The Fullness of Faith: Growing to Maturity in Christ in a Fallen World

Copyright © 2012 Pastor Richard B. White, Sr.

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ISBN: 978-1-4497-4905-7 (e)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-4906-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-4907-1 (hc)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012907087

WestBow Press rev. date: 08/03/2012

Dedication and Acknowledgment

This book is dedicated to the glory of God for the encouragement and maturity of all His children.

Acknowledgment...

This book would not have been completed without the loving devotion and sacrifice of my wife Cheryl, whose love of God and patience during my writing made this devotional possible. Many others have encouraged me in the process and for that I am eternally grateful.

Introduction

This devotional was written to encourage all saints to live following God’s word and to cherish living for Christ. It is not to be read hastily, but meditatively. Each scripture has been chosen for contemplation and insight, allowing the LORD to speak to your unique circumstance. (The margins are for your personalization and notes.) It is my prayer for those who are going through difficulty to look to God who is ever faithful. His word is sufficient for each challenge we face. He is the Savior both of life and eternity. We have difficulty seeing what is important to Him, when we do we will find countless blessings to cheer us on our pilgrimage. I pray God will bless you as you journey in faith.

Note: This devotional was originally sent via email therefore reformatting of the text to conform to publishing standards has been carefully considered. All scriptures, not cited, are from the Authorized, King James Version. Other versions, are properly noted.

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: Ephesians 4:11-13

This passage is the motivation for writing this devotional. As a pastor it is impossible to touch, with clarity, all the important lessons in a sermon monologue and prepare the flock of God for all the trials of life. Anyone who raises children can attest we have only a limited amount of time to prepare our children to face the pitfalls and snares of life. This devotional was created to extend the opportunity to help and encourage God’s people. To that end it is offered as a resource in your journey of faith to know God and to serve Him all your life. God bless you on your journey. Shalom!

Other important scriptures:

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. Psalms 119:130 AV

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4 AV

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 24, 25

January 1

Memory Verse:

The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, On the first day of the first month you shall erect the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. You shall put in it the ark of the testimony, and you shall screen the ark with the veil."

—Exodus 40:1-3 ESV

Beloved,

God established the first day of the first month of the Jewish calendar as a new way for His people to worship Him. He gave Moses exact instructions for the construction of the tabernacle. It became a visual of God’s presence among the Hebrews and a way to offer sacrifices to cover their sins. All around the tabernacle the tents of the tribes were placed according to families. When they looked out of the door of their tents they saw the tabernacle of God. What an encouragement it must have been to know God was among them. It is God’s intent that we begin each day being aware of His presence and giving Him our full attention. When we begin our day with Him, we have a better prospect of hearing Him throughout the day.

The Ark of the Covenant, in the Holiest room of the tabernacle, contained the Ten Commandments, manna from heaven, and Aaron’s staff that budded. Each represented God’s provision and protection for His people. Today, as believers in Christ, we realize the veil that separated us from God has been rent in two. Now we enter into His presence boldly because our sins have been forgiven. Christ has become the once for all sacrifice for our sin. This is unlike the continual offerings the Hebrew’s were required to make just to cover their sins. Also, under the New Covenant, God does not live in buildings made with hands, but in the heart of every believer.

Like the manna in the Ark of the Covenant, the Word of God is our food for daily living. We must meditate on it every day to sustain our walk with God. The rod represents God’s correction and protection so we do not stray from His purpose for us. Let us resolve this year to put God first at the beginning of every day.

LORD, I praise you for the examples and provisions you have made for me to understand how I can grow and know you. Help me as I begin anew to live to give glory to Jesus. Amen.

Is God first every day of your life?

Shalom,

Your Pastor

January 2

Memory Verse:

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4, 5 ESV

Beloved,

The timing of God is perfect. God demonstrated patience regarding when He would send His Son to earth. As a friend quoted many times in her testimony, God is never early. He is never late. He is always on time. To fulfill each prophecy concerning the Messiah the time had to be right. The stars had to be properly aligned. The right kingdoms and rulers had to be in place. The servants he had chosen to carry out his will had to be ready and responsive to the Holy Spirit’s leading. The picturesque language of the Greeks was ready and used by God to speak to the common people.

When we reflect on all the details necessary to be in place, it is nothing short of a miracle. Consider the census, the trip to Bethlehem from Nazareth, the coming of the Magi who followed the star from Persia over 700 miles to Bethlehem. God’s timing is perfect in every way. We can now look back and see how the ancient prophecies have been fulfilled. The coming of Christ ended the Old Covenant. He became the foundation for the New Covenant. If Christ had come earlier or later the pieces foretold would not have been ready.

