Date: April 22, 2013 10:15 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Prayers, Peaceful Lives and the Gospel
Prayers, Peaceful Lives and the Gospel
"...I urge, then, that prayers . . . be made for everyone... that we may lead peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved..." (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
Scripture Focus: 1 Timothy 2:1-6
Paul exhorts Timothy to pray for everyone in every way so that we may lead a quiet, godly and dignified life. Doesn't that seem a little self-serving? The more I pray for everyone, the more they benefit from my prayers and the more peaceful, quiet, and manageable my life will become? Take a closer look because this is not what Paul has in mind.
Paul and Timothy both have a heart for the Gospel, a desire to see all men "come to a knowledge of the truth." What Paul recognizes is that the more there is tranquility and peace on the home front of our lives, the more time and freedom we will have to gather for prayer, to pray for the lost and share our faith.
For the first six years after we received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, I was in the Army. The more we prayed, the more peace and quiet we experienced as soldiers, and the more doors were opened for the Gospel. When strife and warfare came, we were all restricted to our base and meaningful ministry came to a screeching halt. Praise God for sending us the Prince of Peace.
Insight: As our prayers overflow for all men, our opportunities to share the gospel will abound all the more.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Thursday, April 18, 2013
+DEV+ Faith without Regrets
Date: April 18, 2013 9:42 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Faith without Regrets
Faith without Regrets
"By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time." (Hebrews 11:34-35)
Scripture Focus: Hebrews 11:23-28
Moses doesn't sugarcoat the truth. Sin can be pleasurable! And walking with the people of God can be difficult! Yet when Moses learned of his true identity as a member of God's covenant people, he recognized that he faced the ultimate dilemma. Do I acknowledge who I really am and become a part of the slave class of Egypt? Or do I continue to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin in Pharaoh's family?
Nehemiah was in the lap of luxury as the cupbearer of the King of Susa when he heard about the condition of God's people back in Jerusalem. He determined it was time to risk life and limb for the King of Kings.
Frankly, there is no dilemma at all, no regrets at all, for those who have come to know the God of Moses and Nehemiah. No matter what your past, consider today that a few minutes of enjoyment will quickly fade away into an eternity of suffering, but the fleeting suffering of walking with Christ and His people is followed by an eternity of unspeakable joy and contentment. Choose Jesus today!
Insight: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy, dancing and laughter come in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ Faith without Regrets
Faith without Regrets
"By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time." (Hebrews 11:34-35)
Scripture Focus: Hebrews 11:23-28
Moses doesn't sugarcoat the truth. Sin can be pleasurable! And walking with the people of God can be difficult! Yet when Moses learned of his true identity as a member of God's covenant people, he recognized that he faced the ultimate dilemma. Do I acknowledge who I really am and become a part of the slave class of Egypt? Or do I continue to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin in Pharaoh's family?
Nehemiah was in the lap of luxury as the cupbearer of the King of Susa when he heard about the condition of God's people back in Jerusalem. He determined it was time to risk life and limb for the King of Kings.
Frankly, there is no dilemma at all, no regrets at all, for those who have come to know the God of Moses and Nehemiah. No matter what your past, consider today that a few minutes of enjoyment will quickly fade away into an eternity of suffering, but the fleeting suffering of walking with Christ and His people is followed by an eternity of unspeakable joy and contentment. Choose Jesus today!
Insight: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy, dancing and laughter come in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
+DEV+ How Do I Gain Righteousness?
Date: April 17, 2013 10:10 PM
Topic: +DEV+ How Do I Gain Righteousness?
How Do I Gain Righteousness?
"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'" (Luke 18:13)
Scripture Focus: Luke 18:9-14
Jesus reveals that there are two ways to attain righteousness. The Pharisee looks to attain righteousness from the outside in, while the tax collector looks to be made righteous from the inside out. The key to the parable is noticing that the Pharisee has his eyes on everyone else, but the tax collector is overtaken by his own sinful condition. He is looking only at his own self.
Literally, the tax collector says, "God, make propitiation for me, the sinner!" This sinful man is not just asking for pity and compassion; he is begging for someone to atone for His sin. He is not a sinner on a scale of sinners, some better, some worse. He is simply the sinner. No excuses, no alibis, no justifications, no comparisons!
