Devotion, March 12, 2021

Keep yourselves in the love of God; wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life (Jude 1:21). 

The admonition to keep yourselves in the love of God implies that we can remove ourselves from the love of God. The Greek word for “keep” is “Tareo.” It means to guard, to retain, to obey. It is the act of guarding a person or idea so that escape is impossible. We are to hold on to the love of God for dear life! We entered the love of God when we trusted in Jesus.  We exit the love of God when faith ceases. Jude wants us to hold on to God’s love so firmly that escape is impossible. When we begin to doubt that God loves us, we are on thin ice. 

After being told to hold tightly to God’s love, we are then admonished to be patient.  We are to wait patiently for eternal life. That is a gift given to us by the mercy of God revealed in the death of Jesus. Living as Jesus’ disciple can be difficult. It is essential to understand this reality. Thus, we are admonished to hold on to our faith and love tenaciously and to be patient as we wait for God to bring His program to a final reality. Are we up to the challenge? 

Father in heaven, I want to be a faithful disciple. I want to remain in Your love. I want to be a patient Christian as I wait for eternal life. I know that with Your help, I can be faithful. Thank You for Your love. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen. 

Daily Devotion, 3/11/21

All those the Father gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never drive away (John 6:37).

The verse raises this question. How does the Father give persons to His Son? We learn in many places in Scripture how it is that we come to the Son – – – by faith. Those who trust in Jesus are given to Jesus. They enter into His kingdom. They live under His authority. They have His hand of protection. When we come to Jesus, we receive manifold blessings. In the mystery of the new birth, our faith coupled with the Holy Spirit’s work brings us into a saving relationship with our Lord.

You also have the promise that when you come to Jesus by faith, He will never turn you away. You don’t have to wonder, “Will He accept me? I am so unworthy.” We are all unworthy, but by faith, we are made worthy. By faith, our sins are forgiven, and God declares us to be worthy. The very righteousness of Christ is credited to us. It is a glorious exchange. Our sins are credited to Christ, and His righteousness is credited to us. How great is that? Those who surrender their minds and hearts to Jesus will never regret it.

Father, I thank You that You have made it simple for us to come to You. By faith in Your Son, I come. Thank You for the assurance that He will never drive me away – – – that He will receive me with open arms. I trust in Jesus, now and forever. Amen.

DEVOTION, March 10, 2021

Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God (Romans 5:1).

There are three critical words in this text. “justified,” “faith,” and “peace.” To be justified is to be declared just in the eyes of God. How can God declare us to be just when we have all sinned against Him? That leads to the word “faith.” God declares us just when we have faith in Jesus. Jesus atoned for our sins. When we trust in Him, our sins are forgiven. Since by faith we are free from sin, God declares us to be just.

Finally, that beautiful word “peace.” To be at peace with others is great. To be at peace with God is fantastic. We do not experience peace with God through our good works. There is nothing we can do to achieve that goal. It is achieved by faith alone; faith in Jesus Christ. How wonderful it is to learn that God accepts us on the basis of what Jesus has done for us. Do you want to be at peace with God? Trust His Son.

Father, how can I ever thank You for what Your Son has done for me? Thank You for loving me so much that You sent Jesus to redeem me. Thank You for bringing me into Your Kingdom and for the peace I feel as Your child. Praise and honor be unto Your most holy name, amen. 

DAILY DEVOTION, MARCH 9, 2021

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

The message of the cross cuts in two directions. Some hear the story of Jesus dying for the sins of the world and conclude, “foolishness.” Having once been in their number, I well remember the days when I ridiculed the cross of Jesus. How could anyone believe such a ridiculous story? God has a Son who became a man and atoned for our sins? “Foolishness!” I had no idea that by taking that position, the Bible declares that I was perishing. I was headed straight for hell.

Thanks to the prayers and witness of a neighbor (thank you, Lois!) way back in the 1960’s the truth of the Gospel shined into my heart. I entered into the category of “those who are being saved.” The power of God changed my heart as I opened my heart to Jesus. That was over 50 years ago, but God in His mercy has held onto me through the years. I can now say without hesitation, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” 

If you love Jesus and embrace His sacrifice, it is a sign that the power of God has touched your heart. If you think that a dying Savior is foolishness, I pray you will reconsider that position.

Father, I do thank You for sending Lois into my life to witness to the truth of the Gospel. I thank You for opening my spiritual eyes, revealing to me a crucified and resurrected Savior. Thank You for holding on to me through the years. Now in my senior+ years, I look forward to what You have prepared for those who love You.  May the name of Jesus be blessed forever, Amen.

Proverbs 24:16: For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again…..

This is an interesting verse that gives us a clue on what it means to be righteous. Righteousness does not mean perfection.  If that is the case, then none of us are righteous. None of us can declare that our lives are 100% righteous. A righteous person has the attribute of tenacity. Yes, falls happen. What do we do when we fall, even if it happens 7 times or 70 times 7? Some may give up, concluding that living the Christian life is too hard.

A mature Christian falls and rises again. He or she does not give up. They confess to God, “Lord, forgive me for I have fallen again,” and they rise determined to work harder at following Jesus. A righteous person is not one who never falls. It is a person who rises again after every fall. When you fall, don’t give up! Get up, and try again.  

Christians are like a basketball player who misses 7 shots in a row but continues to try and score. We would be shocked if a player missed a few shots, then walked off the court, and quit the team. So, if you have failed God (and we all have) don’t give up. Try again.

Thank You, Father, for Your loving patience. I do want to serve You, but I know my efforts fall far short of Your standard. Please help me to rise up when I fall. In Jesus name, Amen.