Daily Devotions

By setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

2 Corinthians 4:2

Hopefully not many readers of these devotions have had the opportunity to stand before a judge and testify to “tell the truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God.”  If one has, these brief words give the judge your solemn word that what you say will be the truth.  You won’t distort your story to protect the guilty.  You won’t exaggerate the story to build up the innocent.  You will simply tell the truth.

Temptation abounds for us to twist or distort the truth for our own best interest.  It’s no different in the way we are tempted to treat the words of the Bible.  We try to make its teachings more acceptable to us.  We want to justify alternate lifestyles and so deem the Bible’s teaching on marriage “old fashioned.”  Living God’s ways are challenging so we throw them out as “too strict.”  To claim that Jesus is the only way to heaven is perceived as narrow-minded and arrogant, so the teaching is meshed into the nicety that there are many paths to God.

Just as a witness in a courtroom would do a disservice to the trial by not telling the truth, so Christians who distort the truth of God do a disservice to people of our generation.  The apostle Paul had one objective, “set forth the truth plainly.” 

What is that truth?  There are many, but let me commend to your conscience the most important truth.  Apart from faith in Jesus, there is no hope of heaven.  Why?  The Bible teaches: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  Each reader must admit, “I am not perfect.”  You may try harder, do more good, or feel like you are better than most.  The harsh reality is that none of that activity or thinking removes your guilt and sin.  There is only one way to stand perfect before a holy God.  Later in his letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes, “God made him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).  The reality?  Jesus took your sin and gave you his perfection.  Believe it.  Jesus did this for you!  This is the truth!

Prayer: 

Dear Jesus, we love to push aside the truth of your Word.  We think we know better.  Forgive us.  Assure us of your love and forgiveness.  Lead us always to trust the truth that you and you alone are the Way, the Truth and the Life and that no one comes to God except through you.  Amen.

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Devotion - February 22, 2012 --Daily Devotion

Christ Jesus…Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:6-11

Some Bible scholars believe that Philippians 2:6-11 may have been part of an early Christian hymn. Believers praised the Son of God because he "made himself nothing" and chose to put aside his own rights and privileges as God to become a man. Not just any man, but a lowly servant.  Even more, he gave himself over to be executed as a criminal on a cross. How high he was, and how low he came! Yet look at what the early Christians also sang about. They praised Jesus Christ who rose victoriously from the dead and is now exalted to the highest glory of heaven.  One day, the Christians confessed, Jesus will appear and everyone will acknowledge him as Lord and King, and Jesus will reign in glorious triumph.

A Christmas card once captured the truth of this hymn by illustrating the exceptional character of Jesus.  On the front of the card was a depiction of many kings and dictators who have appeared throughout history: Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte, Adolf Hitler, Vladimir Lenin. The caption on the front of the card said: "History is crowded with men who would be gods." Then on the inside were the words: "But only one God who would be man."

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.  For the next six weeks our hearts will be focused especially on the willingness of Jesus to become a man and be the sacrifice for our sins.  In our Lenten meditation we will marvel at his love that led him to such deep humility to rescue us from hell.  And like those early Christians, we will also rejoice in his Easter victory and look forward to joining the mass of people at the end of time to confess him as our exalted Lord!

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, especially during the upcoming Lenten season grant that the message of your wondrous love may draw me closer to you and fill me with gratitude for all you did to save me from death and rescue me from hell.  Keep me in the faith that I may be among those on the last day who joyfully confess that you are Lord. Amen.

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Devotion - February 21, 2012 --Daily Devotion

After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”

Mark 9:2-7

Listen to your Father

In life there are really only two paths – man’s way and God’s way.  Following these paths to the finish, one ends in eternal death in hell and the other ends in eternal life in the glories of heaven. Thus it is very important that we are on the correct path.  How do we know which path is right?  Listen to your Father.

The Scriptures before us today happened about eight months before Jesus died on the cross.  As Jesus looked down the path he was on to Calvary, he knew that the suffering and persecution would increase dramatically.  Many would no longer follow him as they once did.  Even his closest friends would forsake him.  But Jesus was determined to keep going on that path because he listened to his Father.