We tend to think that Jesus Christ is in the business of making good people better when, in fact, He came to call sinners to repentance. We can try with everything we have to make ourselves look righteous to others. But there is only one thing we can take to God by faith ˆ our sin!
Insight: When we take our place as sinner, He takes His place as Savior!
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ How Do I Gain Righteousness?
How Do I Gain Righteousness?
"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'" (Luke 18:13)
Scripture Focus: Luke 18:9-14
Jesus reveals that there are two ways to attain righteousness. The Pharisee looks to attain righteousness from the outside in, while the tax collector looks to be made righteous from the inside out. The key to the parable is noticing that the Pharisee has his eyes on everyone else, but the tax collector is overtaken by his own sinful condition. He is looking only at his own self.
Literally, the tax collector says, "God, make propitiation for me, the sinner!" This sinful man is not just asking for pity and compassion; he is begging for someone to atone for His sin. He is not a sinner on a scale of sinners, some better, some worse. He is simply the sinner. No excuses, no alibis, no justifications, no comparisons!
We tend to think that Jesus Christ is in the business of making good people better when, in fact, He came to call sinners to repentance. We can try with everything we have to make ourselves look righteous to others. But there is only one thing we can take to God by faith ˆ our sin!
Insight: When we take our place as sinner, He takes His place as Savior!
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
+DEV+ Serving One Lord
Date: April 17, 2013 12:08 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Serving One Lord
Serving One Lord
"We want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Daniel 3:18)
Scripture Focus: Daniel 3:13-30
We tend to think Satan's ultimate goal is to tempt Christians to renounce their faith altogether, to apostasy from the faith. In actuality, he sets his sights on a much more modest goal. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were not being asked to renounce their belief in the one true God. They were being asked to renounce His uniqueness. Just make room on the shelf of your heart for another god!
Take note of the way these three Hebrew teens with great conviction and courage draw the line in the sand. In essence, they are saying, "We cannot permit anything to encroach upon the glory, honor and praise of our Great God and King!" They were faced with an ultimatum: Bow or Burn!
The beauty of this story is that while the young men were wholeheartedly resolved to lose their lives for their faith, the Lord delighted in sending His Son to save them from experiencing even the lingering smell of smoke from the fires of hell. He delights to do that for you and me, too. No other god could love us that much.
Insight: When we walk in the audience of One, be ready: The world will turn up the heat, but the Lord will send His Son!
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ Serving One Lord
Serving One Lord
"We want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Daniel 3:18)
Scripture Focus: Daniel 3:13-30
We tend to think Satan's ultimate goal is to tempt Christians to renounce their faith altogether, to apostasy from the faith. In actuality, he sets his sights on a much more modest goal. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were not being asked to renounce their belief in the one true God. They were being asked to renounce His uniqueness. Just make room on the shelf of your heart for another god!
Take note of the way these three Hebrew teens with great conviction and courage draw the line in the sand. In essence, they are saying, "We cannot permit anything to encroach upon the glory, honor and praise of our Great God and King!" They were faced with an ultimatum: Bow or Burn!
The beauty of this story is that while the young men were wholeheartedly resolved to lose their lives for their faith, the Lord delighted in sending His Son to save them from experiencing even the lingering smell of smoke from the fires of hell. He delights to do that for you and me, too. No other god could love us that much.
Insight: When we walk in the audience of One, be ready: The world will turn up the heat, but the Lord will send His Son!
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Monday, April 15, 2013
+DEV+ The Confidence of Faith
Date: April 15, 2013 10:47 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Confidence of Faith
The Confidence of Faith
"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever." (Psalm 23:6)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 23
Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Is your cup half empty or half full? For King David and the Christian, the cup is not only full to the brim, it is running over! As one song writer put it, "I am drinking from my saucer 'cause my cup overflowed!" How can a Christian have this kind of confident faith?
