Devotionals

Ephesians 4:17-24 The Old Way Has to Go
17-19 And so I insist—and God backs me up on this—that there be no going along with the crowd, the empty-headed, mindless crowd. They’ve refused for so long to deal with God that they’ve lost touch not only with God but with reality itself. They can’t think straight anymore. Feeling no pain, they let themselves go in sexual obsession, addicted to every sort of perversion.

20-24 But that’s no life for you. You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.

In his letter to the Church at Ephesus, the Apostle Paul reminds God’s family about the necessity of “out with the old and in with the new.” Paul is talking about old ways, behaviors, and ideas that must be left behind now that Christ has made his home in our hearts. In Christ, we are born anew; it is time for new things and new ideas to be released in our lives. These new ideas bring new behaviors. Christ’s love changes how we view everything: deal with our feelings, how we handle our relationships, even how we view our sexuality, etc. As we bow to Christ, the new life grows. It really is a brand new way to live; a clean slate for a God-fashioned life.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for helping me let go of the old, so I can continually reach for the new you have planned for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 50:16-23 (TPT)
16
And now I speak to the wicked. Listen to what I have to say to you!
What right do you have to presume to speak for me
and claim my covenant promises as yours?
17
For you have hated my instruction and disregarded my words,
throwing them away as worthless!
18
You forget to condemn the thief or adulterer.
You are their friend, running alongside them into darkness.
19–20
The sins of your mouth multiply evil.
You have a lifestyle of lies;
you are devoted to deceit as you speak against others,
even slandering those of your own household!
21
All this you have done and I kept silent,
so you thought that I was just like you, sanctioning evil.
But now I will bring you to my courtroom
and spell out clearly my charges before you.
22
This is your last chance, my final warning. Your time is up!
Turn away from all this evil, or the next time you hear from me
will be when I am coming to pass judgment upon you.
I will snatch you away, and no one will be there
to help you escape my judgment.
23
The life that pleases me is a life lived in the gratitude of grace,
always choosing to walk with me in what is right.
This is the sacrifice I desire from you.
If you do this, more of my salvation will unfold for you.”

Last week, we ended with a passage from the gospel of Matthew as Jesus is teaching his disciples about the hypocrisy of those leading Israel. Jesus offers another assessment of these same leaders later in this gospel, “They don’t take it into their hearts and live it out in their behavior. It’s all spit-and-polish veneer” (Mat 23:3 MSG). The practice of sin—in any proportion—will taint our thoughts and lead to disobedient actions against God. To be ignorant of what God says about sin is viewed through his eyes of mercy. However, when we know we are living in sin, we accuse ourselves before God (Rom 2:13-15). Obeying the Word is God’s Way.

Many people in this world may say they believe in Christ—God’s Living Word—but unless those people are living in the truth and obedient to the life to which Christ calls his followers, the Lord proclaims them wicked. It is hypocrisy. Grace is not some kind of an apology for our sin; grace is the power of Christ to guide us into holiness so we can live for the glory of God.

In our Old Testament passage today, God is actually addressing those engaged in the ongoing practice of what the Word calls evil or sin. The people are viewing their good standing with God based on outward acts of piety alone. This is not the message of Christ and the proof that we are desperate for a Savior. We need salvation from sin and its death penalty. In the New Testament, Jesus always condemned the leaders for this action, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Mat 15:8). Jesus is the Truth. So, to say one thing and live another is to live in delusion; it is an abuse of God’s mercy and grace. Sin that is fed grows in the soul of every willing host; but, God’s grace has the power to overcome all sin. We must, however, obediently align our whole being with God’s Word—this puts grace and faith into action.

“May your life preach more loudly than your lips.” Toby Mac

Prayer: Lord, thank you for helping me live each day in obedience to your Word. Thank you for your mercy that covers me while I learn to live in the power of your grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Matthew 16:5-12 The Hypocrisy of the Pharisees and Sadducees
5 Later, as Jesus and his disciples crossed over to the other side of Lake Galilee, the disciples realized they had forgotten to bring any loaves of bread. 6 Jesus spoke up and said, “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.”

7 Thinking Jesus was scolding them over not bringing bread, they began to discuss it among themselves. 8 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “You have such little faith! Why are you arguing with one another about having no bread? 9 Are you so slow to understand? Have you forgotten the miracle of feeding the five thousand families and how each of you ended up with a basket full of fragments? 10 And how seven loaves of bread fed four thousand families with baskets left over? 11 Don’t you understand? I’m not talking about bread, but I’m warning you to avoid the yeast of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.”