Led by his heavenly Father, Jesus took three of his disciples high on a mountain.  There God the Father reaffirmed and reassured both these disciples as well as his Son, that Jesus was on the right path.  Not only was it the right path, but it was the only path that would rescue us from hell.  Yes, that path led to Jesus’ death as he bore the punishment of the world’s sin, but ultimately it ended with victory over death and the glorious life of heaven.  Therefore, through this extraordinary experience on the mountain where Jesus was transfigured, God the Father urged his Son to continue on the path to bring salvation to the world.  And to those disciples who saw the glory of the Son, the Father said, “Listen to him.”

The command of our Father is the same today – Listen to Jesus.  Listen to him and live.  Reject him, ignore his words, follow the path of your own personal desires and feelings and you will die eternally.  The Scriptures make this crystal clear.  When we are tempted to wander away and not listen to our heavenly Father, for our own eternal good he urges us to repent and listen again to his words of life. 

Jesus listened and obeyed his Father’s will to take the path that led to the cross; he is our true Savior.  Through Jesus God the Father loves us, and by faith in his Son he claims us as his dear children.  Cleansed of our sin by Jesus’ holy blood, God the Father is pleased with us.  What words of true peace and great joy!  What incredible love that inspires us to listen to our heavenly Father every day.

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, help me to listen to your life-giving word every day.  Amen.

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Devotion - February 20, 2012 --Daily Devotion

“Wash and be cleansed!” So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.

2 Kings 5:13-14

Naaman was an important man; he was the commander of the army for the king of Aram. In Old Testament times, this was a strong nation that contended against God’s people. Raiding groups from Aram went into the northern kingdom of Israel, taking loot and prisoners.

But then Naaman contracted leprosy, a deadly disease.  Naaman’s servant girl, who was from Israel, showed amazing love.  She encouraged Naaman to go to Israel to see the prophet.  There was no other choice for a cure, so Naaman traveled to Israel. Eventually he was directed to the house of Elisha the prophet.  The account in the Bible then goes on to say:

So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha's house. Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, "Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed." But Naaman went away angry and said, "I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than any of the waters of Israel? Couldn't I wash in them and be cleansed?" So he turned and went off in a rage. Naaman's servants went to him and said, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, 'Wash and be cleansed'!" So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy. (2 Kings 5:9-14)

The cure was oh-so-simple, but it worked.  Why?  It worked because God promised that it would work!  Through his prophet Elisha, God promised Naaman that washing in the Jordan would cleanse him.  And so Naaman was cleansed, just as God promised.

Indeed, whenever God makes a promise, you can count on it.  If God has promised it, it will come true!  So, God has promised that baptism saves you.  You can count on it!  God has promised that your sins are forgiven because of Jesus’ death and resurrection.  You can count on it!  God has promised that all who believe in him will go to heaven.  You can count on it!  God has promised to make all things work for your good.  You can count on it!

For when God makes a promise, it will come true!

Prayer: 

Oh heavenly Father, assure me that your promises are true.  Lead me to trust them completely, and to rejoice in the truths they guarantee me.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Devotion - February 17, 2012 --Daily Devotion

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

Psalm 139:7-10

God's Care, Everywhere

Peering up into a clear sky at night is very interesting experience.  As you look at those innumerable stars and let your mind mull over the vastness of the universe and how small we are in comparison, do you sense the power and wisdom of God who is the creator and preserver of everything?

God is everywhere in our world, and in space far beyond it. That is a sobering fact.  No one can escape the all-seeing and all-knowing mind and eye of God.  Without Jesus that would be terrifying!  But we do not fear the presence of God because we stand before him covered with the holiness of Jesus.  We are acceptable in God’s sight by faith in our Savior.  Therefore, the presence of God is a comforting truth.  We rejoice to be in a favorable relationship with him.  And he assures us that he will never leave us alone.  God is with us wherever we are, exercising his almighty power and all-knowing wisdom to guide us through life and uphold us in every circumstance. 

God who created and fills the universe is with you.  Trust him, for through Jesus he loves and cares for you!

