Daily Devotion

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Made Alive
June 16, 2017

Read: Ephesians 2:1–10 | Bible in a Year: Nehemiah 4–6; Acts 2:22–47




You were dead in your transgressions and sins. Ephesians 2:1

As a young man, my dad was traveling with a group of friends to an out-of-town sporting event when the tires of their car slipped on the rain-soaked roads. They had an accident—a bad accident. One of his friends was paralyzed and another was killed. My dad was declared dead and taken to the morgue. His shocked and grief-stricken parents came to identify him. But my dad revived from what turned out to be a deep coma. Their mourning turned to joy.

In Ephesians 2, the apostle Paul reminds us that apart from Christ we are “dead in [our] transgressions and sins” (v. 1). But because of His great love for us, “God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions” (vv. 4–5). Through Christ we have been brought from death to life.

Thank You, Father, for love that conquers sin, life that conquers death, and grace that has conquered my heart
So in every sense, we all owe our life to the Father in heaven. Through His great love, He has made it possible for those of us who were dead in sin to have life and purpose through His Son.

Thank You, Father, for love that conquers sin, life that conquers death, and grace that has conquered my heart. May my life be a sweet aroma of praise to You.

We owed a debt we could not pay, but Jesus paid the debt He did not owe.

By Bill Crowder | See Other Authors
INSIGHT:
In most world religions, people seek to gain favor from a deity—whether offering a sacrifice or promising to change one’s ways, the emphasis on human works is central. Yet in the writings of Paul we see that through Christ’s sacrifice we are saved by God’s grace and not by works. This is the central theme of the gospel. What is so extraordinary about the free gift of salvation by faith is its eternal impact. Although we will someday have to face physical death, the spiritual death of eternal separation from God has been replaced with eternal life.

Have you received this gift of new spiritual life that Christ offers?

 

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"Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." - Philippians 4:11

HOW DO YOU DEFINE CONTENTMENT?
June 19, 2017

One of the most rare commodities in society is contentment. Advertisers would have us believe that their product is the key to finding fulfillment and happiness. Television programming reinforces this message and fills our homes with images of things. It’s like this “stuff” is essential to our happiness.

Seeking satisfaction in things will never bring contentment; it just leads to further dissatisfaction. How do we find contentment? Like so many other things, contentment is a choice – a by-product.

A man who had more than his share of difficulty in life said, “I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances.” It was the apostle Paul who said that. How did he do it? The key was found in his relationship with Jesus Christ. That’s the key for anyone. We all have the same opportunity to find contentment. It’s a by-product of our relationship with Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. That is the key to being content.

 

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"He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly." - Proverbs 14:29

PATIENCE
June 20, 2017

One of the Merriam Webster definitions of being patient is: “steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity.” Being patient is hard because as humans, we have a tendency to want what we want at that particular moment. Unfortunately, it seems that life is a test of patience.

I struggle with lines – whether it’s traffic, or waiting at a restaurant. Why, I’d rather drive five miles out of the way than sit still in traffic. I get impatient with people when I’m facing a deadline and get interrupted, or when someone says they’ll do something and it doesn’t get done.

Where do you struggle with patience? Do you ever pray, “Lord, give me some patience, now!” Let me suggest a few practical ways to learn patience:

1. Take a breath and pray for self-control.
2. When people anger you, if possible, retreat for a moment. Take time to back off and get control of your emotions.
3. Confront fairly, and seek to listen, understand, and where needed, forgive.
4. Remember, the greatest motive for patience is remembering God’s patience with us.

Patience is a precious commodity, for it’s a powerful way to win the respect of others and turn a potential enemy into a friend.

 

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"I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given to me according to the working of His power. To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places." - Ephesians 3:7-10

THE UNSTOPPABLE MISSION
June 22, 2017

I was sitting in a Rotary Club meeting. It was the late 1980s. The man that was giving the talk that day was from a new and very small division of BellSouth called BellSouth Mobility. And he held up a Seinfeld-sized cell phone and said, “Folks, it won’t be long before all of you will have one of these.” Then he said something really outrageous. “Not only that. It won’t be long before you’ll be using one of these more than you use your landlines, because we believe that we have an unstoppable mission to get one of these in every one of your hands.”

