Tag Archives: daily walk

December 12

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Acts 28:11-31; Ephesians 1:1-3:21

The mystery of Christ “… is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus”. (Acts 3:4,6) Verses like these thrill me. And there are many verses that affirm that truth. God, who chose the Jewish people to reveal Himself to the Old Testament world and to be the family into which Christ was born, has chosen me to reveal Himself to my world in 2013. 

I was, by nature, an object of God’s wrath. “But because of his great love for (me), God, who is rich in mercy, made (me) alive with Christ even when (I was) dead in transgressions – it is by grace (I) have been saved”. (2:4-5)

Why does God save us? Read on in verses 6&7. “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”

We who know Christ are chosen to continue the work of showing unsaved people who God is, what Christ has done for mankind, and the incomparable riches that come from knowing Him as Savior and Lord. We are like one body doing a job. And it doesn’t matter if you are Jewish born or not. You are a member of the body if you you know Jesus.

What kind of love brought Jesus into this world? How much love did it take for him to leave heaven and put on flesh and blood, to walk with men and women for 33 years, to be loved and hated, accepted and rejected. And to die a horrible death in order for all of us to have the opportunity to know him. Paul prayed that we would be rooted and established in that love and to grasp “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (3:17-19)

That’s a love worth knowing. And it’s a love worth sharing.

Jesus, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your great work. Thank you for your grace that enables me to stand before you no longer an object of your wrath. Thank you for bringing me into your body and may I be your hands and feet, your arms and your voice to introduce someone to you today. May I know that love Paul talked about and may others see that love in me. It’s an honor to serve you today. Lord.

December 10

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Acts 23:12-25:22

Paul’s enemies wanted him dead. They lied and schemed and even vowed not to eat anything until they killed him. And the only reason they hated Paul was because they believed something different than he did about Scripture.

Have we changed so much since then? I know wars have been fought in the name of God. Planes have been flown into buildings in the name of God. Even denominational differences within Christianity can produce heated arguments. To what degree are we to fight against people who disagree with us?

I believe sometimes we have to go to war with nations who threaten our safety. But I wish we didn’t have to. I hate abortion, the murder of innocent children. But I also hate it when I hear an abortion clinic has been bombed or an abortion doctor has been shot to death in the name of God. I know that homosexuality is a sin and, in the Old Testament, punishable by death. But I was saddened to read this morning that a church known for helping the needy reportedly believe gay people should die. Whether or not they truly believe that, I don’t know. But I find it interesting the media put it out there now when charitable given is typically high.

Friend, let’s remember that our enemy is not flesh and blood. God sent Jesus to die for all of us. He wants the atheist, the abortion doctor, the drug dealer, the homosexual, the liar and the glutton to accept his Son as Savior. Satan is the enemy. But we are commanded to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to everyone! 

Father, I pray for your people today. May we stand up for the truth of Scripture, may our lives reflect Jesus’ love, and may we love even those who disagree with us. I know that’s not to say we should ignore or tolerate sin. But help us to show a lost world that what we have with you is so much better than what they have without you in their lives. May they be drawn to you because of us. Then, we’ll let you handle the sin in their lives!

December 9

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Acts 21:1-23:11

Paul wasn’t one to take the easy way out. If God wanted him to go to Jerusalem he’d go to Jerusalem no matter how many people warned him of the danger awaiting him there. Thrown in prison, he still preached the Gospel. Beaten, insulted, lied about, and he refused to compromise. Paul knew the Truth. And nothing – not even the threat of death – would stop him from holding to that Truth and obeying God.

It’s easier to keep our faith to ourselves for fear of offending someone, looking like fools, rejection, even breaking the law. But as Christians we are commanded to get out there and preach the Gospel. I believe God would have us be as determined as Paul was to obey that command.

