Tag Archives: daily walk

November 21

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Acts 15&16

Paul and his new partner Silas traveled from city to city sharing the gospel and encouraging believers. Barnabas and Mark took off in another direction to do the same. God turned the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas into two missionary teams and the gospel reached twice as many towns. Satan may have thought he could stop the gospel by causing a rift. God turned it around for his glory.

Satan doesn’t always use anger or tragedy to fight against Christians. His weapon isn’t always persecution. Often he is much more subtle. He knows Jesus. He can quote Scripture. And sometimes Satan sounds like a Christian.

When Paul and Silas were trying to conduct evangelistic meetings, a demon possessed girl followed them everywhere. The demon within her caused her to repeatedly shout, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” Satan didn’t prompt the girl to make fun of them, argue with them, insult them. She sounded like a believer, yet Paul recognized it as Satan and demanded the demon leave the girl in the name of Jesus.

Friend, do you recognize Satan when he comes disguised as the angel of light? I don’t care if it’s something you hear from a Bible teacher, a friend, a preacher, or a blogger. Test it with Scripture. It doesn’t matter if it sounds Christian. Don’t accept it unless you can prove it true by God’s Holy Word. I am burdened for believers especially these days when so many ungodly things are being preached on TV and in local pulpits. The politically correct doctrines some would have us believe cannot be from God because they contradict Scripture. Taking a verse out of context doesn’t make it right. Sin is sin. And the wages of sin is death. Jesus is the only way to the Father and he IS the Truth! 

Let’s defeat Satan by being in God’s Word every day, by committing to memory verses God makes jump out at us, by thinking about what we hear, and praying that God would reveal his Truth to us every minute. And let’s demand of those who are teaching in our churches, our schools, and in the media that they stay true to Scripture. Period.

Dear God, I pray for believers today. May we not accept everything we hear as from you. But may we test it according to your written Word. Thank you for the Bible. I pray that each of us will realize the treasure we have right in our homes. May we use it, love it, study it so that we can recognize Satan’s attacks and lies. Then, God, give us a boldness to speak the Truth in love. 

November 17

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James 4:1-5:20; Acts 11:19-12:25

I hope you read the book of James. There is a wealth of information in each verse. It’s a practical guide book for living the Christian life. It truly is a light to our way.

What are you looking for? Is it health or wealth or success or is it answers to life, strength to meet hardships? Read 4:7-10 and find the answer to having the most extraordinary life. Let James talk to you about God’s will in 4:13-17, about priorities in 5:1-9, about hardships and prayer in 5:10-18. I hope you’ll read and re-read this book and let God speak to you about your walk with him.

In 5:20 James sums up why we live this Christian life in the first place. “remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”

Are you turning sinners from sin? Do you have the wisdom that comes from God and is your life an example of holiness? It’s why God doesn’t take us to heaven the moment we ask Jesus to come into our hearts. While you have life and breath you have a mission. 

May we be faithful to that mission and introduce someone to their Savior today.

Dear Savior, thank you for inspiring your servant to write the words we read the last couple of days. May your children take to heart the things you are saying to us. May we be the people described here. And may our lives represent your holiness. Then, Father, give us opportunity to share the good news of Jesus with a sinner who needs turned around.

 

November 16

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James 1:1-3:18

I’ve always been partial to the book of James. It is probably the one book of the Bible I have read the most. I think I first realized how rich its content when I coached a Bible quiz team from my church and we studied this book word by word. 

James starts with talking about godly wisdom and ends chapter three talking about the same thing. He invites all believers to ask God for wisdom and believe and not doubt that God will answer that prayer. 

So do you have godly wisdom? Here is James’ checklist. See if you see yourself here.

Wisdom considers it pure joy to face trials, knowing it works to mature the one who suffers. (1:2-4)

Wisdom is humble in whatever circumstance of life one is given. (1:9-11)

Wisdom perseveres under trials, knowing the end of this life is eternal life with God. (1:12)

Wisdom recognizes temptation is not from God. And wisdom doesn’t give temptation a second thought because the more you think about it the more likely that desire leads to sin. (1:13-15) Which is why I watch very little prime time TV that portrays sin as the new normal. I don’t want those subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) attacks on the truth of Scripture to have any place in my mind or heart. And I certainly would not watch those shows if I had young people in my home!

Wisdom understands that God is never changing. (1:16-18) The God of Abraham is the God of today and his demands for holiness has not changed in order to be politically correct. 

