Devotion, October 2, 2020, Friday

“I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish in order that I may gain Him” (Philippians 3:8).

Paul had gained a lot in his life as a Pharisee. He was well educated, highly regarded, a man of prestige, and no doubt had a good income. He thought he was faithful to his Jewish religion when he persecuted Christians. It looked as if his life path was set. As we say, he had it made,  but then he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. Everything changed! He lost everything pertaining to his life as a Pharisee. He was hunted by his former Jewish friends. He experienced much hardship—-beatings, stoning, shipwreck —- all in service to Jesus.

Paul declares emphatically that everything he lost he regards as rubbish, garbage, in comparison to what he gained. Of course, he had gained a saving relationship with Jesus. Jesus was worth more to him than everything he lost from his former life. What about us? We have things we enjoy in this life, but can we honestly say with Paul that knowing Jesus is worth far more than everything else? If you lost everything except your faith in Jesus, would you think like Paul — it was all rubbish in comparison to knowing Jesus? Where does Jesus fit on your scale of values? Do you value things, family, position, more than you value Him? I hope we all see Jesus as having more value than everything else.

Gracious Father in heaven, I must confess there are many things I possess that  I highly value. One day I will say goodbye to all of it, leaving me with nothing but Jesus. Open my spiritual eyes that I may see clearly the surpassing worth of Jesus. Help me to see that if Jesus were not present in my life, I would possess nothing but garbage. Help me to see that Jesus is indeed the pearl of great price. In His name, I pray. Amen.

Marie also wrote today’s devotion:  Matthew 14: 27 NLT

But Jesus spoke to them at once, “Don’t be afraid,” He said. “Take courage; I am here,” Jesus spoke these words as he walked on water toward the disciples. The disciples had never had this happen; how would we feel if we saw this?  In these past few months, we have had fears, not of someone walking toward us on the water, but of an unseen virus. Many questions have come to the surface; the primary one heard is, “how long can this last?” Another heard is, “how will our Church change?” Just as the disciples needed the courage to realize Jesus was coming to them, should we not have the courage to know that Jesus is there for us, and God is in control of the virus? God is in control of life, and all that happens in our world; after all, God made this world.

Thank you, Lord, for the knowledge that no matter what comes toward us, we can turn to your Son for courage and strength to face the situation. You are in control. We ask you to continue to guide and direct us each day. In Jesus name, amen

Devotion, 9/30, 2020, Wednesday, blessed are you when insulted

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.  Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Matt. 5:11-12, NKJV).

Jesus is preparing His disciples for the future. What will happen to those who seek to be faithful to Jesus? Of course, as we have seen in other devotions, the faithful are richly blessed by God. Here Jesus gives us the other side of the coin. Sometimes the faithful are persecuted. Sometimes they are faced with lies. They are falsely accused of things they never did. Why? Because we live in a world where there is much hostility toward God, and especially towards the Son of God. Jesus was severely persecuted. All kinds of false accusations were made against Him. We know how the story ended for Him.

He tells us to rejoice and be exceedingly glad when this happens to us. Those who suffer from serving Jesus will be greatly rewarded in heaven. We are not told anything about the nature of these rewards. It is enough to know that God is watching, and when His children suffer for Him, they will be rewarded.

These words had special relevance for the first disciples. Many suffered greatly under the heavy hand of Rome. Many were martyred because of their faith. Most of us in the United States have not suffered severely as disciples of Jesus, and I am thankful. But, who knows what the future holds. Be prepared!

Father, I thank you that living as a Christian has not resulted in suffering and persecution. If the situation should change, help me to remain faithful no matter what. Thank You for promising to reward those who suffer for Your sake. I pray in the name of the One who suffered for me, even Jesus. Amen. 

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8, NKJV)

We have in these words of Paul a tremendous promise. God is able (and willing) to make all grace abound toward us, those who believe in Jesus. Grace is God’s unmerited favor. He is able to overwhelm us with His grace. The result is that we are spiritually sufficient. Nothing can stop us. Grace can overpower our sins, our fears, and our reluctance to live for Jesus. Nothing can stop the grace of God from fulfilling His purpose. Why does He promise us abounding grace? So that we may live a life filled with good works.

Of course, our good works have nothing to do with our salvation. That is given to us freely, also by divine grace (See Ephesians 2:8-9). But God does not save us so we can live however we wish. He saves us so that we may live a life filled with an abundance of good works, honoring the Father and pointing others to Jesus.

What is our response to this promise? I think we should all pray that God will do in us and for us that which He is able to do. Namely, overwhelm us with His grace.

Father, I pray that Your abundant grace will flood into my soul. It is my desire to have an abundance of good works, works that are pleasing to You. I cannot do this without Your grace. My heart is open towards You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

We were blessed yesterday as we heard a powerful sermon from Rick Grace, liaison for Disciple Heritage Fellowship. Rick and Nancy are a wonderful Christian couple. Next Sunday I will continue the series from John’s Gospel. We will look at the passage where Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. No, I will not be literally washing anyone’s feet Sunday!

At Wednesday Bible study (3:30) we will continue our study of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.

The Nominating Committee will meet following Bible study, around 4:30.

Church Board will be meeting on Tuesday, October 6th at 6 PM.

That’s all for this week. Stay safe and healthy. Trust and follow Jesus and you will have a good week.
Pastor Bowman