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father who sent Jesus to this earth to be my Savior, I ask that you make your presence known to me at all times through your Word and your Holy Spirit, especially in the times of trouble, heartache and doubt.  By faith in Jesus I pray.  Amen.

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Devotion - February 16, 2012 --Daily Devotion

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

What is your goal in life?

July 27, 2012.  Does this date have any significance for you?  It might, if it’s your birthday, the start of your summer vacation, or possibly an anniversary.  But for most, it’s just another day… unless you are an Olympic athlete.  This summer date marks the beginning of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England.  For four years and more, athletes have been dedicating hours upon hours to work and train to compete on an international scale with one goal: winning a gold medal.

As far back as 776BC (www.olympic.org), athletes have gone into strict training to gain the top prize.  Today it’s a gold medal.  For ancient Greek athletes it was a sacred olive tree wreath placed on their head in the vestibule of the temple of Zeus.  The effort was immense, however the losers were many and the glory of the victor often short-lived.

While we admire the discipline and dedication of an Olympic athlete, the apostle Paul encourages the same dedication, discipline and determination in pursuing a life with the Lord Jesus.  Life can easily become consumed with the temporary and transient.  Perhaps today is an opportunity to ask, “What am I doing today to spend time and energy pursuing the one thing that will last forever—a close and growing relationship with Jesus Christ?”

Paul “beat his body” and made it his slave to proclaim Jesus to others and to grow in his personal walk with Jesus.  To what do I have to say “No!” in order to have time each day to spend reading the Bible or in personal devotion and prayer?  What disciplines do I need to practice to reflect the love of Jesus in my attitudes and actions each day?  What priorities do I need to adjust to ensure that my family and I are intensely pursuing that which really matters—the love of the Lord Jesus and a life honoring him?

Today, with the Lord’s help, run in such a way to gain the prize that lasts forever! Tomorrow do the same…and the next day…and the next!  Jesus says, “Be faithful to the point of death and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, we thank you for pursuing us with a focus and intensity that took you to the cross for each of us.  Instill in us the discipline, determination and dedication to pursue a closer and growing relationship with you so that when our final day on this earth comes, we will enjoy standing in your temple receiving the crown of life you won for us.  Amen.

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Devotion - February 15, 2012 --Daily Devotion

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love defined - My Valentine

The greeting card poets have been busy for this Valentine’s Day. In a hundred different ways on a hundred different cards are a hundred different attempts to define a single thought: the meaning of love.

Emotions are certainly part of love. But there is more to love than just a feeling, much more!

In his Word God defines love as an action. In the great "love chapter" of the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13, love is defined as something that is done, rather than a feeling. "Love is [being] patient, love is [being] kind, …"

Actually, the entire Bible revolves around one great act of love. God extended his love toward us all. Jesus described it this way: "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

Jesus’ love is defined in what he did. His valentine to us came not in the form of a card, but a cross. He literally gave us his heart. And the loving relationship he promises those who trust in him is truly undying.

There is one great meaning for love. His name is Jesus Christ. He's our true Valentine.

Prayer: 

Jesus, how great is love!  You gave yourself over to death to make me your own.  May your love and the sacrifice it led you to make for my salvation always be my most precious possession.  Amen.

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Devotion - February 14, 2012 --Daily Devotion

A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured.

Mark 1:40-42

Your Will be Done!

“Whatever you think is best,” Don told his mechanic.  Although he was surprised at the number and cost of repairs, he knew his car wasn’t running right.  He also knew his mechanical skills were limited, so he had to trust the man who was recommending the repairs.

Don’s trust was not misplaced.  His mechanic was skilled and had an excellent reputation.  Consequently he was comfortable saying, “Do whatever you need to do.”

The same kind of trust was expressed by the man with leprosy who came to Jesus.  While he passionately pleaded for Jesus’ help, he was not driven by desperation, nor did he make unrealistic demands.  He came to Jesus and trusted that the Lord would do what was best – whether he healed him or not.

