Devotionals

Intro: It is not uncommon for people to ask me what I think about a specific issue or challenge. Can I tell you I genuinely appreciate the confidence people place in me as a spiritual guide, but really what I think—my opinion—is way down the scale when it comes to importance or value. Here’s what we all need 24/7: the perception of the Savior—Jesus—because he is Truth.

In our passage today, Luke wants us to know victory for the believer comes through a proper spiritual perception which we receive when we are actually willing to live in the Truth. Sometimes a person tries to manipulate or control things in life based on his/her opinions—rather than Truth—and then want God to take credit for having authored his/her opinion even if it’s false. Our opinions will never save anyone, nor will our opinions shine the glory on God. Our greatest need is to allow the light of Truth to break through the darkness of our flesh, through the stubbornness of our wills, through the hardness of our hearts to reveal the Truth alive in our lives because the Truth is what sets all people free! (John 8:32). So, instead of asking me what I think, please ask me to pray with you so we can ask Jesus to shine the light of Truth for each of our souls—minds/wills/emotions!

Luke 11:33-36 Revelation-Light
33 “No one would think of lighting a lamp and then hiding it in the basement where no one would benefit. A lamp belongs on a lampstand, where all who enter may see its light. 34 The eyes of your spirit allow revelation-light [the teachings of Jesus] to enter into your being. When your heart is open the light floods in [our spiritual perception focuses on Truth]. But when your heart is hard and closed, the light cannot penetrate and darkness takes its place. 35 Open your heart and consider my words. Watch out that you do not mistake your opinions for revelation-light! 36 If your spirit burns with light, fully illuminated with no trace of darkness, you will be a shining lamp, reflecting rays of truth by the way you live.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the revelation light of your Word and teaching. I open my heart up to you and ask for the light to flood my spiritual perception. Set me free from opinions, so I can walk in the Truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: In our passage today, John the apostle is older. In fact, at the time of this writing (85AD), he may be the only original apostle still living. In his letter, John wants to assure the next generation of believers about God’s care and his provision of grace for eternal life in Christ. He wants them to know Christ “is” eternal life; a life that begins with faith and is walked out as we put our trust in Christ as our Lord. For this reason, humility and commitment to Christ are essential if we are going to walk in the newness of eternal life. Faith-driven believers live very different then the world (unbelievers), because we live to please God.

John knew Christ in a very personal way; he had an experiential understanding of Christ’s love and power because he was an eyewitness, as well as a recipient. So, when John says, “We know…” you can be sure because he has talked and walked with Jesus and witnessed the Truth about life and spiritual matters. We “know” that we have eternal life if we believe in Christ’s sacrifice for our sin and have obediently committed ourselves to Jesus. When Jesus has first place in our lives he sits as Lord. Then, we can lean on his authority and power to avoid sinning against God. Satan has no power over Jesus. Do you “know” you have eternal life?

1 John 5:13, 18-21 (NLT)

13 I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.

18 We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them. 19 We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one.

20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life.

21 Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that I know I have eternal life with you. My assurance does not come from my feelings or any good things I may do. My assurance comes because you are eternal life and truth and I know by faith you live within me to protect me and guide my life. Help me follow you more closely each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

01/10/2022

Our passage today is from the last chapter of Ephesians. It is eight critical verses from the Apostle Paul’s final letter to the church in Ephesus. If you recall, Paul begins his letters (so, the first three chapters of Ephesians) with doctrine, and then his final three letters (or chapters) focus on practical application. In today’s letter, Paul boldly tells us how we need to be living as followers of Christ.

If you followed the “Rise Up” sermon series with Curtis Tumicki, you may remember on Sun, Dec 19th that Curtis’s message was on “Strategize Your Plan of Love”. During that message, Curtis took us to today’s passage, Ephesians 6:10-17: The Whole Armor of God. He pointed out that God instructs us, through Paul, to put on six pieces of armor; five of the pieces are defensive and One piece (the Word) is offensive. ALL six pieces are to be used together and continuously for our protection and guidance under the authority of Almighty God.

Paul begins today’s passage by telling us to build up our strength. We know that our strength can only be found in Christ (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). So, Paul goes on to tell us that we need to put on ALL of the armor that God gives us because it is our only way to stand up against the Devil. In this verse, Paul doesn’t say…”hey, so the armor can hang out in your house until you think the devil is around, and then you can dust it off, and put on whatever pieces you think you might need”…NO, he tells us to put it ALL on, and that we are NOT to take it off, because we are not fighting against things that are easily seen. Rather, we are battling wicked spiritual forces of darkness, and the battle goes on at all times.