Psalm 23 generously answers that question by presenting the Good Shepherd in three key places in our lives. He is leading us into green pastures beside the still waters where we can find rest for our weary souls. He is with us in the valleys and shadows of this life. He is following us with His goodness and mercy so that we will delight in feasting at His banquet table for all eternity! Do you believe the Lord is before you, beside you and behind you?
There are three powerful affirmations in Psalm 23 that spring from a Christian who is drinking from his saucer because his cup has overflowed: "I shall not want," "I will fear no evil," and "I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever!"
Insight: A confident faith can be ours because the Lord is the author and finisher of our faith.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ The Confidence of Faith
The Confidence of Faith
"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever." (Psalm 23:6)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 23
Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Is your cup half empty or half full? For King David and the Christian, the cup is not only full to the brim, it is running over! As one song writer put it, "I am drinking from my saucer 'cause my cup overflowed!" How can a Christian have this kind of confident faith?
Psalm 23 generously answers that question by presenting the Good Shepherd in three key places in our lives. He is leading us into green pastures beside the still waters where we can find rest for our weary souls. He is with us in the valleys and shadows of this life. He is following us with His goodness and mercy so that we will delight in feasting at His banquet table for all eternity! Do you believe the Lord is before you, beside you and behind you?
There are three powerful affirmations in Psalm 23 that spring from a Christian who is drinking from his saucer because his cup has overflowed: "I shall not want," "I will fear no evil," and "I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever!"
Insight: A confident faith can be ours because the Lord is the author and finisher of our faith.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
+DEV+ By Grace: A Great Savior [27 of 27]
Date: April 15, 2013 12:57 AM
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: A Great Savior [27 of 27]
By Grace: A Great Savior [27 of 27]
"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away." (Isaiah 64:6)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 64:1-12; Romans 3:9-26
A recent George Barna poll revealed that a great preponderance of evangelical Christians believe that people are basically good. Of course, that sentiment is popular because it is non-controversial. Everyone can agree to it! Well, not everyone. God's Word is diametrically opposed to the notion of man's basic goodness. Over and over in Scripture we read who our Creator says we are. Look at Psalms 5:9, 10:7, 14:1-3, 36:1, 90:5-6 and 140:3. Even our Lord calls His own disciples "evil" in Matthew 7:11!
Think about it. If people are "good," they don't need a Savior. If people are "basically good" they don't need much of a Savior. But if you and I are evil, and not "good" at all, we need a great Savior! In other words, the greater the need, the greater the salvation. The greater the glory of God! Jesus spoke to a certain ruler in Luke 18:19, "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good - except God alone." Will we believe Jesus and His Word, or will we continue to flatter ourselves?
Insight: Most wrong-headed theology is caused by a wrongful "anthropology." Know who you are; you'll understand more what God has done for you in Christ.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: A Great Savior [27 of 27]
By Grace: A Great Savior [27 of 27]
"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away." (Isaiah 64:6)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 64:1-12; Romans 3:9-26
A recent George Barna poll revealed that a great preponderance of evangelical Christians believe that people are basically good. Of course, that sentiment is popular because it is non-controversial. Everyone can agree to it! Well, not everyone. God's Word is diametrically opposed to the notion of man's basic goodness. Over and over in Scripture we read who our Creator says we are. Look at Psalms 5:9, 10:7, 14:1-3, 36:1, 90:5-6 and 140:3. Even our Lord calls His own disciples "evil" in Matthew 7:11!
Think about it. If people are "good," they don't need a Savior. If people are "basically good" they don't need much of a Savior. But if you and I are evil, and not "good" at all, we need a great Savior! In other words, the greater the need, the greater the salvation. The greater the glory of God! Jesus spoke to a certain ruler in Luke 18:19, "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good - except God alone." Will we believe Jesus and His Word, or will we continue to flatter ourselves?