The last verse we read today is amazing. Listen to what is written in 23:11:

The following night the Lord stood near to Paul and said, “Take courage…”

The same God who stood with Paul stands with us today. I believe he is saying the same thing to us in 2013. “Take courage! Talk about me to your family and friends. Then be amazed at what happens next.”

Dear God, may your people be as determined as Paul was to share you with a lost world. May we obey you when you nudge us toward someone whose heart you are readying to accept you. Give us the boldness to share you, regardless of our fear. Thank you for standing with us as we obey you today.

December 8

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Romans 15&16; Acts 20:7-38

Some of the people Paul greeted are people we only meet here at the end of his letter to the Romans. I love how he attached a description next to each name.

Phoebe, a servant of the church. Priscilla and Aquila risked their lives. Epenetus was the fist convert in Asia. Mary, Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis all worked hard. Paul loved Ampliatus and said Rufus’ mother was like his own mother. There are others. I hope you read the list.

Then there is poor Eutychus whose claim to fame is falling asleep in church (see Acts 20). Well, that and the fact that Paul raised him from the dead.

Once again I am reminded that we all leave a mark on the hearts of people we meet. I wonder how I am described. God is asking me to look at my life and consider the impact I have. Is it for good? Am I pointing people to the Savior?

Acts 20:24 spoke to me as I read this morning. May Paul’s desire be my heart’s desire as well:

‘However, I consider my life worth nothing to me if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace”.

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you that Paul’s words to the Romans can speak to me so clearly thousands of years later. I want to be as focused as Paul was. I want to be as burdened for the lost. And I want my life to leave an impression of your grace on everyone I meet. Help me to be a hardworking woman for your kingdom.

December 7

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Romans 11:11-14:23

Paul has such practical advice for us in his letters. I hope you read and re-read Romans 12 today. What does it mean to be a living sacrifice? What does it look like when someone walks the walk?

The world is searching for peace, for fulfillment, for meaning. And non-Christians are looking at us to see if what we have is real, if it is what they are looking for, if it’s any better than what they have without Jesus.

So I ask myself: what is it they see in me? One who is transformed by the renewing of my mind? One who considers herself with sober judgment? One who uses her gifts within a fellowship of believers? 

Am I a woman whose love is sincere, who hates evil, honors others above myself, am I zealous for sharing the Gospel, joyful, patient, prayerful? 

Do they see me living my life trying to even the score with people I think have wronged me? Or do I love my enemies, do I overcome evil with good?

Dear One, I would suggest that if all of us who know Christ as our Savior lived our lives according to what we read in Romans 12, people would be storming the doors of our churches to get in. We have what they are looking for. Can they see those things in us?

Father, I thank you for Paul’s words to the Romans. And I thank you that those words speak to us today. May each of us who have accepted your grace, who know you as our Savior and Lord, live our lives as living sacrifices. I pray that someone who needs you will recognize those things in me today and be drawn to you because of it.

November28

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I Corinthians 11:2-13:13

I Corinthians 13 is probably one of the most known chapters of the Bible along with Genesis 1 and Luke 2. Did someone read the Love Chapter at your wedding? These verses have inspired song writers and challenged newly weds. But is there something in here for all of us on this Thanksgiving Day, 2013? I’m glad you asked.

Jesus told us the second greatest commandment, after loving God, is loving our neighbor. Scripture tells us people will know we are Christians by our love. And I Corinthians 13 tells us what that love looks like. As you read the traits of love in verses 4-8, do you see yourself as you consider your relationship with your neighbors, co-workers, and family members?

Read these verses carefully and don’t gloss over the traits you know you lack. It’s not a test God is grading on a curve. Godly love is demonstrated when all the boxes are checked.

Are you having problems in your marriage? Read verses 4-8 and ask yourself if this is the love you have for your spouse. Resist the temptation to see if your spouse measures up with the love he or she has for you. Remember, love is not self-seeking. Are you really patient when the top isn’t put back on the toothpaste? Are you kind even though that biting comment is on the tip of your tongue? Do you find yourself competing with your spouse, jealous if your spouse gets recognition? I am pretty sure more marital problems could be solved if couples would demonstrate the love described in these verses toward each other.