Below, you will find that I included the image that Curtis used during his message. I think we can agree that the metal armor does not appear to be very comfortable. However, Paul firmly instructs us in verse 13 to “put on God’s armor now!” He doesn’t tell us that we can leave the helmet off until we see danger because it’s too heavy and hot outside to be worn 24/7…or, that we can pick up the sword and shield when we feel like it’s the appropriate time of danger. No, Paul knows that God has not only designated the proper armor for every “good solider of Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3), but that He also created ALL six pieces to be used together for our spiritual protection and guidance during every breath that you and I take on this earth. Friends, here’s a list of your armor, and please do NOT remove any part of it:

Belt of Truth (Defensive Weapon) – To stand firm in the Word of God
Breastplate of Righteousness (Defensive Weapon) – To protect from the evils of this world
Shoes of Readiness (Defensive Weapon) – To leave a righteous trail of the Good News of Jesus for others
Shield of Faith (Defensive Weapon) – To extinguish the arrows of the Evil One
Helmet of Salvation (Defensive Weapon) – The guiding foundation of the good solider of Jesus Christ
Sword of the Spirit (Offensive Weapon) – The Word of God used to attack the Evil One

Ephesians 6:10-17 (GNT)
The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power.11 Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil’s evil tricks.12 For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age.13 So put on God’s armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy’s attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground.

14 So stand ready, with truth as a belt tight around your waist, with righteousness as your breastplate,15 and as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good News of peace.16 At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One.17 And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you.

Prayer: Jesus, Thank You for Your protection against the darkness of this world. Help me, Lord, to keep on every piece of the armor that You have so graciously given to me. I pray for your continuous guidance within my life. I ask all of this in Your Precious and Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

Written by: Jennifer Auer, Pastor Mary Haley’s Assistant

Intro: Mercy and Truth always come together in the love of God which is abundant and endless. Mercy is an essential quality of God; associated with forgiveness. Did you know when the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, it is an act of God’s mercy and Truth because he loves us, wants to forgive us, and simply wills the holy best for us? God wants us to enjoy a sense of well-being and he knows sin robs us, so he convicts us [of wrong actions against the Truth] in order to bring his healing presence to us.

In Ephesians Chapter 4:20-24, the Apostle Paul tells the Ephesians their old lifestyles have to go. There is no excuse for ignorance, because Jesus brings a God-fashioned life that is worked out from the inside. God’s Spirit guides the believer’s conduct [through conviction] and reproduces his character in us. We are saved from sin and the work of evil by the merciful love of God! If we have never thought about conviction this way before, we need to wake up!

Ephesians 5:1-2 Wake Up from Your Sleep
Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.

Prayer: Lord, please continue to teach me about your merciful love and help me to translate that into holy actions that grow the relationships around me each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: In our passage today, the Apostle Paul is probably writing from house arrest in Rome; about 60AD. Paul was a prisoner in Rome for preaching the gospel, but Jesus was the Lord of his life; therefore, Paul remained faithful to the gospel of Christ no matter how difficult the situation. He was not silent about his faith!

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul is quick to spread the Good News and the new task God has given him. The Ephesians are being told about God’s grace for them; an Old Covenant mystery that became a New Covenant revelation. Through the work of Christ on the cross, the Jews and the Gentiles are both invited to belong to his Church, as well as receive God’s promise of blessings. Believers are equal in Christ. The important key word to reflect upon in our reading is the word, “belong.” To belong to Christ is to accept the sacrificial offering of his life on the cross to pay the penalty of our sin; we then can be forgiven and enjoy fellowship with God. To believe is to belong; to belong is to be obedient to the Word. This would make believers who belong–whole–One people connected to One God.

Ephesians 3:1-7 (NLT)
1 When I think of all this, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the benefit of you Gentiles . . . 2 assuming, by the way, that you know God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles. 3 As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me. 4 As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. 5 God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets.
6 And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus [are connected to Christ the Living Word]. 7 By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the saving grace you have extended the world. May all your children who believe and belong stand ready to spread the Good News each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: When our sons were very young they loved the game, “Guess Who.” In order to win, it was necessary to ask the right questions to identify the mystery character. The game was fun, but I do not really like guessing games. I am so grateful God is straight-forward with who he is and wants to be in our lives. We do not need to make conjectures, because God has been entirely forthcoming by giving us a testimony of himself—the Bible. In fact, I love how Scripture conveys the nature and character of God through its many stories and lessons, but nothing really demonstrates the truth like the life of Jesus. God continuously teaches us about himself and his heart for us through Jesus Christ.

