Daily Devotion

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"Jesus answered, 'The most important [commandment] is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your STRENGTH.'" - Mark 12:29-30

Love God with all your STRENGTH.

The last in this devotion series is, we need to love God with all of our strength. That means all of our energy. It’s interesting that the word the gospel of Mark uses for "strength" also means "ability." I love that. Because what does that tell us about loving God? It means that God has given all of us talents and abilities. And when we use those talents and abilities in church, or in vocation, or in relationships with others, we can approach it one of two ways – we can seek glory for ourselves or look to glorify God.

You see, to love God with all of our energy, with all of our abilities, with all of our spiritual gifts, means serving the Lord in ministry. It’s a way of expressing our love to Him. It means holding nothing back when it comes to our energy level in showing our love for God. It means that when we’re using all that energy in our vocation, or in school, we’re doing it because it is pleasing to God to make the most of our abilities for Him. We are loving God with all of our strength, with all of our being.

 

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A heavy thunderstorm delayed our flight to Frankfurt, causing us to miss our connecting flight. We were told that we had been confirmed on another flight the next evening. But when we arrived at the gate, we were told that we were on standby. The flight was full.

When I learned this, I wondered if this was mere miscommunication or if this was how they dealt with missed flights. If passengers had been told up front that they were only on standby, they would have been unhappy. Perhaps they saved the truth until later.

Thankfully, God doesn’t work that way. He clearly tells us everything we need to know to get to heaven. The Bible declares that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). God gave us the full picture of our sin nature from Genesis 3 so that He could give us His full and complete solution.

God’s solution in Romans 3:24 is that we are “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” God sent His own sinless Son to die for our sins. His sacrifice on the cross provided us forgiveness. All we need to do is receive that free gift through faith. I’m so glad God told us the truth up front! He hasn’t left us to find our own way.

Thank You, Almighty God, that You don’t hide the
truth from us. You showed us how completely sin
has affected our lives in order to reinforce just
how much Jesus Christ has delivered us from.
Christ’s work makes us safe; God’s Word makes us sure.​

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. —1 Corinthians 15:22

 

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Many years ago, my father and I hiked through Big Bend in Texas. It’s a national park now, but in those days it was rough country.

One night we were rolling out our sleeping bags when a couple with a dog asked if they could camp nearby. We welcomed their company and turned in for the night. They tethered their dog to a stake beside their tent.

Some hours later my father nudged me awake and turned his flashlight into the darkness. Illuminated by the light, we saw pairs of yellow eyes peering out of the shadows. A pack of snapping and snarling coyotes were closing in on the dog. Although we chased them off and our neighbors put the dog in their tent, we slept fitfully.

I think of that night when I read Psalm 59 and David’s twice-repeated imagery: “At evening they return, they growl like a dog” (vv.6,14). David was thinking of Saul’s army that was closing in on him. I think, however, of the thoughts that return to menace us. They come back at nightfall, snapping and snarling: “You’re stupid.” “You’re a failure.” “You’re useless.” “Who needs you?”

When we have such thoughts, we can revel in God’s unconditional, unending love. His steady devotion is our refuge in the dark night of self-doubt and fear (v.16).

Dear Lord, I am so thankful that You love me
unconditionally. Please chase away destructive thoughts
that keep returning to take away my confidence in You
and Your work in me. I want to rest in You and Your love.
Knowing that God loves us can dispel doubt.
​

You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. —Psalm 59:16

 

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"Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven." - Matthew 12:31 NIV

The thought of an unpardonable, or unforgivable sin has brought grief to many people throughout history. Some people believe that committing suicide is unforgivable. Others talk about "seven deadly sins" that can doom you to an unpardonable state.

Christians have long debated what the unpardonable sin is. Some Christians even live in fear, terrified that they may have committed the unpardonable sin and that God has already separated Himself from them. Perhaps the guilt and fear is unnecessary.

Now let's stop here a moment. If you worry that you have committed the unpardonable sin, it's one of the clearest signs you have not. The very fact that you are bothered by your sinfulness shows that the Holy Spirit has not abandoned you!

The only unpardonable sin is total rejection of Jesus Christ, also referred to as blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. The one thing God can't forgive is when we reject His Son all our lives. God will not forgive us for rejecting the incredible thing His Son did for us, paying the penalty so that our sins could be washed away when we have repentant faith in Him.

Except for the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, whatever evil you have done and however bad you feel you are, God offers His forgiveness in Christ. Why not accept that forgiveness today?

