DAILY DEVOTION, Oct. 11, 2021

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, ¹⁴ I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).

Paul gives a brief picture of what it takes to be a mature Christian. He compares the Christian life to a race. First, he reminds us that none of us have attained perfection. We have not yet apprehended the goal. We are still in the race. We must never throw in the towel and exit from the race thinking that we know all there is to know. The Christian life is like being in school. We keep advancing, but we never graduate until we leave this life.

Then Paul stresses the importance of forgetting the past. So many people allow past hurts to influence the present. The past is what it is, and you cannot change it, so why let the past ruin you in the present? Forget the past.

Then Paul tells us to race toward the goal. He describes it as God calling us to move upward toward Jesus. It’s as though Jesus is at the finish line, waiting to receive those who have run a good race. Many will hear the words, “Well done…” What if you have run a poor race? Many will enter heaven because they trusted in Jesus even though their performance was unfruitful. Scripture is clear. Trust in Jesus and be saved (John 3:16 etc.). Or trust in Jesus and be saved, and run a good race. Which would you rather be?

Father, I thank you that I do not have to earn my salvation. I do trust in Jesus, and I receive the gift of eternal life.  But I ask You to help me to run a good race. I don’t want to be just a Christian but a fruitful Christian. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

DAILY DEVOTION, October 9, 2021

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away (James 4:13-14).

James reflects on those who plan for the future without consulting with the Father. At times we are all guilty of this failure. We think that we will do X, Y, or Z tomorrow, but we do not know what tomorrow will bring. I am certain there were Afgan citizens who had some long-range plans that were suddenly canceled by the takeover of the Taliban. It’s okay to plan for the future but be sure God is at the center of your plans. None of us know what tomorrow will present to us.

James reminds us that life itself is uncertain. It is like a vapor that appears for a brief time and then vanishes away. Many of us seniors can identify with James. We look back over our years and exclaim, “where did the time go?” 85 years seemed like a long time when I was 16, but today 85 years seems like a vapor. Our earthly life is so brief. Make sure you are trusting in Jesus and including Him in your plans. Eternity follows death, and eternity is forever! In the eyes of God, we are like a puff of smoke that will soon fade away. Don’t get so entangled in this life that you neglect the life to come.

Our heavenly Father, thank You for this reminder that we are always facing an uncertain future. The one certain thing we can always count on is Your love and forgiving grace. Help me to live my life, including You in my plans. I am a vapor. You are eternal. Help me to always remember this truth, In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Genesis 17:7 NKJV

And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you.

DAILY DEVOTION, October 8, , 2021

I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me (Romans 15:30),

Paul requests that the church pray for him. He is in a struggle. He has faced persecution and physical harm. He urges the church to pray for him.  If the Apostle Paul needed prayer in his ministry, I need it much more! I am confident that Paul wanted them to pray for his protection and also wanted prayer to be faithful to Jesus. He doesn’t just ask for prayer in an off-handed manner. He is not saying that he needs prayer occasionally. Instead, he urges the church to pray for him. He needs to be upheld by the prayers of the church, as do I.

All pastors need prayer. The struggle to promote the Gospel of Jesus can, at times, be challenging. Many pastors abandon their pastoral calling after a few years. I have been at it for over 60 years, and I know the prayers of God’s people have sustained me. Do I still need prayer? You bet I do! I thank all of you who have prayed for me over the years. I want to be faithful to the end, and I need your prayers.

Father, I do thank you for the prayers of God’s people. I know I cannot do the job you have called me to do apart from the prayers of the saints. As I ask others to pray for me, so may I be faithful in praying for others. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen. 

DAILY DEVOTION, Oct. 5, 2021

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” (Matthew 21:22).

We need to be careful in reading Bible verses in isolation from truths stated elsewhere. I have heard preachers say that you can receive from God anything if you just believe. This includes new cars, boats, money, etc. Elsewhere in Scripture, this verse is modified. If we ask for things selfishly, they will not be granted (James 4:3), or if we ask God to do something contrary to His will, He will not act (1 John 5:14).

But still, even with these caveats in mind, Jesus gave us a great promise. When we pray, we certainly are to pray with faith, believing that God hears us. If our prayer is selfish or in conflict with God’s will, His answer will be “no.” So, I have stopped praying for a BMW! If our prayer is unselfish and in harmony with God’s will, we will receive if we believe. 

Those who have real faith will not expect God to answer selfish prayers or prayers outside of His will. Sometimes we do not know our own heart, so there are times when we should pray, “Father, You have heard my prayer. If it is selfish, help me to understand so I may pray properly. If my prayer is outside of Your will, I pray, Thy will be done.” Prayer is a powerful tool when used properly. Follow these basic principles and watch God go to work!

Father, I thank You for the prayer promise given to me by Jesus. However, I confess that I am often perplexed about Your will. There are times when selfishness creeps into my prayers. Help me, Father, to pray aright, in Jesus’ name, Amen.