I want to trust Jesus like that man.  I’ll strive to adopt the leper’s words for my life and for my life of prayer: “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”  There are no demands.  There are no deals offered.  There is only a simple faith in Jesus, trusting that he will do the best – whatever the answer is.

Jesus invites me to come to him in prayer.  He also assures me he will always answer me.  He even guarantees his answer will always be the best for me.  While that answer may be yes or no, now or later, I can have every confidence Jesus is always acting for my good.

My trust is built on Jesus’ love for me.  Jesus who forsook his heavenly glory to become my Savior will never forsake me.  My Savior who gave up his life to pay for my sin will not give up on me.  My Savior who freed me from the devil’s power will not leave me on my own.  My Savior who made me his own for eternity is concerned about me all the time.

This is why I need to learn from the leper.  He approached Jesus in complete humility and trusted him implicitly.  That same faith in Jesus will lead me to pray with unshakable confidence: “Your will be done!”

Prayer: 

O dearest Jesus, my loving Savior, I thank you for your invitation to pray and the promise to answer all my prayers.  Give me the strength of faith to trust that you will always do what is best for me.  Amen.

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Devotion - February 13, 2012 --Daily Devotion

“Does not man have hard service on earth? Are not his days like those of a hired man? Like a slave longing for the evening shadows, or a hired man waiting eagerly for his wages, so I have been allotted months of futility, and nights of misery have been assigned to me. When I lie down I think, ‘How long before I get up?’ The night drags on, and I toss till dawn. My body is clothed with worms and scabs, my skin is broken and festering. My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and they come to an end without hope. Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath; my eyes will never see happiness again.”

Job 7:1-7

Hope in Tragedy

When did you first realize that you weren’t going to live forever?  Maybe it was an accident that brought you so close to death that it was no longer possible to ignore its reality.  Or perhaps it was when someone your own age (or younger) was taken away.  For some of us it takes a little longer, but sooner or later, the circumstances of life and the reality checks of an aging body remind us that life is short—sometimes too short.

One by one tragedy came parading into Job’s life.  First his servants and livestock were taken by an invading tribe.  Next the news came that his sheep and camels had also been destroyed.  Then worst of all, his sons and daughters died when a windstorm caused their house to collapse.  On top of all of this, Job experienced intense physical pain as his body was covered with sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head.  He sat among the ashes and scraped himself with broken pieces of pottery, as his friends and even his wife seemed to question his faith in a good God.

But even as Job suffered and tottered on the edge of despair, he did not give up hope in Lord.  He gripped God’s gracious promises even when it seemed senseless to do so.  He said, “Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath.” Job faced the fact of his mortality; he was well aware that his physical life on earth would end.  But death would not rob him of hope.  And the reason for his hope he states, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27)

Job experienced more suffering in his life than most of us ever will.  Yet the Lord preserved his faith and strengthened him through it all.  What great comfort to know that whatever hardship and suffering we might have to endure, God will never forsake us; his love for us never changes.  Through Jesus we have God’s peace even amidst the turmoil of life.  Though we face the fact of death, we have the confidence of the resurrection from the dead and rejoice in the gift of eternal life from our Lord.

Prayer: 

Lord, keep tragedy from falling upon me, if it is your will.  But if it is necessary that I experience suffering and hardship, use it to draw me ever deeper into your love.  For the sake of your Son who has already suffered everything for me. Amen.

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Devotion - February 10, 2012 --Daily Devotion

He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5

Christ Removes the Crushing Weight

From time to time we hear of people doing extraordinary things, like a woman who managed to lift a car that had slipped off the jack to free her son who was being crushed under the heavy weight. In extreme emergencies people have been known to tap a source of physical strength and mental resourcefulness they didn't know they had.

However, human strength and wit cannot accomplish every feat. They do not enable us to save ourselves or others from the power and the punishment of sin. Not by our power or resolve can we get out from under, or help free others, from the crushing guilt of sin.  

But what we can't do, our Lord Jesus did for us. He was crushed for our iniquities.  He bore the full weight of our sin and allowed it to crush him to death. He took the punishment we deserved. He freed us from sin’s overwhelming burden. Trusting in our Savior, we stand before God not scared and trapped under his judgment, but safe and free in the peace we have with our God through Jesus.