 

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I’ve noticed through the years that those who have suffered are quick to comfort other sufferers. When a young couple suffers the loss of a child, another couple who also lost a child in the past asks if they can help. If a couple loses their main income, almost immediately another couple steps forward to offer their aid, remembering their own journey through foreclosure years earlier. Again and again we see the body of Christ supporting and encouraging one another. These Christians have learned that they can use the trials they’ve been through to reach out to others going through similar difficulties.

Have you been sick? Lost a loved one? Been imprisoned? Unfairly treated? In all of our trials, God promises to bring something good out of even our darkest moments (James 1:2-4). One key way this takes place is when we share the comfort He offered us with those who are now going through trials.

As Paul points out in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, we are comforted by a Savior who knows our suffering, and we honor Him when we pass His comfort on to still others.

May we never leave someone to suffer alone. If we know the trail another is on, God will help us to guide that person to His presence—the surest comfort of all.

Dear Lord, help us to step forward when
others around us are suffering trials similar to
what we’ve been through. Enable us to be a
comfort, as You have been to us in the past.
God comforts us so that we can comfort others.​

As you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation. —2 Corinthians 1:7

 

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A group of us were helping to put together packets of material at an Our Daily Bread event in Orlando last winter when Corine greeted us. It was mid-morning, and she was sure we must be hungry and thirsty. I told her we were “fine,” and she replied, “I know you’re fine, but you need something to eat.” A few minutes later she came back with cold water and snacks.

Throughout the 2 days we were there, Corine came by to check on us, bring us food or water, and take away our trash. On one occasion, I thanked her and said, “You have the gift of hospitality, don’t you, Corine!” She looked down and replied, “I don’t know. But you write the devotional articles, and I’ll clean up. And God will be glorified.”

Corine’s desire is to bring God glory by helping people. She definitely has the gift of hospitality and practices it well. God has graced each of His children with skills and abilities so that He can minister to others through us. You can find those gifts listed in Romans 12:4-13, 1 Corinthians 12:27-31, Ephesians 4:7-12, and 1 Peter 4:9-11.

The Lord has gifted us “that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever” (1 Peter 4:11).

All Christians have been gifted
By grace from God above,
Equipped to build and strengthen
The church in faith and love. —Fitzhugh
You are one of a kind— designed to glorify God as only you can.
Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. —1 Peter 4:9​

 

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Recently I saw a billboard stating that 80 percent of all life on Earth is found in the seas. That staggering number is difficult to process, largely because most of that life is out of sight.

As I considered this, it reminded me of how much greater God’s creation is than we typically appreciate. While we can easily have our breath taken away by a majestic mountain range or a panoramic sunset, we sometimes fail to see His extraordinary work in the details that require more careful study and examination. Not only is much of God’s creation hidden by the oceans, but other parts are also too small for our eyes to observe. From the microscopically small to the unsearched reaches of the universe, it is all the work of our Creator. In those magnificent structures—seen and unseen—God’s creative glory is revealed (Rom. 1:20).

As we grow to understand the wonder of creation, it must always point us to the Creator Himself—and call us to worship Him. As the psalmist said, “Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and everything that moves in them” (Ps. 69:34). If creation itself gives praise to the Creator, we can and should certainly join the chorus. What a mighty God we serve!

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed! —Boberg
The wonder of creation causes us to say, “What a wonderful God!”​

Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and everything that moves in them. —Psalm 69:34

 

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When a local bookstore rearranged its shelves, I noticed an increase in the number of titles relating to sorcery and witchcraft. In fact, the religion section had become a virtual “standoff” between light and darkness. Christian titles flanked one side of the aisle, while roughly the same number of occult books lined the other side.

Sometimes we may think of God and Satan in the same way I thought of the books in that bookstore. We see them as opposing but equal forces with the same unlimited power. However, God is God and Satan is not. God is stronger than any force of darkness. He does what He pleases (Ps. 135:6), while Satan’s power is limited to what God allows. When Satan supposed that misfortune would make Job curse God, God told Satan, “Behold, all that [Job] has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person” (Job 1:12). Satan had to play by God’s rules.

Because God is in charge over everything, as Christ’s followers we don’t need to be paralyzed by fear of Satan’s power over our lives or the lives of the believers around us. He tempts us and tries to influence us, but the Bible assures us, “He who is in [us] is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all! —Perronet
The powers of evil around you are no match for the power of Jesus within you.
​

He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. —1 John 4:4

 

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"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him..." - Colossians 2:6 NIV

There are so many different groups of people who feel they have the "right" to do this or that, and many times, as the constitution would indicate, they're just plain wrong.

