The Authority of Jesus
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Posted:May 1, 2024 4:58 am
Last Updated:May 1, 2024 4:54 pm 30 Views
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Today's Devotional
Read: Matthew 28:16-20
Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 10-11; Luke 21:20-38
All authority . . . has been given to me. Matthew 28:18
Even after Jesus had set my Geoff free from years of substance abuse, I still had worries. We’d been through much together and my focus sometimes remained on his difficult past instead of the future God had for him. Parents of addicts often worry about relapse, and one day at a family gathering, I pulled Geoff aside. “Remember,” I told him, “we have an adversary, and he’s powerful.” “I know, Dad,” he responded. “He has power, but he has no authority.”
In that moment, I was reminded of Jesus’ incomparable authority to rescue us from our sins and transform our lives as we look to Him. Immediately I thought of His words to the disciples shortly before He returned to His Father in heaven: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go . . .”
(Matthew 28:18-19).
The crucified and risen Jesus has made a way for us to come to Him no matter what our past may be. He holds both our past and our future. Because He’s promised to be with us always (v. 20), we can be assured that He’ll accomplish His purposes and that our lives are in His unfailing hands. Jesus gives us unparalleled hope, a hope so good we can’t keep it to ourselves. The devil and the world may have some power for a little while, but “all authority” belongs to Jesus forever.
How does Jesus’ authority give you hope? What has He done for you that you can share with someone today?
Thank You, dear God, for calling me to You in love. Please lead me to someone I can share Your love with today.
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Can’t Out-Love God
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Posted:Apr 30, 2024 6:23 am
Last Updated:May 1, 2024 4:54 pm 85 Views
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Today's Devotional
Read: 1 John 4:15-21
Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 8-9; Luke 21:1-19
We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19
When my now-grown , Xavier, was in kindergarten, he stretched his arms wide and said, “I love you this much.” I stretched my longer arms wide and said, “I love you this much.” Planting his fists on his hips, he said, “I loved you first.” I shook my head. “I loved you when God first put you in my womb.” Xavier’s eyes widened. “You win.” “We both win,” I said, “because Jesus loved both of us first.”
As Xavier prepares for the birth of his first , I’m praying he’ll enjoy trying to out-love his as they make sweet memories. But as I prepare to be a grandmother, I’m amazed at how much I loved my grandson from the moment Xavier and his wife told us they were expecting a baby.
The apostle John affirmed that Jesus’ love for us gives us the ability to love Him and others (1 John 4:19). Knowing He loves us gives us a sense of security that deepens our personal relationship with Him (vv. 15-17). As we realize the depth of His love for us (v. 19), we can grow in our love for Him and express love in other relationships (v. 20). Not only does Jesus empower us to love, but He also commands us to love: “And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister” (v. 21). When it comes to loving well, God always wins. No matter how hard we try, we can’t out-love God!
How has knowing God loves you helped you to love others? How can you show love to others this week?
Loving Savior, thank You for loving me first so I can love others.
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Pray and Watch
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Posted:Apr 29, 2024 2:45 am
Last Updated:May 1, 2024 4:54 pm 145 Views
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Today's Devotional
Read: Ephesians 6:10-20 | Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 6-7; Luke 20:27-47
Pray in the Spirit on all occasions . . . be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18
When fighting spiritual battles, believers in Jesus should take prayer seriously. A Florida woman found out how dangerous it can be, however, to practice it unwisely. When she prayed, she closed her eyes. But while driving one day and praying (with eyes shut!), she failed to stop at a stop sign, flew through an intersection, and went offroad into a homeowner’s yard. She then tried unsuccessfully to back off the lawn. Though not injured, she was given a police citation for reckless driving and property damage. This prayer warrior missed a key part of Ephesians 6:18: be alert.
As part of the whole armor of God in Ephesians 6, the apostle Paul includes two final pieces. First, we should fight spiritual battles with prayer. This means praying in the Spirit—relying on His power. Also, resting in His guidance and responding to His promptings—praying all kinds of prayers on all occasions (v. 18. Second, Paul encouraged us to “be alert.” Spiritual alertness can aid us in being prepared for Jesus’ return (Mark 13:33), gaining victory over temptation (14:38, and interceding for other believers (Ephesians 6:18.
As we fight spiritual battles daily, let’s permeate our lives with a “pray and watch” approach—combating evil powers and piercing the darkness with the light of Christ.
How can having a “pray and watch” mindset help you fight spiritual battles? What does it mean for you to stay spiritually alert?
Dear God, please help me to watch and pray for myself and others.
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Angel Companions
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Posted:Apr 28, 2024 5:58 am
Last Updated:Apr 28, 2024 6:07 am 198 Views
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Today's Devotional
Read: Exodus 23:20-26
Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 3-5; Luke 20:1-26
I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way. Exodus 23:20
As medical test after medical test filled up Bev’s schedule, she grew overwhelmed and weary. Doctors alarmed her when they told her they were looking for cancer somewhere in her body. Each day God faithfully encouraged her with the promises of His presence and an abiding peace when she turned to Him or read the Bible. She battled with the uncertainties and frequently learned to roll the “what ifs” onto God’s shoulders. One morning, Bev came across a verse in Exodus 23 that popped out from the page to her heart before a serious surgery: “I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way” (v. 20).
