Tag: Bible verse

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1 Timothy Devotionals

What the law is good for

But we know that the law is good, provided one uses it legitimately.

We know that the law is not meant for a righteous person, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and irreverent, for those who kill their fathers and mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral and males who have sex with males, for slave traders, liars, perjurers, and for whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which was entrusted to me. (1Timothy 1:8-11)

We live in a world where there are Christians, even pastors who are trying to “unhitch” the church from the Old Testament, saying God’s law has no relevance for us.

They then point to the ritual laws, such as circumcision, the sacrifices, and the seasonal festivals to try to prove their point.

But Paul makes very clear that the law is still good if we use it legitimately.

What is a legitimate use of the law? To point out what sin is. The list that Paul uses above is essentially an expanded version of the ten commandments.

And Paul says that these laws aren’t necessary for people who are righteous and living a life pleasing to God. They’re necessary for those who are living in rebellion against God to point out their sin.

As Paul points out in Romans 3:19-20, it’s through God’s law that we become conscious of sin.

On the other hand, Paul also points out in the same passage that the law is not good for actually making someone righteous before God because no one can keep the law perfectly.

And that’s why we need the good news that Paul proclaims.

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners… (1 Timothy 1:15)

But in order to define “sinners,” we need to define what “sin” is, and that’s what the law does for us.

Without that definition of sin, there is no gospel because there is nothing for us to be saved from.

Unfortunately, for those who seek to unhitch the church from God’s law, many end up as Hymenaeus and Alexander rejecting a good conscience before God, embracing their sin, and end up shipwrecking their faith. (20)

Let’s never do that. Instead, let us fight the good fight, living a life of love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. (5, 18-19)

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2 Thessalonians Devotionals

Praying scripture

Sometimes as we’re praying for people, we’re not sure what to pray, so we default to “Father, please bless so-and so.”

I suppose that’s better than nothing, but during those times, it’s better to pray scripture. This morning, there were several prayers I was praying from this passage, especially for people I know who are struggling.

“Father, strengthen her and guard her from the evil one.”

“Father, direct him to your love and to Christ’s endurance in this time.”

“Father, let him not get weary of doing good.”

“Lord of peace, give her peace always in every way. Be with her. Let her know you are there with her.”

“Jesus, remind him of your grace. Let your grace be with him.”

By the way, these are good prayers to pray for your pastor as well. I’m sure he would love to have people praying like this for him. I know I would.

Who are people God’s putting on your heart to pray in this way today?

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2 Thessalonians Devotionals

Choosing to believe God is good

So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold to the traditions you were taught, whether by what we said or what we wrote. (2 Thessalonians 3:15)

As I was reading chapter 2 morning, verse 3 really struck me.

Paul says that before the Lord returns, conquers all evil, and makes all things right, there will first come an apostasy.

That is, there will come a time when many people who once claimed faith in Christ will turn away from him.

I suppose you could say Judas was the first to do so. But many others have followed.

I have served the Lord with people who have now turned their backs on him.

Nowadays, there are many people who were once famous Christian singers or even pastors who have now turned their backs on God.

There are many reasons that people turn from the Lord. But for most, it comes down to their rejection of the truth. They no longer believe the Bible is God’s word.

Mostly that’s because they have been swayed by the teaching of this world.

They’ve been swayed by what this world claims a good God would be like.

They’ve been swayed by what this world claims a good God would say, especially when it comes to morality.

And because of that attitude, when the Antichrist, the man of lawlessness appears, they will happily follow after him, because they have already rejected the truth, trading it for a lie.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s okay to ask questions about the Bible. It’s okay to express your struggles with what God has said.

I’ll be honest. I don’t always understand God and his ways.

So if you have those kinds of doubts or questions, please ask your pastor or a mature Christian about it.

But ultimately, all of us have to make a choice.

Will we believe that God is good or not?

Will we believe that his Word is good or not?

Will we believe his ways are best or not?

If we say no, we will follow Judas and all the others who fell into apostasy and destruction.

But if we say yes, we will find joy and life.

I’ve made my choice.

I choose to believe God is good as are all his ways.

I choose to believe because I’ve seen God’s goodness in my life.

What will you choose?

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2 Thessalonians Devotionals

That I might bear fruit

In view of this, we always pray for you that our God will make you worthy of his calling, and by his power fulfill your every desire to do good and your work produced by faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified by you, and you by him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)

Father, I pray that you would make me worthy of your calling.

I fall short so often. I desire to do good, to bear much fruit for you, but so often fail to do so.

Jesus, you are the vine. I am the branch.

By your power fulfill my every desire to do good.

Not so that I will receive praise from others.

But so that your name, and your Father will be glorified in me.

And that I may hear your words of praise, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Thank you for your grace, Father.

You, who have called and chosen me, are faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

And I believe that what you started in me, you will complete. (Philippians 1:6)

In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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1 Thessalonians Devotionals

God’s will for us

Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

A lot of times, we ask, “What is God’s will for me?”

While this is not the whole of God’s will for us, Paul does tell us how God desires us to live each day: “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything.”

Life isn’t always fun. Many times we face trials.

How is it then that we can rejoice always and give thanks in everything? When life is hard, what do we have to rejoice about, to give thanks about.

We can give thanks and rejoice in how God sees us. That he has stamped his image on us (Genesis 1:26-27).

And as his priests, he has stamped his seal on us: “Holy to the Lord.” (Exodus 28:36, Deuteronomy 7:6, 14:2; 1 Peter 2: 5, 9).

And because we are his, his priests, his people, his beloved children, we have access to him 24-7.

We don’t have to be afraid he’ll reject us or turn us away. In good times and bad, in our triumphs and struggles, we can come to him with boldness.

That’s God’s will for us. To walk with him moment to moment, rejoicing in our relationship with him.

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1 Thessalonians Devotionals

Ringing out

For the word of the Lord rang out from you… (1 Thessalonians 1:8)

Father, you have loved me and chosen me. You have filled me with your Spirit and now I have full assurance of your love for me. Because of you, I have hope.

So Father, let your word ring out from me.

Let my words and actions reflect my faith in you to the people around me. May they see my love for you and for them.

And no matter what struggles I may go through, let them see your hope shining brightly through me.

There are so many people around me who don’t know you. Who have no peace or hope in this world. Who are starving for love in their lives.

Please use me today to touch them with your love.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Galatians Devotionals

Tired

Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ…

Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith. (Galatians 6:2, 9-10)

I’ll be honest. I’m struggling with this one right now. Because carrying someone’s burdens is not easy when you don’t see any immediate solutions to their problems. And I’m not seeing any immediate solutions right now.

Yet Paul says, “Let’s not get tired of doing good. We will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.”

But I’m realizing that I can’t do that on my own. I need the spiritual nourishment and refreshment that comes from remaining in the Vine. (John 15:4-5)

Jesus, I need you now. You are the vine. I am the branch. And without you I can do nothing.

You’ve told me not to get tired and give up. But I am tired.

So Lord, teach me what it means to remain in you, each and every moment.

Strengthen me. Fill me. And refresh my spirit with your presence, your love, and your grace. In your name, I pray, amen.

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Galatians Devotionals

Walking by, led by, living by, keeping in step with the Spirit

I say, then, walk by the Spirit… (Galatians 5:16)

…you are led by the Spirit… (18)

…we live by the Spirit… (25a)

…let us also keep in step with the Spirit. (25b)

Holy Spirit, I’m not living this Christian life by my own efforts to keep a bunch of religious rules. I’m living this life in relationship with you.

Holy Spirit, it’s because of you that I have life. I was spiritually dead, and by your grace, you breathed life into me. And now by you, I cry out as a child of God, “Abba, Father.” (4:6)

So, Holy Spirit, lead me today. Show me where you’re going. Show me what you’re doing around me.

Help me to keep in step with you today. Not going ahead of you. Not falling behind you. Not going in a totally different direction from you.

Instead let me walk by your side, in your power and wisdom, so that I might bear your fruit in my life, touching the people around me with your love.

Teach me more each day what it means to walk by you, to be led by you, to live by you, and to keep in step with you. I want to know much more what that kind of life looks like.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Galatians Devotionals

Living by faith?

I only want to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by believing what you heard?

Are you so foolish? After beginning by the Spirit, are you now finishing by the flesh…

Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because the righteous will live by faith. (Galatians 3:2-3, 11)

What does it mean to live by faith? That’s what I was thinking about this morning. What did Paul mean by it?

I think the base of it is found in Galatians 2:20.

The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

To live by faith starts with believing:

1. God actually loves me.
2. Jesus died for my sins on the cross. Jesus completely paid my debt.

I know the moment I first realized that truth, the moment it truly sunk in, it blew me away. For years, I’d known those truths in my head, but that day it really sunk into my heart.

For many Christians, though, they start out believing and rejoicing in those truths, but then these kinds of thoughts start creeping in their minds.

“God must be disappointed in me.”

“I’m not a very good Christian. I should be doing better as a Christian.”

“I should be doing more. Reading my Bible more. Praying more. Sharing Christ more. Serving more.”

“I should be more successful in fighting sin in my life.”

“I should be a better person. A better father. A better mother. A better student. A better leader at church.”

Do these kinds of thoughts ever go through your mind?

These are not thoughts coming from faith. They’re certainly not the thoughts of joy that come from faith.

After starting our relationship with God with faith, rejoicing that he loves us and has accepted us because of what Jesus has done for us, why do we so quickly start thinking that he loves and accepts us based on our performance?

Paul told the Galatians, “When you became Christians, God didn’t accept you because you got circumcised and were keeping all his laws. He accepted you because you put your faith in Jesus.

“Why are you now trying to get him to accept you by all your efforts to keep his law?”

How are you living your Christian life? Are you living by faith, rejoicing in the fact that Jesus loves you and gave himself up for you?

Or are you living your Christian life still trying to prove to God that you’re somehow worthy of his love and acceptance?

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Galatians Devotionals

A different gospel?

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, a curse be on him!

As we have said before, I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, a curse be on him!

For am I now trying to persuade people, or God? Or am I striving to please people?

If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:8-10)

The church in Galatia was facing a problem. Certain Jews among them were telling them that unless they followed the laws of Moses and were circumcised, they were not really saved.

But that was totally contradictory to the gospel that Paul had taught them, that they were saved by God’s grace alone.

And so Paul says, “Anyone who preaches a different ‘gospel’ is cursed by God. Our gospel comes from Jesus Christ himself. So if we change what he says, we may be pleasing the people around us, but we’re not pleasing Christ.”

I don’t think any of us would say to someone, “You need to be circumcised to be saved.” But there are other ways people are tempted to change the gospel.

Many want to say that all “good people” will go to heaven, regardless of whether they have put their faith in Christ or not. Others are avoiding talking about the need to turn from our sins.

Some are even calling what God calls sin, “good,” and calling what is good, “evil.” (Isaiah 5:20; Romans 1:24-32)

People around us might be happy to hear us sharing that kind of gospel. But we are not pleasing Christ.

I’ll be honest. It’s not always easy to be faithful in sharing Christ’s gospel message. Some people we love may not be pleased with us when we do.

But with love for God and for them, let us be faithful in preaching the gospel that Jesus gave us, the gospel through which Jesus saved us.

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Bible Original

Motivation Monday: God’s grace

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is alex-shute-wb_eymllxve-unsplash-1-2250340229-e1690944814705.jpg
2 Kings 25:27-30; Jeremiah 52:31-34 — Grace
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2 Kings Devotionals

Before we can believe and obey

The high priest Hilkiah told the court secretary Shaphan, “I have found the book of the law in the Lord’s temple,” and he gave the book to Shaphan, who read it…

Shaphan read it in the presence of the king.

When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes. (2 Kings 22:8, 10-11)

This week, I’ve been reflecting on John 15, and thinking about what it means to have God’s word “remain in us.”

Of course, part of that means to believe and obey God’s words.

But it struck me that there is one more component that must come before we can believe and obey.

We need to know what God has said.

That is clearly seen in today’s story.

It’s amazing to think that things had gotten so bad in God’s temple. How can God’s words get lost…in the temple?

Josiah had a soft heart towards God. That showed in his response once he heard God’s word. He believed God’s words and he would obey them.

But you can’t believe and obey what you don’t know.

Do you know God’s word?

Ignorance is not an excuse before God. Disaster was coming on Judah because of their ignorance.

And we can make a big mess of our lives, in our families, in our relationships, in our finances, in everything, if we don’t believe and obey God’s words.

But again, before you can believe and obey God’s word, you need to know it.

Are you putting the time into knowing God’s word each day?

Or is it “lost” in your house (or smartphone) like it was in the temple?

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2 Kings Devotionals

God’s judgment, God’s patience

Since King Manasseh of Judah has committed all these detestable acts…this is what the Lord God of Israel says: ‘I am about to bring such a disaster on Jerusalem and Judah that everyone who hears about it will shudder. (2 Kings 21:11-12)

As I thought about Manasseh’s life, God’s patience and mercy once again really struck me.

Manasseh was probably the worst of all the kings of Judah, bringing idol worship back, sacrificing his own son, and spilling much innocent blood.

Tradition has it that it was under Manasseh’s reign that the prophet Isaiah was “sawn in two” (Hebrews 11:37).

As a result, God passed judgment on Manasseh and Judah.

But that judgment did not come for many years. Why? Because it was God’s desire that they repent.

Amazingly, Manasseh did. (2 Chronicles 33:10-13)

Manasseh’s son Amon didn’t, unfortunately, but his grandson Josiah, as we’ll see in later chapters, also had a repentant heart.

As a result, God’s judgment did not fully fall until after Josiah’s death.

It made me think of God’s mercy to me over the years despite all my “detestable acts.”

His patience toward me has been incredible. And I’m grateful.

As David wrote and experienced himself,

The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in faithful love. (Psalm 103:8)

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2 Kings Devotionals

Our attitude in prayer

Please, Lord, remember how I have walked before you faithfully and wholeheartedly and have done what pleases you. (2 Kings 20:3)

This story apparently happened after Assyria started their attacks on Judah, but before Sennacherib besieged Jerusalem. (See 2 Kings 20:13 and compare with 18:14-16.)

What strikes me is the basis on which Hezekiah made his plea, and the basis on which God answered. Hezekiah made his plea based on his goodness and faithfulness.

But on what basis did God answer?

When God gave the reasons for granting Hezekiah’s request and for delivering Judah from Assyria, he said he would do these things “for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.” (16)

In short, God granted Hezekiah’s request, not because of Hezekiah’s goodness, but because of God’s glory, goodness, faithfulness, and grace.

He had made promises to David, and he was faithful to keep them.

And by healing Hezekiah and delivering Judah from Assyria, he showed his glory, goodness, and grace not only to Hezekiah, but to Judah and all the surrounding nations.

It made me think. On what basis do I come to God with my requests?

Am I appealing to my own goodness? Am I saying, “God, I deserve this”?

Or do I acknowledge, “Father, I deserve nothing from you. But I come to you because of your goodness, faithfulness, and grace to me.”

Do I lay my requests before him with that kind of heart?

If we come to God thinking we deserve things from him, it’s easy to fall into the trap of pride Hezekiah did. (2 Kings 20:12-19, 2 Chronicles 32:24-25).

“Of course, God answered my prayer. I deserve it. I deserve his blessings.”

Or if God says no, we get angry.

“Why didn’t you answer me? I deserve this!”

On what basis do you come to God in prayer?

On your goodness?

Or God’s glory, goodness, faithfulness, and grace?

Father, I deserve nothing from you. And yet, by your grace, you call me your child and tell me I can ask you for anything.

So Father, I humbly come before you and lay my requests before you.

Not because of my goodness. But because of your glory, goodness, faithfulness, and grace.

And I trust that however you answer, yes or no, you are good and your ways are best. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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2 Kings Devotionals

Who are you relying on?

[Hezekiah] did what was right in the Lord’s sight…Hezekiah relied on the Lord God of Israel…

He remained faithful to the Lord and did not turn from following him but kept the commands the Lord had commanded Moses…

Assyria’s King Sennacherib attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them…

Then the royal spokesman said to them, “Tell Hezekiah this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: ‘What are you relying on?'” (2 Kings 18:3, 5-6, 13, 19)

Father, Hezekiah did all the right things, serving you. And yet trouble came.

The enemy came, screaming, “What are you relying on?”

I can identify with Hezekiah, Father.

Sometimes I feel I’m trying to do all the right things, relying on you, being faithful to you, and obeying you.

And yet trouble comes.

Then the Enemy comes and screams at me, “What are you relying on? God?”

Satan would have me question you. His motives are evil. But his question is actually a good one.

What am I relying on? Am I truly relying on you?

It’s so easy to rely on myself, especially when trials come. To rely on my wisdom, my strength.

And maybe through these things I’m going through, you’re reminding me just how much I need you.

Hezekiah had to turn from relying on Egypt to relying on you. (Isaiah 30-31)

Father, help me to turn from relying on myself to relying on you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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2 Kings Devotionals

The root issue

This disaster happened because the people of Israel sinned against the Lord their God… (2 Kings 17:7)

I was listening to a message once, and the pastor asked a very interesting question.

I’m paraphrasing, but he essentially said, “There may be many reasons for the problems we face, but which reason is most fundamental?”

That’s what I thought of when I read the above scripture.

There were many reasons Israel fell.

Assyria was a powerful nation at the time. Israel was much weaker.

King Hoshea had a treaty with the king of Assyria. He broke that treaty.

Both reasonably explain Israel’s fall.

But which reason was most fundamental?

The answer is neither.

We’ll read it in the next two chapters, but King Hezekiah would also break a treaty with Assyria, and Assyria besieged Jerusalem.

But when Hezekiah humbled himself before God, God delivered Jerusalem even though Assyria was much stronger militarily than Judah.

There were also many other times that Israel faced stronger enemies, but because they trusted and served God, they overcame their enemies.

The fundamental reason that Israel fell to Assyria was that the people had sinned against God, turning their backs on him to follow other gods.

Instead of following God and his ways, they followed the ways of the nations around them.

It made me think of the problems I’m facing in life.

There may be many reasons for them. But what is the most fundamental reason?

Is my heart truly right before God?

Am I following him, doing things his way?

Or am I doing things my own?

When God points out my disobedience, am I repenting, or am I making excuses?

Father, search me and know my heart. You know the problems I’m facing. Show me what the fundamental issues are.

And if there’s something I need to do, something I need to repent of, show me what it is.

Help me to trust and obey you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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2 Kings Devotionals

Remembering whose we are

En Gedi caves
Joe Goldberg from Seattle, WA, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

So Ahaz sent messengers to King Tiglath-pileser of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your son…” (2 Kings 16:7)

If you want some background to this story, read Isaiah 7.

It was in the midst of Ahaz’s problems with Aram and Israel that Isaiah made his famous Immanuel prophesy.

The sad thing is that in Isaiah 7, God was telling Ahaz, “Trust me. Your enemies won’t succeed. I’ll even give you a sign so that you can believe me. Just ask for one.”

But Ahaz refused to trust God, declining to ask for a sign. Instead, he sought Assyria’s help.

He got it, but it came at a great price. Eventually, Ahaz’s “master” and “father” turned against Israel and became its enemy.

How much different would things have been if Ahaz had turned to God, saying, “I am your servant and your son”?

I’m facing my own issues right now, and I just felt God reminding me, “Remember whose you are. You are my servant. More importantly, you are my beloved child. Seek me. Trust me.”

He then brought this psalm to mind.

God is our refuge and strength,
a helper who is always found
in times of trouble.

Therefore we will not be afraid,
though the earth trembles
and the mountains topple
into the depths of the seas,
though its water roars and foams
and the mountains quake with its turmoil…

“Stop fighting, and know that I am God,
exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.”

The Lord of Armies is with us (Immanuel!);
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.” (Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11)

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2 Kings Devotionals

“Forgetting God’s kindness to us,” revisited

Then Jehoahaz sought the Lord’s favor, and the Lord heard him, for he saw the oppression the king of Aram inflicted on Israel.

Therefore, the Lord gave Israel a deliverer, and they escaped from the power of the Arameans. Then the people of Israel returned to their former way of life, but they didn’t turn away from the sins that the house of Jeroboam had caused Israel to commit.

Jehoahaz continued them, and the Asherah pole also remained standing in Samaria. (2 Kings 13:4-6)

God’s grace is pretty amazing.

Despite the fact that Jehoahaz and the Israelites had turned their back on him, when Jeohoahaz cried out to God, God graciously helped them, delivering Israel from the Arameans.

But after life returned to normal, they showed no gratitude for God’s kindness to them.

Instead they just returned back to their sin, living their own way.

How often do we get into trouble because of our sin, cry out to God for help, and in his grace he delivers us?

And how often do we soon forget the kindness God showed us and put him to the side, living our own way?

Let us not forget God when life is going well, taking his kindness and love toward us for granted.

