Devotionals

From September 4th through September 14th several Connect2Christ Church Family members will be leading our devotional time. This will allow us an opportunity to learn more about our brother’s and sister’s hearts for Christ through each of their devotions.

My name is Peter Talbott. I am a founding member of Connect2Christ Church, and I am currently serving as the church Administrator and the convening member of the Board of Directors.

My spiritual gifts are:

Exhortation (I deliver the announcements and the invocation during Sunday worship, and I have also brought the message on occasions when Pastor Mary has been absent.)

Apostleship (As stated above, I am a founding member of the church and have been a member of the board since that time. I played a major role in the purchase of the church building in 2013 serving as the negotiator between ourselves and Regions Bank.)

Giving (I work closely with the church treasurer to ensure that the church finances, income and expenses are accurately kept, and all salaries and invoices are paid in a timely fashion. I develop the annual church budget in conjunction with the Board of Directors for presentation to the congregation at the church’s annual meeting.

Leadership (I work closely with Pastor Mary and the Board of Directors in guiding the church both in worship and mission according to the direction in which we believe God is leading us.)

God touched my life many years ago by placing me in leadership positions at the two previous churches I attended – one in Connecticut, one in Florida, and now at C2C Church. He most recently touched my life five years ago when I had a massive heart attack. Many of you know I passed away three times in the operating room but the skilled hands of the cardiologist and others on the staff at Morton Plant Hospital plus God’s intersession gave me life. Pastor Mary has told me on several occasions that God didn’t have a place ready for me and that I had additional work to do both in my family and our church. I am truly blessed to continue my life’s journey.

One of my favorite pieces of scripture is:

2 Chronicles 7:14

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”

I believe the only way our country will regain its world leadership position is if EVERYONE realizes that we must stop worshiping at the foot of the idol of wokeism and self-centeredness and recognize that Jesus and only Jesus is the answer to the degradation of our society.

I challenge you to pray regularly for our country.

Prayer: Thank You for my country, Lord, for my family and friends and the freedom that we have enjoyed up to now. Keep Your hand on this my nation and give our leaders wisdom to see Your ways and to look to You for the direction that we, as a nation, need to go. But also, Lord help me hold the things of this world lightly, knowing that my true citizenship is in heaven, as part of Your heavenly kingdom. Amen

Intro: One week ago Gracie, our little 7 y/o dog, completely tore a ligament in her left leg that required immediate surgery. It is a mystery how Gracie injured her leg, because one minute she was running with excitement through the house and the next minute she was limping to her bed unable to stand. Something happened to her inner stability as she was running the race. Our lesson from Scripture today, reminds me of this situation with Gracie and how believers can be injured spiritually causing us to limp in faith if we run toward sin.

The church in Thessalonica has been running the race in their relationship with Christ who is being revealed and glorified in the lives of believers. However, along comes some false teaching and it causes the followers of Christ to lose their footing, strength, and endurance to stand strong. Because they are being fed lies, they begin to waver in their faith during a time of persecution and with that momentary doubt the enemy charges in with fear. So, the believers write a letter telling Paul about this increasing persecution they are experiencing, as well as wanting to know when God will send relief from their suffering. In other words, when will the Lord be returning to deliver and gather his children of righteousness?

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul writes back to exhort the Thessalonian believers to stop wavering in their faith and hang onto the Holy Spirit, because two things must take place before the coming day of the Lord [the return of Christ]. First, there must be a “great” apostasy—believers rejecting the Lord by refusing to follow the Truth—Christ. Second, there must be an unveiling of the lawless one—the Antichrist—who will oppose Christ by seeking to fill the world with wickedness. Evil works in the hidden places of the heart to rob, steal, and destroy the faith of Christ’s followers; to bring fear, doubt, and abandonment of genuine faith (John 10:10).

Besides the Old Testament Book of Daniel, the New Testament also refers to Satan’s human instrument of evil whose character is defined by sin—the Antichrist—should you like to read more:
The Man of Sin—2 Thessalonians 2:3
The Son of Perdition—2 Thessalonians 2:3
The Lawless One—2 Thessalonians 2:9
The Antichrist—1 John 2:22
The Beast—Revelation 11:7 & Revelation 13:1

So, we must understand the plan of God in Christ to work through his redemptive children to unveil righteousness while at the same time the Antichrist is working through his destructive children to unveil wickedness. We must make a choice who we will exalt, because at this time God is holding back the advancement of evil through the work of the gospel, the Holy Spirit, and the Church—the children of righteousness. How long will God restrain evil? The answer seems to be until God reveals the Truth of the gospel, recalls the Holy Spirit to heaven, and removes the Church [raptures his children] from this worldly realm. During this time [tribulation], the Antichrist will have his way—hell on earth—until Christ returns with his righteous warriors to defeat evil and set up his Kingdom on earth.