In this way, God can be seen—Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God (Col 1:15). We do not have to guess about the kind of love God has for us, because Christ reveals his love is sacrificial (John 3:16). We do not need to guess about our value to God, because Christ is willing to leave the 99 in order to find the one who wandered off (Mat 18:12-14). We do not need to guess about the good things God wants to give us as his children because Christ knows what we need before we even ask and it pleases him to give us good gifts (Mat 7:9-11; 18:11-12). Jesus promised, “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth” (John 14:15-17). Jesus, the only unique Son, is the One who perfectly reveals God’s character and love!

John 1:18 No man has ever seen God at any time; the only unique Son, or the only begotten God, Who is in the bosom [in the intimate presence] of the Father, He has declared Him [He has revealed Him and brought Him out where He can be seen; He has interpreted Him and He has made Him known].

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the many ways you reveal your beautiful love to me each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: Like many people around me, I am making some goals for this new year that will improve my overall health. First, I am trying to take a nice 1/2-1 mile walk every day—sometimes twice a day—and exercise my muscles to improve my physical health, because I am a temple of God (1 Cor 3:16). Second, I am giving myself permission to just sit quietly each day for 1/2-1 hour to use my “calming” muscles in order to improve my emotional health; sometimes life is just to stimulating or draining and so, during this time, I tune out the world and tune into God’s presence with me (Mark 4:39-40). Third, I am spending even more time in the Word of God reading chapter passages each day and inviting the Spirit to help me practice the Truth with my faith muscles, because the deception of the world is gaining strength and I must be stronger in order to walk in wisdom (James 1:22). Fourth, I am exercising my prayer muscles, because God honors the prayers of his children who desire to pursue righteousness (James 5:16). Whether I am focused on physical, emotional, or spiritual health, I am aware I belong to Jesus and every aspect of me must bow to Christ’s authority. I must use all my muscles or they will atrophy and I will not have the proper strength when I need it.

In our passage today, Jesus shares with those around him what it means to belong to him—to be related as a family member. Jesus’ biological family does not necessary fit his criteria, because Scripture tells us even Jesus’ half-brothers and sisters did not believe he was the Messiah in the midst of his teaching. You know who meets Jesus’ criteria for being in his family? Those who are hungry to hear and willing to exercise God’s Word—his holy standard for living; to use one’s faith in order to put God’s instruction into practice which will cause one’s whole being to flourish for the glory of God (Ro 10:17).

Luke 8:19-21 Jesus’ True Family
19 Jesus’ mother and his brothers [half-brothers] came to where Jesus was teaching, but they couldn’t get through the crowd that had gathered around him. 20 Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak with you.”

21 Jesus told the crowd, “These who come to listen to me are like my mother and my brothers. They’re the ones who long to hear God’s words and put them into practice.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for inviting me to be a part of your true family. I know this means I follow your lead by hearing the Word and putting it into motion in my life. Help me, in 2022, to be physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

January 03, 2022

Today we are looking at 2 verses from the last chapter of the Book of Job. To quickly recap, Job was a wealthy man with a large family and extensive flocks. We learn in the very first verse that Job was blameless, he was a man of complete integrity, he feared God, and stayed away from evil. One day Satan appeared before God and argued that Job was only good because God had blessed him abundantly. Satan challenged God that if given permission to punish Job that he would turn and curse God. God allowed Satan to torment Job as a test, but Satan was not allowed to take Job’s life. In 37 chapters, we read of the immense trials that Job endured, which included the death of his family, loss of his home, loss of his flocks, physical torment, the turning away of his extended family, emotional pain, painful conversations with friends, etc. But, in the midst of everything, Job never curses God.

In chapters 38 – 42 we see that God challenges Job and an intense dialogue takes place between them. Today’s verses come at the end of this dialogue, and in the midst of the conclusion when the Lord blesses Job. If you recall, Job had several very long theological conversations with three of his friends. They were all trying to explain the nature of God. The problem was that all of them were using their human knowledge. They had no idea that this was a spiritual situation between God and Satan. God was mad at them, but Job prays forgiveness for them.

How often do you pray for yourself and your circumstances? Now, compare that to how often you pray for others and their circumstances? In the midst of praying, do you trust God with every fiber of your being? During prayer, do you let go of the fact that you have no clue of what is going on in the Heavenly realm on your behalf? Do you pray for those who hurt you? Do you pray for those who are hard to love?

When Job prays for his friends, who had been difficult, the Lord restores him. I’m sure the “stuff” he is blessed with is nice, but the greatest blessing is that the Lord supernaturally healed Job’s body and soul, he returns his extended family and their response to Job is beautiful. If you go on within the chapter, you will continue to see more and more blessings of family and flocks.