God’s purpose was to send the Lamb of God in human form to be the sinless sacrifice for us all. He paid the price for our eternal redemption. He did not just cover our sin. He took all our sin upon Himself to re-establish our relationship with our divine, loving, heavenly Father. By this He overcame all that separated us from God and established a new relationship based upon grace and mercy. This was never available to mankind on this level before. We can now be adopted as His children, sons and daughters, into the family of God through the completed work of Jesus the Messiah, the Christ of God.

LORD, for all that you have done for me I praise you. You alone are worthy of honor, glory and praise for all eternity. Grant me new opportunities to serve you this day. Amen.

Are you waiting on God’s timing?

Shalom,

Your Pastor

January 3

Memory Verse:

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 1Thessalonians 4:16, 17 ESV

Beloved,

This passage has been a source of encouragement and hope for saints down through the ages from the time Paul wrote it to this present day. Each day brings us closer to the final moment before the sounding of the trumpet. Many prophecies have already been fulfilled concerning Israel. This is a source of comfort and hope as we watch the world around us plummet into deeper corruption and heresy.

Our lives should reflect more of the righteousness of God as we look forward to Christ’s return. He is coming and we want to be ready when He does. We need to remain alert and steadfast in our outlook on the events of the world. I often think this world cannot get any worse. Yet, I realize that the condition of man’s heart has not improved since the fall and it is likely to get worse. Life is going to get tougher as time passes. Age gives a perspective unavailable in youth. I now have a reference from the many years of observing the downward spiral of our culture. The society that I grew up in was totally different than what my children are encountering today.

The key for believers is to remember that we may be in the world, but we are not to be caught up by the things of the world. I believe that we are to be salt and light in a world that is moving far from God and His standards. Our godly influence has the possibility of improving the plight of many and perhaps leading them into God’s kingdom of light. I do not put my trust in society, government, or even well-meaning folks to care for my needs or my loved ones. Only God can be trusted for that. Even in the most difficult times recorded in scripture, God is devoted and cares for those He loves. Take heart and do right. Jesus is coming!

Even so, come quickly LORD Jesus!

Are you longing for Christ to return?

Shalom,

Your Pastor

January 4

Memory Verse:

As the Scriptures say, I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced. Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him, The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. And, He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall. They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. 1Peter 2:6-8 NLT

Beloved,

Jesus is the completion of our life. In Him we stand perfected (in a positional sense) even though we still fail. God forgives us as we acknowledge our sin. He accepts us over and over again so we can know the joy and satisfaction of being part of His family. His entrance into our life by the presence of the Holy Spirit allows us to confidently come before Him. As our heavenly Father, He will provide whatever we need in every situation. Only by means of a humble and contrite heart can we experience God’s power in us.

The gifts of God are not ours to possess or to do as we please. They are given to us as we have need of them to honor God and be useful in this world for His purpose. Jesus humbly obeyed His Father. We, too, must follow His example and humble ourselves and plead our cause for deliverance from the sins which easily beset us. Temptation is just as much an opportunity to do what is right as it is to do wrong. We fail because of pride and our unwillingness to obey. It is simple, but so difficult at times. Our enemy always touches us where we are most vulnerable. It is at the feet of Jesus where we find deliverance.

Whatever trial you are facing today, remember that Jesus stands ready and able to take the shambles of your life and build you up to overcome. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. [John 16:33] ESV Jesus came to save us, not to condemn us. Let us flee to our refuge. His name means salvation.

LORD, we plead our need through Christ’s mercy and grace.

What might happen today if you humble yourself before God?

Shalom,

Your Pastor

January 5

Memory Verse:

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18 AV

Beloved,

This is an often quoted passage but not fully understood. The obvious meaning is that without direction the sheep go astray. God has a vision for the flock, but the shepherds of the flock do not always see it. We are the sheep of God, but some have been chosen to become shepherds of His flock. It is our responsibility to listen and watch the Good Shepherd to see where He would have us go and what we should do to encourage the flock.

Our lives are very fragile and we have an enemy which wants to do us great harm and steal our joy. Our attention to the leading of the Holy Spirit is not only our defense, but our source for strength and wisdom. When we are about our Father’s vision, we have all the resources we need. When we are self-absorbed, we lose our spiritual strength to meet the challenges ahead. On our own we fail quickly and others may suffer also. It is essential to remember what Jesus teaches us in John 15:5, Without me you can do (absolutely) nothing.

To follow the Shepherd we must stay in the Word of God. The law was given to guide and direct the children of Israel who had little idea of who God was other than a name and a promise. We are like them. We need God’s word to know Him. He is revealed in the word and His will is the most valuable direction for our lives. Jesus used the Word of God to overcome Satan in Matthew 4. Every part of God’s word is of great import for our daily lives. We find the abundant life Christ promised by obeying His truth in every aspect of our life.