Many snickered that day and thought, “That will be a real long shot.” Yet, he was exactly right. Even though cell phones are not Seinfeld-sized, we would be hard pressed to find anyone reading this that doesn’t use a cell phone far more than a landline. It was really an unstoppable mission that has been fulfilled.

A little over 2,000 years ago, Jesus Christ gathered His remaining eleven specially chosen disciples. And He gave them an unstoppable mission of taking the good news of Jesus Christ to every people group on the face of the earth. Can’t you imagine how overwhelmed they were? (Getting the message to the whole world?) These eleven ordinary guys had never been out of Israel and He was giving them the charge to spread the good news of the Gospel to every people group on the face of the earth. Yet, Christ assured the disciples that His power would be their power and that He would be with the disciples every step of the way.

Jesus began an unstoppable mission that continues to this day. Thousands of missionaries live all over the world, sometimes in very dangerous places and in horrible conditions, striving to fulfill the mission that Jesus began. Yet, you don’t have to go to another country to be part of this effort to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. We have signs posted at the exits to our church parking lots that read, “You are now entering the mission field.” That means our neighborhoods, our friends and families, co-workers, even people we might meet today! The church’s unstoppable mission is to take the Good News to EVERYONE! It is the most important work on the face of the earth. Followers of Jesus, get it done!

 

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Five-Finger Prayers
June 27, 2017

Read: James 5:13–18 | Bible in a Year: Job 8–10; Acts 8:26–40


Pray for each other. James 5:16

Prayer is a conversation with God, not a formula. Yet sometimes we might need to use a “method” to freshen up our prayer time. We can pray the Psalms or other Scriptures (such as The Lord’s Prayer), or use the ACTS method (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication). I recently came across this “Five-Finger Prayer” to use as a guide when praying for others:

• When you fold your hands, the thumb is nearest you. So begin by praying for those closest to you—your loved ones (Phil. 1:3–5).

Father, give me the wisdom to know how to pray for others.
• The index finger is the pointer. Pray for those who teach—Bible teachers and preachers, and those who teach children (1 Thess. 5:25).

• The next finger is the tallest. It reminds you to pray for those in authority over you—national and local leaders, and your supervisor at work (1 Tim. 2:1–2).

• The fourth finger is usually the weakest. Pray for those who are in trouble or who are suffering (James 5:13–16).

• Then comes your little finger. It reminds you of your smallness in relation to God’s greatness. Ask Him to supply your needs (Phil. 4:6, 19).

Whatever method you use, just talk with your Father. He wants to hear what’s on your heart.

Father, give me the wisdom to know how to pray for others.



It’s not the words we pray that matter; it’s the condition of our heart.



By Anne Cetas | See Other Authors
INSIGHT:
In today’s reading we see how believers can enrich their fellowship with God through intercession and praise. Prayer is a vital lifeline of conversation with the living God who made us and provided for our redemption. In James 5:13–18 we read how we are urged to use prayer in all the seasons of our lives. When we are blessed, we can offer an expression of thanksgiving and praise. When we or others are physically ill, we can offer intercession for healing. In times of temptation and struggle, prayers for victory are a priority. Elijah is an example of someone who had the same needs and weaknesses that we do; yet his prayers to God resulted in the rain stopping for three and a half years and then starting again.

What can you have a conversation with God about today?

 

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“But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, ‘Arise and eat.’ Then he looked and behold, there was at his head a bread cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water." - 1 Kings 19:4-6

DEPRESSION
June 27, 2017

Depression is a huge problem. The CDC tells us that suicide is now the leading cause of death among teenagers. It has far surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of death among them. That is a depressing fact.

An article in The Wall Street Journal entitled, “Why She Drinks,” ** told of the tremendous increase of alcohol abuse among women in American over the last 10 to 15 years. “Women are twice as likely to suffer from depression and anxiety as men, and are far more likely to medicate those conditions with alcohol.” Obviously, depression is a huge issue that many are struggling with, both young and old.