As Paul wrote,

…do you despise the riches of his kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? (Romans 2:4)

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2 Kings Devotionals

Forgetting God’s kindness to us

One interesting difference between Kings and Chronicles is that the author of Kings often skips over the negative aspects of some of the kings of Judah.

We saw that with Asa in 1 Kings 15.

We also see it in this chapter.

But as with Asa, we see the author of Kings hinting that not all was as well as it seemed.

The writer notes,

Throughout the time the priest Jehoiada instructed him, Joash did what was right in the Lord’s sight. (2 Kings 12:2)

Which makes one think, “What happened after Jehoiada stopped instructing Joash?”

Sadly, according to 2 Chronicles 24, after Jehoiada died, Joash turned from the Lord and started worshiping idols. And when Zechariah, Jehoiada’s son, warned him and urged him to repent,

King Joash didn’t remember the kindness that Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had extended to him, but killed his son. (2 Chronicles 24:22)

But it wasn’t just Jehoiada’s kindness that Joash had forgotten.

Joash had forgotten the Lord’s kindness to him as well.

The Lord had saved him from being killed by his grandmother Athaliah, after all.

So my prayer this morning was this:

Father, let me never forget the kindness you’ve shown me like Joash did. Because if I ever do that, it would be so easy to fall away from you.

And Father, I don’t want to ever fall away from you.

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2 Kings Devotionals

Whole heart?

but [Jehu ]did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit—worshiping the gold calves that were in Bethel and Dan…

Yet Jehu was not careful to follow the instruction of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart.

He did not turn from the sins that Jeroboam had caused Israel to commit. (2 Kings 10:29, 31)

I was just reflecting on those words today.

There were some things God praised Jehu for.

One was for destroying the house of Ahab, fulfilling God’s judgment on them, not only for the evil they had done, but for the evil they had led Israel into.

Part of that evil was Baal worship which Jehu also destroyed. That too pleased God.

But we see in the above words that God did not have Jehu’s whole heart.

While Jehu did not worship Baal, he continued to worship the golden calves that Jeroboam had set up in pseudo-Yahweh worship. (1 Kings 12:26-33)

In that, and probably other things, he was not careful to follow God’s words with all his heart. (Exodus 20:4-5; Deuteronomy 12:5-14)

But for me, I was asking myself two questions today.

1. Are there sins I’m holding onto, sins that I refuse to turn my back on? Even “little” ones?

2. Am I careful to follow God’s words with all my heart? Even the “least of his commands?” (Matthew 5:19)

    I want God to have my whole heart, not just part of it.

    How about you?

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    2 Kings Devotionals

    God’s patience, God’s judgment

    Back when Ahab first killed Naboth, God passed judgment on Ahab and his family.

    Yet when Ahab humbled himself, God in his mercy put off that judgment. (1 Kings 21:21-29)

    Even so, it wasn’t long before Ahab rebelled against God one final time and he died. (1 Kings 22)

    What’s remarkable to me, though, is how much grace God showed his son Joram. Over a period of twelve years, time and again, God helped him (2 Kings 3, 5-7).

    God also showed his impeccable timing to Joram, leading him to help the Shunnamite woman. (2 Kings 8:1-6)

    I don’t know if there was any other ungodly Israelite king that God had showed so much grace to.

    And yet, in the end, we see no sign that Joram actually ever repented and started following God.

    Instead, he clung to his sins and refused to turn from them (2 Kings 3:3).

    And so in the end, judgment came.

    What’s my point?

    It’s easy to think of God as being harsh in his punishments in the Old Testament.

    But I think it’s worth remembering that he was also very patient and gracious with even the most rebellious people.

    As a just God, he can’t put off judgment forever. But he isn’t a God that delights in judgment. Rather he delights in mercy. And it’s his desire that people repent.

    As God would tell the prophet Ezekiel,

    As I live—this is the declaration of the Lord God—I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked person should turn from his way and live. (Ezekiel 33:11)

    Categories
    2 Kings Devotionals

    Eyes of faith

    This disaster is from the Lord. Why should I wait for the Lord any longer? (2 Kings 6:33)

    Quick quiz: What is the name of the king of Israel in this chapter?

    If you’re having trouble coming up with his name, it’s understandable. We haven’t heard it since chapter 3.

    We’ve heard Elisha’s name, Jehoshaphat’s name, and even Naaman’s name more than we’ve heard the king of Israel’s name.

    (It’s Joram or Jehoram, depending on your translation, by the way.)

    We won’t hear his name again for another several chapters when his death is recorded.

    Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but I kind of get the feeling that the author didn’t think much of Joram. And the reason is easily seen here:

    Joram had very little, if any trust in God.

    I think about chapter 5. You have godly parents raising a godly girl in an ungodly land. (Just see verses 28-29 of this chapter.)

    And yet, this girl is captured and taken into a foreign land as a slave.

    Nevertheless, we see this girl still serving the Lord. Though we see nothing of her parents, considering their daughter’s faith, I believe they held on to their faith despite their grief.

    I think about Elisha, surrounded by his enemies, and yet seeing through the eyes of faith.

    But this ungodly king is so quick to blame God for his troubles.

    This despite seeing God help him time and again. (See chapters 3, 5, and 6 of 2 Kings.)

    When troubles come, how do we respond?

    Do we respond like Joram quickly questioning God’s goodness?

    Or do we respond like that Elisha and that girl?

    Do we respond with eyes of faith, continuing to follow and serve God.

    Father, when troubles come, give me the eyes of faith. Give me the grace to continue trusting and following you.

    Categories
    2 Kings Devotionals

    Raising children of faith

    As I read the story of Naaman, I thought of the girl from Israel who recommended that he ask for help from Elisha.

    And as I did, God put two thoughts in my mind.

    First, growing up in Israel, this girl had lived in a land where the people had turned their backs on the Lord. Still, this girl had more faith than the king of Israel!

    The second thought was this, “Why did she have so much faith in a faithless land?”

    The answer I think is pretty clear: her parents.

    I don’t think there’s any way that she grows up with that kind of faith unless her parents had taught her to do so.

    And so my prayer for today was this:

    Father, by my words and my example, help me to train my daughter to be a woman of faith.

    Categories
    2 Kings Devotionals

    God’s curse, God’s grace revisited

    As I was reading the story of Elisha “healing” the water of Jericho, God showed me something new that I’d never thought of before.

    Jericho had been a cursed city.

    It was the first city to be destroyed by the Israelites when they entered the promised land. And at that time, Joshua declared a curse on anyone who would rebuild it (Joshua 6:26).

    When someone did rebuild it, God’s curse fell on him. (1 Kings 16:34)

    In a way, Jericho was still cursed in Elisha’s time.

    The city was in a wonderful place, but the water was bad, and as a result, nothing would grow.

    But when the people came to Elisha for help, he threw salt into the water, saying,

    “This is what the Lord says: ‘I have healed this water. No longer will death or unfruitfulness result from it.’” (2 Kings 2:21)

    Here was a city that was cursed by God for years. Yet in an instant, it was healed by his grace.

    You may feel cursed by God, judged by him for your sin.

    But if you turn to him, humbling yourself before him, he will bring healing to your life.

    If he can reverse a judgment on a city that lasted hundreds of years, he can do the same for you.

    Categories
    2 Kings Devotionals

    God’s curse, God’s grace

    In chapters 1 and 2 we see two incidences of God’s curse being invoked by Elijah and Elisha.

    Probably for most readers, they’re hard to understand. It all seems very harsh.

    Something that’s important to remember, however, is that when the Bible talks about God’s curse, it’s not talking about some magic formula to bring down disaster upon our enemies.

    It’s God’s judgment on a rebellious people.

    We see that in the first case with Elijah.

    There was a definite arrogance and rebelliousness against God and his prophet shown by Israel’s king and the first two captains he sent.

    The second case with Elisha shows a similar arrogance and rebelliousness against God and his prophet.

    What makes it more difficult to swallow, though, is that most translations call the offenders “small boys” or “young boys.”

    But the Hebrew word for “boys” is very broad and is often used to describe people who were young men.

    Solomon uses that exact term for himself in 1 Kings 3:7 which different English Bibles translate “youth,” “small child,” or “young man.”

    However you translate Solomon’s words, I think it’s clear he was putting himself down, admitting his inexperience and ignorance as a young man.

    In the same way, I think the writer of Kings was criticizing the ignorance of these young men.

    But the difference between Solomon and these young men was that Solomon was humble before God. The result was he found grace.

    These young men accosting Elisha were arrogant and hostile against Elisha and the God he served.

    As a result, they were judged.

    James put it this way.

    God resists the proud
    but gives grace to the humble.

    Therefore, submit to God…

    Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

    Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

    Be miserable and mourn and weep.

    Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 

    Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. (Jamess 4:6–10)

    Categories
    1 Kings Devotionals

    Making peace?

    It’s always good to think about context as you’re reading the Bible. And that’s particularly true when it comes to verse 44.

    Jehoshaphat also made peace with the king of Israel. (1 Kings 22:44)

    At first glance, this was a good thing.

    But if you look at verse 43, right after praising Jehoshaphat for doing what was right in God’s sight, it criticizes him for not taking down the high places.

    People were probably worshiping the Lord at these places, but the problem was that God had told them to worship, and more specifically, to offer their sacrifices in Jerusalem alone. (Deuteronomy 12:4-11, 13)

    It’s right after this, that the writer talks about Jehoshophat making peace with the king of Israel.

    He’s continuing his criticism of Jehoshophat, not praising him for it.

    But why would he criticize Jehoshaphat for making peace? Isn’t peace a good thing?

    Normally, yes. But the way he made peace was marrying his son to Ahab’s daughter Athaliah. (2 Chronicles 18:1)

    And as we’ll find out Athaliah, like her father, did not follow God. In fact, as we’ll see in chapter 11 of 2 Kings, she almost wiped out all of David’s line.

    More than that, through Ahab’s influence, Jehoshaphat ignored the prophet’s counsel, and joined Ahab in battle against Aram.

    This despite the fact that Jehoshaphat was clearly bothered by Ahab’s attitude toward the prophet. (1 Kings 22:8)

    All this nearly cost Jehoshaphat his life. And another prophet would sharply criticize him after Jehoshaphat returned from battle. (2 Chronicles 19:2)

    Unfortunately, Jehoshaphat would twice more make the same kind of mistake. (2 Chronicles 20:35-37, 2 Kings 3).

    Solomon once wrote,

    The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm. (Proverbs 13:20)

    “Fools” in the Old Testament don’t simply mean “foolish people.” It means people who set their hearts against God.

    It’s one thing to do our best to be at peace with such people. It’s another to let them influence us.

    If we do that, like Jehoshaphat, we can suffer great harm.

    Who are you walking with?

    Categories
    1 Kings Devotionals

    Vexed and sullen

    And Ahab went into his house vexed and sullen… (1 Kings 21:4)

    Jesus told us that to enter God’s kingdom, we must become like a little child. But this is not what he meant.

    Ahab was a king. God had entrusted Israel to him. And yet, Ahab acted like a spoiled brat.

    Twice in five verses, it talks about Ahab going home vexed and sullen.

    Once, because God rebuked him (1 Kings 20:43).

    And now, because Naboth refused to sell Ahab his field. (1 Kings 21:4).

    But it made me think, “Are there times I act like Ahab? Are there times I act vexed and sullen like a little child?”

    God pointed out one area to me this morning. And I had to repent.

    Are there times you act vexed and sullen? With your boss? With your husband or wife? With your boyfriend or girlfriend? With your friends?

    Worst of all, with God?

    Categories
    1 Kings Devotionals

    God’s gentleness

    The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
    slow to anger and abounding in faithful love.

    He will not always accuse us
    or be angry forever…

    As a father has compassion on his children,
    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.

    For he knows what we are made of,
    remembering that we are dust. (Psalm 103: 8-9, 13-14)

    God brought those verses to mind as I read 1 Kings 19 today.

    Elijah was in a full-blown pity party. And God could have easily said, “You want to die? Fine! Die!”

    But instead, God showed great concern for him, sending an angel to give him food and drink.

    And then there was his interaction with Elijah on the mountain.

    I wonder what Elijah was thinking when God told him, “Go out on the mountain and stand in my presence.”

    Did he go out in trepidation, fearing God’s response? Did he expect a scathing rebuke?

    If he did, God certainly gave him a lot to look at, a fierce wind, an earthquake, fire.

    But when Elijah looked carefully, God wasn’t in any of those things.

    Instead, when God spoke again, he spoke gently.

    That said, God didn’t leave Elijah in his pity party. He called Elijah out of that pity party and back into his service.

    So many Christians have this deep-seeded fear of God. They feel he’s always accusing, always angry at us for our failures.

    But our Father is not that way. He doesn’t come screaming at us. He comes at us with a gentle whisper, calling us to get up and follow him once more.

    Categories
    1 Kings Devotionals

    A prayer to the One who is God over all

    Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As Yahweh, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, surely there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.” (1 Kings 17:1, LSB)

    Father, Ahab didn’t recognize you as the God of Israel. But it didn’t change the fact that you were still the God of Israel.

    But as you showed the woman in Sidon, you are also God beyond the borders of Israel.

    You are in fact, the God of all creation. By your command, the rains stopped, and by your command, they started again.

    By your command, even the ravens did your bidding, feeding Elijah.

    Father, like Ahab, many people in this world don’t recognize you as God.

    So, Father, like Elijah, we come to you in prayer, aligning ourselves to you and your will.

    Hear and answer us, so that the people in this nation, in all nations, will know that you are God.

    Turn people’s hearts to you, especially those you’ve entrusted to us to care for and love, so that they too will say, “Yahweh, he is God. Yahweh, he is God.” (18:39).

    In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Categories
    1 Kings Devotionals

    Responding to God’s discipline

    When you look at Asa’s story in 1 Kings, it seems like he was a really good king.

    But we do see hints that there were spiritual issues in his life, with him taking gold and silver from the Lord’s temple in order to make a treaty with Ben-Hadad.

    Asa’s spiritual issues are made much more explicit in 2 Chronicles 16.

    God rebuked Asa for his actions through the prophet Hanani, and Asa threw him in prison. And when Asa suffered from his illness later, we find out that he refused to seek out God for help, but only doctors.

    It made me think, “Was Asa saved? Will we see him in heaven?”

    I’m going to guess yes. Why? Well, the writer of Kings does say of his overall reign that he did what was right in God’s eyes and was committed to the Lord his whole life. (1 Kings 15:11, 14)

    That seems strange, considering what we see in Chronicles.

    But I think it’s consistent with what God said of David. He said that David “kept my commands and followed me with all his heart, doing only what was right in my eyes.” (1 Kings 14:8)

    The writer of Kings echoes that thought in chapter 15, but adds a caveat: “except in the matter of Uriah the Hethite.” (1 Kings 15:5; 2 Samuel 11)

    God impressed two things on my heart as I thought about David and Asa.

    First, we do live by grace. And when he sees us, he sees us as righteous in his sight. Not because we are perfect. But ultimately because of what Jesus did for us on the cross.

    We are clothed in his righteousness, and despite our failures, on judgment day, God can say of us, “You kept my commands, followed me with all your heart, doing only what is right in my eyes.”

    That’s pretty amazing to think about.

    But the other thing that God impressed on my heart is that our actions can affect the quality of our relationship with God here on earth. And one aspect of that is how we receive God’s discipline.

    David responded well and maintained a strong relationship with God to the end of his life.

    Asa didn’t, and his relationship with God deteriorated as a result.

    How are your actions affecting the quality of your relationship with God?

    Categories
    1 Kings Devotionals

    Where God puts his name

    Rehoboam was forty-one years old when he became king; he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city where the Lord had chosen from all the tribes of Israel to put his name.

    Rehoboam’s mother’s name was Naamah the Ammonite. (1 Kings 14:21)

    When Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem, God told him he would put his name there forever. (1 Kings 9:3)

    But some time later, Solomon brought another name into the city where God had put his name: “Naamah.”

    She was one of the many wives that he took who helped lead Solomon into idol worship. (1 Kings 11:1-4)

    And apparently she helped lead her son Rehoboam down that same path.

    The author goes out of his way twice to say name her and to give her Ammonite origins. (1 Kings 14:21, 31)

    God has put his name on us. We are now his temple.

    What other names, what influences, are we bringing into God’s temple?

    What books do we read? What do we watch on the internet or on TV? What podcasts do we listen to? What music do we listen to?

    Some things are clearly negative, and we should avoid them at all costs.

    Some things are neutral and are okay in moderation.

    Some things are good, strengthening our faith and drawing us nearer to God. Is that what you are bringing into God’s temple every day?

    How are the things you’re bringing into your temple every day shaping your attitudes, your worldview, and your faith?

    Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

    Categories
    1 Kings Devotionals

    Man of God?

    I was reflecting on the phrase, “man of God” today.

    Usually, in the Bible it’s used to describe a prophet. But David was called a “man of God” (Nehemiah 12:36) and so was Timothy (1 Timothy 6:11).

    Interestingly, “man of God” is used of the messenger sent to Samson’s parents, and many Bible scholars believe that the messenger was actually Jesus (Judges 13:6).

    But here in 1 Kings 13, God pointed out two things to me I’d never seen before.

    First, the older prophet was never called a “man of God.” And looking at his actions, I think we can see why.

    Second, the “man of God” in this chapter is the only one in the Bible of whom it’s said in the same breath, “who disobeyed the Lord’s command.”

    And really, obedience is what marks a “man of God.” He is not his “own man.” He is “God’s man.”

    A man of God lives under God’s lordship.

    He trusts God, living by every word that come from God’s mouth, even the little details, something the “man of God” in this story failed to do.

    A man of God is faithful with what God has entrusted to him, loving and serving the people God has put in his life.

    That contrasts sharply with Jeroboam who refused to trust God and went his own way. (1 Kings 11:38; 12:26-30)

    And that contrasts sharply with Rehoboam who tried to flex his power over his people. (1 Kings 12:13-14)

    Now, technically speaking, the word, “man of God” could be translated “person of God.”

    And all Christians, men and women, should be men and women of God, men and women living under God’s lordship, loving and serving those God has entrusted to them.

    But throughout the Bible, “man of God” is always used of men: Moses, Samuel, David, Elijah, Elisha, and Timothy, among others.

    So while I would challenge the women to be “women of God,” I challenge the men even more, “Be a man of God.”

    Live under his lordship, in daily submission to him. And be faithful to what God has entrusted to you, loving and serving your wife, your children, and all others God has put into your life.

    Categories
    1 Kings Devotionals

    Making excuses for our disobedience

    …you are to appoint over you the king the Lord your God chooses…

    However, he must not acquire many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to acquire many horses, for the Lord has told you, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’

    He must not acquire many wives for himself so that his heart won’t go astray.

    He must not acquire very large amounts of silver and gold for himself. (Deuteronomy 17:15-17)

    Those were the instructions God gave the Israelites through Moses concerning their kings.

    Solomon broke every single one (1 Kings 9:28; 10:14-21, 26-29; 11:1-3).

    Why did Solomon break God’s instructions?

    I don’t know.

    Maybe it was because he thought they weren’t so important.

    We can make all kinds of excuses for our disobedience to God’s Word.

    We can say to ourselves, “Hey, I still love the Lord. I still worship him. Besides, everyone else lives this way.”

    I’m sure that’s what Solomon thought. He continued to worship God. That wasn’t the problem.

    The problem was that he “was not wholeheartedly devoted to the Lord his God (1 Kings 11:4).”

    And that ultimately led him to do what was utterly evil in God’s sight (1 Kings 11:6).

    It’s so easy to deceive ourselves and come up with all kinds of “good reasons” for our disobedience.

    But when we do, at best, our hearts are no longer wholly God’s. At worst, we start to do things that are downright evil in his sight.

    Jesus, you said that if I love you, I will obey you. I do love you. Help me throw away all my excuses for disobedience. I want my heart to be completely yours in everything.

    Categories
    1 Kings Devotionals

    A mind-blowing truth

    But will God indeed live on earth?
    Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain you,
    much less this temple I have built. (1 Kings 8:27)

    I was just meditating on those words this morning. The heavens cannot contain God. Yet by his grace, God chose to enter Solomon’s temple and fill it with his glory. (10-11).

    Hundreds of years later, God came and actually lived on this earth as a man, dwelling among us.

    Jesus himself was the temple of God on earth, and all of God’s fullness, all his glory dwelt in him. (John 1:14, 2:20; Colossians 1:19)

    But now, we are God’s temple.

    The heavens can’t contain God, and yet he chooses to dwell in individual human hearts, in all who put their faith in Jesus. (John 14:23; Ephesians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

    Because we are his temple, God has his eyes on us day and night, moment to moment, day to day, watching over us and hearing all our prayers and petitions.

    And he says of us, “My name will be there.” (1 Kings 8:28-29)

    Father, will you indeed live on earth?
    Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain you.

    How is it that you would choose to dwell in me
    Watching over me and hearing me
    And calling me your own?

    Your love is truly amazing.

