In the Word Daily Devotional

JANUARY 1

Desire and Purpose Fulfilled

"May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose." Psalm 20:4

As we begin a new year, I can’t think of a better prayer. Psalm 20 is a prayer for the resurrection of the Messiah. It was also a prayer from the people for King David to be victorious in battle. In addition, we notice the application for all who venture to take new ground for Jesus. As you serve the Lord and engage in the good fight, may He give you what you long for and complete His purpose in you and for you.

There is a lot of discussion in the Church these days about the subjects of wants and purpose. I suspect that much of it often comes from worldly ambitions. The desires that God grants are those that are educated by His Word and conformed by His Spirit. The purpose that he fulfills is that which He has ordained in us; to glorify Him, to love Him and those around us, to make disciples, to be like Him, and to be with Him now and forever.

What a goal for the year – to have his desires be ours and to have His will for us fulfilled in us. May you take new ground for Jesus this year and find your desires and purpose fulfilled in Him. We pray God would grant us this and much more through His Spirit.

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JANUARY 2

Just Be Where He’s At!

"…and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day." Luke 2:37

Anna the prophetess was a special woman. She lived with her only husband for seven years before he died, and spent the next eighty-four years as a widow serving the Lord. There are only a few verses that speak of her, but they reveal much about what it means to walk with the Lord. As we move forward with a new year, we can learn a lot from this brief section on how we can draw closer to Jesus and become more fruitful and joyful as we do.

Anna was privileged to walk in just as Jesus was being presented as a baby in the temple according to the law. Why was she one of the few who got to witness the unique event? She was always around and serving the Lord, so she probably didn’t miss too many things that God did. Why was she able to understand the spiritual significance, even when His family did not (and billions still struggle)? In eighty-four plus years she had learned to recognize the voice of the Lord. Why was she so thankful and full of joy? Not only had she been witness to the coming of the Messiah, but she was now privileged to tell everyone about it.

If you want to be there when the Lord works, if you want to hear His voice clearly, and you want to be a powerful witness for Him, then just be where He’s at. Make it your priority this year. Be in fellowship, be in prayer, be in the Word, and you’ll be in love with Jesus. You’ll find yourself full of joy, regardless of your circumstances. You’ll be closer than ever to the Lord, and you’ll bring forth lasting fruit in abundance.

JANUARY 3

A Fresh Start

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

With a new year comes the hope of a fresh start for many. They are searching for a way to be free from who they are and their failures and the only thing that seems to help is time. A new year gives the perception that the past is further away and a new beginning is possible. However, we quickly discover that a flip of the calendar isn’t enough.

In order for our past to be truly wiped away and for us to have a new start, we have to be in Christ. We have to be saved, and have accepted Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins. This doesn’t mean that we become suddenly unaware of our past when we do so, or even free from all of its consequences. It means that we are now a completely new person in Christ. We are righteous in the eyes of God. No matter what we have done, spiritually we have a new beginning. This can happen at any hour and on any day of the year. In addition, its effects don’t change, even if we sin again. The past is still gone, and we remain new in Him.

JANUARY 4

Deep and Lasting Relationships

"So the priest's heart was glad; and he took the ephod, the household idols, and the carved image, and took his place among the people." Judges 18:20

In the latter part of Judges, we see the moral and spiritual climate during the time of the judges. We note that there was a void of leadership and everyone did what they felt was best for them. Here, we have the story of a Levite, Jonathan, who became the personal priest in the household of a man named Micah. We see in Judges 17:11 that Jonathan was like a son to Micah. Yet later, when given a better offer by the men of Dan, he quickly discards that relationship and takes his place among those who raided Micah’s house. There were many other problems and issues associated with this partnership, but it is interesting to me how disposable relationships are for some.

Today, as in the time of the judges, many live as seems right in their own eyes, which includes placing little value on relationships. For some, ties can be quickly severed when a particular friendship no longer represents significant benefit in their minds. We should love, serve, and spend time with others not for what they can do for us, but because of who they are in the Lord and because God has graciously brought them into our lives. We would be wise to ensure that it not be said that others loved us more than we loved them. May this year see an increase in our faithfulness to the Lord and to those He has brought into our lives.

JANUARY 5

Got Love?

