DAILY DEVOTION, October 28, 2021

God is utterly dependable, and it is he who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ, our Lord  (1 Corinthians 1:9, Phillips).

We understand that God has called us to eternal life through His Son Jesus. That is a future blessing. There is also a present blessing granted to those who trust in Jesus. We enter into fellowship with our Lord. Jesus is not some far-off redeemer living apart from us. Faith brings us into fellowship with Him. Paul said Christ lives in our hearts by faith (see Romans 8:9). This blessing we enjoy now, in this life.

We are united with Jesus. He dwells in the hearts of those who love and trust Him. Every Christian knows his indwelling presence. This is undoubtedly the greatest blessing we know this side of heaven. To know that Jesus is with us gives us the courage to face anything life throws at us.

We know this is true because it is the promise of God who is utterly dependable. And so we sing with faith, “And He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own.” It doesn’t get any better than that!

Lord God, our Father, how I thank You for Jesus, Your Son, my Lord, and Savior. He has opened the gates of heaven for me, and He walks with me as I live this life by faith. Father, Your goodness knows no bounds, and I thank You in Jesus’ holy name, Amen. 

DAILY DEVOTION, Oct. 27, 2021

The next fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23 is “self-control.” This completes Paul’s description of how Christians are to live. Paul lists nine attributes that make up the Christian life concluding with self-control. Self-control is to restrain our emotions, actions, and desires so that our behavior is not a reaction to the words and actions of others, but our eyes are fixed on the will of God. Jesus manifested this spirit in Luke 22:41-42 when He prayed, “not my will, but yours be done.” Peter comments that when Jesus was insulted by His enemies, He did not retaliate (1 Peter 2:23). Instead, he kept Himself under control.

Peter also reminds us that the Lord will return. Therefore, we should live with self-control “so that we can pray” 1 Peter 4:7). If we allow our anger and frustration to gain control, praying ceases. Angry people do not pray. People who control their emotions can pray. Self-control frees us to do the will of God. If you tend to fly off the handle, it is time to ask the Holy Spirit to grant you self-control.

Father, as I have reflected on the fruit of the Spirit, I realize I have much growing to do. Please draw me close to Your side that I may focus on Your will. Please keep my emotions under control so that I may serve You faithfully. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

DAILY DEVOTION, Oct. 25, 2021

The next fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23 is “faithfulness.” Faith always leads to faithfulness. Some declare, “I have faith,” but signs of faithfulness are hard to find. True Christians are so grateful for God’s redeeming love that they have an innate desire to serve Him with undying loyalty.  Jesus was faithful to God the Father even when it led Him to the cross. John refers to Jesus as the One who is “faithful and true” (Revelation 19:11).  Jesus was “faithful as a son over God’s house” (Hebrews 3:6). Jesus was the faithful one, and we are His disciples.

Jesus once reprimanded a group of religious leaders. They were faithful to all the outward requirements of the law. They were scrupulous in their tithing. But they neglected the more important matters, one of which is faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). The outward rituals of discipleship are important: tithing, baptism, communion, church service, etc. But one can perform the outward rituals and neglect faithfulness. Those who are faithful to God are dependable in their service to the Master. We are admonished to “Be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).  If we believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God, we will seek to be faithful to Him whatever the cost.

Father, I know that I am called to be faithful, but I confess there are times when that is difficult. Therefore, please forgive me when I fail and give me the strength to live as a faithful believer in Jesus. In His holy name, I pray, Amen. 

DAILY DEVOTION, Oct. 23, 2021

The next fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 is kindness. Do you prefer being around kind people or grouches? The answer is easy. Naturally, we want to be around kind people. Kindness is a temperament that puts others at ease. Kindness reaches out to others with a spirit of friendship and goodwill. Grouchy, irritable people make us feel nervous and ill at ease. Again, kindness is a virtue present in God. Paul writes, “When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us…” (Titus 3:4-5). God showed amazing kindness to us in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:6-7).

Those who live close to God will reflect kindness to others (See Ephesians 4:32). Do you see yourself as a kind person? How do others view you? What do you do when you lash out at another person in anger? I hope the word “repent” comes to mind. We not only offend others when we are unkind, but we also offend our God, who has been super kind to us. Those who live by faith in the Son of God will find that kindness comes “naturally,” or better, “supernaturally.”

Father, I can recall too many times when I have not been kind to others. Unfortunately, some people rub me the wrong way. By the power of Your Spirit, help me to react to others with kindness. You have been abundantly kind to me, and I want to be kind to others. I ask this favor in the holy name of Jesus, Amen.