The battle over so-called abortion "rights" reminds me of another battle I witnessed early in my life. Many of you, like me, are children of the South. Do you remember the mindset among racial bigots in the South in the '50s and '60s? It was a mindset of intensely, and sometimes violently, demanding that the laws of segregation stay in place! Why was that? Well, deep-seated in the sinful nature of every man is the sense of dread that we might be wrong in God's eyes. And there's no doubt that the segregation and discrimination of the old South was a great evil! It contaminated our culture and poisoned our society. Yet there was an impassioned plea to maintain the laws of segregation, because of the belief that if it's legal, it's right! The laws "legitimized" the evil.

We see this same kind of mindset today as many secularists of influence try to codify their beliefs in such issues as abortion and the gay lifestyle. They feel that if they can institute the right public policy or institute the right law, it will make their beliefs legitimate. They have confused legal rights with righteousness. They have not learned a very important principle: Just because you have the right to do something doesn't mean it's the right thing to do.

 

[rowan]

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him..." - Colossians 2:6 NIV

There are so many different groups of people who feel they have the "right" to do this or that, and many times, as the constitution would indicate, they're just plain wrong.

The battle over so-called abortion "rights" reminds me of another battle I witnessed early in my life. Many of you, like me, are children of the South. Do you remember the mindset among racial bigots in the South in the '50s and '60s? It was a mindset of intensely, and sometimes violently, demanding that the laws of segregation stay in place! Why was that? Well, deep-seated in the sinful nature of every man is the sense of dread that we might be wrong in God's eyes. And there's no doubt that the segregation and discrimination of the old South was a great evil! It contaminated our culture and poisoned our society. Yet there was an impassioned plea to maintain the laws of segregation, because of the belief that if it's legal, it's right! The laws "legitimized" the evil.

We see this same kind of mindset today as many secularists of influence try to codify their beliefs in such issues as abortion and the gay lifestyle. They feel that if they can institute the right public policy or institute the right law, it will make their beliefs legitimate. They have confused legal rights with righteousness. They have not learned a very important principle: Just because you have the right to do something doesn't mean it's the right thing to do.

matindi may umaabang pa sa horoscope daily hahays

 

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Last summer, our church invited a young man to join the staff. As Caleb shared how he grew up in Costa Rica while his family was serving Christ there, he reflected on the words of 2 Timothy 3:14-17. From his childhood, he reminisced, he had known the Bible. His mother and father had taught him the truths of the Scriptures that were “able to make [him] wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (v.15). He acknowledged that his preparation to be a pastor had begun when he was still a child.

Our congregation had the opportunity to “meet” his family in Costa Rica via a video-conferencing call. Caleb’s dad challenged his son using the words of Jesus about Himself in Mark 10:45. He said, “Caleb, remember our family motto, ‘We are here to serve, not to be served.’” It was easy to understand how this young man had developed his maturity of faith.

The children God has entrusted to us are precious gifts. A good foundation will help them to develop into mature believers who are “complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:17). With God’s help we can pass on the baton of faith to future generations. What a great privilege to be servants like Jesus.

Begin to train them early
To fear and love the Lord,
To carry on life’s pathway
God’s lamp, His holy Word. —Fennema
Children are God’s precious jewels— help them shine for Christ.​

Even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. —Mark 10:45

 

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Much of the scenery I saw during our vacation in Alaska was through the windows of moving vehicles. I was thankful for glass that allowed me to see the beauty while remaining warm and dry. But the windows also presented a challenge. When it rained, water drops on the outside obscured the view. When the temperature changed, condensation caused fog to develop on the inside.

Those challenges help me understand why it is impossible for us to see life the way God intended it. Sin obscures the beauty of life that God wants us to enjoy. Sometimes sin is inside—our selfishness creates a fog that makes us see ourselves as more important than we are and causes us to forget about others’ interests. Sometimes sin is outside. The injustice of others causes our tears to fall like rain, preventing us from seeing the goodness of God. Sin of any kind keeps us from seeing the wonder and glory of life as God designed it.

For now, even though “we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror” (1 Cor. 13:12 nlt), we see enough to know that God is good (Ps. 34:8). The many wonderful things that God has revealed will help us to forsake sin and work to minimize its consequences in the world.

Lord, improve our vision. Clear the fog that comes from
self-centered thinking. Help us to uphold justice,
to offer comfort to others, and to wipe away the tears
that have been left by the storms of life.
The only way to see life clearly is to focus on Christ.​

Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law. —Psalm 119:18

 

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"When He was alone, the Twelve and the others around Him asked Him about the parables. He told them, 'The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!'" - Mark 4:10-12 NIV

Do you believe that every word in the Bible is to be taken literally? If not, you might ask, then how can we believe that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God?