Insight: Most wrong-headed theology is caused by a wrongful "anthropology." Know who you are; you'll understand more what God has done for you in Christ.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
+DEV+ By Grace: Good News! [26 of 27]
Date: April 11, 2013 10:38 PM
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: Good News! [26 of 27]
By Grace: Good News! [26 of 27]
"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because [He] has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me ...to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor..." (Isaiah 61:1-2)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 61:1-11; Luke 4:13-21
You may remember that Jesus quoted Isaiah 61 to announce the opening of His earthly ministry. After being tempted by Satan in the wilderness, He went to Nazareth and began to speak in the synagogue. He was handed a scroll bearing this text in Isaiah 61:1-2. After reading it, Jesus said, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (Luke 4:13-21). Following a brief reference to the grace given Gentiles, Luke tells us what happened next: "All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way" (Luke 4:28-30).
Notice where Jesus stopped reading Isaiah. He does not say the words of Isaiah 61:2b, "...and the day of vengeance of our God..." In His coming the first time, Jesus brought the "good news" of God's grace. His second coming will include the "bad news" of God's wrath.
Insight: Do you sometimes feel depressed? I do. Hear God's cure in verse 3: "...a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." Try it!
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: Good News! [26 of 27]
By Grace: Good News! [26 of 27]
"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because [He] has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me ...to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor..." (Isaiah 61:1-2)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 61:1-11; Luke 4:13-21
You may remember that Jesus quoted Isaiah 61 to announce the opening of His earthly ministry. After being tempted by Satan in the wilderness, He went to Nazareth and began to speak in the synagogue. He was handed a scroll bearing this text in Isaiah 61:1-2. After reading it, Jesus said, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (Luke 4:13-21). Following a brief reference to the grace given Gentiles, Luke tells us what happened next: "All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way" (Luke 4:28-30).
Notice where Jesus stopped reading Isaiah. He does not say the words of Isaiah 61:2b, "...and the day of vengeance of our God..." In His coming the first time, Jesus brought the "good news" of God's grace. His second coming will include the "bad news" of God's wrath.
Insight: Do you sometimes feel depressed? I do. Hear God's cure in verse 3: "...a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." Try it!
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
+DEV+ By Grace: A Suffering Servant [25 of 27]
Date: April 10, 2013 10:48 PM
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: A Suffering Servant [25 of 27]
By Grace: A Suffering Servant [25 of 27]
"We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:6)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 52:13; 53:12; Ephesians 2:1-10
Isaiah 52 and 53 portray Christ so clearly, and yet were written more than 700 years before His birth. How is it possible for anyone to miss Jesus in these verses? To whom else in history could these words possibly apply? What other "servant" has been so "highly exalted?" (Isa. 52:13). What other "highly exalted" one has been "despised" (Isa. 53:3), "stricken by God" (vs. 4), "pierced," and "crushed" (vs. 5)? Further, how could a mere human take upon himself "the iniquity of us all"?
The odds that all of these prophecies do not apply to the God-man - Jesus - are astronomical. And yet, unbelievers still will not be convinced. They will not see Jesus here. Why? Paul says it best in 1 Corinthians 2:14: "The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." Men love the darkness (John 3:19). Only God's Spirit, by grace, can shine the light of truth into them. Will you let His light shine through you today?
Insight: Many believe that being born again is a result of our faith. But the Scriptures teach the opposite. Dead men don't decide! (Ephesians 2:4-5)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: A Suffering Servant [25 of 27]
By Grace: A Suffering Servant [25 of 27]
"We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:6)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 52:13; 53:12; Ephesians 2:1-10
Isaiah 52 and 53 portray Christ so clearly, and yet were written more than 700 years before His birth. How is it possible for anyone to miss Jesus in these verses? To whom else in history could these words possibly apply? What other "servant" has been so "highly exalted?" (Isa. 52:13). What other "highly exalted" one has been "despised" (Isa. 53:3), "stricken by God" (vs. 4), "pierced," and "crushed" (vs. 5)? Further, how could a mere human take upon himself "the iniquity of us all"?
The odds that all of these prophecies do not apply to the God-man - Jesus - are astronomical. And yet, unbelievers still will not be convinced. They will not see Jesus here. Why? Paul says it best in 1 Corinthians 2:14: "The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." Men love the darkness (John 3:19). Only God's Spirit, by grace, can shine the light of truth into them. Will you let His light shine through you today?
