.
Then I will knock your bow from your left hand and make your arrows drop from your right hand. You, all your troops, and the peoples who are with you will fall on the mountains of Israel. I will give you as food to every kind of predatory bird and to the wild animals. You will fall on the open field, for I have spoken. This is the declaration of the Lord God. “‘I will send fire against Magog and those who live securely on the coasts and islands. Then they will know that I am the Lord."
It is not God's people who will fall, but the enemies who come against them. Pharaoh's armies drowned in the Red Sea. The Midianites fled from 300 Israelites. Goliath fell. Elijah called down fire. God is able to defeat his enemies who come against his people, no matter how overwhelming they are. Never fear. Trust and obey.

3. God does this to display his glory.


Verse 7 goes on to explain exactly why God defeats his enemies. His purpose is twofold.
So I will make my holy name known among my people Israel and will no longer allow it to be profaned. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel.
He wants to make is name holy among his people and glorious among the nations. He wants his own people to know him, honor him, and remember who wonderful he really is. He is determined to use them to make his glory known among the nations, to prove that Yahweh alone is the true and living God of heaven, the one God to be feared and honored in all the world. 

This is what happened at the beginning, it will be happening at the end. And it is happening today. We are at war and our enemies are powerful. But our God is more powerful. All we need to do is trust him and walk in obedience and he will establish us, protect us and use us to declare his glory among the nations!

Father, help me to remember that I am a soldier in your army, that I am here to serve you. May I also remember that your glory is great and that the battle is yours! The victory is yours. Praise your powerful name. 

Think and Pray


God promises to protect you from those who oppose you "for righteousness sake." Remember that God loves and protects his own.
Thank and praise him for his protection and his power today.



Wednesday, November 15, 2017

"Dem Dry Bones" November 15 Readings: Ezekiel 37, Hebrews 7:11–28, Psalm 122, Proverbs 28:2–4



Today's Readings - Ezekiel 37, Hebrews 7:11–28, Psalm 122, Proverbs 28:2–4


Devotional 


It is the greatest miracle of all. The Bible records many wondrous works done by God. He parted the Red Sea and stopped the flow of the Jordan. He made the walls of Jericho come tumbling down and sent fire down on Elijah's sacrifice. Jesus walked on water, fed the crowds, made the lame walk and the blind see. But there is one miracle that is greater than all others. It was the miracle that God previewed when Elijah raised the Widow of Zarephath's son, when Jesus interrupted the funeral in the Jezreel Valley, and when he spoke to his friend Lazarus, calling him from the grave after four days. And it is the ultimate miracle of history, which God performed on Jesus early on the morning of the first day of the week, raising him from the dead.

Death from life. Something from nothing. This is not art, not renovation, it is creation.

It is that kind of miracle that Ezekiel speaks of in chapter 37 of his prophecy, the vision of the dry bones. He saw a valley of nothing but dry bones - death and decay had done its complete job. This was not a sickness, it was death. A doctor can treat sick people, but there is nothing can be done for dry bones. But God can do the impossible - he can raise the dead.

Consider that. We don't just serve a God who can do a few little things for you. He can take dry bones and make them live! Doesn't that problem that is bothering you seem kind of small in comparison? If God can make dry bones come to life, do you think the thing that is stressing you out is going to stress HIM out?

This prophecy is a vision of the resurrection of a nation. God has destroyed Israel because of their sin. The nation lay in ruins, the people were in exile and the future looked bleak. There was little hope in any human effort or ability for the nation in its condition. But that did not stop what God intended to do. He would sweep through the dry bones in power, they would shudder to life and form sinews and tissues. God would do what no one else could do. The prophecy came true in history and its ultimate fulfillment awaits in the future when God will restore the nation to its full glory.

What God has done and will do in Israel is a picture of what he does in our lives. I was, according to Ephesians 2:1, dead in my sins, without any hope of fixing the problem on my own. My soul was a valley of dry bones - nothing but death - hopeless death. But God did not leave me in that condition. He worked a miracle - his greatest. As he had raised his Son from the dead, he also raised me to new life and gave me eternal hope.

I have eternal life and hope today because God works miracles, because he raises the dead, because he took "dem dry bones" in my soul and knit them together in new life. I have been given life in Christ. More than that, I have been loved in Christ. Eternally and ultimately. What an amazing privilege it is to serve a God who makes dry bones live!

Thank you, Father, for the life I have because of you, and you alone. 

Think and Pray

Thank God for the life he has given you in Christ.
Renew your commitment to share the good news that Jesus "makes the dry bones live."
Remember that a God who can raise the dead is not strained or stressed by the problems in your life - TRUST HIM!



Tuesday, November 14, 2017

"Ascending to God's Presence" November 14 Readings: Ezekiel 35-36, Hebrews 7:1–10, Psalm 121, Proverbs 28:1



Today's Readings - Ezekiel 35-36, Hebrews 7:1–10, Psalm 121, Proverbs 28:1


Devotional 



The trek would start at the Pool of Siloam, at the lower end of Jerusalem, the City of David. As the pilgrims would come to worship, they would ascend on a wide road up past the ancient city, past the king's palace, toward the Temple Mount. They would walk up the steps in the picture here to the gate that led into the Temple area, to bring their offerings, worship God and make atonement for their sins.

And as they walked up the street, as they ascended the steps, they would sing psalms that declared the goodness of God. These are called the "Songs of Ascent" and they are found in Psalm 120-134.

The City of David is on a ridge below the Temple Mount and it is surrounded by hills all around. As the Israelites walked up Mt. Moriah, burdened with fears and cares, struggles and trials, they could gaze at those mountain peaks all around and they could ask:

I lift my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help come from?
 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth
 Psalm 121:1-2
They reminded themselves of the grace and mercy, the goodness and kindness of the God they worshiped. Whenever they had turned to them, no matter how great the need, he had been their help. The Creator was also their Savior. 

David's city was positioned among these mountains for protection and provision. Inside this southern slope of Mt. Moriah was the Gihon Spring, which would provide water for Jerusalem, even in times of drought or when enemies surrounded. The hills around the city were designed to protect them as well. Jerusalem provided natural protection and provision. But the Psalmist did not forget where the real help came from. 
Indeed, the Protector of Israel
does not slumber or sleep.
The Lord protects you;
the Lord is a shelter right by your side.
The sun will not strike you by day
or the moon by night. Psalm 121:4-6
Hills can help, but God is the real shelter, the real protector. And as the Israelites walked up the mountain with the hills surrounding them, they reminded themselves of this. 

They were utterly dependent on the Lord. Sometimes they forgot that and suffered for it. But the Psalms of Ascent were designed to remind Israel that they had a good God, one who cared for them and one who would never leave or forsake them. 
The Lord will protect you from all harm;
he will protect your life.
The Lord will protect your coming and going
both now and forever. Psalm 121:7-8
We don't ascend the steps into the church singing psalms (maybe we should - a little pre-service spiritual preparation couldn't hurt), but we, like Israel, must remind ourselves daily that our God is good, faithful and that his love is everlasting. 

Father, I thank you for your goodness and grace, displayed every day. May I never forget who you are and what you have done for me. 

Think and Pray


Do you enter worship with a prepared spirit?
Do you recognize the God of Heaven as your source, your protector, your spring of life, or do you seek from the world what you ought to seek from God?