2 Thessalonians 2:7-12 VOICE
7 For the mystery of sin is already working its way through the world; He who holds him [evil one of lawlessness] back now will continue to suppress him only until He [Spirit of Christ] is pulled out of the way. 8 It is then that this rebellious one will be finally unleashed. But the Lord will slay him with the breath of His mouth; and with the splendor of His coming, He will bring him to his predetermined end. 9 Still the rebellious one arrives with all sorts of power, performing signs and fake miracles sanctioned by Satan; 10 he employs every manner of wicked deception to wile away those who are destined for eternal death because they reject the love of the truth that leads to salvation. 11 Because of this, God sends a deceptive influence over them so they will wander from the truth and believe the lie. 12 As a result, God will judge all of those who did not entrust themselves to the truth when it faced them but instead reveled in wickedness.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the Truth revealed in your Word, today. Help us to choose wisely whom we will serve, because each day may be our last here on earth. We never know when you will call our name or return for your Church. We are not assured of spending eternity with you by our own goodness; rather, we are assured of being welcomed into the heavenly glory because we have received and chosen to live the Truth found only in Christ. Help us to pay attention and be ready. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: The other day I was watching our one year old granddaughter, Amana, mimic her father as they were playing in the kiddie pool. When our son, Jimmy, would spin or splash in the water, she would watch him and then try to do the same. When he would laughed or make faces in the spraying water, Amana would followed right along. It was such fun to see them playing together. Jimmy is an amazing man of God; a father filled with love. Amana loves and trusts her daddy, so she is very quick to imitate him.

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to be imitators of our Father. That seems like an impossible thing to accomplish, doesn’t it? God is so holy and just; his love is perfect and his compassion never fails. However, we know through the life, nature, and character of Christ we are to mimic him, because in following him we are pleasing to the Father. So, in the power of the Spirit, we need to approach life with that desire and obediently seek to mimic the One we confess to wholeheartedly and sacrificially love.

It is a tendency for believers to condemn unbelievers for their lifestyles, but I do not believe it is our place to do so even though we must never condone sin. Jesus did not model that action for us. With that said, I do believe it is our responsibility to pray and share the love of Christ with unbelievers so they will come to know the Lord. It is right for us to live the Word of God and to be ready to give our testimony. However, we are encouraged to help each other, as believers, stay the course in imitating Christ and allow the Light of Truth to shine through our transformed lives. Every believer is to mimic Christ—imitate God with his or her life. When we practice sin, we are children of disobedience—we are not imitating or following Christ. Let’s not pretend to be believers; instead, out of gratitude let’s challenge one another to live in the Light of God’s love.

Ephesians 5:1-6 NLT Living in the Light
1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him [children of disobedience].

Prayer: Lord, thank you for leaving such an amazing example for us to follow. It can be an overwhelming challenge to stay the course while in this world, Lord, but thank you Holy Spirit for always being there as our Helper. Thank you for surrounding us with other believers so we can help and challenge one another toward victorious living. We praise you for being our Shelter during the hurricane and we ask for ways to bless others while we all go through the cleanup process. For those hardest hit by the hurricane, we pray grace and provision for them. Please continue to guide and direct our lives. Lead us forward in your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: It is easy to praise the Lord when everything around us is going smoothly and we feel secure. In those times, we have an awareness of the presence of God with us based on our feelings and our positive circumstances. However, it is not near so easy to praise the Lord when we face the storms of uncertainty, pressure, or feel distanced from the Lord due to negative or overwhelming circumstances.

Right now, the residents of much of Florida are scrambling to know what to do to protect themselves and their homes, as well as make the decisions on where to go with the mandatory evacuations imposed. We might be tempted to feel anxious, agitated, or fearful, because that is a natural and human response to our situation. And yet, the same God who was with us in the beautiful day we experienced yesterday, is the same God who is with us in the approaching storm, today.

In our passage from Matthew, we need to take a lesson from a woman of praise; Mary the sister of Martha and Lazarus—is a woman devoted in faith to her Lord. Mary pours out spikenard and anoints her King. She does not understand everything Jesus is saying or even why she is inspired to such a place of sacrificial worship, but she is “all in” with her praise. Her actions of praise are so loud it unsettles the other disciples who are present. Therefore, Jesus pours out praise and blessing for his daughter, because he desires for others [into the future] to know the value of her praise and choice to exalt him.