Those words were spoken by God through Moses to His people, the Israelites. He was giving His laws for His people to follow and leading them to a new land (vv. 14-26). But in the middle of those instructions, He told them He would send an angel ahead of them “to guard [them] along the way” (v. 20). Even though this wasn’t Bev’s life’s situation, she remembered that the care of angels is mentioned elsewhere in Scripture too. Psalm 91:11 says, “He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” And Hebrews 1:14 tells us God sends angels as “ministering spirits” to serve believers in Jesus.
If we know Christ, He’s got an angel or angels near us to minister to us as well.
What might God be doing for you through His angels? How does this encourage you?
I’m grateful, dear God, that You’re always near, and You also have Your angels watching over Your .
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Pull the Weeds of Worry
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Posted:Apr 27, 2024 5:21 am
Last Updated:Apr 27, 2024 5:21 am 247 Views
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Today's Devotional
Read: Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23
Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 1-2; Luke 19:28-48
[They hear] the word, but the worries of this life . . . choke the word. Matthew 13:22
After burying a few seeds in a planter in my backyard, I waited to see the results. Reading that the seeds would sprout within ten to fourteen days, I checked often as I watered the soil. Soon I saw a few green leaves pushing their way out of the soil. But my bubble burst quickly when my husband told me those were weeds. He encouraged me to pull them quickly so that they wouldn’t choke the plants I was trying to grow.
Jesus also told of the importance of dealing with intruders that can impede our spiritual growth. He explained a portion of His parable this way: when a sower cast his seeds, some “fell among thorns . . . and choked the plants” (Matthew 13.7). Thorns, or weeds, will do just that to plants—stop their growth (v. 22). And worry will surely stunt our spiritual growth. Reading Scripture and praying are great ways to grow our faith, but I’ve found I need to watch out for the thorns of worry. They’ll “choke” the good word that has been planted in me, making me focus on what could go wrong.
The fruit of the Spirit, found in Scripture, includes such things as love, joy, peace (Galatians 5:22). But in order for us to bear that fruit, in God’s strength we need to pull any weeds of doubt or worry that may distract us and cause us to focus on anything other than Him.
How is God helping you grow the seeds He’s planted within you? How can you pull the weeds of worry?
Dear heavenly Father, please remind me to pull weeds often, discarding worry and deceitful thoughts so I may grow and bear fruit in You.
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Serving Together in Jesus
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Posted:Apr 26, 2024 4:33 am
Last Updated:May 1, 2024 4:54 pm 293 Views
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Today's Devotional
Read: Philippians 4:14-20
Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 23-24; Luke 19:1-27
You sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Philippians 4:16
Rescue workers cooperated to help three men stranded on an island in Micronesia. Teamwork was necessary because a widespread health crisis required them to limit their exposure to each other. The pilot who first spotted the castaways radioed a nearby Australian Navy ship. The ship sent two helicopters which provided food, water, and medical care. Later, the US Coast Guard arrived to check on the men and deliver a radio. Finally, a Micronesian patrol boat taxied them to their destination.
We can accomplish a lot when we work together. The Philippian believers pooled their efforts to support the apostle Paul. Lydia and her family welcomed him into their home (Acts 16:13-15). Clement and even Euodia and Syntyche (who didn’t get along) all worked directly with the apostle to spread the good news
(Philippians 4:2-3). Later, when Paul was imprisoned in Rome, the church gathered essentials for a care package and delivered it via Epaphroditus (vv. 14-18. Perhaps most importantly, the Philippians prayed for him throughout his ministry (1:19).
The examples of believers serving together in this ancient church can inspire us today. Cooperating with fellow believers to pray and serve others as God leads and empowers us accomplishes much more than we could ever do on our own. It has been said, “Individually, we are one drop. Together we are an ocean.”
When have you served well with other believers in Jesus? What’s the basis for the spiritual bond you share with them?
Dear God, please show me how to join with others who are serving You.
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God Is My Helper
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Posted:Apr 25, 2024 4:33 am
Last Updated:May 1, 2024 4:54 pm 351 Views
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Today's Devotional
Read: Joshua 14:6-12
Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 21-22; Luke 18:24-43
The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. Hebrews 13:6
My friend Raleigh is sprinting toward his eighty-fifth birthday! Since my first conversation with him more than thirty-five years ago, he’s been a source of inspiration. When he recently mentioned that since retiring he’d completed a book manuscript and started another ministry initiative—I was intrigued but not surprised.
At eighty-five, Caleb in the Bible wasn’t ready to stop either. His faith and devotion to God had sustained him through decades of wilderness living and wars to secure the inheritance God had promised Israel. He said, “I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then” (Joshua 14:11). By what means would he conquer? Caleb declared that by “the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said” (v. 12).
