DAILY DEVOTION, February 18, 2022

And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43; for context, read Luke 23:33-43).

The story of the thief on the cross is familiar. If that thief were a relative, we would be in despair. We would think there is no way Uncle Thief will be in heaven. He wasted his life on stealing. I have had friends and family members I wondered about. Would they be in heaven, or . . . Maybe you have wondered also. This episode gives us hope. Here is a man who had done little if anything worthy of praise. At the end of his miserable life, he turned to Jesus. His understanding of Jesus was limited. He reached out to Him in a last-ditch effort to find redemption. His faith was immature but sincere. Jesus assures him that he will be in paradise.

When death strikes, we do not know what is in the heart of a loved one. But, yes, even those who lived without faith may reach out to Jesus, as did the thief on the cross. We are often ignorant of the spiritual state of loved ones, but there is hope in Luke 23. So, never give up hope for your loved ones who are deceased. Perhaps they did not demonstrate much in the way of faith during life, but maybe, just maybe, they reached out to Jesus when the end was near. And if you are concerned about the spiritual status of living loved ones, keep praying that they will open their hearts to Jesus.

Father, I am so happy to know that You are on our side. You want to bless us all with Your forgiving love. All You ask of us is faith in Your Son. If there is hope for a thief, there is hope for us all. I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

No temptation[a] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13). 

DAILY DEVOTION, February 17, 2022

Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men (Psalm 66:5).

We use the word “awesome” in many ways. “That pizza was awesome.” “You look awesome in that dress.” The Chiefs played an awesome game on Sunday.” In our verse, God is described as “awesome.” Katie Proctor, wife of Ozark Bible College President Matt Proctor, wants to reserve the word “awesome” to apply to God. When the same word is used to describe pizza and God, it cheapens our idea of God. God is not on the same level with pizza!

The Psalmist wants us to view the works of God, especially how He deals with us. God’s works can be seen all around us in nature and in the grandeur of the universe. He is awesome above and beyond anything else. And how does He respond to sinful humanity? He answers our sins with His saving grace. That is awesome. Jesus is awesome. The cross is awesome. The resurrection is awesome. In comparison to God, pizza is just ok. I agree with Katie. Let’s reserve that word “awesome” to apply to God alone. Maybe we can make up a word by adding the German word “uber” to awesome when we speak of God. God is uber-awesome.

Father, Creator, God of grace, You are truly awesome. Nothing compares with You. Your power and greatness exceed anything we humans can produce. We see Your awesomeness, particularly in the manner by which You saved us through the sacrifice of Your Son. Thank You, Thank You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAILY DEVOTION, February 16, 2022

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

How does one define a Christian? Paul gives us a good definition. True Christians are defined as a new creation. The old things have passed away. What exactly does this mean? In brief, what has passed away is a self-centered life. The new creation is a Christ-centered life.

Specifically, the new life is built around Christ and His teachings. For example:

1.     The new life reflects the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

2.     The new life enables us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44).

3.     The new life wants to proclaim the Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20).

4.     The new life is content with what we have (Hebrews 13:5.)

5.     The new life lives by the commandments of Jesus (John 14:5).

6.     The new life practices forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32).

7.     The new life is generous (Luke 6:38).

8.     The new life does not forsake the church (Hebrews 10:25).

I could expand the list, but I think you get the idea.  In summary, mature Christians embrace a new way of life characterized by obedience to Jesus and His commandments.

Father, I praise You for giving us new life when we trust in Jesus. Help me turn my back on those things contrary to Your will and live the new life You have given to me through Jesus Christ, my Lord, Amen.

DAILY DEVOTION, February 15, 2022

The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12).

We know that the human body is one even though it has many parts. We have eyes and ears, fingers and toes, internal organs, etc., but we are one body. Those who believe in Jesus are part of the body of Christ. As is true with the parts of the human body, we are all different, but faith makes us one in the church, the body of Christ.

Among other things, this means I must say farewell to my old, independent way of thinking. Instead, I must seek to integrate my ideas to harmonize with others. Churches get into difficulty when one person begins to think his ideas should prevail. Arguments result and the body of Christ is divided. I have seen it happen, and it is an ugly sight. In contrast, I am thankful for the unity that prevails in our church board and congregation. That makes for a strong church regardless of size.

Just as the foot cannot say to the human body, “I am independent. I don’t need the rest of you,” so we cannot say to another Christian, “You are unnecessary in this church.” We all have contributions to make to our church. No one is unimportant. The more united we are around faith in Jesus, the better.

Dear Father, help me to realize the importance of my brothers and sisters in this church. May we always work in harmony, remembering that we are one in Christ. In His name, I pray, Amen.