Your praise is important, too. So, wherever you find yourself today, please take time to praise the Lord for his presence with you and look around you to see how your loud acts of praise can be instrumental in touching the lives of others who have yet to meet and praise the King for themselves. May God keep us safe in his Mighty Strength and Righteous Love, today.

Matthew 26:6-13 NLT Jesus Anointed at Bethany
6 Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy [considered an outcast]. 7 While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume [worth a year’s wages] and poured it over his head.

8 The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said. 9 “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.”

10 But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? 11 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. 12 She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial. 13 I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for inspiring praise within us each day. May your praise be continually on our lips and may our loud acts of praise to exalt you be noticed by the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: Sometimes as we think about God, we may confess his involvement in creation is perplexing and quite the mystery for our human minds. The one thing we should believe and understand is that God is sovereign and therefore, always in control of his creation. He wisely directs the course of the universe, the world, and all creation, and he justly determines the way to salvation. He has put everything into place in order to connect himself with human beings and provide for victorious living. Therefore, the proper response to God should always be praise.

Praise (Heb: shabach—shaw-bakh’) means to loudly commend or glorify God in a voice of triumph. We can praise God through prayer, singing, writing, serving others, evangelizing, and much more. Obviously, singing is a very popular way to praise the Lord. In fact, a doxology is a short hymn of praise; a way to verbalize the glory of the Lord who brings us spiritual victory.

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul uses verses from the Book of Job to write a doxology and exhorts God’s people to “shabach” praise and glorify the Lord (36:22). As believers, we serve the King of Glory—the Lord strong and mighty in our lives (Ps 24:8). The Lord is the revealed glory of God and one day he will reveal a whole new level of that glory when he returns to set up his Kingdom. Then, we will know as fact what has been a mystery. So, let’s choose to praise the Lord, today, and tell someone about him!

Romans 11:33-36 NLT
33 Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!
34 
For who can know the Lord’s thoughts?    Who knows enough to give him advice?
35 
And who has given him so much    that he needs to pay it back?
36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.

Prayer: Lord, we praise your name in all the world and proclaim our victory in you. How wonderful to serve you—the One who has absolute power and wisdom. We trust you to take care of us, Lord, no matter what storms come our way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Before we look at today’s passage in Romans 2, let’s recall the first chapter.

When Paul begins his letter to the Romans, he starts by thanking them for their faith. He wants them to know that he realizes that “God’s Good News” about Christ, is being revealed through them and talked about all over the world (1:8). He uses the words of the prophet, Habakkuk, to end the first section of chapter one and before he goes into the second section to ensure that they (we) understand “God’s Anger at Sin”: “Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.” (2:4)

In today’s passage, we see that Paul is not finished with teaching about sin as he goes on about “God’s Judgment of Sin”. He ended chapter one with a list of sinful and wicked deeds, but he wants everyone to know that even if they can cross off every sin he listed, they are still guilty of sin, because we are all born with a sinful nature, and far too often we all judge our fellow brothers and sisters. The only sinless One is Jesus, Who is also the only Judge. No one can avoid God’s judgment. All religious leaders, all non-religious leaders, all religious people, and all non-religious people will one day face Jesus for judgment, and as Paul reminds us that “day is coming when God, through Christ, will judge everyone’s secret life” (2:16) because only Jesus knows the true motives of our hearts.

Friends, we must stop doing what is evil. Paul gives us the list and he also reminds us to stop judging others with our minds, hearts, words, actions, and inactions. We need to be walking out our salvation every second of every day and asking Jesus to strengthen our roots in Him so our faith and relationship with Him can grow deeper and more intimate. We know there will be trouble for those who keep on doing what is evil, but we also know there will be glory, honor, and peace from God for all of those who do good (v.9-10). Good does not mean good works, Paul tells us that good is seeking after the glory, honor, and immortality that God offers (v. 7). This offer is to spend eternity with God, and if we truly want it, we must allow Jesus to have His way in and through us so others can see Him and be drawn to His unending love and eternal kingdom today!

Romans 2:1-11 (NLT)
God’s Judgment of Sin

1 You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. 2 And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. 3 Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? 4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

5 But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 He will judge everyone according to what they have done. 7 He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. 8 But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. 9 There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. 10 But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, reveal to me the areas of sin that I need to work with You to correct within my life. I want to grow in my faith, and in my relationship with Christ, and I know that sin will hold me back. Jesus, thank You for Your forgiveness. Help me to put a watch over my words, I want to speak more like You. Help my actions to be in alignment with Your actions. I want my heart to be in oneness with Your heart, and for people to see You in and through me. Please use me to grow Your Kingdom. I ask all of this in Your Name, Jesus. Amen.