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your great love.  It was your will to crush your only Son and cause him to suffer and die for the sins of all. Fill me with gladness for the pardon that my Savior accomplished and the peace he gives me.

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Devotion - February 9, 2012 --Daily Devotion

Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

1 Corinthians 9:16

Play It

In the early 1900's, there was a man by the name of Fritz Kreisler. Fritz Kreisler was a superb violinist. On one particular day, however, he was facing a terrible disappointment. Some time before, he had discovered a violin that made exquisite sound. He dearly wanted to have it. But the violin was expensive, and so Fritz carefully saved up money to buy it. When he arrived to make the purchase, however, he discovered that a wealthy man had bought it simply to add to his collection of rare violins.

Fritz went to the man's home. There was the violin, on display, but silent. The man, proud of his new purchase, refused even to consider selling it. Fritz turned to leave, but then he had an idea. He asked the man if he could play it. The man agreed. Fritz picked up the instrument and began to play. What flowed from that violin stunned its owner. So beautiful and moving was the music that the man finally blurted out, "I have no right to keep that to myself." Then he said, "It's yours, Mr. Kreisler. Take it into the world, and let people hear it."

There are times when you and I assume we are doing all the right things with the message of the gospel. We treat it reverently. We preserve it. We put it on display so we can admire it from time to time. We tell ourselves how fortunate we are to have it when so many others do not. And then we don't “play” it—we don’t listen to the wonderful sound of its beautiful message and take it to heart.

When we don't, we rob ourselves of the peace God wants us to have through his word. We rob ourselves of the assurance of forgiveness in Christ that the gospel gives. We fill ourselves with empty silence instead of the fullness of Jesus.

Play it. Let the gospel ring out. Listen to the sound of your Savior's voice. And take it into the world.

Prayer: 

I confess, Lord Jesus, all the times I have allowed your gospel to remain silent in my life. Open my ears and heart to listen again and again to the sweet sound of your forgiveness. Amen.

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Devotion - February 8, 2012 --Daily Devotion

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

Who's In Control?

Sue was excited to visit New York City; it was her first time to experience the sights and sounds of the big city.  But on arrival, her expectation for an exciting time was threatened by the taxi ride to the hotel. The driver seemed determined to demonstrate his skill and daring in negotiating the traffic congestion. He went careening down streets, making abrupt turns, nearly sideswiping other cars, and coming to screeching stops. Sue thought that the trip was going to end in a cemetery. She was frustrated and afraid because she didn't have control, and she felt that her life was in unreliable hands.

Experiences like Sue had illustrate our human tendency to want to be in charge of things in our lives. We are nervous whenever we feel that the control of our lives is out of our hands. When we are tempted to think that way, we need to remind ourselves that the LORD of our lives—the one who is truly in control—is the almighty God and Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. We can put our full confidence in him knowing that he will never be reckless in the way that he leads us because he loves us with an unending, never-failing love. We need to learn to relax in him and believe that he can handle anything he allows to come into our lives. Although we need to plan and live responsibly, we are wise to recognize that our LORD is in complete control. It is his will, not our efforts, that keeps us alive and secure. It is always wise and safe to place our full confidence in him! 

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, I don’t know not what this day may bring and tomorrow there are many more unknowns. But I know that you are my almighty, loving God.  Teach me to put my life under your control. Amen.

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Devotion - February 7, 2012 --Daily Devotion

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else – to the nearby villages – so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”

Mark 1:35-38

Looking for Jesus

It seems curious Jesus would say, “Let us go somewhere else.” It seems even more curious when he says it to his disciples following their exclamation, “Everyone is looking for you!” While the disciples would have been content to stay in that area of Galilee, Jesus had a different plan. He came to proclaim the good news of forgiveness and eternal life to all.

As I consider Jesus’ response, I need to ask myself a question: “What am I looking for?”  My answer to that question is important because the devil has designed a trap for me. He wants me to consider Jesus as someone over whom I can exercise control and authority. Then, when Jesus doesn’t turn out to be what I am looking for, the devil quickly springs the trap and I am caught in disappointment and despair. His goal is to lead me to the conclusion: Jesus wasn’t what I was looking for.