    Categories
    1 Kings Devotionals

    The One who strengthens and establishes us

    He set up the pillars at the portico of the sanctuary: he set up the right pillar and named it Jachin; then he set up the left pillar and named it Boaz. (1 Kings 7:21)

    Let’s be honest, this section is a little dry. But God directed my eyes to a couple of footnotes concerning the names “Jachin” and “Boaz.”

    The name Jachin means, “He establishes.”

    Boaz means, “In Him is strength.”

    I’m not sure, but I think this goes back to God’s words to David back in 2 Samuel 7:7-16.

    David went through many trials in his life, and yet God strengthened him and promised to establish his descendant’s throne forever.

    Ultimately, that will be fulfilled in Jesus.

    Anyway, God reminded me this morning, “I am the one who establishes you. It’s in me that you’ll find your strength. So walk with me.”

    That’s what the temple was all about: God’s presence with us.

    So let’s walk in step with God.

    If we do, no matter what trials we may go through, God will establish us.

    And in him, we will find strength for each day.

    The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while. (1 Peter 5:10)

    Categories
    1 Kings Devotionals

    Solomon’s temple, Your heavenly throne room

    1 Kings

    Father, the temple Solomon made was incredibly beautiful. I can only imagine how the high priest felt when he entered that Most Holy Place for the first time.

    But as beautiful as that temple was, it’s only a dim reflection of your true throne room in heaven.

    And access to that earthly throne room was restricted to one high priest who came from one tribe, one nation.

    But Jesus, you were slaughtered like a lamb on the cross.

    And there, you purchased people for God by your blood. You purchased people from every tribe, language, people, and nation.

    Now you have made us a kingdom. You have made us all priests to God. Priests who all have direct access to your Father in his throne room.

    But not only priests. Beloved children who will reign with you someday. (Revelation 4:9-10)

    And so Father, I enter your throne room.

    I enter with a boldness that not even the high priest ever had.

    I enter with boldness because Jesus has paid the price for my sin.

    I enter with boldness because I know you have forgiven me.

    I enter with boldness because I know you love me and have accepted me. (Hebrews 4:16, 10:19-22)

    Walk with me, Father, moment to moment, day to day.

    In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Categories
    1 Kings Devotionals

    A receptive heart

    I am just a youth with no experience in leadership…

    So give your servant a receptive heart to judge your people and to discern between good and evil. (1 Kings 3:7, 9)

    Those words, “a receptive heart” really struck me this morning, mostly because the English translation I often used before translated that phrase “discerning heart.”

    The word translated “receptive” is usually simply translated “hearing,” and sometimes has the idea of “obedient,” which is probably how the translators came up with “receptive.”

    It did make me think of something Jesus said.

    I can do nothing on my own.

    I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will, but the will of him who sent me. (John 5:30)

    As a man, Jesus had limited knowledge. In that sense, like Solomon, Jesus was as a child, totally reliant on his Father’s wisdom.

    And so he listened to his Father, with a heart seeking to do his Father’s will.

    If Jesus lived that way, how much more should we?

    Father, I want to please you. I want to do your will. But I am like a child. I need your wisdom to discern what is right and wrong. I need your wisdom to make right judgments, to make good decisions.

    So give me a receptive heart. A heart that listens for your voice throughout the day. A heart that willingly obeys you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Categories
    1 Kings Devotionals

    To be a man

    Brooklyn Museum / FreeBibleimages.org

    Be strong and be a man, and keep your obligation to the Lord your God to walk in his ways and to keep his statutes, commands, ordinances, and decrees. (1 Kings 2:2-3)

    David’s words have application for both men and women, but considering that in this story, one man (David) was telling another man (Solomon) to be a man, permit me to speak to the men today.

    The idea of what masculinity is has gradually become more and more blurry in modern society. But in the past, people often associated masculinity with strength and courage. That was, in fact, the case in David’s day.

    But masculinity goes beyond mere strength and courage.

    A real man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of God. And sometimes, it takes real strength and courage to do so.

    I was reading Mark 10 this past weekend, and it occurred to me that Jesus showed what it meant to be a man.

    His Father had sent him to Jerusalem to die.

    And though it was scary, though Jesus didn’t want to die, he set his face resolutely toward Jerusalem, even as the people who followed him were hanging back in fear. (Mark 10:32)

    Jesus lived by every word that came from his Father’s mouth, no matter the cost.

    He was a true man.

    Men, I don’t know about you, but I want to be a man like Jesus was.

    Will we live by every word that comes from our Father’s mouths, no matter what?

    The good news is that we don’t have to do this in our own strength. The truth is, we can’t. So let’s remember Jesus’ words.

    Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me.

    I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. (John 15:4-5)

    What will you do?

    Our wives, our sons and daughters, our girlfriends, and this world are watching.

    Categories
    John Devotionals

    You follow me

    www.LumoProject.com

    Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” (John 21:22, ESV)

    I suppose it’s natural for us to compare ourselves with others. I know I do.

    But ultimately, comparing ourselves to others distracts us from what’s most important: following Jesus.

    I was thinking about Peter and how when he saw Jesus, he leapt out of the boat and swam to him.

    My first thought was, “I wish I had his passion.”

    My second thought was, “That’s not me. There’s no way I’m every jumping out of that boat to swim to Jesus.”

    It’s not that I don’t love Jesus. It’s just not my personality. (Would you have jumped out of that boat?)

    But I felt like God was saying to me, “If it was my will to make Peter that way, what is that to you? I made you the way you are. You follow me.”

    God doesn’t want me to be Peter. He doesn’t want me to be my pastor. He doesn’t want to be any of the other Christians I know. He wants me to be what he’s made me.

    God feels the same way about you.

    And if you and I just keep our eyes on him, following him, and being faithful with what he’s entrusted us, that’s enough for him.

    Categories
    John Devotionals

    Behold Your King

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    [Pilate] said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” (John 19:4)

    Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. (John 20:19-20)

    I don’t usually wax poetic, but yesterday and today, I felt particularly inspired.

    Behold your King.
    Body, bloodied and torn.

    Behold your King.
    Crowned with thorns.

    Behold your King.
    Face, battered and bruised.

    Behold your King.
    Unjustly abused.

    Behold your King.
    Crucified.

    Behold your King.
    For you, he died.

    Behold your King.
    His empty grave.

    Behold your King.
    In glory, raised.

    Behold your King.
    His hands, his side.

    Behold your King.
    In his peace, abide.

    Behold your King.
    Coming soon.

    Behold your King.
    Making all things new.

    Categories
    John Devotionals

    What God has written

    Cross sign
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    So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Don’t write, ‘The king of the Jews,’ but that he said, ‘I am the king of the Jews.’ ”

    Pilate replied, “What I have written, I have written.” (John 19:21-22)

    Father, what Pilate wrote stood, despite the Jewish leaders’ objections.

    How much more does what you say stand, no matter how people in this world object and rebel against you?

    What you have written, you have written.

    All that you spoke through the prophets concerning Jesus happened. (24, 28, 36-37)

    That’s my hope.

    This world is broken. This world has rebelled against you. But you have established your King. (Psalm 2:6)

    This world crucified him, but you raised him from the dead.

    And the day will come when he will come back and make all things new.

    I wait for that day. I wait with hope. I wait with expectation.

    For what you have written, you have written. And in your timing, all your words will be fulfilled.

    Categories
    John Devotionals

    When the questions will no longer matter

    So you also have sorrow now. But I will see you again. Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy from you. In that day you will not ask me anything. (John 16:22-23)

    Just reflecting on those words today. Last Sunday was Father’s Day, and as usual, I think about my dad who passed away twelve years ago.

    He saw a lot of struggles in his life, including a lot of health issues in his last ten years. He was never one to ask God, “why?” But he easily could have.

    I’ve seen a lot of things in this world that make me ask “Why?” I’ve seen friends die of cancer. I’ve had relatives go through depression and even commit suicide. I’ve seen bad things happen to “good” people.

    And because of that I’ve known sorrow. I’ve felt pain. There are a lot of unanswered questions I have.

    But Jesus says that the day will come when I will see him face to face. My heart will rejoice and I will not ask him anything.

    Why not? Maybe it’s because on that day, all the answers will be clear.

    But maybe, just maybe, the questions won’t matter to me anymore. Because Jesus is there. And his presence alone will wash away all the pain and sorrow I’ve ever felt.

    For now, though, I have direct access to the Father. I can lay my requests before him. And he will hear me. He hears me because he loves me.

    And if in his wisdom, he decides I’m asking for what’s good for me, as a good Father, he will not withhold it from me. (1 John 5:14-15, Matthew 6:11)

    So I hold on to Jesus’ words.

    I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world. (John 16:33)

    Categories
    John Devotionals

    Clean

    [The Father] prunes (literal translation: “cleans”) every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit.

    You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. (John 15:2-3)

    As I thought on those words this morning, it occurred to me that Jesus said very similar words in John 13.

    One who has bathed…doesn’t need to wash anything except his feet, but he is completely clean. You are clean… (John 13:10)

    Those words were encouraging to me. Jesus impressed those words on my heart today.

    “Because you have believed my words, because you have believed in me, you are already clean in my sight. You are already accepted by the Father.”

    There are still sins that dirty my spiritual feet as I walk through this life.

    Recently God has been showing me some attitudes that I have toward people that are keeping me from being fruitful as I should be.

    But he doesn’t give up on me.

    Rather, with great patience, love, and grace, he washes me. He prunes me so that I can be more fruitful.

    And he does the same for you.

    When you look the spiritual mirror of God’s Word, you might see the same kinds of things I see: sin or other things blocking your fruitfulness.

    But remember that God looks at you and says, “You are already clean.”

    Categories
    John Devotionals

    Living by every word that comes from your mouth

    Jesus, you said, “Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

    And that’s how you lived. You lived on every word that came from your Father’s mouth. Everything your Father commanded, you did. (John 14:31)

    Now let me live by every word that comes from your mouth. Because everything you said came from your Father’s mouth. (John 14:10, 24)

    Don’t let me lean on my own wisdom and understanding.

    Nor let me lean on the “wisdom” of this world whose thinking has been so corrupted by sin.

    Instead, let your words shape the way I think. Let them shape my values. Let them shape my priorities. For your words are truth. And they give me life.

    Thank you for giving me your Spirit to teach me your truth and to remind me of all you’ve said. (John 14:26)

    Help me to each day keep in step with him.

    In your name, I pray, amen.

    Categories
    John Devotionals

    Questioning Jesus’ love

    Now Jesus loved Martha, her sister, and Lazarus. So when he heard that he was sick, he stayed two more days in the place where he was. (John 11:5-6)

    So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Couldn’t he who opened the blind man’s eyes also have kept this man from dying?” (36-37)

    One of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! You’re not considering that it is to your advantage that one man should die for the people rather than the whole nation perish.”

    He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to unite the scattered children of God. (49-52)

    Jesus loves us. But there are times he doesn’t act as we had hoped, and we struggle to understand why. During those times, it’s easy to start asking, “Does Jesus really love me?”

    But the truth is, often times we know nothing at all. There are things that God knows that we are not considering.

    That was most clearly seen at the cross. No one understood what God was doing. Not the priests. Not the Pharisees. Not Jesus’ disciples. Not Jesus’ mother. No one.

    But the cross was the greatest expression of God’s love.

    Are there questions you’re struggling with? “Why”s you can’t understand?

    Let us be like Mary and Martha, who though hurting, didn’t stay away from Jesus, but ran to him. Who kept believing in him. Who kept obeying him.

    And like them, the day will come when we will see the glory of God.

    On the contrary, we speak God’s hidden wisdom in a mystery, a wisdom God predestined before the ages for our glory.

    None of the rulers of this age knew this wisdom, because if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written,

    What no eye has seen, no ear has heard,
    and no human heart has conceived—
    God has prepared these things for those who love him. (1 Corinthians 2:7-9)

    Categories
    John Devotionals

    My prayer to the Shepherd

    He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. (John 10:3-4)

    Somehow, Jesus, this resonates in my heart.

    I’m not some nameless, faceless sheep to you. You call me by name saying, “Come on! Let’s go!”

    You go ahead of us. You lead us. You clear the road for us. You protect us from harm. You take us where there is good pasture.

    Lord Jesus, go ahead of me. Let me not go ahead of you. You go ahead of me. And I will follow.

    Categories
    John Devotionals

    That God’s work might be seen in us

    As he was passing by, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

    “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus answered. “This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him. (John 9:1-3)

    Sometimes bad things happen in life, and we wonder if God is punishing us. But there are two truths we must always keep in mind.

    First, while our sin can cause us all kinds of suffering and pain, sometimes our suffering comes simply from the fact that we live in a broken world filled with broken people.

    And our suffering is a reminder to us that this world is not our home. We are just passing through, looking for a better country, a heavenly one. (Hebrews 11:16)

    But second, God sometimes allows our suffering so that his marvelous works might be seen in us.

    If that’s going to happen, though, we need to do the two things this blind man did: put our faith in Jesus and obey him. (John 9:7, 37-38)

    What trials and struggles are you going through now? Will you fall down and worship him, trusting that he is still good? That he loves you? That he wants your best?

    And will you obey him?

    Categories
    John Devotionals

    Making room for God’s word

    …my word has no place among you. (John 8:37)

    Those words really made me think this morning. As God’s people, do we make a place for his Word in our hearts?

    Do we value his Word enough to make time to read it? To put aside social media, Youtube, video games, TV, music, books, or whatever we do in our free time so that we can read what God has said?

    More importantly, as we read, do we give God time to speak to us? Or do we simply read the passage, and say, “Well, I did my Christian duty for the day.”

    Sometimes as we read his Word, it contradicts the way we think; it contradicts our values. When that happens, what do we do?

    Do we push aside his words saying, “It’s not for me” or “I don’t want to think about this right now”?

    Or do we make room for his word in our hearts, letting his Word push out old way of thinking?

    Father, help me to always make room in my heart for your Word.

    If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (31-32)

    Categories
    John Devotionals

    That I might have life

    Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled.

    Don’t work for the food that perishes but for the food that lasts for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set his seal of approval on him.”

    “What can we do to perform the works of God?” they asked.

    Jesus replied, “This is the work of God—that you believe in the one he has sent.” (John 6:26-29)

    Jesus, the people came to you for bread as if bread was the most important thing, as if bread was the thing that truly gave life.

    But Jesus, I come to you hoping you will give me yourself. Because you yourself are the source of life.

    You gave your life for the world on that cross, your flesh crucified, your blood shed for our sins. For my sins.

    And by giving yourself on that cross and dying in my place, you gave me life.

    But this life-giving doesn’t stop at the cross, does it? I first got that life by coming to you and believing in you for my salvation.

    But I’m continually receiving life from you by coming to you and believing you every day. I need to be constantly coming to you and feeding off of you.

    You have the words of eternal life. They give me life as I face the challenges of the day. They encourage me. They lead me. They give me wisdom. They correct me when I start going on the wrong path.

    But you not only give me your words. You give me your grace when I fall. Even now I’m feeding off what you did on the cross for me.

    And by what you did on the cross, I now have access to your power. The same power the Father used to raise you from the dead is now in me.

    Power to overcome temptation. Power to overcome Satan’s attacks. Power to deal with difficult people. Power to deal with anything I face in life.

    All this was bought for me when your body was broken and your blood shed at the cross.

    But again, most of all, you give me yourself, walking beside me every moment of every day.

    So Jesus, I come to you today and ask, “Please give me yourself. You’re all I need.”

    Categories
    John Devotionals

    Leaving the pity party

    The disabled man in this story was throwing a full-on pity party. When Jesus asked him if he wanted to get well, he complained, “Nobody ever helps me.”

    But then Jesus said, “Get up, pick up your mat and walk.” (John 5:8)

    And by Jesus’ power, the man was healed.

    How often do we throw pity parties for ourselves when we have problems? How often do we complain, “Nobody cares about me! Nobody helps me!”

    But Jesus asks, “Do you want help? I’m more than willing.”

    And if we’ll just do as he says, by his power, he will transform our lives.

    How about you? Are you ready to leave the pity party and do what he says?

    Or will you just stay where you are feeling sorry for yourself?

    Categories
    John Devotionals

    Opening our eyes

    Listen to what I’m telling you: Open your eyes and look at the fields, because they are ready for harvest. (John 4:35)

    Those words really resonated with me this morning. And I really felt God speaking them to my heart today.

    There are so many people like the woman in today’s story. Who are drinking from broken cisterns (Jeremiah 2:13).

    Who are always trying to fill their deepest needs, perhaps being satisfied for a while, but soon finding themselves empty again.

    For years, this woman sought to fill her needs through men. Yet five men proved to be broken cisterns. And the sixth wasn’t looking that promising either, living with her, but not being willing to marry her.

    I’m thinking of two people right now who are struggling with problems and need Jesus. And I’m praying for opportunities to reach them. But I need to open my eyes to those opportunities.

    At the same time, I’m wondering who are the other people around me who are drinking from broken cisterns that I am not seeing right now.

    Who are the people who have broken cisterns in your life? Can you see them? Do you recognize them?

    Categories
    John Devotionals

    Because you know me

    [Jesus] did not need anyone to testify about man; for he himself knew what was in man.” (John 2:25)

    Lord Jesus, you need no one’s testimony about me to know me. To know what’s in my heart. You know, Lord, what is in me. You know what’s in my heart.

    Honestly, Lord, you know me better than I know myself. So hold the mirror of your Word to my heart. Show me what’s in there.

    Thank you that I don’t need to fear what I see in that mirror. Because as ugly as that reflection I see may be, you have accepted me as your child. And by your grace, you cleanse me.

    You changed ordinary water into extraordinary wine. If you can do that, I believe you can do so much more with me. Thank you for your grace and faithfulness to me.

    In your name I pray. Amen.

    Categories
    John Devotionals

    Abiding with Jesus. Abiding in Jesus.

    [Jesus] asked them, “What are you looking for?”

    They said to him, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”

    “Come and you’ll see,” he replied. So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. (John 1:38-39)

    Remain (same word translated as “stay” in John 1:38-39) in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. (John 15:4)

    Jesus, the very first question Andrew and John(?) asked was, “Where are you staying?” You welcomed them and they stayed the whole day with you.

    Lord, I want to be where you are. I want to stay with you. To remain in you. To abide in you. Because from your fullness, I receive grace upon grace. Not from your emptiness. Not from your half-tank. But from your fullness.

    Fill me with your grace. Fill me with your strength. Fill me with your wisdom. And let me bear fruit for you today. In your name I pray, amen.

    Categories
    James Devotionals

    Strengthen your heart

    Therefore, brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord’s coming.

    See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth and is patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.

    You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near. (James 5:7-8)

    We saw in chapter 1 that the people James was writing to were going through hard times, and so James encouraged them to persevere. And here in chapter 5, we see James returning to that theme.

    As he does so, he says, “Strengthen your hearts.”

    But how do we do that?

    Just say to yourself, “Be strong! Be strong! Be strong!”?

    No.

    But consciously remind yourself, the Lord’s coming is near. Our troubles won’t last forever. They may seem long, but in comparison to eternity, they’re a drop in the ocean.

    Remind yourself he is merciful and compassionate. Remember stories like Job. But also remind yourself of the times God has shown you his mercy and compassion when you’ve been through hard times.

    And finally, remind yourself that even now, Jesus is near. So choose to rejoice. And instead of trying to endure in your own strength, humbly cast your anxieties on him. (Philippians 4:4-7; I Peter 5:6-7)

    In short, let’s pray as David did.

    The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear?
    The Lord is the stronghold of my life—whom should I dread?

    Lord, hear my voice when I call;
    be gracious to me and answer me.

    My heart says this about you: “Seek his face.”
    Lord, I will seek your face…

    Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord cares for me…

    I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living.

    Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart be courageous.

    Wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:1, 7-8, 10, 13-14)

    Categories
    James Devotionals

    What defiles us

    …the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body… (James 3:6, LSB)

    When I read those words, I couldn’t help but think of Jesus’ words.

    What comes out of a person is what defiles him.

    For from within, out of people’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immoralities, thefts, murders, adulteries, greed, evil actions, deceit, self-indulgence, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness.

    All these evil things come from within and defile a person. (Mark 7:20-23)

    I haven’t thought of words much as something that defiles me. That makes me unclean before my Lord.

    But words express what is in my heart. And Jesus says that on the day of judgment I will have to account for every careless word I have spoken (Matthew 12:33-37)

    Father, like Isaiah, I am a man of unclean lips (Isaiah 6:5). How often have I defiled myself by the careless things I have said? Forgive me.

    Who perceives his unintentional sins?
    Cleanse me from my hidden faults.

    Moreover, keep your servant from willful sins;
    do not let them rule me.

    Then I will be blameless
    and cleansed from blatant rebellion.

    May the words of my mouth
    and the meditation of my heart
    be acceptable to you,
    Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:12-14)

    Categories
    James Devotionals

    Learning endurance

    Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

    And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4)

    “Let endurance have its full effect.”