12 Then finally they realized he wasn’t talking about yeast found in bread, but the error of the teachings of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.

Throughout the gospels, Jesus constantly points his disciples toward the abundant love and grace of Father God. He urges them to desire this relationship with God all based on Truth that can bring salvation and the resources of heaven to their lives. In our passage today, Jesus warns the disciples not to get caught up in the teachings of the Pharisees (religious frauds making themselves the standard of God) and Sadducees (wealthy aristocrats with political loyalties), because these false teachers do not know God nor guide people to him. Jesus tells the disciples the “yeast” (sin) of the Pharisees and Sadducees is enough to lead God’s people into error and judgment. These two groups of religious teachers were secretly instilling wrong ideas about the character of God into the minds of those listening; people were agreeing with these false doctrines rather than aligning themselves with the Truth.

There is a cost when we engage in even “a little” sin. We must remember the enemy is crafty when it comes to deceiving people. False beliefs and sin are like the yeast used in bread making, just a little bit can begin to permeate and change how a person views the instruction or commands of God. Satan works secretly to influence people in order to control them. Therefore, Jesus teaches the disciples to make sure they are feeding their souls with the Bread of Life.

Prayer: Father, help me to cling to the Truth of your Word and the affirmation of the Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 51:12 (TPT) David’s Consecration 
Let my passion for life be restored,
    tasting joy in every breakthrough you bring to me.
    Hold me close to you with a willing spirit
    that obeys whatever you say.

King David suffered greatly for his affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah. God allowed David to face the painful consequences of his sin. Like David, sometimes we may have to face the painful consequences of our sin, too. The love of God allows these experiences, so we will run from sin the next time. And, only God can heal our self-inflicting wounds.

Getting our hearts right with God after we sin is essential. So, in his song, David points the way to restoration and healing in three steps. First, David confesses that he knows he has done wrong in the sight of God; in fact, he confesses that his sin is really against God (Ps. 51:4). Second, David asks God for forgiveness; to cleanse him, purify his conscience, and fill him once again with sacred love (Ps. 51:7). Third, David asks for God to restore his joy and help him to be more obedient.

The more devoted we become to God, the more power we have to resist sin. This devotion should be our goal each day. However, when we wander into sin, God’s mercy is available to bring healing. David tells us how to find our way back to rest in God’s amazing grace.

Prayer: Lord, help me to stand obediently in your grace each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 6:35-44 (TPT)
35 Late that afternoon, his disciples said, “It’s getting really late and we’re here in this remote place with nothing to eat. 36 You should send the crowds away so they can go into the surrounding villages and buy food.”

37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” “Are you sure?” they replied. “You really want us to go buy them supper? It would cost a small fortune [8 month’s wages] to feed all these thousands of hungry people.”

38 “How many loaves of bread do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” After they had looked around, they came back and said, “Five—plus a couple of fish.”
39 Then he instructed them to organize the crowd and have them sit down in groups on the grass. 40 So they had them sit down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 Then Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, gazed into heaven, and gave thanks to God. He broke the bread and the two fish and distributed them to his disciples to serve the people—and the food was multiplied in front of their eyes! 42 Everyone had plenty to eat and was fully satisfied. 43 Then the twelve disciples picked up what remained, and each of them ended up with a basket full of leftovers! 44 Altogether, five thousand families were fed that day!

In our passage today, Jesus is teaching the disciples a wonderful spiritual lesson about the abundant law of grace for the unworthy “crowd”—which is every human being due to sin. Grace is the gift that gives us access to the Father, saves us through faith, brings victory over sin, fear, and doubt, and is the love of God working in our lives forever. The disciples continue to be amazed in the presence of Christ (the one who will pay the price for grace). Jesus has been teaching the thousands gathered with him the Good News of the gospel of grace—serving them the spiritual Bread of Life. Now, the disciples want to send the people home to eat physical food as if the Word was not enough to meet the needs of the people. It’s lesson time!

Jesus decides to pull back the veil and help the disciples gain understanding; he merges the gift of grace with the physical world in an eye-opening miracle. Jesus brings revelation by commanding the disciples to take responsibility and “give” the people something to eat (v. 37). Christ’s command to feed over five thousand people is perceived by the disciples as impossible. Of course, we all know that, right? However, “What appears humanly impossible is more than possible with God. For God can do what man cannot.” (Luke 18:27).

The law of grace is always about revealing the unfathomable, abundant, and all encompassing love of the Father. So, Jesus asks the disciples to declare what they have available to them (5 loaves of bread and 2 fish—5 represents the number of grace and 2 is about connection or union). Then, Jesus prays and thanks the Father for provision—the food is miraculously multiplied.