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing." 1 Corinthians13:1-3

How many times have you read these words? I know I have lost count for myself. However, I don’t think we live always as though we fully understand their significance. The Holy Spirit is not merely telling us what love is in this chapter, but what we are without it! Without love, you and I are nothing.

Paul tells us that without love our speech is simply noise. Even our best communication is meaningless without love. It may even approach being angelic in nature and yet, without love, it is just chatter. In addition, we see that our gifts are meaningless without love. You can be a mighty instrument of God with faith unrivaled, but if you don’t have love you’re an empty well. Finally, without love your service is devoid of any value. You can give everything, your very life even, but without love you’re bankrupt spiritually.

Sometime try placing a zero on a piece of paper, then another, and another until you have six. What is the sum of six zeros? It is still zero. Now place a one in front of them. That one changes everything. Love is the one thing that gives your speech, your gifts, and your service value. If we attempt to serve our God without love, we never really serve Him at all.

JANUARY 6

On the Edge of Battle

"‘Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies. Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them; for the Lord your God is He who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.’" Deuteronomy 20:3-4

When the nation of Israel went into battle it was the priest, not the military officers, who encouraged the people with these words. This is because at the heart of every physical battle, we find a spiritual conflict. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12 that …we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but…against spiritual hosts of wickedness… 

Whether we realize it or not, each day we awake on the doorstep of a spiritual conflict. The enemy is not our boss, or the person on the other end of the phone, or the person in the car in front of us, or our spouse, or our children, or even the people we serve. The enemy is Satan, a roaring lion seeking to devour. He will divide, discourage, distract, lie, and do whatever it takes to cause you to faint and leave the fight.

Though our opposition is formidable, and our strength and courage may be suspect, victory is not dependent on these things. We are to stand boldly with confidence because of who our Father is. If the Lord is our God, then He will go with us and fight for us. If Jesus is our Savior, then we are secure in Him. Though the battle rages, the war has been won.

Is your heart ready to faint today? Are you afraid, maybe even terrified, of what may be ahead? Take courage, your God is still there. He still knows you individually, right down to the hairs on your head. He is still the defender of your soul, and He still loves you. He will fight for you!

JANUARY 7

Holiness v. Legalism

"For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh…" Philippians 3:3

Circumcision was a sign of God’s covenant with Abraham and subsequently the nation of Israel. However, it became for many an end unto itself. Paul points out in Romans 2 that circumcision is really a matter of the heart. It was symbolic of those whose hearts were free from the flesh to worship God in Spirit and in truth.

Do you ever catch yourself feeling the need to clarify certain statements in a conversation? You might say, I saw the funniest thing on television the other day, not that I watch much television really…  Why do we do this?  Perhaps we feel as though we will be unfairly judged by the other person, or maybe we are trying to come off more spiritual than we really are. It is all the result of legalism and the flesh. We don’t insist on circumcision today, but we have developed modern traditions as replacements. Do we really think God’s pleasure with us is proportionate to how much TV we watch, or to the Bible translation we choose? As ridiculous as it may sound, some feel these types of things are essential to being a Christian.

Often, we confuse holiness and legalism. Holiness is walking in obedience and purity. Legalism is an attempt to endear yourself to God, and somehow earn his favor, through your efforts. Holiness is the natural response to grace. Legalism is an attempt to overcome guilt and inadequacy. Never was there a better example of holiness combined with the freedom of the Spirit than in Jesus. He would overturn the money changers’ tables in the temple, yet He could still eat with tax collectors and sinners.

The flesh brings bondage to a religious system. The Spirit brings joy and freedom in Christ Jesus. We are called to worship God in the Spirit!

JANUARY 8

Worth the Mess

"Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; but much increase comes by the strength of an ox." Proverbs 14:4

How many opportunities in life do we pass up because we don’t want to clean up the mess? Maybe your two year-old would enjoy chocolate cake for their birthday, but you’re still trying to get last year’s cake out of the carpet, so you give them Saltines instead. Perhaps your teenager needs someone to teach them to drive – enough said. The fact is, we often decide what we should and should not do based on how much effort it will take rather than on the result it will produce. Unfortunately, when it comes to spiritual decisions, we are frequently guilty of the same practice.