Today is Thanksgiving in the United States and at the top of my list of things I am most thankful for is the heritage left by my parents and grandparents, people who loved the Lord and demonstrated that love according to I Corinthians 13. I am so thankful for my four sisters – Peggy, Kathy, Nancy, and Sally. I am blessed because these amazing women are my sisters, my friends. Their love to me is described in the verses we read today. I am thankful for nieces and nephews who have brought such joy to me and my whole family. For great-nieces and nephews who have stolen my heart. I am thankful for health, for having everything I need.

And I am most thankful for Jesus. I am a sinner saved by his grace. I am a child of the Creator, the God of the Universe. And I have the assurance that my eternity will be spent in his Presence! My prayer today is that I will demonstrate my love for him by living according to the verses I read today in I Corinthians 13.

May God bless you today. And may you look to God, the giver of all good things, with a truly thankful heart.

November 27

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I Corinthians 8:1-11:1

Paul said he became all things to all men so that by all possible means he might win some to the Savior. He said to the Jews he became a Jew, to those under the law he became like one under the law, to the weak he became weak. Yet the Bible clearly tells us to be holy as God is holy, to come out from among them and be separate, to flee temptation.

I don’t think the two are mutually exclusive.

Paul is talking about investing himself in the lives of unsaved people. He worked with them, ate with them, showed interest in them. And in his relationship with them he did not compromise his relationship with Jesus.

You don’t need to sin in order to befriend a sinner. But if your friend likes to fish, become a fisherman. If your friend plays tennis, get a tennis racket. If your friend is an Ohio State fan (go Bucks! Beat Michigan!) get out the nachos and invite them to watch the game in your man cave.

If you demonstrate you care about this person, if you show them how important they are to you, they will no doubt be more open to hearing you when you want to talk about your Savior.

Paul could have said it like this: I became a scrapbooker in order to win my scrapbooking friend. Or I became a bowler, a gardner, a golfer, a baker…

Who has God laid on your heart today? Find out what interests them. Then join them. Remember, we are to be out there winning lost souls to the Savior. One friend at a time.

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that when you nudge us toward a friend, we will obey you wholeheartedly. Help us to be invested in their eternal souls. May we put aside our comfort and show how much we care by becoming truly interested in what interests them. May we become all things to them in order to win them by all possible means. Even if that means trying something new and scary.

November 26

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I Corinthians 5-7

I know Paul appears to be anti-marriage and has been accused of being a woman-hater. But I don’t see that. Paul is frantically trying to win lost souls. He is consumed with this mission and devotes every waking minute to sharing the Gospel. And he wishes everyone was like him.

Years ago when my sisters and friends were changing diapers, sitting at their kitchen tables helping with math homework, going to soccer games and dance lessons, I was not. During that time I took on responsibilities at church – teaching Sunday School, coaching our quiz team, singing in the choir, playing the organ, serving on the board, typing the bulletin. I did not have a husband waiting dinner or children to care for.

Now I am not telling you this to hear how wonderful it was that I did all that. It is at it should be. My sisters and friends were not wrong for devoting their energies toward their families. I wish more young people today would make their children and spouses more of a priority. (see Paul’s advice to married couples in 7:1-7)

But to those of us who are not married or who are married without children, we need to pick up the slack. We need to make God’s work our baby, our focus. It’s not to say moms and dads shouldn’t be actively involved in the ministry of their churches. But let’s face it. Some of us just have more time and we fill that time up with the things that are the most important to us. Where does Christ fit in your busy schedule?

Paul said the time is short. There is work to be done, souls that need saving. We who can should be focused and busy sharing Jesus. Just like Paul.