We are never going to be worthy of the gift of grace; however, a connection to Christ will give you access to the Father. Pray and seek God’s will, ask for your needs to be met, and keep knocking until a door opens (Mat 7:7). So, let’s pray as Jesus taught, “Give us this day our daily bread!” (Matt 6:11).

Prayer: Lord, true life is found in every word that flows from your mouth. Sustain me with the Bread of heaven, multiply the word in me, Lord, and send me out to proclaim it so others can be fed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 111:7-10 (TPT)
7 
All God accomplishes is flawless, faithful, and fair,
    and his every word proves trustworthy and true.
8 
They are steadfast forever and ever,
    formed from truth and righteousness.
9 
His forever-love paid a full ransom for his people
    so that now we’re free to come before Yahweh
    to worship his holy and awesome name!
10 
Where can wisdom be found? It is born in the fear of God.
    Everyone who follows his ways
    will never lack his living-understanding.
    And the adoration of God will abide throughout eternity!

In our passage today from the Psalter, this worshiper refreshes our thoughts about the grandeur of our God and Savior; the Author of our faith. The Lord proves over and over again He is faithful in all that He is and does as Creator. The biblical definition for the word ‘prove’ means: 1) to test or try; 2) to establish, demonstrate; or 3) to find by experience.

When we seek God and make ourselves available to live for accomplishing His purpose in the world, He begins to prove His love for us through every experience. Sometimes we may face tests and trials that overwhelm us; but, in the midst of the pressure He proves that with God all things are possible (Mark 10:27). The more dependent we become upon the Lord, the more we reflect the image of Christ who obediently carried out the will of the Father (John 5:30). We must follow His ways to increase our spiritual capacity and prove our trust and faith in Him.

Neal A. Maxwell (religious scholar) once said, “God does not begin by asking our ability, only our availability, and if we prove our dependability, He will increase our capability.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for proving your love for me over and over, again. Continue to increase my capacity to serve you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Philippians 4:10-13 TPT Paul Thanks the Philippians for Their Support
10 My heart overflows with joy when I think of how you demonstrated love to me by your financial support of my ministry. For even though you have so little, you still continue to help me at every opportunity. 11 I’m not telling you this because I’m in need, for I have learned to be satisfied in any circumstance [to give up everything I have]. 12–13 I know what it means to lack, [to be humbled] and I know what it means to experience overwhelming abundance. For I’m trained in the secret of overcoming all things, whether in fullness or in hunger. And I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty [translates: to master all things].

Life brings many challenges these days to people on a global level. Even though, as God’s children, we are experiencing the love and blessing of the Father each day, there are still areas in our lives experiencing lack—needing the work of the Savior. It makes sense to me that these challenging times would come, because we are a people in need of God’s righteous work in our lives. He is so good to bring the abundance of his presence to our confessed areas of lack as we yield to his love and work of grace; what he can do in our behalf.

The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians—regarding his challenges—really prompts me to broaden my thoughts about the variety of challenges in my own life. Paul’s initial focus is about his financial challenges and need for support, but in my spirit it translates to reflect truth for every difficulty we face in life. God is for us! (Romans 8:31). In verse 13 from our passage today, Paul shares his testimony: “And I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty.” To conquer every difficulty is to spiritually master it or to take dominion over it.

How do we “master” the difficulties? Well, God has given us a measure of faith—even a small grain of faith can move mountains—so, we must use our faith and place our confidence in God (Mat 17:20). God has connected us to Christ who has been made Wisdom for our benefit to free us from sin, so the challenges we face are an opportunity for the Spirit in us to bring salvation, restoration, reconciliation, deliverance, and other renewing works directed by the Father (1 Cor 1:30). So, when difficulties come, we can spiritually master each one in Christ’s strength and wisdom for God’s glory, because he has promised to make it all work for our good (Phil 4:13; Rom 8:28). The Lord fights for us, goes before us in all our battles, and is greater than anything the enemy can throw our way (1 John 4:4).

Prayer: Lord, I pray my faith in you causes me to overcome every lack; may my faith in you be greater than the challenges the enemy sends to rob, steal, and destroy. Thank you for the abundance you provide each day and for helping me live in awe and gratitude. Open my eyes to see the work of your hands. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Colossians 3:12-17 (TPT) Love One Another
12 You are always and dearly loved by God! So robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy. Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others. 13 Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ. If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them. 14 For love is supreme and must flow through each of these virtues. Love becomes the mark [be a girdle] of true maturity [perfection].