If you are currently struggling with depression or have family or friends that are struggling with these symptoms, the life of Elijah may help. This great man of faith was truly a man like us. After a spiritual mountaintop high, he was overcome with fear and depression.

Elijah, the prophet, was a mighty spiritual warrior. He had shown great courage in the midst of huge opposition. God endowed him with supernatural power to be victorious over false prophets of his day. Yet he knew his enemies were out to get him, so he ran. He was scared and overcome with depression to the point that he begged God to kill him.

One reason he sank so low was that he was emotionally and spiritually exhausted. But it was more. His exhaustion led him to face a different kind of spiritual warfare. He felt so hopeless that life no longer made sense. He told God he wanted to die, then lay down under a tree and went to sleep.

This is what Scripture says, “And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said to him, ‘Arise and eat.’ Then he looked and behold, there was at his head a bread cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water.” Don’t you just love the way God ministers to this man? With great gentleness, He allowed Elijah to sleep and then woke him up and fed him. And Elijah rested some more. Then God ministered to him in a still quiet voice and gave him a new mission.

If you are going through depression, remember that when man loses hope, he begins to hope for death. But God understands our depression. Sometimes He knows we simply need rest and refreshment. Sometimes He knows we need a new direction. Yet most of all remember that God is with you. He loves you, regardless of how you feel. He is always with us and cares for our needs. God is mighty and powerful. He is also tender and loving.

If you feel depressed and don’t have the will to go on, look up. Talk to your Creator, the God of the universe. Tell Him everything – all of your fears, your anger, and why you want to give up. Not only will He understand, He can restore you and over time give you a way to get through it. It begins with trusting Him day by day. Remember, He doesn’t give us strength for tomorrow, today. He gives us strength for tomorrow, tomorrow! Don’t quit! Take things one day at a time.

Jesus said, “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Matthew 6:34

 

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Faith in Action
June 29, 2017

Read: James 2:14–26 | Bible in a Year: Job 14–16; Acts 9:22–43
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Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. James 2:18

As a friend drove to the grocery store, she noticed a woman walking along the side of the road and felt she should turn the car around and offer her a ride. When she did, she was saddened to hear that the woman didn’t have money for the bus so was walking home many miles in the hot and humid weather. Not only was she making the long journey home, but she had also walked several hours that morning to arrive at work by 4 a.m.

By offering a ride, my friend put into practice in a modern setting James’s instruction for Christians to live out their faith with their deeds: “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (v. 17). He was concerned that the church take care of the widows and the orphans (James 1:27), and he also wanted them to rely not on empty words but to act on their faith with deeds of love.

Lord, may I never forget the sacrifice that gives me life.
We are saved by faith, not works, but we live out our faith by loving others and caring for their needs. May we, like my friend who offered the ride, keep our eyes open for those who might need our help as we walk together in this journey of life.

Lord Jesus Christ, You did the ultimate deed by dying on the cross for me. May I never forget the sacrifice that gives me life.

We live out our faith through our good deeds.

 

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Destroying the Divides
July 3, 2017

Read: Joshua 7:1–12 | Bible in a Year: Job 25–27; Acts 12



I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction. Joshua 7:12

A writing deadline loomed over me, while the argument I had with my husband earlier that morning swirled through my mind. I stared at the blinking cursor, fingertips resting on the keyboard. He was wrong too, Lord.

When the computer screen went black, my reflection scowled. My unacknowledged wrongs were doing more than hindering the work before me. They were straining my relationship with my husband and my God.

By submitting to our loving Creator and Sustainer daily, we can serve Him and enjoy His presence.
I grabbed my cell phone, swallowed my pride, and asked for forgiveness. Savoring the peace of reconciliation when my spouse apologized as well, I thanked God and finished my article on time.

The Israelites experienced the pain of personal sin and joy of restoration. Joshua warned God’s people not to enrich themselves in the battle for Jericho (Josh. 6:18), but Achan stole captured items and hid them in his tent (7:1). Only after his sin was exposed and dealt with (vv. 4–12) did the nation enjoy reconciliation with their God.