Wisdom is quick to listen and slow to anger. And it gets rid of all moral filth.  (1:19-21)

Wisdom listens to God’s Word and obeys. (1:22-25)

Wisdom keeps a tight reign on the tongue. (1:26, 3:1-12)

Wisdom looks after orphans and widows and keeps oneself from being polluted by the world. (1:27)

Wisdom does not show favoritism, but realizes the Gospel of Jesus is for everyone in all walks of life.  (2:1-13)

Wisdom demonstrates faith by how one lives, the good one does in Jesus’ name. (2:14-26)

Wisdom does not harbor bitter envy or selfish ambition. (3:16)

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” (3:17-18)

So how did you do? Can you say, after reading these chapters today  that you possess godly wisdom? Or are there some things you need to talk to your Lord about? Remember 1:5-6 says:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”

Gracious God, thank you for your Word to us today. I pray that your children will seek your wisdom, believing you want us to be wise in light of Scripture. Open our minds and hearts and give us understanding of your Word. And may we accept your wisdom and live out your truths today. Make us wise. And use us to do your will for Jesus’ sake.

 

 

November 14

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Acts 7:54-9:31

The early followers of Christ lived in danger. Many were beaten and others were killed because they loved Jesus and identified with him through baptism. Thousands of believers fled Jerusalem to save themselves and their families and settled in other towns. And you know what happened? They started talking about Jesus to their new neighbors and thousands more were saved. The Church actually grew through its persecution!

Isn’t it true we can kind of get comfortable where we are? We go to a job we like, we get along with our co-workers, we’re used to our boss. We sit in the same seat every Sunday and greet the same people. We mow our lawns and wave to our neighbors as they mow their lawns. And our opportunities to share Christ get fewer and fewer.

What happens when the company you work for down-sizes and you find yourself looking for work? What happens when you are transferred to another city or feel the need to move closer to an ailing parent? 

We in America don’t know as yet what it is like to have to run for our lives because of our faith. But God does nudge us at times to get out of our comfort zones. Why? There are people who need to hear your testimony, to see Christ living in you so that they come to know him, too. When you are a Christian, everything that happens in your life happens for one reason only. And that is so that you can be a witness to people who need the Savior. 

Is God asking you to get out of your comfort zone? Probably. Go where he wants you to go. Do or say what it is he is asking of you. The Church still has room to grow.

Father, forgive us when we are comfortable. Give your people the courage to step out, to reach out, to be uncomfortable for a time so that someone can meet you. You are going to give us opportunities today. May you find us willing to do that hard thing for Jesus’ sake.

November 13

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Acts 5:17-7:53

When God was on the fast track to establish his Church some pretty amazing things occurred. When the Holy Spirit came he came in flames! Ordinary people suddenly were able to speak languages they had never studied and preached the Gospel so that foreigners could understand. People were healed if they walked over Peter’s shadow. And many people found Christ because of it.

Peter and John found themselves in prison for preaching about Jesus. But God wasn’t about to let their voices be silenced. So he picked them up right out of that cell and transplanted them in the middle of town. What must that have been like for the apostles? Better than any Disney ride, I’m sure!

With all this going on, Satan was frantically trying to stop it. He influenced many people who wanted Peter and John dead. He even convinced them they were doing what God wanted by putting an end to this Jesus movement. So they thought they’d teach Peter and John a lesson, scare them into stopping their ministry. They bound the apostles and flogged them. They beat them, tearing into their flesh, causing painful cuts. And you know how the apostles responded? Read Acts 5:41-42. They rejoiced because God had found them worthy to suffer for Jesus’ sake. And they continued to preach the Gospel every day.

Nobody likes to suffer. We get angry if we are treated unfairly, pout if our feelings are hurt, and want to get even with those who wrong us. Just yesterday a young friend of mine was in a car accident. He was driving home from college when someone ran a stop sign and plowed into the side of my friend’s car. And to make matters worse, the person who hit him fled the scene. My friend was stunned. He was shaken and angry. Why me, he asked? He was following the rules and where did that get him? Bad things always happen to me, he cried.

His older sister said something that fits into what we read today here in Acts. She lovingly told him, “It happened because you are a CHOSEN ONE.” She went on to tell him that trials are a test of our faith and a chance to show Christ to others. And I think that’s what Peter and John would say to him, too. As followers of Christ we have a target on our backs. Satan wants to stop us at all costs. But God can turn any situation around and use it to glorify himself through us. 

Are you going through a storm? Are you being treated unfairly because you are a Christian? Rejoice! You are a chosen one to reveal Christ to someone who needs him. God trusts you with this trial. And he is able to see you through to the very end.

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for my young friend. Continue to work in his life, strengthen his relationship with you, and help him to be a testimony of what a Godly man looks like when faced with hardship. Draw someone to the saving knowledge of Jesus through this situation. And I pray for all of us who are facing Satan’s attacks. May we represent you well. May we trust you with it all. And may we rejoice for the opportunity to suffer for the name of our dear Savior.