15 Let your heart be always guided [umpired] by the peace of the Anointed One, who called you to peace as part of his one body. And always be thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ live [grow] in you richly, flooding you with all wisdom. Apply the Scriptures as you teach and instruct one another with the Psalms, and with festive praises, and with prophetic songs given to you spontaneously by the Spirit, so sing to God with all your hearts!

17 Let every activity [commitment] of your lives and every word that comes from your lips be drenched with the beauty of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. And bring your constant praise to God the Father because of what Christ has done for you!

People like to talk about peace and how to achieve it; but according to Scripture it will always escape them unless they yield to God. If the world would live in the love of Christ, peace would certainly follow. Without the love of Christ, the world can know no real peace. People have to be willing to turn away from evil; then, they can seek and pursue peace (Ps 34:14). Enforced peace is a possibility, but that did not work to bring lasting change for Rome in 180AD and it will not bring lasting change for peace today. The only way to know true peace is to know the Prince of Peace—Jesus. When we know Jesus, he imparts peace that passes all understanding and the love necessary to sustain lasting peace (Phil 4:6).

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul gives a strategy that can help Christians live for God each day: 1) imitate Christ’s forgiving attitude; 2) let love guide your life; 3) let the peace of Christ rule in your heart; 4) always be thankful; 5) keep God’s Word in you at all times, and 6) live as Jesus Christ’s representative. Always remember, as a Christian, “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone” (Ro 12:18).

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being peace. You have told your children to expect a lack of peace (tribulation) while in this world, but to remain faithful because you have overcome the world. I am so grateful that I can enjoy peace as I live each day with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Colossians 1:9-11 (TPT)

9 Since we first heard about you, we’ve kept you always in our prayers that you would receive the perfect knowledge of God’s pleasure over your lives, making you reservoirs of every kind of wisdom and spiritual understanding. 10 We pray that you would walk in the ways of true righteousness, pleasing God in every good thing you do. Then you’ll become fruit-bearing branches, yielding to his life, and maturing in the rich experience of knowing God in his fullness! 11 And we pray that you would be energized with all his explosive power from the realm of his magnificent glory, filling you with great hope.[patient endurance]

Every now and then someone will describe another person as being “a wealth of knowledge.” In other words, the person being described possesses a great deal of knowledge about a subject or many subjects. It certainly can be a lovely compliment, but an even better one is revealed in our passage today. The Apostle Paul prays for God to make each member of the Body of Christ at Colosse “reservoirs of every kind of wisdom and spiritual understanding!” What an amazing prayer! May we begin to pray this prayer over our lives.

Prayer: Lord, please make me a reservoir of wisdom and help me walk in righteousness, so that I may please you in every good deed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 61:5-8 (TPT) A Psalm of Prayer by King David, Cont.
5
You have heard my sweet resolutions
to love and serve you, for I am your beloved.
And you have given me an inheritance of rich treasures,
which you give to all your devoted lovers.
6
You treat me like a king, giving me a full and abundant life,
years and years of reigning,
like many generations rolled into one.
7
I will live enthroned with you forever!
Guard me, God, with your unending, unfailing love.
Let me live my days walking in grace and truth before you.
8
And my praises will fill the heavens forever,
fulfilling my vow to make every day a love-gift to you!

While walking Gracie the other day, I had one of our local police officers pull his car up along side me and initiate a conversation. I have spoken to him on many occasions in the past, but I have always initiated the conversation. We laughed and shared a bit about family, pets, and integrity—yes, they all go together! lol! He is a kind and honorable man and I told him how much I appreciated the safety he provided for us in our neighborhood. The officer smiled at me, paused, and said, “Thank you so much!”

In our passage today, David’s prayer continues as he praises the Lord for the inheritance of grace that covers devoted worshipers: 1) those who fear or reverence God and his authority, 2) those who run from offending God by humbly acknowledging their need for his guidance, and 3) those who live with praise and gratitude for God’s chosen plan to protect and care for his own. We either believe that God has strategically positioned around us other spiritual children who are devoted to love and honor the Father, as well as serve their fellow neighbors, or we do not. I believe this police officer is positioned by God to protect this small community; so, I welcome his care, pray for his safety, and praise God for protecting us. By trusting in God’s grace, I can live each day as a love-gift to the Lord!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for providing abundant life for me. I am so blessed. You are always guarding and protecting me so I do not need to be afraid; rather, I can walk in confidence by love and grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.