Like Achan, we don’t always consider how “tucking sin into our tents” turns our hearts from God and impacts those around us. Acknowledging Jesus as Lord, admitting our sin, and seeking forgiveness provides the foundation for healthy and faithful relationships with God and others. By submitting to our loving Creator and Sustainer daily, we can serve Him and enjoy His presence—together.

Lord, please help us recognize, confess, and turn away from our sin, so that we can nurture loving relationships with You and others.

God can purge our hearts of the sin that destroys our intimacy with Him and others.

 

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Celebrate Freedom
July 4, 2017

Read: Romans 6:15–23 | Bible in a Year: Job 28–29; Acts 13:1–25


The law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2

After being kidnapped, held hostage for thirteen days, and released, New Zealand news cameraman Olaf Wiig, with a broad smile on his face, announced, “I feel more alive now than I have in my entire life.”

For reasons difficult to understand, being freed is more exhilarating than being free.

The law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2
For those who enjoy freedom every day, Olaf’s joy was a good reminder of how easily we forget how blessed we are. This is also true spiritually. Those of us who have been Christians for a long time often forget what it’s like to be held hostage by sin. We can become complacent and even ungrateful. But then God sends a reminder in the form of a new believer who gives an exuberant testimony of what God has done in his or her life, and once again we see the joy that is ours when we are “free from the law of sin and death” (Rom. 8:2).

If freedom has become boring to you, or if you tend to focus on what you can’t do, consider this: Not only are you no longer a slave to sin, but you are freed to be holy and to enjoy eternal life with Christ Jesus! (6:22).

Celebrate your freedom in Christ by taking the time to thank God for the things you are able and free to do as His servant.

What are you thankful for? Share on our Facebook page:
Facebook.com/ourdailybread.

Living for Christ brings true freedom.

By Julie Ackerman Link | See Other Authors
INSIGHT:
Some of the spiritual giants of the church were profoundly changed by Paul’s Spirit-inspired words in Romans. One of those was Martin Luther (1483–1546), a German theologian, writer, and reformer of the church. As a monk, Luther struggled with the impossible task of trying to be righteous on his own merits or works. The words of Romans 1:17, “The righteous will live by faith,” led Luther to realize that justification (being made holy) is through faith by God’s grace alone. God through His Word lifts the burden of sin and sets us free.

 

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"...and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:20b

NO DIFFICULTY IS STRONGER THAN JESUS
July 6, 2017

Ever been in a place when it seemed like everything was falling down around you? Your business is failing, your marriage is definitely not what you thought it would be, you’re failing a class in school, or your best friend just dropped you like a hot potato? When that happened, did you think to yourself, “Where are you, God? Are you even there?”

The disciples faced this very situation. Jesus told them to take their boat to sea while He stayed behind to pray. Suddenly, a powerful storm came up. The terrified disciples faced it for several hours before Jesus, making a pretty dramatic entrance, showed up to comfort them. So, why didn’t Jesus come to them right away?

Well, think about it this way. When we are going through storms, it’s human nature for us to have the mindset that, “I’ve just got to work this out by myself!” The disciples knew Jesus was on land and probably assumed there really wasn’t anything He could do anyway. But Christ was praying on the shore for the disciples as He saw the storm come up. And you should realize that Jesus is also hearing your prayers in the midst of your storms.

Know this: There is no difficulty in life that is stronger than Jesus. The fact is that Jesus doesn’t always give us a perfect peace and calm at the very moment that we’re pouring out our heart to Him; sometimes the calm comes later. He will bring us His peace in His timing. You can face your hard times with courage because Jesus promises that He will be with you.

 

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"I am the WAY. I am the truth. And I am the life. No one comes to Father except through me." - John 14:6

IS JESUS THE ONLY WAY TO GOD? Part 1
July 12, 2017

In today’s pluralistic world, the most controversial statement that Jesus ever made concerned Himself. He said, “I am the way. I am the truth. And I am the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.” It was offensive in the first century; yet today, it is even more offensive. People of other religions are outraged at it. Secularists are appalled by it. Many see it as outrageous and arrogant. They believe that there are many ways to God, thinking everybody can just find his or her own way through different paths.

