Devotion, Nov. 27, A wise Man

A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel (Proverbs 1:5 NKJV).

Sometimes we think of wisdom as being so wise that we don’t need anyone else. Solomon says otherwise, and he was a very wise man. A truly wise man knows he can benefit from the wisdom of others. He is not ashamed to seek wisdom from others. Godly Christians can be wise counselors. We need to admit that we don’t know it all. There is no shame in saying to another, “I need to see what you think about this matter.” Proverbs 11:4 says, “In a multitude of counselors, there is safety.” This is why Christians gather in the church because we need one another.

With all my college training, you would think that I don’t need counsel from anyone. When I watch “Jeopardy” on TV, I realize how much I don’t know. I especially lack in practical wisdom. I need to learn to seek wisdom from others.

Of course, we also have the Bible as a wise counselor in the spiritual realm. God Himself speaks to us in and through His Word, and from that book, we receive nothing but wisdom. As we practice what we find in Scripture, our wisdom grows. As a seminary-trained pastor, I don’t need help in this area, right?  Wrong! I am continually gaining understanding from other pastors and laity who see things in the Bible that I have missed. We need each other. Those who are truly wise admit their limitations and seek counsel from others.

Gracious Father, I thank you for the many persons over the years from whom I have gained wisdom. Help me to realize that I cannot be a “stand-alone” Christian. I need wisdom and counsel from others. May I never be too ashamed to admit that need. In Jesus name, Amen.

Devotion, Nov. 26, Walk in Light

^“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8, NKJV).

Paul tells us that apart from faith in Jesus, there is nothing but spiritual darkness. That is where we all lived (in spiritual darkness) before we placed our trust in Jesus. Now we have left the night and are children of light. Jesus, the light of the world, has entered into our hearts. After telling us what we are, Paul then tells us how to walk. Why does he make this shift from what we are to how we should walk? The fact is that even though we are light in the Lord, we do not always live in the light.

We read in Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” Paul may have been thinking of this truth when he wrote Ephesians 5:8.  Even as Christians, there are times when we lose sight of Jesus and His way and begin to think we can walk in our own way. Be careful! What may seem right to us may be a Satanic deception. As we live each day, we must continuously be looking to Jesus and His word to be a lamp unto our feet. And when we misstep, we need to run again to the cross with repentance and receive His gracious forgiveness. We ARE light in the Lord. Paul admonishes to live that way. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Gracious God, I thank you for calling me out of the darkness and into the light. Help me to keep my eyes fixed upon Jesus, the author, and finisher of my faith. I want to walk each day in the light where He is. In His name, I pray, Amen.

Devotion, Nov. 24, speak with grace

Let your speech be always with grace (Colossians 4:6).

Here we have a word from God, which creates a challenge for us! How do I speak to others? The word “grace” suggests that when I speak, I should always reflect love, kindness, understanding, forgiveness, etc.  I should never speak with anger or deception. I should never engage in gossip. I should never fall into the habit of whining about my problems. Who can live up to such a challenge? I can recall many times when ungracious words have come out of my mouth. However, we should never dismiss such a verse by declaring, “I cannot live up to those words.” If we are Christians, we take every word of God seriously. When we fail in being faithful, we don’t dismiss our ill-spoken words by saying, “Nobody’s perfect.” We repent. We go before God and confess that we have sinned against Him. We go to the person to whom we have spoken ungraciously and ask for forgiveness.

That word “always” keeps sticking in my mind. When are we to practice gracious speech? Always. In every situation. Rude words are never acceptable to God. Angry words should lead us to repentance. As Christians, we should pay close attention to our speech and work hard at making our words gracious.

Father in heaven, I must confess that I have often spoken words that lacked grace. I pray for forgiveness, and I ask the Holy Spirit to help me speak only words of kindness and love. I know I will never live up to this verse with perfection, but I ask You to help me to grow in grace, that my words may more and more reflect Your will. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Thanksgiving Sunday has come and gone. I missed our annual Thanksgiving dinner. I am thankful to know that a Covid-19 vaccine is on the way. I am also thankful that no one in our congregation has caught the virus from attending church.

I have changed my preaching plans and will begin an advent-Christmas series next Sunday. The Genesis series I announced earlier will have to wait until next year. I think we need to focus our attention on the blessings we have because Jesus came.

Wednesday Bible study has been canceled until after the first of next year.

We are planning to have a Christmas eve service this year. Let Marie know if you want to purchase a poinsettia in memory of a loved one. Remember Christmas for kids and the FCW while elephant sale which this year consists of a financial contribution.

Jack and Nancy Salyer address: 300 SE 27th Street # 23, Oak Grove, MO 64075
Paul Springs address: 200 Meadowbrook Drive, Apt. 124, Kearney, MO 64060

Thank you for your continuing support of our church through your prayers and offerings even when you are not physically present. Stay healthy everyone! Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Bowman

DEVOTION, Nov. 21

I continue with some devotional writings from my brother. The prayer is mine.

Who is Jesus? Micah not only prophesied the location of Jesus’ birth but also reminded us that Jesus existed even before He was born! “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient times” (Micha 5:2). Jesus, the mighty creator, was born in a humble setting in Bethlehem. How could He exist before He was born unless He was, He is, and He is to come! He is the eternal one, the great I AM!

The wise and mighty creative word of God came to earth humbly, in the flesh, so that He could fulfill God’s plan and become the loving redeemer, the Savior of the world. “The word became flesh and made His dwelling among us…” (John 1:14). John referred to Him as the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Each person must come to grips with this question, Who is Jesus? Romans 10:9 gives the only correct answer. “If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” We can have an intimate relationship with the mighty creator and loving redeemer simply by knowing, confessing, believing, and accepting who Jesus is! Have you made that decision?

Father, you have revealed to us who Jesus is, Your Son, and our Savior. I thank you that I have come to know and confess His holy name with the help of the Holy Spirit. Keep me in true faith unto everlasting life, through Jesus Christ, Amen.