Intro: Faith in God is essential for human life, because only God can save us in our individual times of need. We all face different needs; therefore, our faith has to rise and reach for God knowing he desire to meet us in that place. Maybe some of us are struggling to find a job, deal with health issues, cope with the loss of a loved one, rid ourselves of sinful desires and addictions, or stumbling to walk in obedience with the Spirit. We must use faith to triumph over the things evil is using on a steady basis to destroy our confident trust in God.

Quite honestly, as believers we know an active faith is what pleases God, but at times we are just spiritually “tired” and may struggle to understand how to use our faith in order to bring victory. Have you ever found yourself spiritually fatigued? It’s a real thing! Therefore, spending time in the Word of God sets us up to receive the help we need whether we understand how or why it works or not. Jesus said, “People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes form the mouth of God” (Mat 4:4). Faith is strengthened by our belief in the Living Word of God—Jesus. For this reason, we must draw near to God and his righteousness, place our trust in his love, and ask for him to strengthen and increase our faith.

In our passage today, once again faith is an issue for the disciples because of the past erroneous teaching of the self-righteous religious leaders. They know nothing about the dependance required by Christ’s followers. The disciples have watched Jesus do miracle after miracle and they are strong when they can “see” the evidence of his power with them, but each challenge must be faced with fresh faith and the disciples fail to understand the true Source of the power they need before it manifests.

With every challenge we face, we must apply fresh faith knowing God will accomplish his purposes one way or another. Unfortunately, a little bit of evil can grow and destroy the believer’s trust in Christ. Light and dark cannot co-exist; so, we must choose to live in the Truth, serve the Lord with gladness, and look for the Spirit of Christ to move in our behalf. God is worth trusting and that is the faith we use each day. Blessings for your weekend…

Matthew 16:5-12 NLT Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees
5 Later, after they crossed to the other side of the lake, the disciples discovered they had forgotten to bring any bread. 6 “Watch out!” Jesus warned them. “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

7 At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread. 8 Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “You have so little faith! Why are you arguing with each other about having no bread? 9 Don’t you understand even yet? Don’t you remember the 5,000 I fed with five loaves, and the baskets of leftovers you picked up? 10 Or the 4,000 I fed with seven loaves, and the large baskets of leftovers you picked up? 11 Why can’t you understand that I’m not talking about bread? So again I say, ‘Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’”

12 Then at last they understood that he wasn’t speaking about the yeast in bread, but about the deceptive teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for sharing your love with us by warning us about evil. May we cling to you, Jesus, because you are the living Word who alone can help us please the Father. Help us to remain in the Truth and handle each challenging circumstance in life with fresh faith and trust. We know you are with us! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: Several years ago, John and I took a trip with our family to California. We flew into San Fransisco, rented an RV, and camped in Napa Valley, Tahoe, and Yosemite. Although once we started on the trip we had some concerns about the RV company, we did not have a clue just how corrupt it was until the end of the trip when they stole our sizable security deposit. Truly, it was despicable how they lied, cheated, and treated us.

The experience taught us a great deal about sinful human nature and what it felt like to do business with a company that has zero integrity and is driven by dishonesty and greed. It also taught us about sacrificial love; to accept the financial sacrifice, forgive them, and trust Jesus to use it for our good. The world may accept dishonest and corrupt people and companies, but Jesus does not and he will have the final say as the world’s Judge. The Lord has blessed us beyond measure since that time; so, that sacrifice was well worth it!

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul teaches about lawsuits that can arise between believers. We can all experience disagreements, but what should set Christ followers apart from the world’s system is that we have the wisdom of God to settle our disputes with love and integrity. We are not following Christ if we cheat others or do not fulfill our word or promise to them. We are disobedient to the integrity of God when we act like the world and live for self and money—which according to Scripture will fill the world in the last days (2 Tim 3:1-2). Our passage reminds us we may live in an unjust world, but we serve a just and righteous God who is not blind to how we—as his children—are treating one another or being treated by the world. Hold onto your Hope in Christ and live for the Kingdom!

1 Corinthians 6:1-9a NLT Avoiding Lawsuits with Christians
1 When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers! 2 Don’t you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can’t you decide even these little things among yourselves? 3 Don’t you realize that we will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life. 4 If you have legal disputes about such matters, why go to outside judges who are not respected by the church? 5 I am saying this to shame you. Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues? 6 But instead, one believer sues another—right in front of unbelievers!

7 Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated? 8 Instead, you yourselves are the ones who do wrong and cheat even your fellow believers.