I have to admit Jesus did make a pretty shocking statement. It is so exclusive vs. inclusive. It raises these questions: “Is this true?” or “Is Jesus a liar or a madman?”

I’m often asked, “Why do Christians feel like you have the only way to God?” We don’t, but Jesus does! He is the one who made this exclusive claim. Each person just has to decide if he/she believes Jesus is telling the truth, and is the Truth.

Yet, as exclusive as it is about the one and only one way to the Father, Jesus is the most inclusive man who ever lived. He came to give His life for all, so that all might know the Father. Yes, there is only one way, but everyone is invited to know the way. Over the course of the next few days, we will deal with this most amazing and offensive claim that Jesus made about Himself. It will be up to you to decide. If it’s true, it means everything. If it is not true, you surely don’t want to believe a liar, or at best, a misguided fool.

See you back here tomorrow!

 

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“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going." - John 14:1-4

IS JESUS THE ONLY WAY TO GOD? Part 2
July 13, 2017

Yesterday, we brought up an outrageous claim that Jesus Christ said: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” He is the way to what? Take a look at the context of Scripture in examining Jesus’ claims. Right before He made the claim, He said, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.” (John 14:1-4)

It’s pretty clear that Jesus is talking about heaven. When He says, “I am the way,” He means that HE is The Way to heaven – to our Heavenly Father! Jesus is also saying to us, “You’ve got to decide if you’re going to trust Me. If you will follow Me, I will get you to where you need to go.” [My interpretation.] Wouldn’t anyone want to know the way to Heaven? Jesus tells us it is about trusting Him enough to follow Him to Heaven.

I realize these are big questions – important questions that will determine where you spend eternity. I also know they are hard to wrap your head around. But it’s not just your head. Your heart is involved, too. It’s only through repentant faith that you can do it. Do you have that faith? If you don’t, can you get it? You bet you can! Ask God to give you that kind of faith.

In Part 1, Jesus made what was and is considered to be an outrageous claim. In Part 2, we begin to understand where that claim is leading to, if we believe Him.

Stick with me tomorrow for Part 3. It only gets better!

 

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"Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” - John 14:5

IS JESUS THE ONLY WAY TO GOD? Part 3
July 14, 2017

In Part 1 of this series of devotions, you will remember that Jesus said, “I am the way…” and in doing so, upset a lot of people by His claim. In Part 2, we focused on Jesus’ claim to be the only way to heaven. Today, we see Thomas asked Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?”

Now, before you get too hard on Thomas, I think he believed that Jesus was the way to the Heavenly Father. He just didn’t understand exactly how he would get to heaven. That is the big question for all of us. How do we find the road to heaven?

Most people feel like they’re going to get to heaven if they are good enough, religious enough, or moral enough. They think that somehow that will do the trick. Unfortunately, the Bible clearly says if we sin one time, we’re not qualified for heaven. ONE time! In other words, we would have to be perfect to get to heaven with good deeds. It should come as no surprise that none of us make it that way. So how can we be sure that we know the way to heaven?

Think about it this way: It’s 1970 (before the age of the GPS) and you’re going to New York City for the first time. You have a meeting in downtown Manhattan. So, you stop and ask somebody for directions and they say, “Just go down about 3 blocks where you’ll see a service station, turn left and go a few blocks, and you’ll see a 60-story building, turn right and go about 5 or 6 blocks, and you’ll come to an intersection…” Well, by that time, your mind is confused, but you then realize you are lost.

But what if that person said, “You haven’t been here before, have you? Come with me. I’ll take you there.” Now, you’ve got a big decision to make. “Can I trust this this guy? Is he going to rob me? Is he going to lead me into trouble?” “Will he really lead me to where I need to go?” That’s the decision we have to make in whether or not we can trust in Jesus to get us to Heaven.

Obviously, the decision to trust Jesus is eternally more important than finding your way in Manhattan. Yet it’s a decision to believe He is trustworthy enough to follow Him with your life. Many of us have decided that Jesus is telling the truth and He is the way to heaven. So, what about you? Will you trust Him? That’s the big decision of life. There’s more tomorrow in Part 4!