Insight: Many believe that being born again is a result of our faith. But the Scriptures teach the opposite. Dead men don't decide! (Ephesians 2:4-5)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
+DEV+ By Grace: Everlasting Joy [24 of 27]
Date: April 10, 2013 3:04 AM
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: Everlasting Joy [24 of 27]
By Grace: Everlasting Joy [24 of 27]
"The ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away." (Isaiah 51:11)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 51:9-16; Hebrews 12:18-24
Do you recall the old poem, "Casey at the Bat”? Remember that the Mudville team was behind when the mighty Casey stepped to the plate in the ninth inning, runners on second and third. The crowd cheered! But then the terrible final stanza: "Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright; the band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light, and somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout; But there is no joy in Mudville, mighty Casey has struck out."
That's the way "joy" is in this sinful world — fleeting and often based on heroes who aren't as mighty as we'd like to think. But ours is a forever joy; it comes by the sovereign, loving grace of Almighty God. We have not come to applaud a hero who strikes out. "But [we] have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. [We] have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven" (Hebrews 12:22-23a).
Insight: For the Christian, joy isn't based on circumstances, but upon the Sovereign LORD's promise that our names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20).
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: Everlasting Joy [24 of 27]
By Grace: Everlasting Joy [24 of 27]
"The ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away." (Isaiah 51:11)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 51:9-16; Hebrews 12:18-24
Do you recall the old poem, "Casey at the Bat”? Remember that the Mudville team was behind when the mighty Casey stepped to the plate in the ninth inning, runners on second and third. The crowd cheered! But then the terrible final stanza: "Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright; the band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light, and somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout; But there is no joy in Mudville, mighty Casey has struck out."
That's the way "joy" is in this sinful world — fleeting and often based on heroes who aren't as mighty as we'd like to think. But ours is a forever joy; it comes by the sovereign, loving grace of Almighty God. We have not come to applaud a hero who strikes out. "But [we] have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. [We] have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven" (Hebrews 12:22-23a).
Insight: For the Christian, joy isn't based on circumstances, but upon the Sovereign LORD's promise that our names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20).
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Monday, April 8, 2013
+DEV+ By Grace: Light of Nations [23 of 27]
Date: April 8, 2013 11:41 PM
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: Light of Nations [23 of 27]
By Grace: Light of Nations [23 of 27]
"I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." (Isaiah 49:6b)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 49:1-36; John 3:16-21
Chapter 49 speaks of the coming Servant of the LORD and of Israel's restoration. That restoration will include the islands (vs. 1) — the distant Gentile nations. Israel was a conduit — a pipeline, if you will — for the blessing of people everywhere, not without exception, but without distinction. Through Israel would come the Servant to shine light in the world's darkness. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12).
We must not separate the nation Israel from the invisible Church universal. God's plan was to raise up a chosen people through whom would come the Savior. It is a plan established in history and in the Word of God that came to men like Isaiah as it unfolded. That Word is all about Jesus, the Light of the world. "... But men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil" (John 3:19). They crucified the "Holy One of Israel" (vs. 7)! Yet their dark actions only played into God's gracious plan.
Insight: "But you are a chosen people... a people belonging to God...who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: Light of Nations [23 of 27]
By Grace: Light of Nations [23 of 27]
"I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." (Isaiah 49:6b)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 49:1-36; John 3:16-21
Chapter 49 speaks of the coming Servant of the LORD and of Israel's restoration. That restoration will include the islands (vs. 1) — the distant Gentile nations. Israel was a conduit — a pipeline, if you will — for the blessing of people everywhere, not without exception, but without distinction. Through Israel would come the Servant to shine light in the world's darkness. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12).
We must not separate the nation Israel from the invisible Church universal. God's plan was to raise up a chosen people through whom would come the Savior. It is a plan established in history and in the Word of God that came to men like Isaiah as it unfolded. That Word is all about Jesus, the Light of the world. "... But men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil" (John 3:19). They crucified the "Holy One of Israel" (vs. 7)! Yet their dark actions only played into God's gracious plan.