    Those words struck me this morning.

    Quite frankly, I’d like to short-circuit the process. Can’t we just skip to the part where we’re mature and complete, lacking nothing?

    Not according to James. Only through enduring trials will we become that way.

    But this isn’t an endurance that is based on the building of our own strength.

    It’s an endurance that comes as we learn to lean more on God and his strength.

    The mature and complete person doesn’t live a life independent of God.

    The mature and complete person has learned that they can’t make it on their own. That they desperately need God. And in the end, they learn what Paul did.

    “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.”

    Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.

    So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

    Father, I don’t like trials. When I go through them, I just want them to end as soon as possible.

    But if those trials can teach me to lean on you and your strength, if I can learn that your power is made perfect in my weakness, and if you’ll walk with me through the whole process, then I’m willing to do so.

    Make me mature and complete. Make me like your Son. In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Categories
    1 John Devotionals

    Who do we believe?

    For this is what love for God is: to keep his commands. And his commands are not a burden, because everyone who has been born of God conquers the world.

    This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith. (1 John 5:3-4)

    This world throws a lot at us. In the words of Paul, it throws at us trouble, hardships, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, and sword. (Romans 8:35)

    And yet, Paul says in all this we are more than conquerors though Christ who loved us. (Romans 8:37).

    John essentially says the same thing here. What gives us victory over this world and all that it throws at us? Faith. Faith that our God is good. Faith that he loves us. Faith that he knows what is best. Faith that he wants our best.

    This world we live in is marked by unbelief. It’s a world that essentially calls God a liar. And when we face all that the world throws at us, it’s easy to fall into disbelief. To let disbelief crush us.

    And when disbelief crushes us, God’s commands become a burden. Living for him becomes a burden.

    But with faith comes victory and joy despite our circumstances.

    Whose testimony will we receive? This world’s? Or God’s?

    One leads to death. One leads to life.

    And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. The one who has the Son has life. The one who does not have the Son of God does not have life. (11-12)

    Categories
    1 John Devotionals

    Do I know Your love?

    And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us…We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4:16, 19)

    Father, I do know your love. And I do believe you love me. I love you because you first loved me.

    And yet.

    There are so many times I struggle to love others as you have loved me.

    And so it makes me wonder, “Have I truly come to know and believe in your love for me?“

    I would think that if I have, it would show in my love for others. In the way, I accept them. In the way I forgive them. In the way I deal with them.

    So while I do know and believe in your love, it is so apparent to me that I need to know it so much deeper. Because right now, my love is so imperfect.

    I want to love as you do. I want your love to be made complete in me. Make me like you.

    In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Categories
    1 John Devotionals

    Because I have hope

    Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when he appears, we will be like him because we will see him as he is.

    And everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself just as he is pure. (1 John 3:2-3)

    Father, I have a hope.

    I have hope because you have called me your child.

    I have hope that your Son will return, and when he appears, I will be like him for I shall see him as he is.

    And so in the here and now, I strive to be more like Jesus. To live as he did. To love as he did.

    But when I fall, when I sin, I have hope because you don’t give up on me.

    Instead, when I confess my sin, you are faithful and just to forgive my sin (1 John 1:9).

    And though Satan may accuse me, though my own heart at times accuses me, you are greater than my heart and you know all things. You know I love you. (John 20:15-21)

    Let me walk each day in your love, your grace, your hope. In Jesus’ name amen.

    Categories
    1 John Devotionals

    Growing in grace and knowlege 

    Today, I was meditating on verses 12-14 and thinking about the stages of Christian maturity.

    Newly born again Christians don’t know much, but they know this one thing: “My Daddy loves me and accepts me. And though I fall, he still loves me and will forgive me.”

    And so God is totally approachable. They can run to him like a little child without fear.

    Mature Christians also have this relationship. But it goes beyond that. Their experience with God is so much deeper.

    They no longer simply see Daddy. But they see someone who has existed from all eternity. They see the all-powerful Creator who made all things.

    They see the Holy One who is perfect in all his ways. They see one who never changes in his character, in his love, in his grace, and in his mercy.

    They have seen God’s goodness and faithfulness to them, despite all their failures and the times they have been unfaithful. And as they think on these things, they stand in awe. They can’t help but worship.

    And we have the young people who have grown to adulthood. They are no longer living on milk, but are eating the solid food of the Word. The word remains in them.

    They are experienced and skilled in wielding the Word of God. They have trained their senses to discern right and wrong. And because of that, they have started to see victory in their lives over sin and the evil one. (Hebrews 5:12-14)

    Father, I pray for the young Christians in your church, that they would truly come to know you. That they could learn they are loved, accepted, and forgiven by you. That they can approach you as a little child, running to you, fully confident in your love for them.

    Father, I pray for the mature Christians in your church, that as they think back on their relationship with you and all they’ve seen, experienced, and learned, they would stand in awe of you and share with the younger Christians all they have experienced with you.

    And Father, I pray for the young adults in your church, that the word of God would remain in them. That they will have trained their senses to discern right and wrong. And that they will wield the sword of the Spirit skillfully in their lives as they face trials, temptations, and spiritual battles.

    In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Categories
    2 Peter Devotionals

    Growing in grace and knowledge

     But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18)

    Lord, more than anything, I want to press into my relationship with you. To draw near to you. To access your grace in everything in my life.

    Not just for forgiveness. Not just for salvation. But for everything.

    I need your grace in my work. In my family. To grow in my character. To grow in love.

    Teach me to walk with you moment to moment, day to day, depending not on my own wisdom and strength, but in your wisdom and resurrection power.

    I want to know you, Lord. I want to know your heart. How you think. What you value.

    So by your grace, Lord, draw me near to yourself. Help me to grow in your grace and knowledge. In your name I pray, amen.

    Categories
    2 Peter Devotionals

    Promising freedom

    They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption, since people are enslaved to whatever defeats them. (2 Peter 2:19)

    In this passage, Peter warns against false teachers in the church.

    The truth is, we are seeing a lot of false teachers in the church today. Teachers who treat the Bible as mere human words instead of as God’s words.

    And so when culture goes against what the Bible teaches, these teachers go right along with the culture.

    Our culture and these teachers promise people freedom by getting away from the teachings of God.

    But this “freedom” actually destroys. It destroys people’s lives, and worst of all, it destroys their souls.

    Jesus is the one who gives true freedom. And if we want to be truly free, we need to believe and cling to his teaching.

    You cannot claim to be Jesus’ disciple while rejecting his teaching.

    Let us always remember our Lord’s own words on this:

    If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:31-32)

    Categories
    2 Peter Devotionals

    To know God’s grace and peace

    God's light breaking through

    May grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. (2 Peter 1:2)

    I think all of us want God’s grace and peace in our lives.

    And here Peter tells us how we can get these things.

    It comes through a relationship with our Father and with Jesus. Not just knowing about them. But truly knowing them.

    Because through that relationship, we have access to everything we need in life.

    We have access to the power and wisdom we need to face life’s challenges and trials. To make our marriages work. To raise our kids. To heal our hurts. To forgive. To overcome the habits that are destroying us.

    But most of all, to become more like our heavenly Father, being fruit and touching this world for him.

    And as we see and experience all these things, God’s grace and peace are multiplied in our lives.

    Do you want that in your life? I know I do.

    I want to know You.
    I want to hear Your voice.
    I want to know You more.

    I want to touch You.
    I want to see Your face.
    I want to know You more.” –Andy Park

    Categories
    1 Peter Devotionals

    Staying alert

    The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer. (4:7)

    Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. (5:8)

    I can’t help but wonder if Peter was thinking of his own failures when he wrote those words.

    Jesus had warned him that Satan wanted to sift him like wheat (Luke 22:31).

    Jesus had told him to watch and pray so that he would not fall into temptation (Matthew 26:41).

    So what did Peter do? He fell asleep. And when the time of testing came, he failed the test. (Matthew 26:69-75)

    So many of us say, “I want to be strong when I go through times of testing, but I don’t know if I can.”

    But we cannot be strong if we’re not connected to the Father, if we are not receiving his strength, his leading, and his wisdom every day.

    Jesus knew that and so he constantly took time to be with his Father every day.

    That’s why when the time of testing came, unlike Peter, Jesus was able to pass the test.

    Do you want to be strong when times of testing come? Are you plugged into the Father daily? In prayer? In his Word?

    Or are you asleep?

    Categories
    1 Peter Devotionals

    Never ignored

    the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
    and his ears are open to their prayer. ” (1 Peter 3:12)

    Recently, I gave a message at church, and one of the things I talked about was the times when God says no or seems slow in answering our prayers.

    For me, it seems like God has been awful slow recently as I’ve been struggling with some health problems for the past month.

    But Peter’s words, really David’s words (Psalm 34:15), really encouraged me today.

    Whether God seems slow or says no, his ears are always open to our prayers. He’s not ignoring us.

    And his eyes are always on us.

    Not because we’re such good people or more righteous than others.

    But because we are his beloved children, clothed with Christ’s righteousness.

    That’s an awesome thought.

    Categories
    1 Peter Devotionals

    Because you are good

    Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow up into your salvation, if you have tasted that the Lord is good. (1 Peter 2:2-3)

    Lord, I have tasted your goodness in my life time and again.

    You chose me. You made me your priest. You made me part of your kingdom. You have made me your prized possession. You called me out of the darkness I was in and brought me into your marvelous light.

    I was once not part of your people. But now I am. I once had not received your mercy. But now I have.

    I was like a sheep going astray. But you, Good Shepherd, brought me back.

    You are good.

    Now, increase my hunger for your word.

    Christian books are great. I can even get good information from non-Christians at times.

    But only in your Word, can I get pure, unadulterated truth from you.

    Truth that gives me life.

    Truth that reveals who you are.

    So I dive into your Word, Lord.

    Not because I have to.

    Not because it’s the “Christian thing to do.”

    But because I love you.

    I have tasted your goodness.

    And through your Word, I want to taste your goodness even more.

    In Your precious name, I pray, amen.

    Categories
    1 Peter Devotionals

    Just passing through

    From Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those temporarily residing abroad… (1 Peter 1:1, NET)

    “To those temporarily residing abroad.”

    Those words struck me this morning.

    I’ve been living as a resident of Japan for 27 years now, and while it is home in a sense, there are always reminders to me that I don’t totally belong here: struggling with the language, dealing with food that I don’t particularly enjoy. (Can someone say “natto”）

    As Christians, it’s the same with us. This world is our “home.” But we don’t truly belong here. We see this particularly in the broken world we live in. Wars. Disease. Sin. Pain. Death.

    We are just passing through.

    But in this world, we have a living hope. We have been chosen by God to be his children. We have an inheritance that is “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven” for us. (4)

    We know it because Jesus rose from the dead after dying for our sins 2000 years ago. We know it because of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. We know it because we are guarded for salvation not by our own strength, but by God’s power. (1-2, 5)

    And so despite the daily reminders that we don’t belong here, despite our trials that test us in which we suffer grief, we can rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy. Because we are receiving the goal of our faith: the salvation of our souls. (6-9)

    I say again, “we can rejoice.”

    I suppose the question is, “Do we rejoice?”

    It’s hard to do, especially when we’re struggling, unless we remember this one truth:

    “We are only passing through.”

    Categories
    Acts Devotionals

    Because we have hope

    I wish before God,” replied Paul, “that whether easily or with difficulty, not only you but all who listen to me today might become as I am…(Acts 26:29)

    Like Paul, we have a hope.

    We have the hope of eternal life.

    We have the hope that all things will be made new.

    We have the hope that all evil will be judged.

    We have hope that by his grace, God will receive us as his children into his kingdom.

    We have the hope of Paul. But do we have his heart?

    Do we desire that those around us would become like we are: people of hope?

    That they too would turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God?

    That they would repent and receive forgiveness of sins and a share among those who are sanctified by faith in Christ.

    Is that your heart?

    Lord, thank you for the hope you have given me as a child of God. Now send me out to those around me that they may have the same hope I have.

    Give me the heart of Paul. Give me your heart. In your name I pray, amen.

    Categories
    Acts Devotionals

    Facing judgment

    God’s Judgement

    …and [Felix] sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed. (Acts 24:24-25)

    It’s interesting to me that Paul and Felix faced the idea of God’s judgment with completely different attitudes.

    Paul faced judgment with hope (15).

    Felix feared judgment. He feared it because deep down, he knew his sin. He feared it because deep down, he knew he was worthy of judgment.

    Why could Paul face judgment with hope? Because there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).

    Jesus has already taken our punishment on the cross. So Paul didn’t fear God’s punishment. He rested in his Father’s love. He rested in the truth that he was a child of God.

    As John would later write,

    By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.

    There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. (1 John 4:17)

    Father, thank you that I don’t have to fear your judgment. Rather, as your child, I stand confidently before you in your love and grace.

    So Father, I draw near to you. I honor you. I love you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Categories
    Acts Devotionals

    The God who stands with us

    The following night, the Lord stood by him and said, “Have courage! (Acts 23:11)

    Those words struck me this morning.

    “The Lord stood by him.”

    No matter what we go through, whether we see him or not, God stands by us. And he whispers to us, “Have courage. I am with you.”

    It reminds me of two other passages.

    Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10, though verses 11-14 continue the thought.)

    And David’s words in Psalm 16.

    I will bless the Lord who counsels me— even at night when my thoughts trouble me.

    I always let the Lord guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:7-8)

    So take some time and think on this truth today: “The Lord stands by me.”

    Categories
    Acts Devotionals

    Completing our course and ministry

    And now I am on my way to Jerusalem, compelled by the Spirit, not knowing what I will encounter there, except that in every town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me.

    But I consider my life of no value to myself; my purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace. (Acts 16:22-24)

    It’s kind of interesting to me that in a way, Paul’s path and his attitude toward that path were similar to Jesus’.

    Both were compelled by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem.

    Both knew that suffering lay ahead of them.

    And yet, both counted their own lives of no value to themselves. Rather, their purpose was to finish the course and ministry they had received.

    And I do believe Paul was consciously following the example of Jesus, who “for the joy that lay before him…endured the cross, despising the shame.” (Hebrews 12:2)

    How about us? Do we have the attitude of Paul and our Lord?

    Lord, when I think of what you suffered for me, I could weep. But for my sake, you counted your life of no value to yourself, and you finished the course and ministry the Father gave you.

    So Lord, help me to keep my eyes on you. Help me to lay aside every hindrance and the sin that would so easily ensnare me. And help me run with endurance the race that lies before me (Hebrews 12:1-2).

    I’m weak, Lord. I can’t do this on my own. But I believe you are strong. So by your Holy Spirit, dwell in me and empower me to do everything you ask, to complete the course and ministry you’ve given me. In your precious name I pray, amen.

    Categories
    Acts Devotionals

    Counter-cultural

    About that time there was a major disturbance about the Way. (Acts 19:23)

    “The Way”, of course, was the early name for Christianity, probably based on Jesus’ words in John 14:6.

    And from the beginning, Christianity was counter-cultural. The Christians were earlier accused of turning the world upside-down. (Acts 17:6)

    In Ephesus, people were screaming at the top of their lungs in support of their goddess, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

    If we are serious about our faith, there will be times of major disturbances, in our families, in our relationships, and even in society.

    Why?

    Because the things we believe and the things that society teaches are often incompatible.

    And if we speak out what we believe, if we live out what we believe, sometimes people will get angry, even people we love.

    The question is, what do we do?

    Do we live in fear, locking ourselves in our rooms as the disciples did after Jesus died? (John 20:19)

    Or do we walk each day in the presence of God, drawing near to him, and receiving the love and approval we need from him?

    And do we then go out in the power of His Spirit, touching people with his message of repentance and forgiveness?

    In this crazy world, let us remember the words of our Lord:

    Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you…Receive the Holy Spirit. (John 20:21-22)

    Categories
    Acts Devotionals

    The prisoners are listening

    Photo by Hasan Almasi on Unsplash

    About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. (Acts 16:25)

    “The prisoners were listening to them.”

    There are many prisoners in this world. Prisoners of Satan’s kingdom. Prisoners to their own sin.

    And they are listening to us.

    What are they hearing?

    What are they hearing when they see us go through struggles?

    What are they hearing when they see us unfairly treated?

    Is what they’re hearing something that can set them free from their chains?

    Is what they’re hearing something that makes them ask, “What must I do to be saved?”

    The prisoners are listening.

    What are they hearing from you?

    Categories
    Acts Devotionals

    When we don’t understand God’s purposes

    Why Question Mark Meaning Not Sure And Explanation

    “Why?” is the oft unanswered question for us as Christians.

    I’m sure the Christians in Jerusalem were wondering that after Herod Agrippa killed James, who was Jesus’ disciple and the brother of John.

    (Quick note: this Herod was the grandson of the Herod who tried to kill Jesus as a baby in Bethlehem. The James mentioned in verse 17 was the brother of Jesus.)

    Now, Peter was imprisoned by Herod and was scheduled to be executed in a few days.

    But God saved Peter in a miraculous way.

    The question is, though, why did God save Peter and not James?

    Was it because the Christians had more faith when they were praying for Peter?

    Hardly. They thought Rhoda was crazy when she said Peter was at the door. It seems despite their prayers, they had no faith at all that God would say yes.

    So why?

    We don’t know.

    The truth is God’s plans are often not are our own.

    So how should we respond?

    1. No matter what, keep believing God is good.

    We may not understand God’s plans or purposes. But we can trust they are good because he is good.

    2. Connected with that, know that God will ultimately bring justice.

    God promises to bring it quickly (Luke 18:7-8), but again, his idea of “quickly” is not always our own (Revelation 6:9-11).

    But he will bring justice. He certainly did with Herod (Acts 12:20-23)

    3. Keep praying, seeking him.

    That’s what Jesus commanded us (Luke 18:1).

    But remember: we pray and seek him not to align God to our plans. But to align ourselves to his.

    I was talking with a friend recently, and he said something interesting: “God always answers my prayers. But he often doesn’t answer it the way I expect.”

    But there was no bitterness or sense of resignation in his words. Rather there was a strong belief in God’s goodness.

    God is good. His plans are good.

    The question is will we his people still have faith when Jesus returns and those plans come to fruition? (Luke 18:8)

    Will you?

    Categories
    Acts Devotionals

    Inspiring people’s faith

    When (Barnabas) arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. (Acts 11:23-24)

    I was just reflecting on those words today and thinking of a couple of people I know who do what Barnabas did: inspire people’s faith.

    They’re always encouraging others to stay true to the Lord and to devote their hearts to God.

    They believe in others when no one else does, as Barnabas did with Saul (Acts 9:26-27, 11:25-26)

    And it just made me think, “I want to be like that. For however long I am here on earth, I want to inspire people’s faith. To make a difference in their lives so that they can then go out in turn and inspire others in their faith.

    So right now, I’m praying, “Lord, who do you want me to touch? Whose faith can I inspire? And what can I do to help them grow in their faith in you?”

    Who is God putting on your heart right now? Who is God asking you to be a Barnabas to?

    Categories
    Acts Devotionals

    What God has made clean

    “What God has made clean, do not call impure.” (Acts 10:15)

    Peter said to them, “You know it’s forbidden for a Jewish man to associate with or visit a foreigner, but God has shown me that I must not call any person impure or unclean. (28)

    When God called Israel to be his people, he declared certain foods “unclean” for them.

    But those laws were not simply for the benefit of their health. Rather, they were a visual, daily reminder that they were to be a different from the nations around them.

    They were not to simply eat things because the other nations ate them.

    And in the same way, they were not simply to do immoral acts because the surrounding nations did them.

    They were God’s people now and they were to follow him.

    So it was a total shock to Peter when God told him to eat a bunch of food that God had declared unclean in his law.

    When Peter balked, though, God said, “Hey. I’ve made this food clean. Don’t call what I made clean, unclean.”

    But once again, God’s point wasn’t about mere food.

    God was showing Peter that his promises to make a great nation out of Abraham were no longer limited to the Jews. Rather, the promises were now extended to even the “unclean” Gentiles.

    Anyone who puts their faith in Jesus will be accepted by him.

    That means us. We were once outsiders to God’s promises, excluded from God’s kingdom, without hope, and no relationship whatsoever to God.

    But we have now been brought near to God by the blood Jesus shed on the cross. We have been made clean, with all our sin and guilt washed away. We are saints. We are God’s children. (Ephesians 2:12-18)

    But too many Christians don’t see themselves that way.

    Perhaps because of their past sins they’re ashamed of. Or guilt for the sins they struggle with now.

    Or perhaps because all their lives, they’ve been told by their parents, their teachers, or others, “You’re not good enough.”

    Is that you? Do you still see yourself as dirty.

    When you hear God calls you a “saint,” do you feel that it must be some kind of joke?

    When you look at yourself in the mirror, do you like what you see? Or does the thought, “I’m not good enough” keep reverberating in their head?