This is why I need to look for Jesus where God has revealed him. In the Bible he is called my Savior. He lived a sinless life in my place.  He provided the payment required to secure my freedom from the fear of punishment when he died for my sins. He guaranteed peace and forgiveness for me through his triumph over the devil when he rose from the grave. If this is what I am looking for, then I don’t have to look any farther. Jesus is my Savior, my Redeemer, my comfort, my joy and my peace.

When Jesus was on this earth, he could have gathered countless followers. All he had to do was become what they were looking for. Unfortunately, many became disappointed and stopped following Jesus because he did not conform to their desires. What about me? What am I looking for? If I am looking for Jesus to be the one whom God has revealed in the Bible, then I will have the Savior I need.

Prayer: 

O dearest Jesus, give me the eyes of faith to see you as my Savior. Open my ears to hear your precious good news of life and peace. Purify my heart through your gift of forgiveness. Amen.

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Devotion - February 6, 2012 --Daily Devotion

The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. For this is what you asked of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, “Let us not hear the voice of the Lord our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die.” The Lord said to me: “What they say is good. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him.

Deuteronomy 18:15-18

Listen to the Prophet

We live in an age of hyper-communication.  Many of us spend a good portion of our time with our cell phones, text messages and email.  We’ve become masters of communicating in short sound bytes and have forgotten how to listen to any one thing for too long.  On the internet we read 50 words here, 50 words there, and then click on another link and read 50 words somewhere else.  Even the evening news has reduced its stories to shorter segments, because the producers know that many of us have an “attention deficit disorder” of the ears.

Moses was a prophet called by God to speak his Word to the Israelites.  When he ascended Mount Sinai to receive God’s Law, there was thunder and lightning, the sound of a loud trumpet blast and the Lord himself came down in fire.  The whole mountain shook violently and the people trembled in fear.  After hearing the Ten Commandments and seeing God’s awesome display of power, the people said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen.  But do not have God speak to us or we will die” (Exodus 20:19).  The Law brings fear.

The Lord allowed Moses to peer into the future and see another prophet.  This prophet would be like Moses in some ways, but very different in others.  Jesus Christ was born among his people.  He came speaking the very word of God – the words that God himself put in his mouth.  While Jesus proclaimed and applied the Law spoken by Moses, he came primarily to speak good news of forgiveness and salvation.  The Law given on Sinai condemns all those who violate it.  The good news spoken by Jesus brings freedom, peace and everlasting life.

In the midst of the noise of everyday life, make sure to take the time to listen to the prophet Moses foretold – your Savior, Jesus.  Only his voice assures you that all your sins have been forgiven.  Only his voice calms your troubled heart and points you to your home in heaven.

Prayer: 

Dearest Jesus, help me tune out the distractions of everyday life and truly listen to you.  I thank you for bringing good news of great joy for all people.  Help me to rejoice in you and speak your name wherever I have the opportunity. Amen.

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Devotion - February 3, 2012 --Daily Devotion

“My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain.”

Ezekiel 33:31

Worship that God calls GOOD

Surely it is GOOD to gather with others in church to hear the Word of God through our pastors whom God has called to serve us. It is also GOOD when we speak and sing the praises of God in his house of worship.

Listening to the Word and praising God is GOOD, but it can become displeasing to him. God told his prophet Ezekiel the reason: The hearers do not put God's Word into practice.  Many think their worship is GOOD even when they just do it out of habit. They consider the mere act of worship a service to God.  However, even when expressed with eloquence, our worship is meaningless before God when faith and sincerity are lacking in our hearts.

God calls worship GOOD when we hear his Word, believe it, and put it into practice. Prompted by the love of Jesus for us, our acts of worship are glad expressions of thanks to him.  Our willful obedience to God’s Word flows out of faithful hearts filled with the joy of his salvation.  That’s the kind of worship that God calls GOOD.