Insight: "But you are a chosen people... a people belonging to God...who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
+DEV+ By Grace: Ultimate Exodus [22 of 27]
Date: April 8, 2013 12:46 AM
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: Ultimate Exodus [22 of 27]
By Grace: Ultimate Exodus [22 of 27]
"They did not thirst when he led them through the deserts; he made water flow for them from the rock; he split the rock and water gushed out." (Isaiah 48:21)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 48:1-22; Exodus 17:6
Isaiah chapter 48 spells out the Gospel - the Christian's salvation by grace alone. Read it carefully. We see who we are, who God is, and what He has done for us in Jesus Christ. We are a stubborn people (vs. 4), treacherous, idolatrous, rebels from birth (vs. 8b), and deserving of God's wrath (vs. 9a). On the other hand, God is the righteous, omniscient, omnipotent Creator who foretells future events because He alone brings them to pass.
The greatest event in Jewish history, perhaps even of ancient world history, is the Hebrew exodus from Egypt. Yahweh miraculously took His people out of slavery and into their own land. In verse 20 of our text, Isaiah speaks of a future exodus from Babylon. It would not occur for about 200 years! Both of these events speak of an ultimate exodus — out of slavery to sin and into an eternal land of promise — the new heavens and new earth. How is it accomplished? By the Rock of living water — the Lord Jesus Christ (John 4:13-14, 1 Corinthians 10:4). He has done it by His grace alone!
Insight: God saves us from sin and death for His glory - for His own sake (see Isaiah 48:11). Our salvation is all about Him!
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: Ultimate Exodus [22 of 27]
By Grace: Ultimate Exodus [22 of 27]
"They did not thirst when he led them through the deserts; he made water flow for them from the rock; he split the rock and water gushed out." (Isaiah 48:21)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 48:1-22; Exodus 17:6
Isaiah chapter 48 spells out the Gospel - the Christian's salvation by grace alone. Read it carefully. We see who we are, who God is, and what He has done for us in Jesus Christ. We are a stubborn people (vs. 4), treacherous, idolatrous, rebels from birth (vs. 8b), and deserving of God's wrath (vs. 9a). On the other hand, God is the righteous, omniscient, omnipotent Creator who foretells future events because He alone brings them to pass.
The greatest event in Jewish history, perhaps even of ancient world history, is the Hebrew exodus from Egypt. Yahweh miraculously took His people out of slavery and into their own land. In verse 20 of our text, Isaiah speaks of a future exodus from Babylon. It would not occur for about 200 years! Both of these events speak of an ultimate exodus — out of slavery to sin and into an eternal land of promise — the new heavens and new earth. How is it accomplished? By the Rock of living water — the Lord Jesus Christ (John 4:13-14, 1 Corinthians 10:4). He has done it by His grace alone!
Insight: God saves us from sin and death for His glory - for His own sake (see Isaiah 48:11). Our salvation is all about Him!
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
+DEV+ By Grace: An Irrevocable Word [21 of 27]
Date: April 4, 2013 11:02 PM
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: An Irrevocable Word [21 of 27]
By Grace: An Irrevocable Word [21 of 27]
"Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered... a word that will not be revoked..." (Isaiah 45:22-23a)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 45:13-25
One of the watchwords of today's politically correct society is "tolerance." Formerly the word meant being forbearing and patient with those who disagree, allowing others the faith of their choosing without interference. Today, however, "Tolerance" has come to mean “Equality." Many condemn Christianity as being "too exclusive," in that it claims to be the only way to the true God (see John 14:6). They claim that all religions are equally true; we must be tolerant.
Nothing could be further from the truth! Biblical Christianity is not exclusive, but all-inclusive. It is the only true faith. In today's verse, Yahweh claims to be the only God, yet invites everyone to come and be saved. To guide the way, He has given the world a word of integrity that will not be revoked. It is our Bible, written over thousands of years, and yet with one overarching message: the Lord Jesus Christ and His mission to save His people. His infallible, irrevocable Word goes out to all the world saying, "Come."