Recently, I was asked to speak at a nearby church. I immediately came up with all kinds of reasons why it wasn’t going to work out for that date. At some point, the Lord got my attention long enough to remind me that the only factor in the decision was what He wanted me to do. All of my excuses could be worked out with a little extra effort. You see, I wasn’t focusing on the increase God wanted to produce, but on the logistics it would take to accomplish the task.

What’s the point in having spiritual gifts, if we don’t exercise them in obedience? Has God called you to do something? Are you doing it, or are you standing around enjoying your nice clean trough? So, give up your reasons, give your kids cake, and give God your gifts and energy.

JANUARY 9

Heaven on the Brain

"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit." 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

I was daydreaming about heaven the other day. I’m ashamed to admit that it had been a while since the reality of heaven had truly crossed my mind. Do you get so busy doing your thing that you sometimes forget why you are even doing it? You may not necessarily fall into sin, but you just lose sight of the goal for a time.

There will come a day, when this life will be a distant memory. You won’t remember if you were rich or poor, loved or rejected, successful or obscure, sick or well. It will just seem as though you have always been basking in God’s glory. God has revealed things to you that were previously unknown for a reason. He wants you to be motivated not by guilt, duty, or survival, but the hope of heaven. He wants you to move forward not out of habit, but with the future in clear view.

Maybe today you feel like a hamster on a wheel. You’re still going because the wheel is still spinning. You check off your checklist only to find another list. You struggle with motivation. Perhaps you have just lost sight of eternity and the hope God has revealed to you. Get off that wheel and get a little heaven on the brain. Go ahead and daydream for a while and allow the Spirit to remind you of what’s in store.

JANUARY 10

I’m All Over It

"‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My Will.’" Acts 13:22

Why was David a man after God’s own heart? Was it because he was perfect? Hardly! David was the object of God’s affection and blessing, and was used by God as His instrument because he sought to do all of His will.

The Bible records many of David’s failings, but as it has been said, It is not our failings that determine our character, but how we respond. No matter how many times David failed, he always went back to doing the Lord’s will. In addition, he didn’t just do some of what God asked, but everything. When you fail, do you recover with a newfound appreciation for God’s grace and a determination to do all of His will?

Recently, I was in a public place and I felt as though I had been rude to a stranger nearby.  I tried to rationalize my behavior, and when I failed, I had to go and apologize. The gentleman on the other end of my apology seemed stunned. He later commented to me that the apology was unnecessary. However, my apology was essential as far as my relationship with the Lord was concerned. What some (or even you) may reason to be insignificant, could be vital in doing all of God’s will.

David was not defined by his weaknesses, but by his repentant reaction to his mistakes and drive to do all that God desired. Have you failed today? Don’t be characterized by your sin, but your reaction. Don’t bury yourself in guilt. God is still looking for men and women after His own heart. Confess your sins to the Lord. Confess to your brother, if necessary, and get on with serving the Lord.

JANUARY 11

Suffering, What’s That?

"…he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin." 1 Peter 4:1

Is suffering something you avoid at all costs? The Spirit tells us here that we either choose a life of righteousness or sin. A life of righteousness will bring suffering. Now this does not mean that we will be instantly sinless, but it does mean that we will be walking in obedience. The problem is that when we attempt to avoid suffering we usually wind up compromising.

Our culture is built around comfort and convenience. Unfortunately, this way of thinking has made its way into the Church. I once saw a church marquee that read, You can come back now, the AC is fixed. And we wonder why we don’t see the Lord working among us the way He did in the New Testament. I regularly receive reports of the miraculous from the mission field in Asia. These folks gave up the idea of comfort long ago and embraced suffering to glorify the Lord and reach the lost. As a result, suffering does not even factor into their decision making. They are faithful, and the Spirit moves freely among them.

The Lord endured the suffering and shame of the cross for the joy that was before Him, and so should we. What decisions do you have before you today? What decisions should you be weighing? Will an attempt to avoid suffering cause you to make the wrong choice? As believers, we need to embrace suffering if we are going to glorify the Lord and bring forth lasting fruit.

JANUARY 12

The Most Famous Person No One Ever Heard Of

"And David said with longing, ‘Oh, that someone would give me a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!’ So the three broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it to David." 1 Chronicles 11:17-18

Do we dwell close enough to the King to know the longings of His soul? These three men did. We don’t even know their names, but you can be sure that David did. They are listed among his mighty men because they risked everything to please their king. Knowing God’s will is a matter of proximity, not investigation. Pleasing the Lord is a matter of complete abandon, not notoriety.

