DAILY DEVOTION, May 19, 2022

and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places… (Ephesians 1:19-20).

The above verses are part of a long sentence. Paul prays that we might know certain things. First, he prays that we will know the “exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe.” God’s power is at work in those who believe. God’s power is not only great; it exceeds greatness. It is the same power that was at work in the life of Jesus. Faith in Jesus leads to a new birth, a birth wrought by the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence.

Second, that power raised Jesus from the dead. He then ascended to heaven, where He now sits at the Father’s right hand. Think about it. The same power at work in Jesus is at work in us. That does not mean that we will be able to do the things that Jesus did. But, it does mean that conversion is brought about by the exceeding greatness of the power of the Holy Spirit. It means that as we face life each day, we can rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to be with us, giving us the strength and the answers we need. That power is available to us by faith. The Holy Spirit can be resisted, even quenched. However, as we live by faith, God’s mighty power is available to us. 

Father, how great thou art! May my heart be open to Your presence and power at work within me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAILY DEVOTION, May 18, 2022

For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done (Matthew 16:27).

When Jesus returns, it is payday. He will reward each person according to what he has done. What we “do” operates at two levels. First, we don’t “do” anything to merit salvation. Jesus was once asked a question. “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent” (John 6:28-29). Our first order of business in the “doing” category is to believe in Jesus. Faith in Jesus brings the saving grace of God into our lives. Salvation is the reward of faith.

Once we believe, then what? The second level of “doing” has to do with our performance as Christians. How faithfully have we served our Master? Those who have done much will be rewarded much. Those who have done little will be rewarded little. One of many verses teaching this truth is Ephesians 6:8. “ the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do…” Jesus once said that even those who give a cup of water to the thirsty would receive a reward (Matthew 10:42). Our duty is twofold. Our first duty is to believe in Jesus and receive salvation. Our second duty is to do as much good as we can. God will reward faithful service.

Father in heaven, I praise your name for the gift of salvation I received when I trusted in Jesus. As a disciple of the Master, please guide me so I do as much good as I can. In His name, Amen.

DAILY DEVOTION, May 17, 2022

There is no salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

I used this verse back in 1987 in a resolution presented to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The resolution asked the assembly to approve the idea that Jesus is the only Savior, and that apart from Him, there is no salvation. My resolution was never approved. The majority believed that salvation may be found in other religions. Eventually, this led to many congregations leaving that denomination. Our church in Warsaw is now an independent Christian Church. We have no problem affirming that Jesus alone is the Savior of the world.

If you want a relationship with God, the forgiveness of sins, and a home in heaven, you need to do business with Jesus. There is no other name save His that can lead you to God. I am thankful to be in a church that embraces this wonderful truth. If you think there are other ways to God apart from Jesus, you are probably in the wrong church! Acts 4:12 is quite clear. There is “no other name.”

Father, I cannot find adequate words to thank You for the gift of Your Son. I thank you that when I trusted in Him, I found salvation. I pray for those who are blind to the truth of Jesus that their eyes may be opened. In the name of Jesus, that name which is above all names, I pray. Amen. 

Wednesday Bible study will continue our examination of the Book of Ephesians. Ephesians abounds with wonderful spiritual truths. Of course, all are welcome.

Sandy’s grief group meets on Thursday at 2 PM. 

Sunday’s sermon series on the Book of Romans continues. This week we will be looking at “Paul’s Four Crucial Questions.” The text is Romans 10:14-17. 

The following Sunday Tom will be sharing a message focused on Memorial Day. If you have served in the military, police, or other first responders please bring a part of your uniform or other mementos of your service for display.  

Don’t forget to fill a baby bottle with money to help the ministry of Crossroads. 

May God be with you this week.

Pastor Bowman

DAILY DEVOTION, May 13, 2022

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me (John 14:1).

There are many troubling things in every life. Our world is full of sickness, murder, rape, stealing, lying, gossip, and other troubling items. Jesus here gives us the double cure for a troubled heart. Trust in God, our Creator, and trust in Jesus, our redeemer. Why do we need to trust in both God and Jesus? Why is trust in Jesus put on a par with trust in God? What if I said to you “Just trust in God and trust in me?” I think you would suspect I had lost my mind! Who can make such a statement but the Son of God?

In order to still our troubled hearts, we need to know that we are loved and forgiven. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…”(John 3:16). When our hearts trust God and His Son who died for us, we know we are loved and forgiven. We also know that heaven is our destiny. If those facts don’t cure a troubled heart, I don’t know what will. So don’t let trouble drag you down. Faith in the Father and the Son will bring peace to your soul.

Father, You know how troubling life can be. Thank You for loving me and sending Your Son to die for me. When I reflect on these things, it brings peace to my soul. I will praise Your name and the name of Jesus forever. Amen