Insight: Everyone will ultimately come to Christ, but not for salvation. "Before me every knee will bow..." (Isaiah 45:23b, Romans 14:11)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: An Irrevocable Word [21 of 27]
By Grace: An Irrevocable Word [21 of 27]
"Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered... a word that will not be revoked..." (Isaiah 45:22-23a)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 45:13-25
One of the watchwords of today's politically correct society is "tolerance." Formerly the word meant being forbearing and patient with those who disagree, allowing others the faith of their choosing without interference. Today, however, "Tolerance" has come to mean “Equality." Many condemn Christianity as being "too exclusive," in that it claims to be the only way to the true God (see John 14:6). They claim that all religions are equally true; we must be tolerant.
Nothing could be further from the truth! Biblical Christianity is not exclusive, but all-inclusive. It is the only true faith. In today's verse, Yahweh claims to be the only God, yet invites everyone to come and be saved. To guide the way, He has given the world a word of integrity that will not be revoked. It is our Bible, written over thousands of years, and yet with one overarching message: the Lord Jesus Christ and His mission to save His people. His infallible, irrevocable Word goes out to all the world saying, "Come."
Insight: Everyone will ultimately come to Christ, but not for salvation. "Before me every knee will bow..." (Isaiah 45:23b, Romans 14:11)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
+DEV+ By Grace: Ruler of Nations [20 of 27]
Date: April 3, 2013 10:57 PM
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: Ruler of Nations [20 of 27]
By Grace: Ruler of Nations [20 of 27]
"This is what the LORD says... to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut..." (Isaiah 45:1)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 45:1-13; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23
Let's pause here and review the dates of Isaiah's prophetic ministry - 760 to 698 B.C. Even if Isaiah had inscribed these words toward the end of his service, Cyrus, king of the Persians, would not have been born for over 100 years! He would be enthroned in 559 B.C. and reign for about 30 years. During that time, he was unwittingly Yahweh's servant. God had summoned Cyrus by name
(vs. 3b), and had established the work he was to do before he was even born.
Part of Cyrus' foreordained duty was to release the Judean captives from Babylon in 536 B.C. under Zerubbabel. It was the beginning of a new exodus, this one from Babylon and continuing under Ezra and Nehemiah. At the time of Isaiah's writing, Judah had not yet even been carried off by Babylon! In verse 7 Yahweh says: "I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the LORD, do all these things." Just as Pharaoh was raised up for God's purpose (Romans 9:17), our God rules the nations through men like Cyrus.
Insight: In these troubled times, as nations rise and fall, remember that our loving Father is in absolute control of every event.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: Ruler of Nations [20 of 27]
By Grace: Ruler of Nations [20 of 27]
"This is what the LORD says... to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut..." (Isaiah 45:1)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 45:1-13; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23
Let's pause here and review the dates of Isaiah's prophetic ministry - 760 to 698 B.C. Even if Isaiah had inscribed these words toward the end of his service, Cyrus, king of the Persians, would not have been born for over 100 years! He would be enthroned in 559 B.C. and reign for about 30 years. During that time, he was unwittingly Yahweh's servant. God had summoned Cyrus by name
(vs. 3b), and had established the work he was to do before he was even born.
Part of Cyrus' foreordained duty was to release the Judean captives from Babylon in 536 B.C. under Zerubbabel. It was the beginning of a new exodus, this one from Babylon and continuing under Ezra and Nehemiah. At the time of Isaiah's writing, Judah had not yet even been carried off by Babylon! In verse 7 Yahweh says: "I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the LORD, do all these things." Just as Pharaoh was raised up for God's purpose (Romans 9:17), our God rules the nations through men like Cyrus.
Insight: In these troubled times, as nations rise and fall, remember that our loving Father is in absolute control of every event.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
+DEV+ By Grace: Sovereign Grace [19 of 27]
Date: April 3, 2013 1:14 AM
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: Sovereign Grace [19 of 27]
By Grace: Sovereign Grace [19 of 27]
"I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you. Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this..." (Isaiah 44:22-23a)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 44; Matthew 13:20
Isaiah 44 begins with five verses affirming Israel's election as God's people by sovereign grace. Then, for the next fifteen verses, God (Yahweh) mocks the idols of men. With a holy sarcasm, He parodies what Dr. R.C. Sproul humorously calls "the Fig Newtons" of human imagination. A man cuts up a piece of wood. Half he uses to cook his food, and the other half he bows down to and worships! He "bows down to a block of wood" (vs. 19)! Can a block of wood help him? "Is not this thing in my right hand a lie" (vs. 20)?