We must pray for others and keep in mind, for ourselves, what the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Colossian: “So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.” (1:9)

Job 42:10-11 NLT

10 When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before! 11 Then all his brothers, sisters, and former friends came and feasted with him in his home. And they consoled him and comforted him because of all the trials the Lord had brought against him. And each of them brought him a gift of money and a gold ring.

Prayer: Jesus, Thank You for the lesson of Job. Please help me to pray for those who are difficult. When I do not understand why something is taking place, please quicken my heart to submit to You, and to trust that You have everything under control. Please deepen our time together in prayer and reveal more of Your heart for others to me. I ask all of this in Your Precious and Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

Written by: Jennifer Auer, Pastor Mary Haley’s Assistant

Intro: Have you ever noticed some people seem to draw others into friendship by the joy, peace, and love they exude? Jesus has always had the power to draw people to himself; he is the perfect charismatic Friend. He is inviting and comforting to dwell with and enjoy in a meaningful relationship for life.

In our passage today, the people around Jesus are drawn to him but they have the wrong idea about what kind of King he came to be. He did not come to restore a nation, but to restore hearts with the Father. Jesus wants to be the Lord of our lives; he is the Light with whom we must connect in order to push back against the darkness and draw of the world. We need his powerful righteous help.

We must choose between Christ and the world; Jesus certainly tells us we need to choose who will be our Master. Jesus brings salvation now, but he will one day restore the world under his Kingdom government. Even now, many well-meaning believers have the wrong vision of Christ’s real mission to bring ongoing salvation that glorifies the Father. Don’t miss who Jesus really is as Messiah. Allow him to be the Light of Truth to your heart, because if we allow this important first step, others will be drawn to him and experience Christ in us.

Tonight is New Year’s Eve. Before you experience the first day of the year 2022, make a decision to stay devoted to Christ and learn from him to be a person of inspiration and influence. People around us need the perfect charismatic Friend! Make 2022 the best year in Christ you have ever experienced! The decision is yours. Happy New Year!

John 8:12-14 Jesus, the Light of the World
12 Then Jesus said, “I am [name of God] light to the world, and those who embrace me will experience life-giving light, and they will never walk [never be pushed] in darkness.”

13 The Pharisees were immediately offended and said, “You’re just boasting about yourself! Since we only have your word on this, it makes your testimony invalid!”

14 Jesus responded, “Just because I am the one making these claims doesn’t mean they’re invalid. For I absolutely know who I am, where I’ve come from, and where I’m going. But you Pharisees have no idea about what I’m saying. 15 For you’ve set yourselves up as judges of others based on outward appearances, but I certainly never judge others in that way. 16 For I discern the truth. And I am not alone in my judgments, for my Father and I have the same understanding in all things, and he has sent me to you.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for connecting me with the Father, inspiring me toward holiness, and guiding me toward devotion to your will and ways. Be my spark of life that inspires others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: This Christmas season has been a true blessing to me. I have enjoyed more time than usual with my family and friends; I love them and my spiritual family so very much. I see people as eternal treasures; we all are eternal treasures to Christ. He is coming back and we need to be ready to meet him.

In our passage today, Jesus tells about his return and he reminds his disciples to remain watchful. Jesus tells us how we should wait: 1) We are not to be misled by those who claim to strategically know the exact date Christ is returning; 2) We should never be afraid to tell others about Christ despite what they may say or do; 3) We must stand firm by faith and not be surprised by those who want to persecute us; and 4) We must be morally alert, obedient to the commands for living found in God’s Word. Jesus shared these things, so we would focus on living righteously while we are on earth. Are you taking each day as a way to prepare your heart for Christ’s return? We must stay spiritually awake, because when it comes to worshiping and serving Christ the world is being lulled into sleep.

Mark 13:32-37 Live Always Ready for His Appearing
32 “Concerning that day and exact hour, no one knows when it will arrive, not the angels of heaven, not even the Son—only the Father knows. 33 This is why you must be waiting, watching and praying, because no one knows when that season of time will come.”

A Parable of a Man Who Left on a Journey
34 “For those days can be compared to a man who was about to leave on a journey, but before leaving he placed his servants in charge and gave each one work to do while he was away. Then he commanded the watchman to be on guard at all times. 35 So I say to you, keep awake and alert—for you have no idea when the master of the house will return; in the evening, at midnight, at four o’clock in the morning, or at dawn. 36 Be alert, for he’s coming suddenly and may find you sleeping! 37 And what I say to the four of you, I say to everyone—be awake at all times!”

Prayer: Lord, help me to plan for your return. I want to be ready, because your return is the most important event I will ever experience. Help me to stay in your Word and live by your instructions each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.