Regardless of age, stage in life, or circumstances, God will help all who wholeheartedly trust Him. In Jesus, our Savior who helps us, God was made visible. The Gospel books inspire faith in God through what we see in Christ. He demonstrated God’s care and compassion for all who looked to Him for help. As the writer of Hebrews acknowledged, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid” (Hebrews 13:6). Young or old, weak or strong, bound or free, sprinting or limping—what’s keeping us from asking for His help today?
Who has inspired your faith in God? How do you see God as your source of help in all things?
Almighty God, please help me to see You as my source of help in all circumstances.
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United Diversity in Christ
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Posted:Apr 24, 2024 5:21 am
Last Updated:May 1, 2024 4:54 pm 398 Views
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Today's Devotional
Read: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 21-27
Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 19-20; Luke 18:1-23
God has placed the parts in the body . . . just as he wanted them to be.
1 Corinthians 12:18
In his essay “Service and the Spectrum,” Professor Daniel Bowman Jr. writes of the difficulty of navigating decisions about how to serve his church as an autistic person. He explains, “Autistic people have to forge a new path forward every single time, a unique path that takes into account . . . mental, emotional, and physical energy . . . alone/recharging time; sensory inputs and comfort level . . . time of day; whether or not we’re being valued for our strengths and accommodated for our needs rather than excluded for perceived deficits; and much more.” For many people, Bowman writes, such decisions, “while reorienting people’s time and energy, likely will not undo them. Those same decisions might well undo me.”
Bowman believes that the vision of mutuality Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 12 could be a healing solution. There, in verses 4-6, Paul describes God uniquely gifting each of His people for “the common good” (v. 7). Each is an “indispensable” member of Christ’s body (v. 22). When churches come to understand each person’s unique, God-given wiring and gifting, instead of pressuring everyone to help in the same way, they can support their members to serve in ways that fit their giftings.
In this way, each person can find flourishing and wholeness and be secure in their valued place in Christ’s body (v. 26).
How have you been blessed by others’ unique gifts? How can churches encourage diverse ways to serve?
Dear God, thank You for creating us all uniquely. Please help me to value every member of Christ’s body.
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Jesus—The True Peacemaker
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Posted:Apr 23, 2024 6:56 am
Last Updated:Apr 23, 2024 7:05 am 439 Views
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Today's Devotional
Read: John 16:25-33
Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 16-18; Luke 17:20-37
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. John 16:33
On December 30, 1862, the US Civil War raged. Union and Confederate troops camped seven hundred yards apart on opposing sides of Tennessee’s Stones River. As they warmed themselves around campfires, Union soldiers picked up their fiddles and harmonicas and began playing “Yankee Doodle.” In reply, the Confederate soldiers offered “Dixie.” Remarkably, both sides joined for a finale, playing “Home, Sweet Home” in unison. Sworn enemies shared music in the dark night, glimmers of an unimagined peace. The melodic truce was short-lived, however. The next morning, they put down their fiddles and picked up their rifles, and 24,645 soldiers died.
Our human efforts to create peace inevitably wear thin. Hostilities cease in one place, only to ignite somewhere else. One relational dispute finds harmony, only to be embroiled in distress again months later. The Scriptures tell us that God is our only trustworthy peacemaker. Jesus said it plainly, “In me you . . . have peace”
(John 16:33). We have peace in Jesus. While we participate in His peacemaking mission, it’s God’s reconciliation and renewal that make real peace possible.
Christ tells us we can’t escape conflict. “In this world [we] will have trouble,” Jesus says. Strife abounds. “But take heart!” He adds, “I have overcome the world” (v. 33). While our efforts often prove futile, our loving God (v. 27) makes peace in this fractious world.
Where do you see humans working for peace? How is God’s peacemaking different?
Dear God, please show me the way of peace.
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Community in Christ
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Posted:Apr 22, 2024 5:17 am
Last Updated:Apr 22, 2024 5:17 am 488 Views
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Today's Devotional
Read: Ecclesiastes 4.7-12
Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 14-15; Luke 17:1-19
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12
“I knew that the only way to succeed was to forget about home and my wife, , and ,” said Jordon. “I’ve found I can’t do that. They’re woven into the fabric of my heart and soul.” Alone in a remote area, Jordon was participating in a reality show where contestants are asked to survive outdoors with minimal supplies for as long as possible. What forced him to forfeit was not the grizzly bears, freezing temperatures, injury, or hunger, but an overwhelming loneliness and desire to be with his family.
We might have all the survival skills necessary for the wilderness, but separating ourselves from community is a sure way to fail. The wise author of Ecclesiastes said, “Two are better than one, because . . . one can help the other up” (4:9-10). Christ-honoring community, even with all its messiness, is essential to our thriving. We don’t stand a chance against the trials of this world if we try to tackle them on our own. Someone who toils alone, toils in vain (v. 8 Without community, we’re more susceptible to danger (vv. 11-12). Unlike a single thread, “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (v. 12). The gift of a loving, Christ-focused community is one that not only provides encouragement, but also gives us strength to thrive despite challenging situations. We need each other.
How can you commit to spending time with the family of believers? Who around you is isolated and in need?
Father, thank You for the gift of community! Open my heart to love and spend time with others today.
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