Yahweh - the LORD God - is sovereign over His creation. He not only has all power, but also has the will to exercise it. No other "gods" exist! They are but out-workings of sinful man's desire to be autonomous - to be in control of his own circumstances, and to be a law unto himself. Only Yahweh, and neither human effort nor idol, can meet mankind's greatest need - to sweep "away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist" (vs. 22). Only the sovereign grace of God can do it.
Insight: If God isn't sovereign over everything - even the election of His Church - He isn't sovereign at all.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: Sovereign Grace [19 of 27]
By Grace: Sovereign Grace [19 of 27]
"I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you. Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this..." (Isaiah 44:22-23a)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 44; Matthew 13:20
Isaiah 44 begins with five verses affirming Israel's election as God's people by sovereign grace. Then, for the next fifteen verses, God (Yahweh) mocks the idols of men. With a holy sarcasm, He parodies what Dr. R.C. Sproul humorously calls "the Fig Newtons" of human imagination. A man cuts up a piece of wood. Half he uses to cook his food, and the other half he bows down to and worships! He "bows down to a block of wood" (vs. 19)! Can a block of wood help him? "Is not this thing in my right hand a lie" (vs. 20)?
Yahweh - the LORD God - is sovereign over His creation. He not only has all power, but also has the will to exercise it. No other "gods" exist! They are but out-workings of sinful man's desire to be autonomous - to be in control of his own circumstances, and to be a law unto himself. Only Yahweh, and neither human effort nor idol, can meet mankind's greatest need - to sweep "away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist" (vs. 22). Only the sovereign grace of God can do it.
Insight: If God isn't sovereign over everything - even the election of His Church - He isn't sovereign at all.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
+DEV+ By Grace: Children of God [18 of 27]
Date: April 2, 2013 2:02 AM
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: Children of God [18 of 27]
By Grace: Children of God [18 of 27]
"Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth - everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." (Isaiah 43:6b-7)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 43:1-7; Romans 8:15-17
One of the most wonderful doctrines in the Word of God is "sonship." God's children - whether sons or daughters - are His "sons." We have been twice-blessed by being born into the family of God, and also adopted as His children. To be adopted is to be chosen. To be a "son" is to have all rights of inheritance. Only those who have been born again by God's Spirit and chosen by Him in adoption will inherit His kingdom (John 3:3; Ephesians 1:5).
God is our heavenly Father (Matthew 6:9), Creator and Sustainer of all that exists. He has chosen and re-created you and me for a special purpose - His eternal glory. Yahweh says that we are precious and honored in His sight. He has called us from "the ends of the earth" to be His precious, honored, and beloved children. It is all through His grace alone, and not because of anything in us. He is neither our landlord nor our boss. Though we may have had difficult earthly fathers, we take comfort knowing God is our loving Father, and we are His beloved children.
Insight: "As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him." (Psalm 103:13)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
Topic: +DEV+ By Grace: Children of God [18 of 27]
By Grace: Children of God [18 of 27]
"Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth - everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." (Isaiah 43:6b-7)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 43:1-7; Romans 8:15-17
One of the most wonderful doctrines in the Word of God is "sonship." God's children - whether sons or daughters - are His "sons." We have been twice-blessed by being born into the family of God, and also adopted as His children. To be adopted is to be chosen. To be a "son" is to have all rights of inheritance. Only those who have been born again by God's Spirit and chosen by Him in adoption will inherit His kingdom (John 3:3; Ephesians 1:5).
God is our heavenly Father (Matthew 6:9), Creator and Sustainer of all that exists. He has chosen and re-created you and me for a special purpose - His eternal glory. Yahweh says that we are precious and honored in His sight. He has called us from "the ends of the earth" to be His precious, honored, and beloved children. It is all through His grace alone, and not because of anything in us. He is neither our landlord nor our boss. Though we may have had difficult earthly fathers, we take comfort knowing God is our loving Father, and we are His beloved children.
Insight: "As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him." (Psalm 103:13)
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.
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