Prayer: 

Gracious God, lead me to love your Word and gladly hear and learn it.  Help me to put your Word into practice with a heart filled with faith in Jesus. Amen.

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Devotion - February 2, 2012 --Daily Devotion

There is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

1 Corinthians 8:6

TWO WAYS TO LIVE

In front of the RCA Building in New York City there stands a massive statue. It’s the statue of a man straining to carry the entire world on his shoulders. Put yourself in front of that statue for a moment. Look at it. Think about it. If you wish, you can live your life that way. You can focus on yourself. You can look to yourself for answers. You can take all the problems of your life and work them out on your own. You can carry your world on your shoulders.

But now, cross the street. Go into the church that stands directly across from the man carrying the world. Walk up to the altar. Go behind the altar. There you will see another statue. This statue is of Jesus as a young boy. Look closely. In his hand he’s holding something, and he’s holding it without any effort or worry or strain. In his hand rests the entire world.

There are two ways to live. You can carry the world, or Jesus can carry you. You can carry the weight of your cares, or Jesus can carry you. You can carry the guilt of your past, or you can recognize that Jesus has already come to carry it on your behalf.

In our sinful weakness, we often behave like the man straining to carry the world. When that happens, come to repentance. Look to Jesus. See him carrying the world. See him carrying you. Rest in his forgiveness. Rest in his promises. It’s the only way to live.

Prayer: 

Forgive me, Lord Jesus, for all the times I have tried to carry the world. Empower me by your Spirit to see that you have come to carry me. Amen.

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Devotion - February 1, 2012 --Daily Devotion

We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 4:16

It has been said that we begin dying the moment we are born. These bodies of ours are not what they would have been had sin not entered the world and along with it death.

Knowing this, we understand the importance of time. Once spent, it cannot be recovered. There isn't a time machine that will permit us to rewind our lives and live them over. The past is just that—it's passed!

For that matter, we don't have possession of the future either. Will I be here tomorrow? Perhaps not! "My times are in your hands," the psalmist sang (Psalm 31:15). The voice of God's servant Job proclaimed, "Man's days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed" (Job 14:5).

Over the course of our God-given time, we experience what the apostle Paul writes: “outwardly we are wasting away.” Hair grays and thins. Skin wrinkles. Muscles lose strength. Eyesight dims. Hearing fades. Memory loses track of little details—and sometimes big ones. Though outwardly we may look and feel like the wrecks of time, the time that God gives us is precious because “inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

We often pray, "Give us this day our daily bread." The nourishment that our bodies cannot do without, God graciously and regularly provides for us.  In his love, God also gives us spiritual nourishment that inwardly renews us day by day.  He feeds our souls with the precious truths of his Word.  He comforts us with his forgiveness through Jesus to renew his peace in our hearts.  He assures us of his unfailing love to renew our joy even as face the failings of our physical life.  He promises to give us life that is perfect and eternal to renew our hope of heaven. 

When you notice the signs of aging in your body, don’t lose heart. Through the Word of God which points you to Jesus your Savior, inwardly you are being renewed day by day!

Prayer: 

(Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 471):

Renew me, O eternal Light, and let my heart and soul be bright,
Illumined with the light of grace that issues from your holy face.

Create in me a new heart, Lord, that gladly I obey your Word.
Oh, let your will be my desire and with new life my soul inspire.

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Devotion - January 31, 2012 --Daily Devotion

They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!" "Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!" The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him." News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.

Mark 1:21-28

Amazed 

What grabs the headlines? It’s what people say and do. The unbelievable play or record-breaking game grabs the headlines in a sports-crazed nation. The jolting, dramatic comments or all-embracing ideologies get top-billing as a governmental election draws near.

Jesus grabbed people’s attention with what he said and what he did. When Jesus taught, people were amazed. Jesus taught with such authority and even backed up his words with miracles!

Have you ever had trouble feeling the same way about what Jesus teaches? Is it difficult being amazed at what Jesus teaches because it doesn’t line up with what you believe? Perhaps it’s been in an area of living—where God calls what you’ve been doing wrong. You start with your own ideas, and you look to have Jesus echo them. If God’s Word says something different, you then turn Jesus off.  You are not amazed; you’re upset.