Well, there is a big difference in saying that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God and saying that every word should be taken literally. Just look at the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount: Jesus said, "If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out, and throw it from you; for it's better for you to lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell." Now, Jesus is not actually urging us to pluck our eyes out. He is talking about the seriousness of sin, and how we must repent of sin, lest we wind up in hell. But if every word Jesus uttered is taken literally, every one of us must immediately gouge out both eyes!

Remember that Jesus teaches in parables, metaphors and allegories. He uses these devices to make the broader spiritual point. Does that water down Scripture? Absolutely not! Jesus is simply using memorable illustrations to communicate perfect truth. And that's where the guidance of the Holy Spirit comes in to play; to help us to distinguish between literal truth and a parable, thereby allowing us to understand the rich truths of our faith.

The important thing is that we understand what God is telling us through the Bible and that we don't let arguments about the literal truth of the Bible distract us from that goal. Perhaps, with a bit of humility, we can admit that only God has all the answers!

 

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"He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it." - Matthew 10:39 NIV

What???

Oftentimes, Jesus used parables and other analogies to get His point across. And just as often, we have to dig into our spiritual selves, rather than using pure intellect, to understand what He's trying to teach us. This is one of those times.

Jesus said, "The only way you really can FIND your life is to be willing to LOSE your life." This statement is one of the paradoxes of meaningful living. What did Jesus mean? How can we find our life if we lose it? We'd be dead. Now, settle down - it's about dying - but not dying physically.

Think about it this way. How are most people trying to discover their ultimate meaning? Some by achievement; others through education. Many see it through experience; others through relationships. Still others see it through acts of pleasure and the acquisition of things. But the reality is, Christ says it's a paradox. Until you're willing to lose all this, to let go of it as a source of ultimate meaning, you'll never find yourself. It's about letting go of your priorities, of your desires, of your interests, in order to follow Christ's priorities.

So have you made that decision? Are you willing to lose your priorities for Christ's priorities? Yes, it's a paradox - the only way to really win is to lose your "life" and find ultimate life in Christ Jesus.

 

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"Praise the Lord with the lyre; make music to Him with a ten-stringed harp. Sing a new song to Him;play skillfully on the strings, with a joyful shout." - Psalm 33:2-3 NIV

One of my favorite things to do is to sing praises to the Lord. Sometimes, I find myself so caught up in the act of worship through singing about His mercy and goodness, I find my eyes closed, head lifted up and hands opened to the Father. It is truly a time of joy for me.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon was probably the most famous Baptist preacher of all time. He preached in Great Britain to about four or five thousand people every Sunday. Spurgeon read a lot of John Calvin and was so influenced by him that he didn't allow any instruments in his worship services. Now, I know Spurgeon was a greater preacher than I am and John Calvin was a far more brilliant theologian than I could ever dream of being. But, I also know for an absolute fact that they were dead wrong on this issue! I know they were wrong because throughout the Old Testament, it talks about the use of musical instruments as a way of praising and singing our praises to God.

Everyone has their own personal preference for styles of worship music. Some people like the orchestra, some people like the band, some just like a guitar and drums. Many people only enjoy songs written before 1887, some love the majesty of a grand pipe organ, and some are just riveted by music with a pounding bass beat. But here is the bottom line on praise and worship: As long as the music is centered on Christ and is grounded in the Word, then the variety of music styles simply serve to expand the glorification of God and allow more people to enthusiastically worship Him.

 

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While in Bible college, I auditioned for one of the school’s traveling musical teams. I was excited about the thought of being able to be involved in that ministry, but was crushed when I failed to make the team. In my disappointment, I could only trust that God’s purposes were greater than mine.

Months later, I had the opportunity to join a different musical team, but as the Bible teacher. The results were more than I could have imagined. Not only was my future wife a part of that team, allowing us to serve Christ together, but it also gave me many opportunities to preach over the next 3 years—priceless preparation for a life of ministry in the Word.

Many times we struggle with the reality that our Father knows what is best. We assume our way is right. But, as we rest in Him, His purposes always prove to be for our good and His praise. To be honest, that’s easy to see when the outcome is better than we had hoped, but difficult when we can’t see the good right now or maybe won’t till heaven.

As wise King Solomon said, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5-6).