    God says to you, “What I have made clean, don’t call impure. I have washed away the dirt of your sin, the guilt of your past. I have accepted you. So stop beating yourself up. You are my child now.”

    Categories
    Acts Devotionals

    New Life

    Street Sign the Direction Way to NEW LIFE versus OLD LIFE

    [Saul] was unable to see for three days and did not eat or drink. (Acts 9:9)

    Maybe it’s because I’m writing this the day after Easter, but those words hit me today. Saul was “dead” for three days.

    But on the third day, he rose up a new man.

    He saw Jesus differently.

    No longer did he see Jesus as a false Messiah. Now he realized that Jesus truly was Lord and Messiah.

    And despite the fact that Saul had persecuted Jesus by attacking his people, he came to realize that this Lord, this Messiah, actually loved him and had paid the price for his sin by dying on a cross (Galatians 2:20).

    He saw himself differently.

    Gone was the pride in his own righteousness. Gone was his pride in his status as both Jew and Pharisee (Philippians 3:4-6).

    Now he was humbled by the fact that he was a sinner in need of grace. And to his amazement, God had given it to him.

    He saw others differently.

    People he had once despised, these “followers of the Way,” these “disciples of Jesus,” were now his brothers and sisters.

    And the Gentiles he had despised so long were now people God loved and whom he had called Saul to touch.

    As Christians, we too have been given new life.

    Do we see Jesus differently? Not as a dead man from history. But a living Lord and Savior who loves us and gave his life for us.

    Do we see ourselves differently? All our sense of self-worth, not coming from our status or accomplishments, but from the fact that we are forgiven sinners.

    Are we blown away by the fact that God looks at us and says, “You are my beloved child.”

    Do we see others differently? As people God values and loves. As people God sends us to so that they might find new life too.

    Or do we still live as if we were dead?

    May we be able to say with Saul who became Paul,

    For the love of Christ compels us, since we have reached this conclusion, that one died for all, and therefore all died. 

    And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised.

    From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective. Even if we have known Christ from a worldly perspective, yet now we no longer know him in this way.

    Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:14-17)

    Categories
    Acts Devotionals

    The heart of a disciple

    Usually when I read the story about Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, I focus mostly on Philip and how I want to be led by God’s Spirit the way Philip was.

    But the Ethiopian’s heart really struck me today. He had the heart of a true disciple.

    For one thing, he was teachable. He really wanted to learn. In today’s story, he was reading God’s word, but didn’t understand it. When Philip asked him, “Do you understand what you’re reading,” the Ethiopian could have tried to protect his pride and said, “Of course I do.”

    But instead, he admitted his ignorance and asked for help.

    In that way, he was very much like Jesus’ disciples. Many times, Jesus spoke in parables they didn’t understand, so they would come up to him later and say, “What did you mean? We don’t understand.”

    How often do you do that? When you read something in the Bible you don’t understand, do you just shrug your shoulders and move on? Or do you ask for help? “What does this mean? I don’t understand.”

    But a disciple doesn’t stop at just understanding. When he understands, he acts. And that’s what this Ethiopian did. When he understood the gospel and happened to see some water, he immediately asked, “Hey, why can’t I get baptized now?”

    There was no hesitation in him. Instead, he quickly moved to obey.

    Humility, teachablity, and a desire to obey. That’s the heart of a disciple.

    How about you? Do you have the heart of a disciple?

    Categories
    Acts Devotionals

    What’s important to God

    You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are always resisting the Holy Spirit. As your ancestors did, you do also. (Acts 7:51)

    The Jewish leaders had made serious accusations against Stephen, charging him with speaking against the temple and God’s law (6:13-14).

    But in Stephen’s words above, we see it was the Jewish leaders who were in rebellion against God.

    Just as the Israelites had rejected previous saviors in Joseph (Genesis 37:8, 26-28; 45:5-7) and Moses (Acts 7:27, 39), they had now rejected Jesus.

    And though the Jewish leaders claimed to value the law, like their ancestors who persecuted the prophets, they broke the law multiple times in having Jesus murdered.

    Moreover, though they valued the temple, it was for the wrong reasons. The building itself wasn’t so important to God. No man-made structure could ever contain God. Rather, it was a symbol of his presence among his people. (Acts 7:47-50)

    As John points out in his gospel, Jesus is the true temple (John 2:19-21).

    In Jesus, God took on human flesh and dwelt (literally, “set up his tabernacle”, John 1:14) among us. And yet, the Jewish leaders didn’t value the true temple. Rather, they crucified him.

    What is important to God? It’s that we honor his Son. It’s that we obey him. As the Father himself said,

    This is my beloved Son; listen to him! (Mark 9:7)

    Lord, you are the one that law pointed to. You are the one that the tabernacle and the temple pointed to.

    Forgive me for the times I’ve resisted your Spirit. Forgive me for the times I’ve stubbornly closed my heart and ears to you.

    You sacrificed your life for me on the cross. I have no desire to crucify you again in my heart (Hebrews 6:6).

    You are worthy of my love, my honor, and obedience. Help me to give that to you every day.

    I do love you, Lord. It’s so incredible to me that you loved me first, giving your life for me. Thank you. In your name I pray, amen.

    Categories
    Acts Devotionals

    Full of the Spirit and wisdom

    Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.

    But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. (Acts 6:3-4)

    What struck me today was the connection between prayer and the Word and being full of the Spirit and wisdom.

    Do you want to be full of the Spirit? Do you want to be led by him and empowered by him like Jesus was (Luke 4:1, 14)?

    You need to be connected to him. And that comes through prayer, daily seeking him, asking for his leading and power.

    Jesus told us to keep on asking, keep on seeking, and keep on knocking. And if we do, God will not fail to send his Spirit to us. (Luke 11:9-13)

    Do you want to be filled with wisdom? You need to devote yourselves to his Word. You can only learn to think as God does if you take the time to read and study his word.

    The apostles were full of the wisdom and the Spirit because they did these things.

    But that kind of thing isn’t just for the apostles or the “elite” Christians. It’s for all of us.

    In the early church, all of the Christians were devoting themselves to God’s word and to prayer. (Acts 2:42).

    Let’s not believe the lie that this kind of life is for only the “elite” Christians. It’s for every one of us who follow Jesus.

    Only as we, God’s people, live this way, filled with his Spirit and wisdom, will we ever see change in the lives of the people we love and in this country.

    Categories
    Acts Devotionals

    No other name

    There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.” (Act 4:12)

    I think as Christians, we don’t blink twice at this statement since we’ve heard it so many times. But I was thinking about what the Jewish leaders must have been thinking.

    “Salvation in no one else but Jesus? But Yahweh is salvation!”

    “No other name by which we must be saved? But Yahweh is our only Savior!”

    And there would have been good reason to think that. In Isaiah, God said,

    Was it not I, the LORD (direct translation: Yahweh)?

    There is no other God but me, a righteous God and Savior; there is no one except me.

    Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth. For I am God, and there is no other.

    By myself I have sworn; truth has gone from my mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow to me, every tongue will swear allegiance. (Isaiah 45:21-23)

    But what the Jewish leaders didn’t understand is that God became human. It was no accident that God told Mary to name her baby Jesus. That name itself means, “Yahweh is salvation.”

    And that’s why Paul would later take those words from Isaiah and apply them to Jesus (Philippians 2:6-11).

    As we think of our loved ones who don’t know Jesus, probably many of us would like to hope, “Well, they don’t believe in Jesus, but I’m sure God will accept them.”

    But there is no other name by which they can be saved. Because only Jesus was God in human flesh. Only Jesus paid the price for our sin on a cross. As God, only he could have paid the price for our sin.

    So as you pray today, take some time to think about your loved ones who don’t know Jesus.

    And pray that God would give you the opportunity and the boldness to share his good news of salvation with them.

    Categories
    Acts Devotionals

    Living in joy and hope

    Acts

    They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. (Acts 2:42)

    It’s easy, I think, to look at those words and make them into a kind of formula for the Christian life. That is, to be a good Christian, you must go to church, read the Bible, pray, and take communion.

    But I was thinking of David’s words that Peter quoted in his message.

    I saw the Lord ever before me; because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

    Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices.

    Moreover, my flesh will rest in hope, because you will not abandon me in Hades or allow your holy one to see decay.

    You have revealed the paths of life to me; you will fill me with gladness in your presence. (25-28)

    What struck me is the joy that was in David’s words.

    “The Lord is always before me. He is right there with me even through the darkest valleys, even as I face death. I don’t need to be shaken.

    “You’re not going to abandon me in Hades. And if you’re not going to abandon me there, you’re certainly not going to abandon me here on earth. You’ve shown me the paths that give life. Just being in your presence fills me with gladness.”

    And of course, the basis for all our hope are found in these words,

    “You will not…allow your holy one to see decay.” (27)

    Because Jesus lives, we also will live. (John 14:19)

    That was the hope and joy that the early Christians lived in.

    And for that reason, they joyfully devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.

    It was a joy to be with the Lord who loved them and to be with his people.

    So I guess the question I’m asking myself today is, “Is that the hope and joy I live in?”

    Is that the hope and joy you live in?

    Categories
    Acts Devotionals

    Because our Lord is returning

    Acts

    They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven?

    This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)

    When I read that this morning, I was thinking, “What was the angels’ point?”

    Was it merely a statement of fact?

    “Jesus is coming back someday the way you saw him leave?”

    Or were they trying to say something more?

    At a guess, they were trying to say something more. I think they were pointing to Jesus’ own words while he was still on earth.

    Be ready for service and have your lamps lit. You are to be like people waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once…

    Blessed is that servant whom the master finds doing his job when he comes. (Luke 12:35-36, 43)

    In other words, the angels were telling the disciples, “Don’t just stand there. He’s coming back. So start doing what he’s told you to do.”

    Of course, the first thing for the disciples was not actually going out and spreading the gospel. Rather they were told to wait for the Holy Spirit to come and fill them.

    But even as they were waiting, they spent time together in prayer and appointed a new person to take Judas’ place.

    How often do we think about the fact that our Lord is returning? And how often does that drive us to do the things he’s asked us to do?

    Honestly, it’s so easy to get caught up in all I’m doing, and not think about what God wants me to be doing. To waste too much time with things that are not important.

    How about you? Are you doing the things God has asked you to do?

    Lord you are coming back. I don’t know when that is, but when you do, I don’t want you to see me wasting my time with things that are unimportant.

    Show me what you want me to be doing. Show me who you want me to be touching. And when you do return, may you find me doing the work that you’ve given me to do. In your name I pray, amen.

    Categories
    Luke Devotionals

    How can it be?

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    He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will. (Luke 23:25)

    Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong. (40-41)

    Lord, it’s hard to grasp what you did for me on the cross. I was condemned, justly condemned, receiving the due “rewards” for my deeds. (Romans 6:23)

    You, on the other hand, were innocent, having done nothing wrong. But you were delivered over to the cross, while I, like Barabbas, was released.

    Did Barabbas ever wonder, “Why me? Why was I released?”

    Did he ever wonder, “Why Jesus? Why was he crucified?”

    Was he among those at your cross, watching? Was he one of those beating his chest as he went back home?

    Lord, I have no words for what you did for me.

    Amazing love!
    How can it be that you my King would die for me?

    Billy James Foote
    Categories
    Luke Devotionals

    A prayer to Jesus

    Luke

    Simon, Simon, look out. Satan has asked to sift you [all] like wheat. But I have prayed for you (i.e. Simon) that your faith may not fail.

    And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers. (LUke 22:31-32)

    Lord, the day will come when you will reign and we will reign with you (2 Timothy 2:12). A day when we will eat at your table, enjoying sweet fellowship with you.

    But that time is not now. We will face trials as Peter and the other disciples did. And through those trials, Satan desires to sift us all like wheat.

    So Lord, as you prayed for Peter, pray for me and your people. Intercede for us.

    Lord, I know myself too well. I know there will be times I will fall. But when I do, pick me up. And use me to strengthen my brothers and sisters, reminding them that the grace that you gave to me is also available to them.

    And in the times when I’m down and feeling far from your grace, use my brothers and sisters to strengthen me.

    In your name, I pray, amen.

    Categories
    Luke Devotionals

    Following our Lord’s example

    Luke

    “Be on your guard, so that your minds are not dulled from carousing, drunkenness, and worries of life, or that day will come on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth.

    But be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.”

    During the day, he was teaching in the temple, but in the evening he would go out and spend the night on what is called the Mount of Olives. (Luke 21:34-37)

    Jesus never promised an easy life.

    Despite all the disciples’ dreams of Jesus throwing down the Roman Empire and setting us his kingdom, Jesus warned them that Jerusalem would be destroyed and that they themselves would be persecuted for his sake.

    He also warned them that before he returned in the clouds, there would be many more trials to come. And so he told them to be alert at all times, praying for strength to escape all that would happen.

    What I find interesting is that Jesus modeled that for them.

    Jesus was facing his own trial. He would soon be crucified for our sins. And so every night he went to the Mount of Olives.

    I don’t think he went there to sleep. I think he went there to pray for strength. He could not escape the cross. But he would endure it.

    And ultimately, he would escape the grave, rising three days later.

    Like Jesus, we are not going to escape all our trials. We’re going to have to go through hard times. And like his disciples, we may have to suffer for Jesus.

    You might wonder if you have the strength to get through it.

    You don’t. I don’t. We can’t make it through in our own strength.

    So let’s follow our Lord’s example and pray for strength. As the Father strengthened Jesus, he will strengthen us. (Luke 22:43)

    And though we may face our own crosses, like Jesus, we will find resurrection life.

    Categories
    Luke Devotionals

    When Jesus makes his visitation

    Luke

    If you knew this day what would bring peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes…you did not recognize the time when God visited you.” (Luke 19:42, 44)

    Ever since my pastor’s message on spiritual blindness several weeks ago, I’ve noticed this theme throughout Luke.

    We see things hidden from the disciples and Pharisees because they had closed their eyes and ears to what Jesus was saying and doing. (Luke 18:34, 19:39-41)

    At least in the disciples’ case, they did recognize him as Messiah, although they were totally mistaken in their idea of what Messiah was.

    But the Pharisees, despite all the signs and miracles Jesus performed, despite the fact that they could never answer his wisdom (Luke 13:17; 14:6), closed their eyes and ears to him, rejecting him, and as a result failed to recognize when God visited them.

    On the other hand, we see people who did want to see and hear when Jesus was making his “visitation.”

    We have Bartimaeus, the blind man in Jericho crying out, “I want to see!”

    Despite all the people trying to shut him up, he refused to give up until Jesus heard him and called him. And by his faith, he was saved. (Luke 18:35-43, Mark 10:46-52)

    And we see Zacchaeus, unable to see Jesus because of his height, making every effort to see.

    Jesus saw and called him too, And when Jesus came to his house, Zacchaeus opened his ears to Jesus’ message of repentance and he too was saved. (Luke 19:1-10)

    Jesus has made his visitation, and wants to bring us his salvation and peace. But we can’t know that salvation and peace unless we open our eyes and ears to him.

    Even as Christians, it’s possible to be blind. The church at Laodicea was. They were living the “good life.”

    But according to Jesus, they were actually “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.” (Revelation 3:17)

    Jesus offered to clothe them with his righteousness and help them to see.

    He offers the same to us. He loves us and as with Zacchaeus, he calls us to repent. (Revelation 3:19)

    So let us heed his words:

    See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20)

    Categories
    Luke Devotionals

    What hinders us from following Jesus

    Luke

    If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (Luke 9:23)

    What is it that hinders us from following Jesus?

    For many Pharisees, it was pride. Specifically, pride in their own righteousness and complete blindness to their own sin. Such people don’t see their need for God’s mercy nor for a Savior. (Luke 18:9-14)

    For the ruler, it was his possessions. He prioritized his wealth and the comfort and security it gave him over following Jesus. (Luke 18:18-25)

    For the disciples, it was their dreams for the future. Dreams that Jesus would conquer the Roman Empire and giving them positions of power.

    They had given up everything else to follow Jesus. But they couldn’t seem to let go of those dreams. And as a result, whenever Jesus talked about how he had to die, they could never understand.

    In Peter’s case, it even led him to even argue with Jesus. (Mark 8:32)

    God, be merciful to me a sinner.

    Forgive me for the times I’ve been proud, making light of my own sin, while looking down on others for theirs. Help me to see my sin and my utter need for your grace.

    Forgive me for idolatry. For prioritizing other things over following you.

    Forgive me for closing my eyes and ears to what you’re telling me because I’m clinging so tightly to my own hopes and dreams.

    You are a good God. And whatever I may lose in following you, I know I’ll find so much more. (Luke 18:29-30)

    Father, to change is so hard for me, if not impossible. But what is impossible with man is possible with you. You already achieved the impossible: saving me from my sin.

    Now complete what you have started in me. (Philippians 1:6)

    In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Categories
    Luke Devotionals

    Forgiveness

    Luke

    He said to his disciples, “Offenses will certainly come, but woe to the one through whom they come!

    It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to stumble. Be on your guard…

    If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.

    And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and comes back to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”…

    when you have done all that you were commanded, you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we’ve only done our duty.’” (1-4, 10)

    Lord, I don’t want to be a person that causes your children to stumble. Guard my words. Guard my actions. Help me to be a person that builds up, not tears down. Forgive me for the times I have failed.

    And Lord, when people offend me, help me to forgive.

    You have forgiven me far more than seven times. As a servant who has been forgiven many times, isn’t it then my duty to forgive those who have hurt me.

    And yet, that’s not always easy. Especially when my hurt is as deeply rooted as the roots of a mulberry tree.

    But you said I don’t need this great faith to be able to forgive. Even my little faith is enough, because you are a great God.

    Let me always have a heart of gratitude for all you’ve done for me. For all the forgiveness you’ve shown me. For cleansing me of my sin as you cleansed the ten men of their leprosy.

    Let me never take that for granted. And as that gratitude deepens, let me learn to forgive.

    In your name I pray, amen.

    Categories
    Luke Devotionals

    Not insignificant

    Luke

    I’ve read these stories a million times, but one thought came to me as I read it this time.

    No person is insignificant in God’s sight.

    The lost sheep was not insignificant to the shepherd though he had 99 others.

    The lost coin was not insignificant to the woman though she had nine others.

    The younger son was not insignificant to the father though he had a more “faithful” son, and his younger son had essentially said, “I wish you were dead.”

    In the same way, we are not insignificant to God.

    He may have many other children in his family. Those children may be more gifted, faithful, and obedient than we are.

    But God did not leave us to perish. Instead, while we were still sinners, Jesus died for us. (Romans 5:8)

    And when we repent and come to him, he welcomes us and rejoices over us with all the angels in heaven.

    No, we are not insignificant in God’s sight. We are highly precious to him.

    So let us ponder that truth. Let us rejoice in that truth.

    But more, let us also show the love and compassion God has shown us to others.

    Because they not insignificant to him either.

    Categories
    Luke Devotionals

    Losing our flavor

    Luke

    Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away.

    He who has ears to hear, let him hear. (Luke 14:34-35)

    As disciples of Jesus, it’s so easy for us to lose our flavor. To lose our ability to touch this world for Jesus.

    We lose it when our faith becomes all about keeping man-made rules and we lose God’s love and compassion for people. We lose it when we refuse correction from our Lord. (1-6)

    We lose it when we become proud, eager to show our importance to others, rather than humbly serving those who could never repay us. (7-14)

    We lose it when we take God for granted and value other things, even our own family, more than we value him. (15-20, 26)

    We lose it when we make our lives, our dreams, our comfort, our financial security more important than following Jesus. (26-27, 33)

    Lord, I don’t want to lose my flavor. Forgive me for the times I close my ears to you. Forgive me for the times I make other things more important than you and your kingdom.

    Give me your heart. A heart filled with compassion for those around me.

    Open my eyes. Help me to see your glory and goodness. Help me see your love for me.

    And as I gaze into these things, may it spark again my love for you and my desire to serve you. In your name I pray. Amen.

    Categories
    Luke Devotionals

    Seeking, asking, and knocking

    Luke

    So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you.

    For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

    What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?

    If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him? (Luke 11:9-13)

    The verbs “ask,” “seek,” and “knock,” can all be translated, “keep on asking,” “keep on seeking,” and “keep on knocking.”

    But Jesus doesn’t promise that we’ll necessarily receive all we ask for. Rather, we will be given “as much as we need.” (8)

    Sometimes in his wisdom, God only gives us only two loaves of bread instead of three. But sometimes in his wisdom, he’ll give us a steak instead of bread.

    Sometimes we ask for snakes, thinking they’re fish. Other times we ask for scorpions, thinking they’re eggs.

    But God only gives us good gifts.

    Prayer is not about trying to manipulate God, getting him to give you what you want. It’s about drawing near to him. And through prayer, we discover his character, his way of thinking, and his love.

    If we seek him, we will find him.

    If we knock, he will open the door to us.

    And ultimately, he will give us what we need the most: himself. For through all our trials and struggles, he will give us his Spirit to lead us, to comfort us, and empower us.