Father, I pray for married couples and parents today. May they depend on you for the strength to meet the challenges living with others affords. I pray they will choose to be faithful to each other, to make their families a priority, and to be quick to share you with neighbors and friends as you give opportunity. I pray for unmarried people. May we take the times others use for raising children to doing as much for your kingdom as we can. I pray we all will make you our priority and, like Paul, devote every waking minute to sharing the Gospel.

November 24

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II Thessalonians 2&3; Acts 18:18-19:41

Who is the man of lawlessness? I guess I am one who is less interested in guessing his identity and more interested in looking at the setting around which the lawless one will be revealed. I want Christians to recognize the signs and, instead of chalking off another box, get out there and do something to stop it. I think that’s what Paul was trying to do.

Paul tells us a rebellion will occur. Satan will perform counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders. Every sort of evil will deceive people who refuse to love the truth. They will have powerful delusions, believe the lie, and delight in wickedness.

Check your local listings.

Actually, Paul is describing life on planet earth since the beginning of time. Satan has always been a liar. People have always delighted in sin. But our modern world plasters it all over the big screen for all to see for the price of a ticket. And what that has done is made blatant sin seem exciting, desirable, even normal. 

I know the fire is out of control. But are we just going to sit back and watch our world burn? What kind of world are we leaving for our children when we are gone? 

I don’t know. Maybe we should let the companies that advertise during TV shows that promote sin know that we aren’t buying their products any more. Maybe we should write our lawmaker and tell them we aren’t voting for them as long as they support ungodly legislation. No doubt we should be talking to our children about what they are seeing. And no doubt we should hold our pastors and teachers accountable in preaching the truth of Scripture.

One thing we need to understand. We can’t expect sinners to act like Christians or to value the same things we value. If we want our world to change for the better, we need to be diligent about winning lost souls. The system won’t change until the people within the system repent.

Father, I pray that your children will grasp the urgency. Forgive our silence. Forgive us for wanting to give up. Forgive us for taking part in the sin by watching the shows, buying the products, laughing at the jokes, and not looking for opportunities to share you with people who so desperately need you. God, I don’t want to be a part of Satan’s work by my lack of action. I want to be a part of the solution, a warrior in your army, your voice to lost souls. I pray that the man of lawlessness won’t be able to be identified in our lifetime because we who know you are faithful to do the work you have for us to do.

November 23

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I Thessalonians 2:17-5:28; II Thessalonians 1:1-12

Do you get excited when you read what Paul says to the Thessalonians about Jesus’ Second Coming? I do! The shout of the archangel and a trumpet blast. Jesus himself appearing in the clouds. My parents, grandparents, my nephew and others who died knowing Christ as their Savior will come out of their graves! And we will all meet Jesus in the air, “and so we will be with the Lord forever.”

That’s why we who know Christ do not grieve like those who have no hope. We know that once this life is over, life is not over. Once this life is over the person who has accepted Jesus as Savior really begins to live. 

I, for one, look forward to that day. And I think it would be incredible to still be walking this earth when it happens. Leaving the cares of this world behind would be a welcomed relief.

But I don’t pray for that day to happen soon. My prayer is that Christians will step up our game, that the Holy Spirit will find us willing and useful vessels through which he can continue to draw all men to God. Shame on us if we want to take the easy way out. Instead, we need to strap on the armor and get out there into the battle. There are still people who need the Savior and unless they accept him, they will go to hell.

Oh that our neighbors and friends shared the same hope we have.

Dear Jesus, we who know you look forward to the day when we will meet you in the air. We long for the moment when we can look into your eyes, when we can sing your praises face to face. But, Lord, we also know you are not willing that any of our neighbors and friends should perish without you. So I pray for your children today. May we do the work you’ve called us to. May your Holy Spirit empower us to be your voice to lost souls. Prepare hearts to meet you today. And may we be faithful to share the Good News of Jesus with them. Tarry, Lord. There are still people who need the Savior.