 

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"I am the way. I am the truth. And I am the life. No one comes to Father except through me." - John 14:6

IS JESUS THE ONLY WAY TO GOD? Part 4
July 15, 2017

The second claim Jesus made about Himself is, “I am the truth.” Many people believe in moral relativism – the idea that there’s no such thing as absolute truth. Yet Jesus is saying, HE is the truth? Amazing! He’s actually saying that truth is not found in knowledge, religion, or in a philosophy, but in Him…a person!

When someone says they don’t believe in absolute truth, I don’t think they even realize what they’re saying. For example, take math—are you saying that in Georgia 3+3 equals 6, but in California, 3+3 equals 5? Are they both true? Is it all relative to where you live? Obviously, that’s just ridiculous. What about the Law of Gravity? If there is no absolute truth, then when you drop something, are you saying that gravity might pull it down or maybe it will just stay suspended in the air? If someone told you this was “their” truth, you would think they were crazy.

Yet, when a person says, “There is no such thing as absolute truth”, ask them, “Are you sure?” If they say “Yes,” then they have refuted their own statement. They have stated an absolute truth. “There is no absolute truth” is a contradiction of terms.

So when it comes to God, can there be such a thing as absolute truth? If Jesus is telling the truth and is Truth, the answer is, “Yes.” Either way, Jesus’ statement about Himself is outrageous – unless it is true.

The big question is, do you believe that Jesus tells the truth? If you do, then whether you realize it or not, you believe in absolute truth. You can’t have it both ways. Either you believe it, or you don’t. Jesus says, it’s absolutely clear. He is both the way to God, and He is ultimate truth.

But that’s not all! Tomorrow, there is one more in this series of devotions. Don’t miss it!

 

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"I am the way. I am the truth. And I am the LIFE. No one comes to Father except through me." - John 14:6

IS JESUS THE ONLY WAY TO GOD? Part 5
July 16, 2017

This week, we have discussed that Jesus says He is the way and the truth, but not only that, Jesus goes on to say that He is the life. Now, what is this life? Well, this is the most amazing definition of life there is – eternal life – a gift that comes through faith and trust in Christ. In 1 John 5:12. Jesus says:

He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.

“Oh,” you might say, “does that mean I’m going to have a life free from hardships?” No. You’re not going to be free of problems. You’re going to face trials. As a matter of fact, Christ says we will face trials. Why is that? We live in a fallen world, contaminated by sin. It goes all the way back to the beginning of man.

Think about it this way. A young couple comes to the front of the church to be married. They are professing their love before God and their family and friends. They are committing their lives to one another. Can that couple have joy and more meaning in their lives? Certainly! Having that constant loving companion is a wonderful thing. But it doesn’t mean that that couple will not have problems. I promise you, every couple does. But the difference is that they have each other for strength and support.

God’s Word compares our relationship with Christ to the marriage relationship that lasts. When we face hardships, He will be with us every step of the way. He will never leave us because He is the definition of true love and commitment.

Have you chosen that life? Have you discovered the Truth? Are you sure you have the way to God? This is why Jesus concludes, “No one comes to the Father except through me.” The only way He can make this exclusive conclusion is if He IS the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I believe Jesus is telling the truth. I believe He is the only way to God, and the source of eternal life. What about you?

1 John 5:13 is a great assurance:

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may KNOW that you have eternal life.

 

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A Time for Everything
July 20, 2017

Read: Ecclesiastes 3:1–14 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 26–28; Acts 22


There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1

While flying recently, I watched a mother and her children a few rows ahead of me. While the toddler played contentedly, the mother gazed into the eyes of her newborn, smiling at him and stroking his cheek. He stared back with a wide-eyed wonderment. I enjoyed the moment with a touch of wistfulness, thinking of my own children at that age and the season that has passed me by.

I reflected, however, about King Solomon’s words in the book of Ecclesiastes about “every activity under the heavens” (v. 1). He addresses through a series of opposites how there is a “time for everything” (v. 1): “a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot” (v. 2). Perhaps King Solomon in these verses despairs at what he sees as a meaningless cycle of life. But he also acknowledges the role of God in each season, that our work is a “gift of God” (v. 13) and that “everything God does will endure forever” (v. 14).