9 Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God?

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for using even the unjust things we suffer in life in a way that brings blessings back to us. Help us to always remember you are experientially molding us into your image. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: Last weekend John and I took a short camping trip to Salt Springs Recreation Area in the Ocala National Forest. When we arrived, we saw a large sign upon entering the campground which read, “Under Boil Water Advisory.” Therefore, the water hook-up to the RV would not be delivering pure water for our drinking, cooking, dishwashing, or bathing. Hey, the advisory was a surprise to us, but we were focused on enjoying our time. We did not allow potentially contaminated water to stop us from having a safe trip, because, by faith in Christ, we chose to adhere to the advisory and for two days boil water! Besides, in spite of the inconvenience, Jesus used the springs to cool, sooth, and refresh our souls—AMAZING!

In our passage for today, Jesus uses the faith of a Gentile—a Roman Centurion—as an advisory for the action to be taken if a person wants to emulate a pure faith. This Gentile was considered contaminated and unclean by the Jews; but, Jesus uses the faith of this man as an example to be modeled. Christ moves on the faith of everyone who calls on his name and brings the refreshment of his presence to those in need. The faith of the Jews had become stagnant—inactive and impure. Can you imagine their surprise when Jesus admonished them instead of the Centurion?

Genuine faith is never stagnant—we should have a constant flow of revelation moving us forward in the work and purpose of Christ for saving the world. Opportunities to minister to people surround us every day, we just need to think differently about faith and be willing to adapt to the advisory of the Spirit. Never lay down your JOY. It is the work of the Spirit to be with us and help us enjoy the love of God even in troubled times (John 14:16). The world is watching…

Matthew 8:5-13 NLT The Faith of a Roman Officer
5 When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer [centurion] came and pleaded with him, 6 “Lord, my young servant [child] lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.”

7 Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”

8 But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. 9 I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers [100 men]. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.”

10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for helping us stay in the flow of the Spirit and live out pure faith. May we be willing to move beyond the inconvenient in order to enjoy the beauty of life with you. Holy Spirit, refresh our souls in the River, today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: God created His people to be successful and to approach work knowing He has placed us in His world to steward the gifts and resources He has given us for His mission. So, to be successful in life is to believe God has created us, gifted us, allows certain events, and will provide everything we need to fulfill His plan for us. Everything about us and the events of the world have been designed and directed by God to lead humanity into godliness. Therefore, two things are essential for us to reap what Christ has sown in our behalf: 1) belief and 2) honor.

“True Honor is an outflow from a heart that fears God.” (John Bevere)

Belief is based on recognizing and trusting God as Creator, Savior, Helper, and the promised Provider of grace. Honor is about committing every aspect of our lives to love God and His Word and to work to enhance His reputation in the world. When we honor God, He honors us (1 Sam 2:30). As well, we must choose to honor others (Rom 12:10). Certainly, new life in Christ is not given for our own selfish ambitions (Phil 2:3). Success is about overcoming an evil world in the power of God (1 John 5:4). Belief + Honor = Successful Living.

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul shares about Israel’s unbelief—God temporarily hardened their hearts, because they chose disobedience and rejected belief and honor. Disobedience brings judgment; but, because of God’s promise to Abraham and his descendants—those of belief who would honor God’s guidance—will have the ability to come to God and overcome evil through godliness. God has not forgotten his people; He knows those who place their belief in Him and honor Him with how they live.

For believers—Jews and Gentiles—we are blessed by Christ who is our Vine. To be connected to Christ is to be connected to the Father who has decided to make us One with Himself. Now, as the branches, we can by faith drink in the holy nourishment God has provided and live our saved lives as an offering to Him.

Romans 11:13-24 NLT 13 I am saying all this especially for you Gentiles [Non-Jews]. God has appointed me as the apostle to the Gentiles. I stress this, 14 for I want somehow to make the people of Israel jealous of what you Gentiles have, so I might save some of them. 15 For since their rejection meant that God offered salvation to the rest of the world, their acceptance will be even more wonderful. It will be life for those who were dead! 16 And since Abraham and the other patriarchs were holy, their descendants will also be holy—just as the entire batch of dough is holy because the portion given as an offering is holy. For if the roots of the tree are holy, the branches will be, too.

17 But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree—some of the people of Israel—have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for being so faithful to Your people. Help believers worldwide to live with such passion and love for You that others cannot help but take notice and become hungry for Your nourishment, as well. We pray for the nation of Israel and for the Jewish people to turn to You for salvation in Christ. As well, we pray for the Gentile nations of the world who do not know and serve You. May they turn toward You, today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.