November 12

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Acts 3:1-5:16

I was a public school teacher for 37 years. And as can be expected, I saw a lot of changes in education and in parents and students during those years. Prayer was taken out of the schools long before I started teaching. But as the years went by administrations became more fearful of anything that represented religion. Some went as far as to tell teachers and students they couldn’t carry Bibles to class, they couldn’t give their testimonies during class. They went to unnecessary extremes that trample on the rights of Christians.

I was blessed to work in a district that didn’t go to those extremes. Our students stood every morning to recite the Pledge and have a moment of “silent prayer or meditation.” I prayed with students who came to me with concerns if I had their permission and often the permission of their parents. A group of us teachers stayed after school once a week to pray for our school. I used to say I’ll probably get fired before I retire. But I didn’t. And I am so thankful for having had worked in the school district I did.

When Peter and John were told to stop talking about Jesus and were threatened if they didn’t, Peter said, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

Whether you work in a public school or in some other vocation that has rules about what you can and cannot say, I would encourage you to do some research. It might surprise you when you find out you have rights, too. Let’s exercise those rights while we still have them.

Dear God, I pray for Christians in the work-place today. May they not only be productive employees, but may they represent you in all they do and say. I pray that as followers of Jesus they would know their Constitutional rights, to stand up for truth, to be willing to put themselves out there if you lead. I pray for employers, for decision makers. May they know you, first of all. And may they see something in their Christian workers that they don’t see in those who don’t know you. And, Lord, may all of us have a holy boldness. May we share you with confidence and love as you give us opportunity. Because, dear Jesus, when we know you we just cannot help speaking about you!

November 10

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Matthew 28:11-20; Luke 24:13-53; John 20:19-21:25

Reading these Scriptures emphasizes to me just how personal Jesus is. Ours is not a God of a one-size-fits-all religion. Jesus died for individuals.

Like Thomas. We read that when Thomas expressed doubt and said he needed to see Jesus to believe he was alive, Jesus came to him and stretched out his hands for Thomas to see.

After Peter had denied Jesus three times, Jesus lovingly allowed Peter to declare his love not once… but three times.

Jesus walked with the men going to Emmaus, then sat and ate with them. He spoke to them about what was on their minds and answered their questions.

My experience has been the same. Jesus always meets me where I am. If I am distressed, he reminds me of Scripture that assures me he is able. If I am mourning, his Word brings comfort. He has often prompted one of his children to be his arms to hold me.

If I am guilt ridden because of sin he forgives me and replaces it with joy. At every crossroad of my life he has been faithful to open and close doors to help me find my way. 

It’s not that the rules change for individuals. Sin is sin. The penalty for sin is always death. But what is so precious about our Lord is the reality that his love, his presence, his attention is on each of us as individuals. He knows what each of us needs, and he is faithful to meet us right there.

Dear Father, thank you for showing us just how interested you are in each of us as individuals. Thank you that Jesus showed what a personal relationship with you looks like through his dealings with the people we read about today. And thank you for the many times that you revealed yourself to me in such a loving and personal way. I may not be able to touch your hand yet. But I see evidence of your presence every day. Thank you, God. I look forward to walking with you today.

November 5

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Mark 14:43-72; Matthew 26:47-75; Luke 22:54-71; John 18:1-27

I like Peter. I guess maybe I see myself in him in some ways. Peter often speaks without thinking and acts before considering the consequences and I’ve been known to do the same. Peter and I are both pretty emotional people. 

Peter, on the Mount of Transfiguration, was ready to build a shrine on the spot where Jesus spoke to Moses and Elijah. He was so excited about what he had seen. But Jesus just kinda said, ‘calm down, Peter’.

When Jesus told them he was going to die Peter spoke up and said, ‘No way!!!’. Jesus said, ‘Way’.

When Jesus washed the disciples’ feet Peter first refused. When Jesus explained the importance Peter said, ‘not just my feet then. Wash my all of me, too’. Jesus said, ‘no Peter. I’m washing feet.’

So it comes as no surprise that it was Peter who grabbed a sword and chopped off an ear of one who came to arrest Jesus when Jesus could have called 10,000 angels to protect him. Jesus put the ear back on the man.

It was Peter who boldly proclaimed, “I will never deny you, Jesus!”, then only a few hours later denied Jesus three times. And this is what breaks my heart every time I read it: after denying he even knew Jesus, the rooster crowed and Peter caught Jesus’ eye. Did he see condemnation there? Was Jesus saying, ‘I told you so’?