The Lord promises to be with us in every season of our life.
We may remember times in our lives with longing, like me thinking of my children as babies. We know, however, that the Lord promises to be with us in every season of our life (Isa. 41:10). We can count on His presence and find that our purpose is in walking with Him.

Lord God, You lead me through the seasons, and whether I’m laughing or crying I know You are with me. May I reach out to someone with Your love today.

God gives us the seasons of our lives.

By Amy Boucher Pye | See Other Authors
INSIGHT:
The writer of Ecclesiastes lists fourteen pairs of “times” we may find ourselves in throughout our lives. But following this list is a question, “What do workers gain from their toil?” (3:9). The answer is quite encouraging. From our toil we gain satisfaction, and that is a gift from God (v. 13). Thank God for the season of life you are now in. Thank Him for the satisfaction of work. J.R. Hudberg

 

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Dressed Up
July 21, 2017

Read: Romans 13:11–14 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 29–30; Acts 23:1–15


Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 13:14

In her book Wearing God, author Lauren Winner says our clothes can silently communicate to others who we are. What we wear may indicate career, community or identity, moods, or social status. Think of a T-shirt with a slogan, a business suit, a uniform, or greasy jeans and what they might reveal. She writes, “The idea that, as with a garment, Christians might wordlessly speak something of Jesus—is appealing.”

According to Paul, we can similarly wordlessly represent Christ. Romans 13:14 tells us to “clothe [ourselves] with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” What does this mean? When we become Christians, we take on Christ’s identity. We’re “children of God through faith” (Gal. 3:26–27). That’s our status. Yet each day we need to clothe ourselves in His character. We do this by striving to live for and to be more like Jesus, growing in godliness, love, and obedience and turning our back on the sins that once enslaved us.

Dear Lord, grow us in godliness, love, joy, and patience.
This growth in Christ is a result of the Holy Spirit working in us and our desire to be closer to Him through study of the Word, prayer, and time spent in fellowship with other Christians (John 14:26). When others look at our words and attitudes, what statement are we making about Christ?

Dear Lord, we want to be a reflection of You. Help us to look more like You each day. Grow us in godliness, love, joy, and patience.

When others see us, may what they see speak well of the Savior.

By Alyson Kieda | See Other Authors
INSIGHT:
What does a well-dressed follower of Christ look like? Starting with verse 11 of Romans 13, Paul builds his case. Maybe he has a smile in his eyes as he thinks, “Hey, wake up you sleepy heads. It’s time to get up. Come on now. Wake up. The night’s about over. The sun’s coming up. It’s time to dress for the day rather than for the night” (see vv. 11–12).

At this point can you hear the emotion in Paul’s voice? Something like, “Come on now, I’m not kidding. Do you really want to be seen as a follower of Jesus dressed like that? Please now, ‘Do this’ for Jesus’s sake” (v. 11). Do what? He replies: “For you, I’ll say it again. Please, don’t hide who you are in Christ by wrapping yourself in self-centered desire. Clothe yourself in the ways of Jesus. Find in Him an honest concern for everyone who comes into your lives. Give yourselves and everyone you come in contact with a chance to see that a new day is dawning. It’s time to love others as Christ has loved us” (see vv. 8–12).

 

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“I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5: 44

LOVE OUR ENEMY?
July 21, 2017

The Jewish people were familiar with the Old Testament command to “love your neighbor” (Leviticus 19:18). To many, this meant loving their fellow Jews – not always easy, but they realized the importance. Then Jesus came along and took this command one step farther: “Don’t just love your neighbors, I want you to love your enemies (My Paraphrase).”

To love our enemies means loving those who don’t love us, don’t look like us, don’t speak like us, even don’t like us. This refers to people inside and outside our circle of family or friends, our fellow believers, and even our fellow citizens. Jesus’ command includes loving those who are not for us, those who desire ill will towards us, and even those who make our lives miserable. We are to love anyone and everyone, but especially our enemies.