    So each day, let us keep asking, seeking, and knocking.

    Categories
    Luke Devotionals

    Afraid to ask

    Luke

    Then a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, the Chosen One; listen to him!” (Luke 9:35)

    [Jesus] told his disciples, “Let these words sink in: The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.”

    But they did not understand this statement; it was concealed from them so that they could not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it. (43-45)

    Those last words struck me, “They could not grasp [Jesus’ words], and they were afraid to ask him about it.”

    Why were they afraid to ask? They weren’t always that way. Just in chapter 8, they were asking, “What do you mean?” (8:9)

    I’m not sure why they were afraid. But I’m guessing it was because they didn’t want to know the answer.

    They were afraid the answer would blow up all their hopes and dreams. That they would have to totally change their way of thinking.

    I think deep down, they already knew the answer. Jesus couldn’t haven’t been any clearer. But they didn’t want to accept it.

    That’s closing your eyes and ears to God’s word.

    How often is Jesus telling us, “Let these words sink in”?

    Maybe we see something in the Bible concerning our sin. Or as we’re praying, we sense God saying, “You need to change directions in your life.”

    But we are afraid to ask Jesus, “What are you trying to tell me?” because we’re afraid of the answer.  

    We make the excuse, “Well, I didn’t understand what he was saying.”

    But the truth is, we simply didn’t want to know.

    I know I’ve done that. Especially concerning coming to Japan.

    But the Father says, “This is my Son. Listen to him.”

    Following Jesus isn’t easy. It costs us something. Following Jesus often requires struggling or pain (23-24).

    Many times, it requires sacrifice (57-62).

    But the thing I’ve learned, the thing I’m still learning, is that following Jesus is the only way to truly find life.

    Following Jesus cost me something. But looking back, I have no regrets because what I’ve lost is no comparison to what I’ve gained.

    I left behind family, friends, and a great church in Hawaii. But I found a new family, new friends, and a great church in Japan. But more than that, I found God’s purpose for me.

    Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.

    For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it.” (23-24)

    Categories
    Luke Devotionals

    Opening our eyes and ears

    Luke

    Let anyone who has ears to hear listen. (Luke 8:8)

    As I was reading this chapter, I couldn’t help but think of my pastor’s message yesterday talking about spiritual blindness. (Mark 8)

    In Matthew’s gospel, he gives the longer quote of Isaiah (10) than Luke does, in which we see these words:

    For this people’s heart has grown callous;
    their ears are hard of hearing,
    and they have shut their eyes;

    otherwise they might see with their eyes,
    and hear with their ears, and
    understand with their hearts,
    and turn back—
    and I would heal them. (Matthew 13:15)

    And I was thinking, are there ways I have allowed my heart to grow callous to God’s word? Are there words that used to touch me, are there words that used to sting me, that do so no longer because I did nothing about them?

    Are there any things that have made my ears hard of hearing? Is there any pride dulling my ears because I think I already know it all?

    Or is there so much noise coming from other things, Youtube, podcasts, etc., that I can’t hear what God is trying to say to me? 

    Are there things that I have shut my eyes to in God’s word? I shut them because I don’t want to see them. I don’t want to see them because it would force me to change how I think or how I act, and I don’t want to change.

    Is Jesus pleading with me, “Listen! Open your eyes! I want to heal you. I want to lead you. I have something better for you”?

    Lord, by your grace, you have opened my eyes. Don’t let me close them. You’ve opened my ears to hear you. Don’t let me dull them.

    You are good. Your word is good. So help me hold fast to it. Even when it’s hard to obey, help me to keep moving forward with you. I want to bear fruit for you, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Categories
    Luke Devotionals

    What kind of grace is there for me?

    Luke

    If you do what is good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? (Luke 6:32)

    I was meditating on that phrase this morning. The interesting thing is that the word translated “credit” is often translated differently in most of the Bible.

    It’s translated “grace.”

    But it’s a bit hard to translate that verse using, “grace.” “What grace is that to you?”

    So many translate it “credit.” The implication being, “Should you earn special praise for acting this way?”

    Some translate it “benefit”, as a synonym to “reward” in Matthew 5:46.

    But one “literal” translation puts it, “What grace have ye?” (YLT)

    The New Japanese Bible essentially says, “What kind of grace/blessing is there for you?”

    So here’s what I was thinking this morning.

    What kind of grace am I expecting from God if the “grace” I’m giving is based on whether people love me or do good to me?  

    What if God only gave me what I “deserve?”

    If that’s the kind of “grace” I show to others, do I really know God’s grace to me? Do I truly understand it?

    Lord, search my heart. Do I truly know and understand your grace? Help me to know your grace more deeply, to truly grasp it. And having grasped it, help me to be a channel of your grace to all those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Categories
    Luke Devotionals

    Willing to forgive, willing to cleanse

    Luke

    “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

    Reaching out his hand, Jesus touched him, saying, “I am willing; be made clean”… (Luke 5:12-13)

    It strikes me that those words sum up much of this chapter.

    Jesus encountered three sinners, Peter, the paralytic, and Matthew.

    Just as the leper was covered with leprosy, Peter, the paralytic, and Matthew were covered with their sin.

    And just as Jesus cleansed the leper of his leprosy, he cleansed the three men of their sins.

    Do we ever look at ourselves, and cry out to Jesus, “Depart from me, Lord! I am so sinful! How can you possibly accept me? How can you possibly forgive me?”

    And yet Jesus, in his grace, reaches out his nail-scarred hand and says, “I am willing. Be clean.”

    More, he tells us, “From now on, let us catch people together for God’s Kingdom that they may know this same grace I’ve given you.”

    With gratitude and joy, let us say with Isaiah, “Here am I. Send me.”  (Isaiah 6:1-8)

    Categories
    Luke Devotionals

    Filled, led, and empowered

    Luke

    And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil…

    And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee…(Luke 4:1-2, 14)

    Holy Spirit, I can’t live this life without you.

    I can’t resist temptations.

    I can’t endure trials and spiritual deserts.

    I can’t do your work, touching the people around me.

    I need you.

    So fill me as you filled Jesus.

    Lead me as you led Jesus.

    Empower me as you empowered Jesus.

    In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Categories
    Luke Devotionals

    True repentance

    Luke

    Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance. (Luke 3:8)

    Lord, I want to be like you. So grant me a truly repentant heart.

    When your Word exposes my sin, don’t let me make excuses or try to justify my sin.

    Instead, let me humbly come to you, asking, “What should I do? What do you want of me?” (10)

    And then, give me the power to obey. Help me to produce fruit consistent with my repentance. I can’t change without you. (John 15:5)

    Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my concerns.
    See if there is any offensive way in me;
    lead me in the everlasting way. (Psalm 139:23-24)

    Thank you for your grace and your patience. In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Categories
    Luke Devotionals

    Believing what God has promised

    Luke

    Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill what he has spoken to her! (Luke 1:45)

    There is great blessing in believing what God has promised.

    It definitely gives us hope during difficult times. It gives us hope because it reminds us that God is on our side, and he is working out his plans for us. (Romans 8:18-32)

    More,

    without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

    So the question is, “Do we believe what he has promised?”

    Can we sing with Mary,

    My soul magnifies the Lord,
    and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
    because he has looked with favor
    on the humble condition of his servant.

    Surely, from now on all generations
    will call me blessed,
    because the Mighty One
    has done great things for me,
    and his name is holy.

    His mercy is from generation to generation
    on those who fear him. (46-50)

    Categories
    Luke Devotionals

    When the Holy Spirit comes upon us

    Luke

    The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. (Luke 1:35)

    Obviously, those words were to Mary, talking about how it would be possible for her, a virgin, to give birth to Jesus.

    But it occurred to me that Jesus said very similar words to his disciples before his ascension.

    But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

    Just as the Holy Spirit came upon Mary to give birth to Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes upon us with power so that we can spread the new birth to all nations.

    You might think you are an ordinary person.

    But so was Mary.

    So were the disciples.

    But God used them.

    And he will use you to bring new life to those around you.

    Holy Spirit, come upon me. Fill me with your power. And through me, bring life to those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Categories
    Luke Devotionals

    Favored

    Luke

    “The Lord has done this for me. He has looked with favor in these days to take away my disgrace among the people.” (Luke 1:25)

    Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.” (28)

    Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. (30)

    Those words struck me.

    God looked upon Elizabeth with favor, taking away the disgrace of being childless (something that was extremely shameful back in those days).

    And God looked upon Mary with favor, choosing her to be the mother of his Son.

    But just as God looked upon Elizabeth and Mary with favor, he looks upon us with favor as well.

    As with Mary, we don’t need to be afraid in God’s presence. He is with us and we can approach him with boldness.

    And as God took away Elizabeth’s disgrace, through Jesus, he has taken away our disgrace…the disgrace of our sin.

    Take some time to reflect on these truths.

    “God looks upon with me with favor. I have found favor with him.”

    “He is with me.”

    “He has taken away my disgrace, and I can boldly draw near to him.”

    Categories
    2 Samuel Devotionals

    Choosing obedience

    2 Samuel

    This is a difficult passage on a lot of levels.

    Apparently, Israel had sinned in some way. What that sin was, we don’t know, but perhaps it was their rejection of David, God’s appointed king, and following Absalom and later Sheba.

    At any rate, because of their sin, God decided to bring judgment on them.

    That is important to note, by the way. Contrary to what David thought, Israel was not innocent and was worthy of judgment. (2 Samuel 24:17)

    But how to account for God stirring up David against them? Did God cause David to sin?

    Also, in 1 Chronicles 21, it says Satan was the one who incited David to count the people of Israel. So who was responsible?

    It’s a difficult question.

    But here are some things to remember.

    First, Satan always stands against God’s people. And he would destroy us if he could.

    But as we see in Job, God puts definite limits on what Satan can and cannot do to us. (Job chapters 1-2)

    Second, for purposes of judgment or for testing, God will loosen those limits.

    We see examples of judgment with Saul and King Ahab. (1 Samuel 16:14; 1 Kings 22:19-23).

    We see examples of testing with Job and Jesus (Matthew 4:1).

    Third, regardless of whether God loosens those limits or not, people do not have to sin. They can choose to do right. Job and Jesus chose to do right. Saul and Ahab didn’t.

    So ultimately, while for purposes of judgment God loosened the limits on Satan, David still had his choice. And David chose to sin.

    David himself accepted responsibility for his own sin. (2 Samuel 24:10, 17)

    David didn’t sin because God made him sin.

    Nor did the devil “make him do it.”

    David sinned because of what was in his heart. (James 1:14)

    And what seems to have been in his heart was his pride in his military strength, which may be why he wanted the people counted.

    Two further points.

    First, this side of the cross, as children of God, we no longer need to fear God’s judgment (1 John 4:14-19).

    Like the Israelites, we are deserving of God’s judgment, but Jesus took that judgment upon himself on the cross.

    So while God may discipline us at times, we will never face his judgment. (Hebrews 12:5-11; Romans 8:1)

    Second, though God may loosen his limits on Satan and let us go through times of testing, we always have the choice to obey or not.

    But as Paul wrote,

    No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity.

    But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

    So let us remember the words of James, trusting in God’s goodness and faithfulness toward us, following after him.

    Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)

    Categories
    2 Samuel Devotionals

    How God sees us

    2 Samuel

    …[God] rescued me because he delighted in me.

    The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; he repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands. (2 Samuel 22:20-21)

    Those words are amazing when you look at David’s life, because there were so many times he failed.

    And yet he could say things like,

    For I have kept the ways of the Lord and have not turned from my God to wickedness.

    Indeed, I let all his ordinances guide me and have not disregarded his statutes.

    I was blameless before him and kept myself from my iniquity. (22-24)

    I don’t think David had forgotten about his failures. Nor do I think he was making light of them.

    But he did understand God’s grace. As he said in another Psalm,

    He will not always accuse us or be angry forever.

    He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve or repaid us according to our iniquities…

    As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:9-10, 12)

    Years later, God would say through the prophet Isaiah,

    I am the one, I sweep away your transgressions for my own sake and remember your sins no more. (Isaiah 43:25)

    How often, though, do we remember our sins and failures? How often do we beat ourselves up over them?

    God has chosen to forget them. He will never bring them up with us again.

    And when he sees us, he sees someone holy and blameless in his sight, clothed with Christ’s righteousness.

    Our “righteousness” is often imperfect, stained with mixed motivations.

    And yet, God in his grace, chooses to accept them just as he accepted David’s.

    Not only, that, he delights in us.

    So let us sing with David,

    The Lord lives—blessed be my rock!
    God, the rock of my salvation, is exalted. (47)

    Categories
    2 Samuel Devotionals

    Justice?

    2 Samuel

    This is one of those passages where I wonder, “Was this God’s will?”

    Saul had broken the treaty the Israelites had made with the Gibeonites by murdering them. (Joshua 9:3-17)

    As a result, the land was spiritually polluted, and God sent a famine on the land. (Numbers 35:30-34).

    After three years of famine, David sought God to find the reason for the famine and God told him.

    But here, things get somewhat spiritually muddy.

    David goes to the Gibeonites to ask what reparations could be made. They asked that seven of Saul’s descendants be handed over to them to be executed, and David acquiesced.

    But was he right to do so?

    For one thing, God said that only the blood of the murderer himself could atone for the murder. (Numbers 35:33).

    For another, God specifically commanded that children could not be punished for the sins of the father. (Deuteronomy 24:16)

    Finally, while God never addressed a situation where the murderer was already dead, he did address a situation where the murderer could not be brought to justice.

    In that case, atonement was made by sacrifice and prayer. (Deuteronomy 21:1-9)

    Perhaps, God would have given slightly different instructions in this situation, but I would guess that his instructions would have been fairly close to what he had commanded before.

    But the key point is, David never did ask God what to do.

    Ironically, Joshua made the same mistake when he first dealt with the Gibeonites. (Joshua 9:14)

    By his grace, God did bring an end to the famine. But is there any hint that David’s action wasn’t what God was looking for?

    I think there is. The famine continued even past the execution of Saul’s descendants.

    In fact, we see another violation of God’s law. A person who was executed was not to be left hanging overnight. (Deuteronomy 21:22-23)

    It was only when the bodies were taken down and buried that the famine ended.

    What’s my point?

    How well do we know God’s word? Do we know it well enough to know what pleases and displeases God?

    If we don’t, well-meaning though we may be, we can still do things displeasing to him.

    So let us daily read and study his word. Only then can we find out how to truly please him.

    Categories
    2 Samuel Devotionals

    Releasing your feelings of guilt

    2 Samuel

    The king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber above the city gate and wept.

    As he walked, he cried, “My son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, Absalom, my son, my son!” (2 Samuel 18:33)

    I can’t help but think David had a deep sense of guilt for Absalom’s death.

    Guilt for not dealing with Amnon when he raped Tamar.

    Guilt for holding Absalom at a distance for so long, instead of showing him the grace and mercy God had shown David.

    But now, that guilt threatened to destroy him and his kingdom as Joab would point out in chapter 19.

    As with David, we may feel guilt for our failures and sins. That can be especially painful when we see the effects those failures and sins have had on those we love.

    But at some point, we have to let go of our guilt and move on, or that guilt will destroy us.

    I’m not saying that we should make light of our guilt. To convince ourselves that what we did wasn’t so bad and try to forget about it.

    On the contrary, we need to fully admit our guilt before God.

    And if possible, we should also fully admit our guilt to anyone we have hurt and try to make things right.

    It’s also important to reflect on and learn from our sins and failures.

    But after that, embrace the forgiveness of God.

    The person we hurt may never forgive us. But God will.

    Feelings of guilt will destroy you if you let it. And that’s not God wants for you.

    Jesus died in our place on the cross, bearing all our guilt and sin. And now by his grace, his blood has washed away our sins. (1 John 1:7)

    We are spotless before him. We are blameless before him. (Ephesians 1:4, 5:27)

    We are forgiven!

    That may be hard to believe right now. But it’s true.

    Don’t let Satan lie to you, telling you what you’ve done is unforgiveable.

    You are spotless before God!

    You are blameless before God!

    You are forgiven!

    So remember these words of Paul and make them your own:

    Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus… (Romans 8:1)

     

    Categories
    2 Samuel Devotionals

    “Unforgiveable!”

    2 Samuel

    “Unforgiveable!”

    That’s probably what Ahithophel said when he found out what David had done to his granddaughter Bathsheba and to her husband. (2 Samuel 11:3; 23:34)

    By David’s actions, he had brought disgrace to Ahithophel’s granddaughter and to Ahithophel’s family name.

    It certainly explains his advice to Absalom, even to the place where Absalom slept with David’s concubines (2 Samuel 11:2; 16:20-22).

    It also explains why he personally, a counselor, not a warrior, wanted to lead the troops sent to kill David (12 Samuel 7:1-13).

    But in the end, his refusal to forgive destroyed him.

    How about you? Is there someone you need to forgive?

    To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you. — Lewis B. Smedes

    Categories
    2 Samuel Devotionals

    When Satan accuses us

    2 Samuel

    “Get out of here, you murderer, you scoundrel!” he shouted at David. “The Lord is paying you back for all the bloodshed…

    At last you will taste some of your own medicine, for you are a murderer!” (2 Samuel 16:7-8, NLT)

    It struck me today that those words probably stung David deeply. Obviously, he wasn’t responsible for Saul’s death or for Ish-bosheth’s. Nor had he stolen the throne.

    But he was a murderer. And Nathan had told him that disaster would rise up from his own family as a result (2 Samuel 12:11).

    So while Shimei’s accusations were not completely true, there was truth in them.

    Perhaps that is why David said, “He curses me this way because the Lord told him, ‘Curse David!’” (10)

    But while David was reaping the consequences of his sin, God was not accusing him. God had already forgiven him (2 Samuel 12:12).

    More, he was on David’s side (2 Samuel 17:14).

    Sometimes here on earth, we suffer the consequences for our sins. And Satan’s accusations against us sting, because there is truth behind them.

    But if we have repented, let us remember, God is not accusing us. He has already forgiven us. And he is on our side.

    So if you’re feeling weighed down by your guilt, remember Paul’s words:  

    Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? [Not God!] God is the one who justifies.

    Who is the one who condemns? [Not Jesus!] Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. (Romans 8:33-34)

    Categories
    2 Samuel Devotionals

    Wherever my king is

    2 Samuel

    But in response, Ittai vowed to the king, “As the Lord lives and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king is, whether it means life or death, your servant will be there!” (2 Samuel 15:21)

    Those words resonated with me today.

    Ittai was a foreigner, probably a Philistine who had started following David when he was fleeing from Saul.

    Why he left Philistia, we don’t know, but after years of being on the run with David, when David became king, Ittai had found a new home.

    But now David was on the run again, this time from his son Absalom..

    Ittai could have just stayed in his comfortable home in Jerusalem. But instead, he chose to follow David.

    David tried to convince him to stay in Jerusalem, but Ittai was determined to follow, no matter the cost.

    It made me think of another man in the New Testament who had said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.”

    Jesus told him something similar to what David told Ittai.

    Foxes have dens, and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head. (Matthew 8:20)

    How the man responded, we don’t know. Did he like Ittai say, “Wherever my Lord is, whether it means life or death, your servant will be there”?

    Lord, you didn’t promise an easy life. But you love me. You saved me. You are my home. So wherever you are, my King, wherever you go, your servant will be there.

    Categories
    2 Samuel Devotionals

    The message we give our children

    2 Samuel

    What message do we give our kids when they blow it? Do we distance ourselves from them? Do we ever give them the impression that what they’ve done is unforgivable?

    That’s the message David gave Absalom.

    How much better would it have been if David had embraced his son. If he had reaffirmed his love for him.

    Imagine if he had told Absalom, “I’ve been there. I murdered a man too. And for a lot worse reason than you did. But God gave me a path back. He can give you one too.”

    Would Absalom’s path been different? Would he have repented?

    I don’t know. Maybe, maybe not.

    But God’s kindness led us to our repentance (Romans 2:4).

    So may we show that same grace to our kids when they fall, showing them the way back home.

    Categories
    2 Samuel Devotionals

    Loved by the Lord

    2 Samuel

    She gave birth to a son and named him Solomon. The Lord loved him, and he sent a message through the prophet Nathan, who named him Jedidiah (meaning, “beloved of the Lord”), because of the Lord (2 Samuel 12:24–25).

    David had seriously messed up. By his sin, he had treated the Lord with contempt. And the consequences of his sin would affect he and his family for a long time.

    And yet.

    With David’s repentance came forgiveness. David would write later,

    As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12)

    Honestly, if I had been God, I probably would have thought, “Well, I’ll forgive David and Bathsheba. But there’s no way I’m blessing this marriage.”

    But God didn’t think that way.

    In naming Solomon “beloved of the Lord,” I think God was passing a message on to David and Bathsheba.

    “I still love you. And though there will be hard times ahead of you because of your sin, whenever you look at this child, remember that I have not taken my love away from you. Solomon is my beloved child. And so are you.”