I am frequently asked, How can I discover God’s will for my life? God’s will is revealed simply by being close to Him. These men were close to the king. They understood his desires and it did something to them. It caused them to be willing to give up everything for the simplest act of faithfulness. They weren’t concerned with fame, position, and certainly not their own well-being.

Where are you at today? Would you say that you are close enough to sense even the slightest desire of the Lord? Has this closeness changed you? Are you willing to give up everything to satisfy His longings? Is your only concern pleasing Him and His recognition? These three were among the most famous people no one ever heard of. Draw near to God and you will be too!

JANUARY 13

Established by Grace

"For it is good that the heart be established by grace..." Hebrews 13:9

Do you excel in grace? Grace is perhaps the most important of Christian doctrines and the least understood. It is also often the most neglected. It is God’s unmerited favor. It comes naturally to God, but not to us.

We are encouraged in this passage to not be carried about, or away as some texts read, by strange doctrines. The author of Hebrews goes on to point out that while these doctrines occupy us, they do not profit. It is grace alone that will establish our hearts. We need to understand the role of grace in our salvation and our relationships with others. God’s grace saves us, humbles us, builds us, equips us, directs us, and makes us fruitful. God’s grace is what we take to a lost and dying world and is also what we share with one another in the Church.

Grace is often missing in our lives and fellowships because it means recognizing that we have nothing to do with God’s love for us. It also means making ourselves vulnerable with those who may abuse it. Grace does nothing for the ego. However, we see that it does everything for the heart and soul. Isn’t it interesting that nothing you do will establish your heart, but simply that which you receive. Let’s get carried away with God’s grace!

JANUARY 14

Critical Condition

"Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death." 2 Samuel 6:23

David had just returned home from bringing the ark back to Jerusalem. It had been an incredible time of worship and sacrifice. David had danced before the Lord with all his might. When he entered his household with blessings, he was greeted by his wife Michal. She ridiculed David for the way in which he worshipped – with reckless abandon. David responded by declaring that he would humble himself in greater ways and be even more undignified.

David’s response is admirable; however, it is the subsequent life of Michal that draws our attention. She became barren. The critical heart will produce an unfruitful life. Few things quench the Spirit of God quicker than a critical attitude. I would much rather serve alongside people who don’t quite have it all together, but worship God with all their might, than endure the harsh opinions of those who critique the every move of others. I would rather be known for worshipping God than having the appearance of a perfect life. David didn’t have it all together. At one point, seventy thousand people in Israel died because of his sin, but David knew the Lord.

Do you struggle with being critical of yourself and others? It’s time to let that go. These attitudes only produce a bitter and unfruitful life. Get back to worshipping God, with everything you have, in humility and simplicity. Give those around you the freedom to do the same, and watch the Lord bring forth abundant lasting fruit.

JANUARY 15

One Master

"No one can serve two masters…" Matthew 6:24

Do you secretly think that you can serve two masters? Or maybe you’re just willing to give it a shot. Jesus tells us it is impossible. No matter how hard you try to serve Jesus and satisfy yourself, you will always come to the same conclusion – it just doesn’t work so well.

When I read this verse, I tend to focus in on the word serve. However, this causes some problems. This is why there is often conflict in my life between serving Jesus and myself. When I focus in on the word masters though, things become clearer. You see, Jesus doesn’t just want us to serve Him; He wants to be our master. I think a lot of times we serve the Lord, without truly making Him Lord. While I may be able to accommodate many needs and desires at any given time, I can only have one master.

The further I walk with Jesus, the more I realize what it means to make Him my master. Making Him my master means that I no longer try to serve Him and myself.  I give up on pleasing me and seek to please Him alone. I make decisions and organize my life solely around what the Lord desires. I’m not there yet, but I love what He’s doing along the way. There is great joy in having only one master, when your master is Jesus!

JANUARY 16

A Priority

"But Solomon took thirteen years to build his own house…" 1 Kings 7:1

Solomon took seven years to build the house of the Lord, but nearly twice as long on his own house. There are a couple ways you could look at this; either his priorities were out of line, or he was so focused