At first glance, loving our enemies can seem impossible. After all, each of us has a story that begins with: “If only you knew what this person was like or what he or she did – you wouldn’t be asking me to love them.” But Jesus was very clear. So how do we begin to love our enemies? It starts with prayer.

When we pray for a person who has hurt us, God has a way of softening our heart. We begin to look at that person through God’s eyes – perhaps even remembering how God looked at us in love and mercy while we were HIS enemy and were rejecting HIM through our sin.

So, does “praying for our enemies” make what that person did ok? Absolutely not. Does it mean that you are going to like this person? In most cases no. But it does means that God can give you a supernatural power to love them and to show them love, no matter how they respond to us. And that kind of love is powerful. No, it’s beyond powerful. It’s supernatural because this type of love comes from God.

 

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“For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?” Matthew 5: 46 & 47

A RADICAL LOVE
July 23, 2017

Followers of Christ are called to be different, to live lives that are distinct – radical even. Why? Because Christ’s message was radical. To love the people who love us, who look and act and think like us – that’s normal. But Jesus called us to love our enemies, and that was a radical statement. How is something so unnatural even possible?

There’s an incredible story Nick Ripkin tells in the book Insanity of God about a Muslim man in the Middle East. A Christian ministry opened a health clinic in this man’s community, and each day he would curse and insult the staff as they passed by his shop on their way to work. He did just about everything he could to undermine the clinic until one day he was diagnosed with cancer. Slowly his friends began to abandon him until the only people who cared for him were the clinic’s staff. They reached out to the same man who had cursed them, taking care of him and even offering him medical care. Towards the end of his life, this man gave his life to Christ – all because of the radical love he encountered in Christ Jesus.

But the story doesn’t end there. This man’s family was so impacted by the way the staff ministered and cared for him that his wife became a bold, outspoken Jesus follower. She was so outspoken that she was put in prison. Undeterred by prison, she continued to share about Jesus with the other prisoners until she was moved to solitary confinement. Even isolated from every other person, she was heard singing praises to God. Finally, the police chief released her and asked her to explain what made her so fearless. What a witness!

Do you see the ripple effect of radical love? The love of Christ is a radical love that transforms lives – IF we are courageous enough to live differently. Will you?

 

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What We Bring Back
July 25, 2017

Read: Psalm 37:1–6, 23–27 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 37–39; Acts 26


I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. Psalm 37:25

John F. Burns spent forty years covering world events for The New York Times. In an article written after his retirement in 2015, Burns recalled the words of a close friend and fellow journalist who was dying of cancer. “Never forget,” his colleague said, “It’s not how far you’ve traveled; it’s what you’ve brought back.”

Psalm 37 could be considered David’s list of what he “brought back” from his journey of life, from shepherd to soldier and king. The psalm is a series of couplets contrasting the wicked with the righteous, and affirming those who trust the Lord.

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.” Psalm 37:23
“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither” (vv. 1–2).

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand” (vv. 23–24).

“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread” (v. 25).

From our experiences in life, what has God taught us? How have we experienced His faithfulness and love? In what ways has the Lord’s love shaped our lives?

It’s not how far we’ve traveled in life, but what we’ve brought back that counts.

Dear Lord, thank You for walking with me throughout my life. Help me to remember Your faithfulness.

As the years add up, God’s faithfulness keeps multiplying.

By David C. McCasland | See Other Authors
INSIGHT:
Psalm 37 is an extended antidote to anxiety, even when there seem to be many reasons to fear. The psalm, sometimes classified as a wisdom psalm because of its insight into the realities of life, invites believers to have trust, peace, and contentment (vv. 3, 5, 7) even when it seems that evil has the upper hand (vv. 1, 7, 12, 14). We find peace through looking deeper than external appearances like wealth (v. 16). Evil may have power for a time, but it is self-defeating. It cannot last forever (vv. 10, 20, 22). It’s better to live with Him, who picks us up when we fall and holds us by the hand (vv. 23–24), than to surrender to evil (v. 16). A life with God means true peace, now and eternally (v. 18). Monica Brands