    And ultimately, it was through David, Bathsheba, and Solomon that Jesus came. (Matthew 1:6-16)

    That’s grace. That’s God’s faithful love.

    What regrets do you have? Are you still struggling because of the consequences of your past sin?

    Know that like David, Bathsheba, and Solomon, you are beloved of God.

    And in Jesus, there is forgiveness and a way forward. So let’s take that next step together with him.

    Categories
    2 Samuel Devotionals

    What God thinks

    2 Samuel

    However, the Lord considered what David had done to be evil. (2 Samuel 11:27)

    Sometimes I think the Bible, especially the Old Testament history books (Joshua-Chronicles) would be so much easier to read if we saw more words like the above.

    So many times, we see questionable or downright wrong decisions made by the “good” Biblical characters and no comment is made on what God thought.

    Even though we might see the negative consequences of their actions, there’s no actual direct rebuke from God.

    So we think, “If God disapproved, why didn’t he say something?”

    I don’t know about you, but that’s how I feel a lot of times.

    But I think the thing to remember is that the writers of these books are assuming we already know what God thought about these people’s actions.

    We know because we read the ten commandments and God’s other laws.

    We know because we’ve seen before how God felt and responded to similar sins.

    And so often times, the Biblical authors don’t go out of their way to specifically say, “By the way, what this person did was wrong.”

    In this case, however, the author does go out of his way to say that the Lord considered David’s actions wrong.

    Why? I don’t know.

    But I do think it’s a warning to us. Like David, we can fool ourselves into thinking that what we’re doing is okay, even when God says it’s clearly wrong.

    That especially can happen when we don’t immediately see any negative consequences or “sense” any rebuke from God.

    But it doesn’t change the fact that what we’re doing is evil in God’s eyes. He sees. And sooner or later, he will hold us accountable.

    It might be on this earth. It might be before his judgment seat in heaven. But he will hold us accountable.

    So let us not fool ourselves. Let us instead, maintain soft hearts toward God, not letting our consciences get seared by ignoring God’s word.

    Categories
    2 Samuel Devotionals

    Because we’ve experienced God’s faithful love

    2 Samuel

    And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness (faithful love) of God to him?” (2 Samuel 9:3)

    Those words struck me today, especially as I thought of chapter 7.

    God showed his faithful love to David, and David was totally blown away by it.

    But his response was not only thanksgiving toward God.

    He wanted to be a channel of that love, and so he actively sought someone to whom he could show that faithful love to.

    Because of his love for Jonathan and his promises to him (1 Samuel 20:14-15), Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth was a natural choice.

    But David didn’t want to simply show his own faithful love to Mephibosheth. He wanted to show God’s faithful love to Mephibosheth. And so he did.

    Lord, may I be a channel of your faithful love to those around me. Help me to actively look for people I can do that with, just as David did.

    And together, may we be blown away by your faithful love, saying, “Who am I, that you would love me in this way?”

    Categories
    2 Samuel Devotionals

    God’s faithful love

    2 Samuel

    I will be his father, and he will be my son.

    When he does wrong, I will discipline him with a rod of men and blows from mortals.

    But my faithful love will never leave him… (2 Samuel 7:14-15)

    Obviously, that was God’s promise to David concerning Solomon. But I find it interesting how the apostle Paul applied those words to us.

    And I will be a Father to you, and you will be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:18)

    Paul took those words concerning Solomon and lets us know, “Those words are for you. God calls you his children now.”

    Even when we mess up as Solomon ultimately did, and though God may have to bring discipline in our lives, and that discipline can be hard at times, nevertheless, his faithful love will never leave us.

    Always remember this important truth: our relationship with God isn’t based on our faithfulness to God, but rather on his faithful love to us. (2 Timothy 2:13)

    Thank you Father for calling me your child. Thank you for your faithful love to me.

    Who am I that you have brought me this far, despite my failings, despite all the times I’ve been unfaithful?

    You are great, and there is no God besides you. Your words and all your promises to me are true. That’s why I have the courage to pray this prayer to you.

    I love you Father. And so with confidence, I draw near to you and rest in your faithful love toward me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Categories
    2 Samuel Devotionals

    Our identity

    2 Samuel

    Just thinking about Michal today. I found it interesting that in 2 Samuel chapter 6, she wasn’t identified as David’s wife, but as “Saul’s daughter.”

    Maybe the author didn’t mean anything significant by that. After all, he often referred to Jonathan as “Saul’s son.”

    Still, being David’s friend is not the same as being his wife. In Genesis, it talks about a man leaving father and mother and being joined to his wife. In the same way, a woman leaves her father and mother and is joined to her husband. (Genesis 2:24)

    Yet only three times is Michal called “David’s wife,” while eight times she’s referred to as “Saul’s daughter.”

    In chapter 6, she is identified twice as Saul’s daughter, which seems very appropriate since she is thinking very much like her father did.

    She was far more interested in what people thought than pleasing God. (1 Samuel 15:24, 30; 18:7-8, 2 Samuel 6:16, 20)

    By marrying David, she should have left her old life behind, her old identity, her old way of thinking. And yet, she lived very much as a child of Saul.

    In the same way by “marrying” Christ, we, God’s church, should have left our old lives, our old identity, and our old way of thinking behind.

    But have we? Or do we still live as a children of this world, thinking and acting as it does?

    Categories
    2 Samuel Devotionals

    Praying for our leaders

    2 Samuel

    Leaders will always disappoint us.

    Whether government leaders or church leaders, they will disappoint us.

    They disappoint us because they are human. And as humans, they have all their flaws and failings.

    David may have been stronger been Ish-bosheth. But he was no better at dealing with Joab than Ish-bosheth was at dealing with Abner.

    David also married many women despite God’s commands (Deuteronomy 17:17).

    It seems he married at least one of them purely for political reasons. (2 Samuel 3:3)

    In addition, he demanded to have Michal back, seemingly more for political reasons (she was a daughter of the former king, Saul) than actual love. This despite the fact that her new husband obviously loved her.

    One also wonders how Michal felt. Certainly she had once loved David (1 Samuel 18:28).

    But despite being treated badly by her father (1 Samuel 25:44), she did seem to have moved on.

    Now she had to compete with multiple wives for David’s attention. And that may have led to her later attitude toward David. (2 Samuel 6:20)

    And yet, God accomplished his purposes through David.

    In the same way, he will accomplish his purposes through our political leaders and our church leaders, even though we can’t always see what those purposes are.

    So let’s pray for our leaders. Pray that God will accomplish his purposes despite their flaws, despite their weaknesses.

    For our leaders that don’t know God, pray that they will come to know him.

    And for those who do know God, pray that God will continue to lead them and help them to become the leaders, more than that, the men and women calls them to be.

    God shows them grace. Let us have that heart of grace as we pray for them.

    Categories
    2 Samuel Devotionals

    How long?

    2 Samuel

    How long do we hold on to anger and bitterness in our lives? At one point do we choose to let go?

    Abner had killed Joab’s brother Asahel, and it seemed Joab and his other brother Abishai were determined to avenge Asahel’s death.

    But in their pursuit of Abner, others were dying as well.

    And so at sunset with Joab showing no signs of stopping his pursuit, Abner spoke out:

    Must the sword devour forever? Don’t you realize this will only end in bitterness? How long before you tell the troops to stop pursuing their brothers? (2 Samuel 2:26)

    As we’ll see, Joab was a very violent man. (So was Abishai, for that matter).

    But on this day, he saw the wisdom of Abner’s words and he stopped his pursuit.

    What hurts are you holding on to? Who are you refusing to forgive? Who are you constantly sniping at?

    Let us listen to the words of our Lord.

    “Must the sword devour forever? Don’t you realize this will only end in bitterness? Let go of your anger. Put your pain in my hands. And let me heal you.”

    Categories
    Matthew Devotionals

    Christ’s blood upon us

    Matthew

    All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” (Matthew 27:25)

    When the people said that, they were saying, “We take responsibility for Jesus’ death. Put the blame on us.”

    Yet ironically, there on the cross, Jesus took the blame for all of our sin. He took the punishment for our sins.

    And now, in a different sense from how the people meant it, Jesus’ blood is on us.

    When God made the first covenant with the people, they were sprinkled with the blood of calves and goats, and Moses said, “This is the blood of the covenant that God has ordained for you.” (Hebrews 9:20)

    Why were they sprinkled with blood? Because without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness. (Hebrews 9:22)

    But the blood of bulls and goats could not truly take away sin. Those sacrifices only reminded people of their sin and pointed to what Jesus would later do on the cross. (Hebrews 10:1-4)

    But now Jesus has entered the true tabernacle, the true temple which is heaven, with his own blood, and he has bought our salvation. (Hebrews 9:11-12)

    That’s why the curtain was torn in the earthly temple when Jesus died. That curtain was a sign of the separation between God and his people.

    But by tearing that curtain, God was saying, “You have now been sprinkled with the blood of the new covenant. Your sins are forgiven. And now you have free access to me.” (Matthew 26:28)

    So let us remember the words of the author of Hebrews.

    Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus—he 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)

    Christ’s blood is upon us. Let us rejoice, and draw near.

    Categories
    Matthew Devotionals

    Our place in the story

    Matthew

    “Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”

    Then one of the Twelve, the man called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?”

    So they weighed out thirty pieces of silver for him. And from that time he started looking for a good opportunity to betray him. (Matthew 26:13-16)

    As I read those words, it struck me that not only is Mary (sister of Lazarus and Martha, John 12:1-8) and her deed remembered, but so is Judas and his deeds.

    Mary is remembered for her love for Jesus.

    Judas is remembered for betraying him.

    And it made me think, “What is my place in the gospel story? What is my place in this story that started in the garden of Eden and has stretched out until the present day?

    “How will I be remembered when I’m gone? What stories will be told of me?”

    And then I thought of Peter. He too is remembered.

    He is often remembered for his great failure, for denying Jesus three times.

    But he is also remembered as one who came to know God’s grace.

    And really, that is what the gospel is all about. It’s all about God’s grace. It’s about the body that was broken and the blood that was poured out there on the cross so that our sins could be forgiven.

    So many of us look at our own sin and brokenness and it depresses us.

    But like Mary, like Peter, we are recipients of God’s great love and grace.

    That’s our part in this gospel story God is writing.

    Let us rejoice in it!

    Categories
    Matthew Devotionals

    I know you!

    Matthew

    Master, I know you. (Matthew 25:24)

    So said the evil servant in Jesus’ second parable. And yet, this servant didn’t know his master at all. His view of his master was totally distorted and so he really wanted nothing to do with him.

    In the same way, many people today have a distorted view of God.

    In particular, for many, they look at his commands, they look at his judgment of sin, and instead of saying God is good and just, they say, “If that’s the kind of God he is, I want nothing to do with him.”

    There are also those who say they know God, but by their actions prove they don’t.

    A person who truly knows God loves his people, and you see that in the parable of the sheep and the goats.

    Jesus says when we bless his people, we bless him. (See also Matthew 10:40-42).

    But when we ignore or mistreat them, we ignore or mistreat him. (See also Acts 9:4-5)

    Perhaps John thought of Jesus’ parable as he wrote:

    If anyone has this world’s goods and sees a fellow believer in need but withholds compassion from him—how does God’s love reside in him? (1 John 3:17)

    Do we truly know God?

    Do we truly believe he is good?

    And do we love his people?

    Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

    The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:7-8)

    Categories
    Matthew Devotionals

    Helping the struggling

    Matthew

    They tie up heavy loads that are hard to carry and put them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves aren’t willing to lift a finger to move them. (Matthew 23:4)

    It is so easy to condemn those who are struggling with sin. That’s true even when we aren’t adding a myriad of rules to God’s laws as the scribes and Pharisees did.

    But God doesn’t call us to simply condemn those struggling with sin. Nor does he call us to simply ignore or downplay their sin.

    Rather, he calls us to come alongside people and help them any way we can to overcome their sin. And as we do so, we are to show grace and mercy to them, the same grace and mercy we ourselves have received from Him.

    So let us take on the heart of our Lord, who said,

    Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

    Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

    For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

    Categories
    Matthew Devotionals

    I am your God

    Now concerning the resurrection of the dead, haven’t you read what was spoken to you by God:

    I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” (Matthew 22:31-32)

    When I went back to Hawaii this past winter vacation, I visited the place where my dad’s ashes were scattered over 11 years ago.

    As I read today’s passage, it reminded me of the hope we have in Christ.

    For the God who said, “I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob,” now says this:

    “I am the God of your father George. I am the God of Pastor Rob and all your other loved ones who knew me. And I am your God now and ever will be.

    “Because now and forever, I am Immanuel, God with you.”

    Thank you Lord, for the hope that I have in you. You are not the God of the dead, but of the living, of all who know you.

    Lord help me pass on that hope to all who are now living in darkness, in despair. Let me bring the light of your hope that I have to them this year.

    In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Categories
    Matthew Devotionals

    Being willing to admit you’re wrong

    Matthew

    I doubt anyone likes to admit they’re wrong. I certainly don’t.

    Neither did the chief priests and the elders of the people.

    They had misjudged John the Baptist and they had misjudged Jesus. And everything they saw, particularly the lives that were changed because of John and Jesus told them they were wrong.

    But they were too proud to admit it and were eventually shattered as a result. (Matthew 21:44)

    Meanwhile, the tax collectors (who were notorious for cheating people) and prostitutes heard John and Jesus and humbly repented. And because they did, they found God’s grace in their lives.

    Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve been hard-hearted. For the times I’ve been too proud to admit I was wrong. I want to produce fruit for you and your kingdom.

    So give me a heart that’s willing to admit when I’m wrong and change. Make me like you. In your name I pray, amen.

    Categories
    Matthew Devotionals

    Hardened hearts

    Matthew

    He told them, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of the hardness of your hearts, but it was not like that from the beginning. (Matthew 19:8)

    Jesus said, “Leave the little children alone, and don’t try to keep them from coming to me, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14)

    Father, as I head into this new year, I pray for a soft heart, the heart of a child. A heart that trusts you. A heart that believes your way is best. A heart that does not cling to or make excuses for its sins.

    I don’t want to settle for second best, for what you “permit.”

    I want your very best in my life. I want what you intended for me from the very beginning.

    Show me the places where my heart is hardened and take your plow to my fallow ground. Let your blade dig down to the soil of my soul this year. In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Categories
    Matthew Devotionals

    Causing people to fall

    Matthew

    But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to fall away—it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea.

    Woe to the world because of offenses. For offenses will inevitably come, but woe to that person by whom the offense comes. (Matthew 18:6-7)

    Lord, may I never cause one of your children to fall away.  I want to bring people closer to you, not drive them away from you.

    Lord, guard my every action and word. Let every action and word be for the building up of your children, not their tearing down.

    You valued them enough to die for them. Help me to value them the same way you do. Give me your heart for the people you love. In your name I pray, amen.

    Categories
    Matthew Devotionals

    Listen to Him!

    Matthew

    This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased. Listen to him! (Matthew 17:5)

    Christmas is now past us, and for many people if they even thought of Jesus during the Christmas season, those thoughts are long past.

    It’s so easy to do too. The Jesus most people think of at Christmas is the baby in the manger. A Jesus that makes no demands. Certainly not a Jesus that is to be obeyed.

    But that is exactly what the Father commands. Jesus is not just a man of history born 2000 years ago.

    He was and is God’s Son, his beloved Son with whom he is well-pleased.

    And so though Christmas is past us, let us keep in mind each day the Father’s words and listen to his Son. And not only listen to him, but obey.

    Categories
    Matthew Devotionals

    Motivated by joy

    Treasure

    The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field. (Matthew 13:44)

    As we live the Christian life, what motivates us?

    When we see scriptures like, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me (Matthew 16:24),” is our response reluctance?

    Are we only thinking of what we are giving up?

    Or is it joy?

    Do we understand that what we give up is so much less valuable or important than what we’re gaining?

    Lord, you are a good God. So let me give you all, holding nothing back, not out of some sense of obligation, but of joy.

    Categories
    Matthew Devotionals

    Offended by Jesus?

    Matthew

    Jesus replied to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news, and blessed is the one who isn’t offended by me.” (Matthew 11:4-6)

    I’m sure we’ve all experienced times of disappointment when Jesus didn’t do as we had hoped.

    John certainly felt that way. He had expected Jesus to overthrow the Roman empire and establish God’s kingdom. But instead, he was stuck in a prison and would eventually be executed by Herod.

    No, Jesus doesn’t always do for us what we hope.

    But Jesus says to us the same thing he said to John.

    “I am the one who is your hope. You may not be able to see it, but I am working. And ultimately, you will not be disappointed for putting your hope in me.”

    So as we head into 2023, let’s keep that in view, and remember the words of the writer of Hebrews.

    So don’t throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you need endurance, so that after you have done God’s will, you may receive what was promised.

    For yet in a very little while,
    the Coming One will come and not delay.

    But my righteous one will live by faith;
    and if he draws back,
    I have no pleasure in him.

    But we are not those who draw back and are destroyed, but those who have faith and are saved. (Hebrews 10:35-39)

    Categories
    Matthew Devotionals

    To be like Jesus

    Matthew

    A disciple is not above his teacher, or a slave above his master. It is enough for a disciple to become like his teacher and a slave like his master. (Matthew 10:24-25)

    I think all Christians would say, “I want to be like Jesus.”

    And certainly Jesus would be thrilled that his people have that kind of heart.

    But to be like Jesus is not always easy.

    The whole context of the above verse is that people will sometimes reject the gospel and treat us as badly as they did Jesus.

    So I suppose the question is: Are we okay with that? Do we so want to be like Jesus that we are willing to accept the good with the bad?

    Lord, I do want to be like you. And I recognize that being like you does not mean that life will always be fun and easy. Sometimes I may have to suffer as you did. There may be times that I will be rejected as you were.

    But Jesus just having you in my life is enough. And if I can be like you, that will be enough for me.

    Categories
    Matthew Devotionals

    With a word

    Matthew

    But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. (Matthew 8:8)

    This centurion understood authority and power. He lived under it and he wielded it.

    With a word from his superior, he would quickly move to obey. With a word from his own mouth, his servants would quickly see that his will would be done.

    And so this centurion was saying, “Jesus, I believe you have that kind of power and authority. Just say the word and my servant will be healed.”

    Contrast that with the disciples who panicked during the storm, and were totally amazed that with a word Jesus could calm the wind and the waves.

    This despite the fact that they had just seen Jesus heal the servant and cast out demons with a word (13 16).

    Lord, how often because of my small faith I make you small in my own eyes. But you are not small.

    With a word, you heal the sick, cast out demons, and calm storms.

    With a word you created all things and will bring all things to an end, creating a new heavens and a new earth. (2 Peter 3:5-13)

    So Lord, help me to trust you as the centurion did, no matter the problems I face, no matter the storms.

    Thank you that you are truly a great and awesome God.

    Categories
    Matthew Devotionals

    Seeing our own sins

    Matthew

    Yesterday, I was reflecting on Matthew 6:22-23, thinking about how healthy my spiritual eyesight is.

    Part of that is my ability to see my own sins and faults. It’s so easy to see other people’s sins and faults, and not see my own. (Matthew 7:1-5)

    And as the old saying goes, there’s no worse deception than self-deception. When you’re self-deceived, as Jesus says, “how deep is that darkness.” (Matthew 6:23)

    (O Lord.) Who perceives his unintentional sins?

    Cleanse me from my hidden faults.

    Moreover, keep your servant from willful sins;
    do not let them rule me.

    Then I will be blameless
    and cleansed from blatant rebellion.

    May the words of my mouth
    and the meditation of my heart
    be acceptable to you,
    Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:12-14)

    Categories
    Matthew Devotionals

    Good eyes? Bad eyes?

    Matthew

    The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.

    But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light within you is darkness, how deep is that darkness. (Matthew 6:22-23)

    Just reflecting on those words today and thinking, “How good is my eyesight?” Do I see things rightly in my life?

    Do I see the praise of people as more important than the praise of God? Who am I really trying to please?

    Do I see the things of this world rightly? Do I put the proper value on them? Namely, as less important than God and his kingdom?

    Do I see God as he is? As a good Father? As one who truly cares for me?

    And do I see that because he cares for me, I don’t have to excessively worry about my finances, food, health, or any of my daily necessities, trusting he will meet my needs?

    Lord, give me spiritually healthy eyes. Help me see things as they really are. Help me to see you as you really are. Let me walk each day in your light.

    “For the wellspring of life is with you. By means of your light we see light.” (Psalm 36:9)

    Categories
    Matthew Devotionals

    Obey, trust, worship

    Matthew

    [Jesus] answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4, Deuteronomy 8:3)

    Father, there are times in my life you withhold things from me that I need or want. Not because they are not good. But to remind me that while these other things may be good or important, they are not enough to give me a life that is fulfilling.

    What truly gives me life is living by every word that comes from your mouth.