I think what he saw in Jesus’ eyes that morning was unconditional love. Peter, faced with his sin, was overcome with God’s love. And he wept bitterly. I can only imagine the depth of his shame and the intensity of his tears. I think he cried from a place so deep within himself he had never known existed before.

God is telling me today that coming to know him is an emotional thing for many of us. When we are faced with our own sin, Peter’s reaction doesn’t seem that far wrong. Our helpless estate, our total depravity, our sin is met with grace. Jesus forgives us. We look into his eyes and see acceptance and forgiveness and more love than we have ever experienced in this lifetime. A natural reaction is to cry out, weep bitterly as we lay it all at his feet and realize how much he has done for us.

But if we remain there, if we expect our relationship with Christ to be based on that emotion, we will look like Peter looked in the Gospels. We will say and do things that are not necessarily wrong, but perhaps a bit misguided. As we read on in the New Testament we’ll find that this emotional Peter grew up in the Lord. He became the pillar of the church just like Jesus predicted. 

May we, like Peter, learn to balance the emotional and the practical sides of our relationship with Jesus. May we serve him, thoughtfully and purposefully. And may we love him passionately. 

 

November 2

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Mark 14:12-21; Matthew 26:17-25; Luke 22:7-14, 21-30; John 13:1-30

Jesus served. He didn’t come into this world to observe, he came to seek and save the lost. He didn’t come to hear the crowds cheer for him, he came to get in our faces and reveal our helpless estate. He had a job to do and he gave it 100% – even though it cost him his life.

I started reading “Not a Fan” by Kyle Idleman yesterday and it is challenging me to look at my service to my Lord. If I call myself a Christian I cannot be a bystander. I cannot be a fan of Jesus. I have to be a servant.

Jesus washed his disciples feet. Then he told them they needed to do the same for each other. When those same disciples started arguing who was more important, Jesus told them to serve, to be like him who was among them as one who serves.

I am asking myself what my service looks like and why I serve. I challenge you to do the same. Whether you are a pastor of a mega-church or a brand new believer wondering where you fit in, I pray we will all serve our King not for what we get out of it, but because our hearts are broken and we are at that place where serving him is a grateful response to who he is, as natural and as vital as breathing.

Dear Jesus, I thank you for your humble example of what it is to be a Christian. I pray for us who know you. Help us to serve you, to lay aside selfish ambition, to forget we even exist apart from you. May we serve you with every word, with every deed, with every breath. Even in that, we could never do enough to show you how much we love you for who you are… Jesus… God… Savior. At your service, Lord.

November 1

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Matthew 25:31-46, 26:1-16; John 12:20-50, 1-11; Mark 14:1-11; Luke 22:1-6

Now we are seeing the true colors of Judas Iscariot. When Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus and used her hair to dry him, Judas was indignant. He sounded very caring when he said that the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. But John tells us old Judas’ intentions weren’t so pure. John calls him a thief and said Judas would have stolen the money and suggests the poor wouldn’t have seen a dime of it.

Now here is where Judas lost it. Jesus is telling them once again that he is going to die. He told them Mary’s act was to prepare him for burial. Remember the Jews were looking for a flesh and blood king in the Messiah. I can imagine Judas’ daydreams about the power and riches he thought he’d enjoy as a member of the inner circle of the new government. But now it’s becoming increasingly clear that those dreams aren’t coming true like he thought and one of two things happened:

One, he was mad and wanted to get even. If Jesus wasn’t going to give him what he wanted he’d see him dead.

Or two, (and I tend to think this is the case) Judas thought, ‘Ok, Jesus. If you aren’t ready to overturn the government I’m going to force your hand. Let’s see you take care of them when they arrest you. You’ll do something then and I’ll get to watch Rome crumble and be on the winning side!’

Purely an opinion because Scripture doesn’t tells us what he was thinking. It does say Satan entered Judas and we read the result of that.

Dear one, that’s what can happen when people follow Jesus for the wrong reasons. They get disappointed, their dreams don’t come true, their loved one dies. They might walk away from what belief that had and spend the rest of their lives angry at God or they might try to manipulate him into giving them what they want.

Jesus did not come to make us rich or healthy or powerful. He came to forgive us. His kingdom is not material, it’s spiritual.

Are you a follower of Jesus? I hope so. And I hope you are in it for the right reasons. I hope you serve him because you just can’t do anything else in response to his love and grace. I hope your prayers aren’t, “Lord, what can you do for me?” but rather, “Lord, how can I serve you today?”

Dear God, once again I ask that you help us check our motivation for following you. Forgive us if we concern ourselves with what’s in it for us. May we be people who willingly serve you out of grateful hearts, knowing that what you have already given us in redemption is so much more than anything this world affords. May we obey you today with every word, thought and deed and all for Jesus’ sake.