Daily Devotion, 2/20/21, Do Not fear

I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear (Isaiah 41:13).

While we do not feel or experience God grasping our right hand, the metaphor is clear. God has a grasp on His people, on those who believe in Him and trust Him. He is with us to keep us from being overwhelmed by fear. Israel had much to fear. They were surrounded by enemies and often under attack. We are in the same boat. We live in a world where there is much to fear, and fear can grip our hearts. When that happens, faith is stifled. Faith and fear are opposites and cannot coexist in our hearts and minds.

Today many fear COVID-19. There are things going on in the political realm that can stir up fear. Personal problems which seem to have no solution cause some to become immobilized with fear. God wants us to remember that He is in control, and when that fact grips our souls fear disappears. Paul reminded Timothy that “God has not given us a spirit of fear…” (2 Timothy 1:7). Fear is not from God. God does not want us to live in fear. Scripture says to us, “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You” (Psalm 65:3). When fear pops up it is time to pray and turn to God in faith. The more we live by faith the less we will be overcome by fear.

Father, thank You for telling me I need not be ruled by fear. Remind me to turn to You in faith when I am afraid. Keep me close to Your side and to Your beloved Son and I will not be afraid. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

DEVOTION, Feb. 19, 2021, My Word

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Luke 21:33).

What an amazing statement made by our Lord! First, He declares that heaven and earth will pass away. How can He know that? He must be the Son of God, God in the flesh. Yes, the Bible declares that God has a plan for this universe. It will one day pass away, and God will create a new heavens and a new earth (see Isaiah 65:17; 2 Peter 3:13; Rev. 21:1).

Then He makes another astonishing statement. His words will never pass away. We find His words in the Bible, which has been divinely preserved and protected down through the centuries. I have written and preached many sermons. I have notebooks full of my words. What will become of them? Will they be preserved forever? No, just as I will one day pass away, so also will my many words. Do you want to know what Jesus taught? His words have not passed away over time. They are available to us in the pages of Holy Scripture.

Not only have the words of Jesus been preserved, they are forever true. He grants eternal life to those who trust in Him. That will never change. He blesses faithful service. That will never change. This old earth is marked for destruction, but the words of Jesus abide forever. You can count on it.

Thank you, blessed Lord, that I can access Your words today until the end of time. May I never take Your words lightly. May Your words be so embedded in my mind that they guide my daily acts. In Your name, I pray, Amen. 

DAILY DEVOTION, 2/18/21, Christ with us

“Surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

The Gospel of Matthew ends with this incredible promise. Jesus promises to be with those who believe in Him even to the end of the age. The word “surely” is interesting. It is a demonstrative pronoun meaning “Behold! Lo! See! Pay attention!” In Greek, it is the word “idou.” It refers to something happening, which is totally unexpected, but it happens. It refers to something we might regard as impossible, but it takes place nonetheless. Jesus is saying, “Pay close attention to what I am about to say.”

Jesus promises to be with us always. How is that possible? Talk about something unexpected and seemingly impossible. How can one man be present with all His people all the time? Well, usually, that cannot happen unless the Man is God incarnate. The New Testament presents Jesus to us as God in the flesh. He gives His people the gift of the Holy Spirit, who makes the presence of Jesus real to us. The incredible promise is true. Jesus is with us. It is a promise that never expires. So when you are worried and upset over events happening in your life, relax! Remember, Jesus is with you — always.

Father, I thank You for this glorious promise. Please help me to live in the presence of Jesus. Help me grasp the fantastic guarantee that He is always with me, even to the end of the age. In His name, I pray, Amen.

First covid, then sub-zero temperatures! We canceled church yesterday because of the cold and snow. Marie and I woke up this morning to learn that our hot water pipes were frozen. Marie is working on the problem but a few prayers would be appreciated!

This week looks like more cold and snow. We will see what things are like on Wednesday. For now, Wednesday Bible study is on hold.

Next Sunday’s sermon will be on Enoch. He was frozen out last Sunday so, God willing, he will be the subject next Sunday.

Stay safe and stay inside in this weather. Whatever happened to global warming?

Pastor Bowman

Recently we did a Bible study on Christian expectations versus reality. Sometimes we have expectations about what God will do, but the reality is different. Jeremiah reflects on this in our passage. He is going through an awful time. His suffering is bitter. His losses are substantial. Sound familiar? Most of us have been through tough times. Has God failed us? Has He let us down? Jeremiah stops to think amidst his trials. God’s love never ends. His mercy is unending. Jeremiah refuses to give up hope.  He knows he has an eternal inheritance. He resolves to wait quietly for God.

The Bible speaks clearly in many places. Christians suffer. Christians struggle with problems, but we must never forget that God is love. He is faithful and merciful. As we continue to trust in Him, one day, we will receive our inheritance. The abundant life we desire does not take place on this earth. It is fulfilled in eternal life. Never abandon God! Hold on to your faith in Jesus. He will be with you in your trials. If He does not deliver you in this life, He has prepared an eternal inheritance for you[.

Gracious Father, there are days when my problems seem to overwhelm me. Thank You for reminding me that Your love never ends. Please help me to continue to trust in You no matter what, Thank You for the promise that an eternal inheritance awaits those who trust in You. I pray I the blessed name of Jesus, Amen.