    So Father, help me to live in obedience to your good Word, just as Jesus did. (John 4:34)

    Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.” (7, Deuteronomy 6:16; Exodus 17:7)

    Father, I do believe you love me. I do believe that you are with me.

    So let me not be like the Israelites who questioned your love when times got hard. Instead, help me to trust you completely as Jesus did, as a little child trusts his good father.

    Then Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.” (10, Deuteronomy 6:13)

    God, you alone are worthy of my worship. So let my words, my thoughts, my deeds, my life, be worship to you every moment of every day. Let me worship or serve no other.

    In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Categories
    Matthew Devotionals

    A Christmas prayer

    Wise men

    Lord, let me never take you for granted or lose my wonder at you.

    That’s what the priests and scribes seemed to have done.

    They studied your scriptures. They did all their religious rituals.

    But when they heard you had been born, they couldn’t be bothered to seek you out. They just went back to their studies and religious practices with hearts completely unchanged.

    Lord, let me instead be like the wise men. Seeking you. Overwhelmed with joy at the sight of you. Falling to my knees. Worshiping you.

    Categories
    Matthew Devotionals

    The message of Christmas

    Mary and Joseph

    She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)

    “He will save his people from their sins.”

    How much did those words shock Joseph?

    “My son will save his people from their sins? How is that possible? What does that mean?”

    He certainly had no concept of the cross at that point.

    Had the angel told him, “He will save his people from the Romans,” similar to what God had said concerning Samson (Judges 13:5), I’m sure Joseph would have had no problems understanding that.

    But, “He will save his people from their sins?”

    How many people today would be as confused as Joseph was?

    If they think they need salvation at all, it might be salvation from government oppression. Or salvation from financial problems, health problems, or family problems.

    They think joy and peace in their lives would come from having all those issues taken away.

    And so if they ever ask God for anything, that’s what they pray for.

    But it never occurs to them that the number one issue in their lives is their sin. They need salvation from their sin.

    So many take their sin lightly. Many refuse to even admit their actions are sinful.

    On the other hand, there are those completely burdened with guilt and regret because of their sin, but they can’t see what can be done about it.

    To both, the message is the same: Jesus came to save his people from their sins.

    So as we think about Christmas and how to share with the people we love its meaning, let us remember what is at the core of the Christmas message:

    Jesus came to save his people from their sins.

    Categories
    1 Samuel Devotionals

    Setting us free, giving us gifts

    Christmas gift

    David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken; he also rescued his two wives.

    Nothing of theirs was missing from the youngest to the oldest, including the sons and daughters, and all the plunder the Amalekites had taken. David got everything back…

    When David came to Ziklag, he sent some of the plunder to his friends, the elders of Judah, saying, “Here is a gift for you from the plunder of the Lord’s enemies.”

    He sent gifts…to those in all the places where David and his men had roamed. (1 Samuel 30:18-19, 26-27, 31)

    As I read those words, I couldn’t help but think of Paul’s words to the Ephesians concerning Jesus.

    For it says: When he ascended on high, he took the captives captive; he gave gifts to people. (Ephesians 4:8)

    Just as David set captives free from the enemy and gave gifts to his people, so Jesus has set us who were captives of Satan free and given us gifts.

    He’s given us the gift of life. He’s given us the gift of his Spirit. He’s given us the gift of his church. He has given us gifts so that we can build God’s people up and set free other captives of Satan.

    So in this Christmas season, let’s rejoice with Paul, shouting in praise,

    Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)

    Categories
    1 Samuel Devotionals

    An honorable man?

    1 Samuel

    So Achish summoned David and told him, “As the Lord lives, you are an honorable man.” (1 Samuel 29:6)

    Achish’s words are probably among the most ironic in the entire Bible.

    He swears by the God that David serves that David is an honorable man.

    This despite the fact that David has been lying to him for over a year.

    And right after Achish says that, David lies to him again, speaking as if he is a faithful servant to Achish.

    The Bible never comments on David’s inner thoughts at Achish’s words nor on God’s thoughts concerning David’s actions.

    But I can’t help but think that looking back, David prayed, “Lord, I blew it. Forgive me. I haven’t been an honorable man. But I want to be.”

    Lord, I, like David, do not always live honorably. Forgive me for the times I’ve stained your name by my actions.

    Let my every word, every action, every thought be pleasing in your sight, O Lord.

    Thank you for the grace by which I stand. In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Categories
    1 Samuel Devotionals

    I’ve got no other choice

    1 Samuel

    David said to himself, “One of these days I’ll be swept away by Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape immediately to the land of the Philistines.” (1 Samuel 27:1)

    Essentially, David was saying there, “I’ve got no other choice. I have to run to Israel’s enemies for refuge.”

    But I wonder. Was that really true?

    Had he consulted God as he had in the past, would there have been a better option?

    Sure, David got temporary relief from Saul’s murderous pursuit.  

    But he had to deceive Achish to do so. And in deceiving Achish, David would nearly be forced to fight his own people in the next chapter. (28:1)

    Sometimes we think we have no other option but to do something morally questionable. Sometimes doing that even gives us temporary relief from our problem.

    But often times, as with David, our decision only leads to more problems and more morally questionable decisions.

    Lord, let me never make decisions based on “I have no other choice.”

    Instead, show me the right path. Show me the path that is most pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Categories
    1 Samuel Devotionals

    When you’ve been abused

    1 Samuel

    This is the last time David and Saul ever talk. And while their parting was amicable, nevertheless, it’s clear that David did not trust Saul enough to return despite Saul’s promises.

    Saul had proven far too many times that his promises could not be trusted.

    That said, David treated Saul’s life as precious and forgave him.

    When there is a pattern of abuse, I think it’s important to realize that while we are to forgive our abuser and not seek revenge, God does not require us to put ourselves in harm’s way.

    It is all right to keep our distance until the other person proves that they have truly changed. And that takes time. Sadly, in many cases, that time never does come. It certainly didn’t for Saul.

    So let us learn from David.

    Forgive your abuser. But do not allow that person’s abuse.

    Categories
    1 Samuel Devotionals

    Keeping a clear conscience

    1 Samuel

    Afterward, David’s conscience bothered him… (1 Samuel 24:5)

    What do we do when our conscience bothers us?

    If we want to keep a soft heart before God, our conscience is our first line of defense against sin. 

    But we can sear our consciences by ignoring it when we do something wrong. (1 Timothy 4:2)

    How do we know our consciences are seared? When the sin that used to bother us no longer does so.

    That would happen to David later, and only after he was confronted by the prophet Nathan did he repent and have his soft heart restored. (2 Samuel 11-12).

    So let us always strive to keep a clear conscience and a soft heart, praying with David,

    Who perceives his unintentional sins? Cleanse me from my hidden faults.

    Moreover, keep your servant from willful sins; do not let them rule me. Then I will be blameless and cleansed from blatant rebellion.

    May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:12-14)

    Categories
    1 Samuel Devotionals

    Bearing with others’ weaknesses

    1 Samuel

    It’s easy, I suppose, to criticize the people of Keilah. After all, David had just saved them from the Philistines, and now they were going to hand him over to Saul?

    There is something to note, however.

    We have no hint that the people of Keilah had been talking to Saul like the people of Ziph did.

    It is possible, of course, but there was no way that David rescuing Keilah from the Philistines would have escaped Saul’s notice, even if the people of Keilah had said nothing.

    More likely what happened is that word came to Keilah that Saul was coming, and that David started hearing people whispering around him.

    “What do we do? We can’t just hand David over can we? He just saved us from the Philistines.”

    “Yeah, but did you hear what Saul did at Nob? He slaughtered over 80 priests because they had helped David. Priests!!!”

    “Yeah, and we couldn’t protect ourselves from the Philistines. How could we protect David from Saul? He’d just kill us like he killed the priests and kill David anyway.”

    And it was probably those whispers that led to David asking God, “Will they hand me over to Saul?”

    When God said yes, David could have gotten angry at the people. He could have demanded the people of Keilah at least try to help him.

    But instead, he left quietly.

    He understood their weakness, and so he forgave them.

    People will let us down. They are weak.

    But then again, so are we. And yet Jesus still shows us grace every day.

    So let us remember the words of Paul:

    Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another.

    Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. (Colossians 3:12-13)

    Categories
    1 Samuel Devotionals

    No one cares?

    None of you cares about me… (1 Samuel 22:8)

    Such were the words of Saul who was convinced everyone was conspiring against him when no one was.

    And then there are the words of David as he was hiding from Saul in a cave.

    Look to the right and see: no one stands up for me; there is no refuge for me; no one cares about me. (Psalm 142:4)

    David definitely had Saul conspiring against him, but his words weren’t entirely true either.

    Jonathan had stood up for him very strongly.

    Michal had risked her life to save him as well.

    The king of Moab also took care of his family for a time. And that’s not even mentioning the 400 men who had joined him.

    Still, being on the run as he was and hiding in a cave, you can understand the exaggeration.

    But unlike Saul, David put his trust in the Lord. He poured out his heart to God, confessing his weakness. And all the while, he was saying things like,

    Although my spirit is weak within me, you know my way. (Psalm 142:3)

    I say, “You are my shelter, my portion in the land of the living.” (Psalm 142:5)

    The righteous will gather around me because you deal generously with me. (Psalm 142:7)

    Do you feel that no one cares about you?

    Look a little more carefully. More people care about you than you think. And even if everyone does abandon you, God never will.

    He knows our way. He is our shelter. And he will deal generously with us.

    Categories
    1 Samuel Devotionals

    When we reject God

    1 Samuel

    Three times in these chapters, we see the phrase, “an evil spirit from God came upon Saul.” (1 Samuel 16:14, 23; 18:10; 19:9).

    Let’s be honest. Those are hard words. God sends an evil spirit to torment people? How can a good and loving God do that?

    The best answer I can give is that this was God’s righteous judgment on Saul for his rejection of God.

    There are hints, however, that this is a last step to try to bring people to repentance.

    In a similar story in 1 Kings 22, God sends a lying spirit to lead King Ahab to destruction. But as he does so, he sends a prophet to tell him exactly what is happening, giving Ahab one last chance to repent.

    Sadly, unlike in an earlier story (1 Kings 21:27-29), Ahab refuses to do so. (1 Kings 22:17-28)

    We also see this in the New Testament. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he says concerning an unrepentant sinner,

    hand that one over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 5:5)

    In Revelation 9, it talks about plagues God sends, some of which seem to imply demonly origins. Many people die, but many more survive, giving them a final chance to repent. But the people refuse to do so (Revelation 9:20-21)

    And then there are Paul’s words in 2 Thessalonians 2.

    God releases Antichrist into the world that they might be deceived and perish. Why? In Paul’s words, the reason for God doing this is made crystal clear:

    They perish because they did not accept the love of the truth and so be saved.

    For this reason God sends them a strong delusion so that they will believe the lie, so that all will be condemned—those who did not believe the truth but delighted in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12)

    In short, the Antichrist and his deception is part of the judgment on this earth for their refusing to love the truth. It is essentially the same judgment that both Saul and Ahab received.

    How about you? Do you love God? Do you love truth? Do you delight in righteousness? How will you respond to God?

    Categories
    1 Samuel Devotionals

    Mighty God

    1 Samuel

    Christmas, unbelievably, is right around the corner. I’m seeing Christmas decorations all over the place here in Japan.

    And so I’ve been reflecting on Isaiah 9:6 recently, where the Messiah is to be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

    I’ve been especially thinking about the name, “Mighty God.”

    The picture seems to be of the Messiah as a strong and valiant warrior.

    It’s only fitting then that David would prove to be a strong and valiant warrior himself. After all, the Jews often thought of the Messiah as the “Son of David.” (Matthew 21:9)

    And at a time when the Israelites had lost heart, were beaten down and intimidated, David fought for them, giving them victory over their enemies.

    In the same way, when we lose heart, when we feel beaten down and intimidated by our problems, Jesus, our Messiah fights for us. And he gives us the victory.

    So whatever struggles you may be going through right now, put your hope in our Mighty God. For he looks at you now, and says, “I fight for you.”

    Categories
    1 Samuel Devotionals

    The One who sees our hearts

    1 Samuel

    Humans do not see what the Lord sees, for humans see what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)

    That’s one of the more famous lines in 1 Samuel, perhaps in the whole Bible.

    Nobody in his family truly appreciated David, not even his own father who didn’t even think to call David when Samuel asked to see Jesse’s sons.

    But God doesn’t see what humans see. He sees our hearts.

    What did he see in David? God doesn’t say, but I think we get some glimpses throughout David’s life.

    A heart that trusted God.

    A heart that loved God.

    A heart that was soft toward God.

    David certainly had his struggles with sin, and he blew it terribly at times. But he ultimately came back to God with a repentant heart, seeking to please him.

    Lord help me have such a heart. A heart that trusts you. A heart that loves you. And a heart that remains soft towards you.

    Categories
    1 Samuel Devotionals

    God regrets?

    1 Samuel

    The word of the Lord came to Samuel: “I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not performed my commandments.” (1 Samuel 15:10-11, ESV)

    “And also the Glory of Israel will not lie or have regret, for he is not a man, that he should have regret.” (29, ESV)

    And the Lord regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel. (35, ESV)

    Just reflecting on those verses today. The word translated “regret” can also mean “change one’s mind.” (CSB).

    How can it be that God does not regret and yet he does?

    Is God one that easily changes his mind?

    I think that one key to understanding this all is Samuel’s words in verse 29: “God is not a man, that he should have regret.”

    Or as the CSB puts it, “the Eternal One of Israel…is not man who changes his mind.”

    People are finite in their knowledge, and make mistakes because of it. They also do stupid things due to their passions. And they can be very fickle, changing their minds on a whim.

    God is not like that.

    God knows everything, past, present, and future. He knew what Saul would do.

    So it’s not like God said, “Man, I messed up! I just didn’t know that Saul would end up like this!”

    Nor did he say, “What a stupid choice? What in the world was I thinking? I knew better than that.”

    Everything God does is purposeful with full knowledge of what will happen.

    And yet, God is not emotionless. Just because he knew what would happen did not take away from his pain at seeing Saul actually sin.

    Why did God choose Saul in the first place? We don’t know.

    Perhaps one reason is that the people pressed for a king instead of waiting just a few more years for God to appoint one, one who would be a man after God’s own heart.

    Perhaps another reason is that they wanted “a king like all the other nations had.” And God needed to show them what that looked like. He needed to show them what a terrible idea that was.

    Whatever his reasons, they were good ones. Nevertheless, when he saw Saul’s sin and rebellion, he grieved. He “regretted.”

    Not because God had messed up. Not because God suddenly realized he had made a bad decision.

    Rather it was more God saying, “I wish this didn’t have to be.”

    “God doesn’t change his mind like a man does.”

    That’s a very comforting thought. God is not fickle. God is very consistent in his ways.

    And one thing that is very consistent about him is that while he will judge sin, he is always looking to show mercy toward repentant sinners. (Ezekiel 33:10-16)

    You see this played out in the Bible time and again. (1 Kings 21:17-28, 2 Kings 22:15-20, 2 Chronicles 12:5-8; 33:1-13, Jonah 3)

    Because of his mercy, he will also often listen to the intercessions of his people and relent on judgment. (Exodus 32:9-14)

    But because he is also a just God, there eventually comes a time when God says, “Enough. It is time for judgment for these people who refuse to repent.” (Jeremiah 7:16, Jeremiah 11:14, Jeremiah 14:11)

    The unfortunate thing in this story is that Saul never truly repented. Instead he made excuses.

    And when he finally “repented,” it was not because of sorrow over his sin, but rather over fear that he might lose his position. And so ultimately, God judged him and set him aside as king.

    To sum up:

    1. God is utterly consistent in his character. He is merciful and patient, forgiving the repentant, and giving time to all for repentance.

    But he is also just, ultimately bringing justice to those who refuse to repent.

    2. Everything God does is for a good reason, and he is never caught off guard by events. But knowing all this does not take away from his pain when he sees sin, and all the hurt that comes from sin. And in that sense, he “regrets.”

    But through everything, he is working for the good of those who love him, who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

      I don’t know about you, but I’m glad that I serve such a good God.

      Categories
      1 Samuel Devotionals

      Seeking God?

      1 Samuel

      And they said, “Do whatever seems good to you.”

      But the priest said, “Let us draw near to God here.” (1 Samuel 14:36, ESV)

      The soldiers’ words to Saul are very reminiscent to the Israelites’ attitude in Judges. In a time where there was no king, “everyone did whatever seemed right to him.” (Judges 21:25)

      Now there was a king who was supposed to be seeking God (Deueteronomy 17:18-20), and the people told him, “Just do whatever seems right to you.”

      And that was the problem with Saul throughout his life. He often paid lip service to seeking God, but sometimes he had to reminded to do so. (1 Samuel 14:36)

      Other times he would start doing so and then give up on it before getting an answer. (19)

      Even worse, like Jephthah (Judges 11:30-31), there were times where instead of seeking God, Saul sought to manipulate God by use of foolish oaths.

      All of which makes me think: what is my attitude toward God?

      When I’m making decisions, am I seeking him? Or am I simply doing whatever seems good to me?

      Do I have a heart that seeks to manipulate him to do my will?

      Or do I have a heart that seeks to truly serve him and do his will?

      As God would tell another king years later,

      For the eyes of the Lord roam throughout the earth to show himself strong for those who are wholeheartedly devoted to him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)

      Categories
      1 Samuel Devotionals

      When the heat is on

      1 Samuel

      Saul answered, “When I saw that the troops were deserting me and you didn’t come within the appointed days and the Philistines were gathering at Michmash… I forced myself to offer the burnt offering.”

      Samuel said to Saul, “You have been foolish. You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you.” (1 Samuel 13:11-13)

      It’s easy to obey God when things are going well. But how about when things are not?

      Trials tend to show what’s really in our hearts.

      Do we really trust God? Do we really believe his way is best? Do we believe it so much that our first instinct when things get hard is to obey him?

      Or do we foolishly go our own way?

      Saul’s trials showed what was in his heart.

      What do our trials show about what’s in ours?

      Categories
      1 Samuel Devotionals

      Don’t give up!

      1 Samuel

      Samuel replied, “Don’t be afraid. Even though you have committed all this evil, don’t turn away from following the Lord. Instead, worship the Lord with all your heart.

      Don’t turn away to follow worthless things that can’t profit or rescue you; they are worthless.

      The Lord will not abandon his people, because of his great name and because he has determined to make you his own people.” (1 Samuel 12:20-22)

      Sometimes, we look at all our sins and failures as Christians, and get discouraged. We wonder how God could still accept us.

      But we should take heart from Samuel’s words. Even though we sin, even though we fail, don’t turn away from following the Lord. Instead continue to worship the Lord with all our hearts.

      Why?

      Because the Lord will not abandon his people. Not because we are so wonderful, but because he is. And he is determined to make us his own people.

      More, just as Samuel prayed for the people and continued to teach them the good and right way, so does Jesus, and so does the Holy Spirit. (Romans 8:26-27, 34; John 14:26, 16:13; 1 John 1:27)

      So again. Don’t give up. Instead remember Samuel’s words:

      Above all, fear the Lord and worship him faithfully with all your heart; consider the great things he has done for you. (1 Samuel 12:24)

      Categories
      1 Samuel Devotionals

      A prayer

      1 Samuel

      “The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully on you, you will prophesy with them, and you will be transformed.

      When these signs have happened to you, do whatever your circumstances require, because God is with you.”

      …When Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed his heart. (1 Samuel 10:6-7, 9)

      Father, what you did for one man, and only for a short time, you have now done for your entire church, giving us your Spirit. (Acts 1:8; 2:1-18)

      Because of Saul’s unfaithfulness and sin, your Spirit eventually left him. (1 Samuel 16:14)

      But because of your faithfulness and your grace, you promise never to forsake us. (2 Timothy 2:13; Hebrews 13:5)

      Holy Spirit, come down powerfully on all your people. Transform us. Change our hearts. Lead us. Use us to touch this nation and bring your salvation to it.

      Today, help us touch our loved ones, our coworkers, our neighbors, and everyone around us with your love.

      In Jesus’ name, amen.

      Categories
      1 Samuel Devotionals

      Our agenda. God’s agenda.

      1 Samuel

      As I thought about Saul’s encounter with Samuel, it made me think: How often do I come to God with my own agenda? Usually it’s some kind of problem that seems so big to me at the time.

      But when I come to God, he has a much bigger agenda in mind. He of course cares about me and my concerns. And he will help me with my problems.

      But often times, I get so fixated on my own agenda that I fail to see God’s.

      And though like Saul, I may feel insignificant, I am a part of that agenda. God wants to use me to make a difference in the lives of the people around me. To make a difference for his kingdom.

      Lord, help me to see beyond my own little world. To see beyond my problems. And help me to see what you’re doing around me. I want to join in with your agenda.

      Show me today and every day what you want me to do. In Jesus’ name, amen.