Guide me, O Thou great GOD,
Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold me with Thy powerful hand. —Williams
God’s purpose for today’s events may not be seen until tomorrow.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. —Proverbs 3:5

 

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Frank, Ted, and I were fishing for bluegill on Rice Lake in Ontario, Canada. We were on a pontoon boat, and the fish were really biting. Busy baiting and hooking, we slowly became aware that the action had slacked off. Then we realized why: The boat was no longer sitting where we had put it. A strong wind had come up and pushed it across the water. The anchor could not hold us and was sliding across the lake bottom. We hauled it up, returned to our hot spot, and re-anchored. We were moved away again. After a third try, we went back to shore. We could not get our anchor to grab and stick.

When it comes to our salvation, our hope is anchored in the promise of God and the work of Jesus Christ. The winds and waves of doubt, discouragement, and spiritual attack by the evil one can cause us to think that we are adrift and salvation from God is not secure. Not so! God has given His promise that our salvation is sure, and He cannot lie (Heb. 6:18-19). Our hope is securely fastened in Jesus Christ who redeemed us once and for all when He died, rose again, and ascended to heaven.

Our anchor is the Rock unmovable—Jesus Christ. His limitless love holds us sure and steadfast.

We have an anchor that keeps the soul,
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love. —Owens
Our anchor is the Rock, Jesus Christ.
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast. —Hebrews 6:19

 

[boldstardex]

Don't Give Up!


"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." - Psalm 51:17 ESV

Do you feel as though everyone else seems to have it all together except you? Are you struggling with a life-crisis caused by a personal character flaw, indiscretion, or misstep? Let me assure you that you're not alone.

Consider the mess Moses got himself into. At age 39, Moses was at the apex of society, of status, of wealth, of educational pedigree, as the adopted son of the most prominent man in the world - Pharaoh. He was at the pinnacle of all society. And then he murdered an Egyptian he saw beating a slave. He buried the body and thought he had gotten away with it. But Moses was exposed the next day and had to flee for his life in the wilderness. Moses went from high society to desert nomad in just one day. And you're talking about a drastic change in everything about his life.

Moses probably felt like his life was over and thought there was no chance for him ever again doing anything of significance. But, even though what Moses did was evil and wrong, God did not abandon him. God took Moses' evil and turned it into a means for good by preparing him for the challenge of his life - calling on Pharaoh to release all the Hebrew slaves.

Perhaps you can relate to what Moses went through. No matter how bad your fall or how serious your character flaw or how much difficulty you face in life - don't give up. Turn to the Lord with trust and let God do something powerful in your life. Let God develop all the Godly attributes that He wants you to have in your life. Just like He did for Moses, God still has great plans for your life!

 

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"Do not be misled:'Bad company corrupts good character.'" - 1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV

There are so many temptations we encounter as we strive to lead a life of integrity. One of the greatest influences we have for determining the way we live our lives is the group of people with whom we choose to surround ourselves. The fact is, we tend to become like the environment in which we live. The last line of George Orwell's Animal Farm is stunning - "The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which."

As you spend time with people, you may adopt their styles, values, and their decision-making processes. If you associate with unethical people, you may find yourself progressively struggling with ethical decisions. If you surround yourself with men and women of Godly character, you will find the ethical path much easier to navigate.

You probably know this and apply it to the people you befriend, but don't stop there. Join companies, work groups, and social groups that are made up of people with integrity. And, if you own your own business, only hire people with solid character. Include your suppliers, your advertising agency, and your accounting firm on that list. As much as you can, surround yourself with people of integrity and you will find it easier to follow the guidelines that God has set for us in His Word.

 

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When I’m about to leave the house, sometimes my wife, Martie, stops me and says, “You can’t go to the office dressed like that!” It’s usually something about the tie not matching the jacket or the color of the slacks being out of sync with the sportcoat. Though being questioned about my fashion choices may feel like an affront to my good taste, I have realized that her correcting influence is always an upgrade.

Scripture often calls us to “put on” attitudes and actions that match our identity in Christ. Sometimes we are known by the clothes we wear, but we can make Jesus known by wearing attitudes and actions that reveal His presence in our lives. The apostle Paul advised us to set the fashion standard by modeling the wardrobe of Jesus’ compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and forgiveness (Col. 3:12). And, he added, “above all these things put on love . . . . And let the peace of God rule in your hearts” (vv.14-15).

Clothing ourselves in Jesus’ likeness begins with spending time with Him. If you hear Him say, “You can’t go out like that!” let Him lovingly take you back to the closet so He can clothe you with His likeness. It’s always an upgrade!

Lord, help us to see ourselves the way You see us. By
Your Spirit teach us to adorn our lives with the
attitudes and actions You have designed for us as a
public statement about our identity with You.
Clothing ourselves with Jesus’ attitudes and actions shows His presence in our lives.

Put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; . . . but above all these things put on love. —Colossians 3:12,14