It shouldn’t be that surprising that our hearts react like that sometimes, or what we say or do is offensive to God. You and I are sinners. We have sinful hearts that produce thoughts and lives filled with sin. Our sinful hearts do not like correction.

Thankfully, Jesus’ taught with authority. His original audience heard him and recognized that his teaching was different. What he said was completely, entirely the very Word of God. Jesus backed up his teaching with miracles. The miracles showed people Jesus was their eternal, all-powerful God.  As the sinless Son of God, Jesus taught with authority.
 
Thankfully, Jesus still teaches with authority. When he calls something a sin, you can be sure it is a sin. When he promises forgiveness, you can be confident that you have forgiveness. When Jesus tells you that God loves the world, you know with certainty that God loves YOU.

It’s interesting to read the headlines, catch up on your favorite team or follow the latest political developments. It is essential for you to listen to Jesus. He teaches with authority because he is the Son of God.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, thank you for your powerful teaching. Forgive me for the times I’ve ignored it or failed to keep it. Give me the time and resolve to regularly read, learn, believe and do what you teach. Use your Word to strengthen my faith. Amen.

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Devotion - January 30, 2012 --Daily Devotion

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

Mark 1:16-18

Jesus saw Simon and Andrew as he walked along the Sea of Galilee. They were fishing, and he said to them, “Come, follow me.” It seems like a simple request. But then the question comes to mind, “Why?” What was it about these men that made Jesus choose them over all the other people along the Sea of Galilee? Jesus could have chosen the rich, or the highly educated, or the influential, or the officials of his day. But he didn’t. He found common fishermen and chose them to follow him, so that they could be trained for three years to become fishers of men instead of fishers of fish. But it wasn’t anything about those two fishermen that caused Jesus to choose them. It was simply God’s grace that was poured out on Simon and Andrew.

You could ask the same question about yourself: What does God see in you that would lead him to call you to follow him? If you are honest with yourself, you have to admit there is no reason that he would have to call you. You are not good enough, smart enough, perfect enough, or deserving enough to make Jesus call you. But in his grace Jesus chose you to be his disciple. He removed the obstacles separating you from God when he paid for your sins. Now he calls you to follow him just as he called Simon and Andrew so many years ago.

What a great privilege and gift from your Savior! He has chosen you to follow him.

Prayer: 

Dearest Jesus, I give thanks that you have called me to be your disciple. Give me the strength to follow you all the days of my life. Amen.

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Devotion - January 27, 2012 --Daily Devotion

In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice.

Psalm 18:6

The Listener

There was a machine repairman who had an unusual knack for correctly diagnosing where the trouble was in faulty factory equipment. And he could fix it quickly. His co-workers noticed that he normally left the lunchroom 10 minutes early. One day someone followed him to see what he did before the others started working again. The repairman didn't touch a wrench or a screwdriver. Instead, while everyone else was gone and there was no sound of conversation, he stood in the middle of the large room, closed his eyes, and listened to the machinery. His ear caught every subtle sound, every click, every change in pitch or vibration. He could identify the first signs of a problem before it became apparent to the others. It's as if he knew each machine personally.

That’s how God knows us. God knows us personally and intimately. He monitors our thoughts and feelings all the time. And when we need help, he is listening. Today’s Bible verse assures us that when we cry out to him, the Lord hears us. Why does the Almighty God want to hear us? Because he loves us and he wants to help us. He’s proved his love through Jesus—the incarnate love of God to rescue us from sin’s destruction.

God hears us when we call on him. He hears the shouts and the groans of our hearts. He knows when we are "broken" or "out of tune." And when we call on him, he knows exactly what we need.

Facing a problem today? Cry out to the Lord. Through Jesus, you can be sure he will hear you!

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, thank you for always listening to the groans and troubles of my heart and life. Thank you for always being there to answer with your solution to all my problems— Jesus my Savior. In his name I pray. Amen.

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Devotion - January 26, 2012 --Daily Devotion