LORD, this day may the truth of your word and the vision you have for me dominate my thoughts and actions. Help me to understand what you are doing and by your Spirit may I follow for the glory of Jesus. Amen.

Have you caught God’s vision for your life?

Shalom,

Your Pastor

January 6

Memory Verse:

For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 1Corinthians 3:11-13 ESV

Beloved,

Have you ever intently watched the construction of a large building? One basic fact never forgotten by the contractors nor the architect is that the higher the building the deeper must be the foundation. God has already laid a great and sure foundation for every believer and that is Jesus Christ the Lord. He is the solid foundation of our faith, and His foundation goes deeper than we can comprehend. As quoted by Paul, He is our sure foundation. It is His consummate work that puts us on a right footing with God Almighty. He accomplished for us what we could never do in a hundred lifetimes. He was the perfect Lamb of God without spot or blemish.

Jesus Christ is the foundation and our work now is to build on this foundation by faith. We must stay true to His word and accomplish God honoring works. It is not what we accomplish by our own effort that adds stability to this foundation. It is what God does through our life that makes the difference, so we do not boast about our achievements. God is just as concerned about our motives as He is about what we actually do. His concern is not measured by quantitative results. It is His will we do everything, small or great, to the glory of Christ.

Any effort to build on this foundation must, by all means, be dependent upon sound teaching and obedience to Christ. Not all of us are theologians, but we are all to be servants of Christ. I can only do what I know to be true, right, and holy. This is why God’s word is so important. We are to desire His word as a newborn desires its mother’s milk. We also need the meat of the word. God the Holy Spirit will teach us as we follow what we have learned.

Holy Father, Put a hunger in my heart for your word and guide me on the path to holiness and joy in Jesus. Amen.

Are you discovering God’s plan for you revealed in His word?

Shalom,

Your Pastor

January 7

Memory Verse:

Thus says the LORD: Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD." Jeremiah 9:23, 24 ESV

Beloved,

In our culture we do not differentiate between pride and confidence. Pride is always considered in a negative context by scripture because it is seen as man exalting himself with no regard for God and His purposes. Confidence has its basis in competence. It is based on a sober estimate of what we can or cannot do. Learning to do what is right increases our inner strength and our ability to do what we need to do to care for ourselves and others. In God’s word, confidence is based on devotion to Him. It is the belief that God is able to do in us what we may not be able to do in our own strength. Basically, God gives us competence by enabling us to do the ministry He has planned for us.

This becomes more real as we mature in the knowledge and grace of Christ. When we know what pleases God, we can do what He has planned for us with true confidence. We cannot do this in our own strength or wisdom, but in the strength and wisdom He provides for us. To know Him and to make Him known is the desire of God for every believer.

God delights in our being loving, just, and righteous. His goal is that we reflect His character in our life. Only as we humble ourselves and follow His leading will we live the life that the Holy Spirit has put within. We must see our natural man as crucified with Christ and our present new life as being lived in the power of the Holy Spirit. When we live with the awareness of Christ always being present with us, we are not as likely to seek the desires of the old man or the flesh.

Blessed Father, for all the beauty of Jesus we praise you. Holy Spirit, I ask your help to worship Jesus this day by walking in a worthy manner. We praise you for all that exists because of Him. Hallelujah!

Are you confident in God’s power to enable you to do His will?

Shalom,

Your Pastor

January 8

Memory Verse:

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. 1Peter 5:8, 9 NLT

Beloved,

We are often lulled into a sense of peace by our circumstances. We are often unaware of the spiritual war that is raging all around us. Just as the war of terrorism is a reality, so is the war being waged by the enemy of man who is Satan. He is subtle in his dealings with us. His strategy is seldom to confront us directly but to pull us or nudge us into complacency. It is not direct opposition that is the problem. Those in Christ must be alert for the slow drift and little changes that lull us into sleep and ineffectiveness.

We all get tired. We need to encourage one another to stay alert to Satan’s lies and our own sinful nature which also leads us astray. We become sidetracked by red herrings in debates and so-called news information of the world system. If we do not stay in the Word of God, we will not see how truth can be distorted to support lies that result in dire consequences. Sixty years ago no one seriously considered evolution as truth. Today that theory, which is based on many falsehoods, is readily accepted as a fact. Many believe that if it is reported, it must be true. Not necessarily. We must be alert and pursue the truth. There are many who do not and will not acknowledge God as our Creator.

Much of what we value is under severe attack. Throughout the world saints are being pummeled by news media bombardments and pornographic entertainment as though it is accepted by mainstream folk. It is not! In God’s sight sin is still subject to His judgment. Let us remain alert and vigilant for Christ and His righteousness. Let us pray for each other today and watch God work. Greater is He (Jesus) that is in you, than He (Satan) that is in the world.

Holy Spirit, Make us wise to the strategies of our enemy. Help us to see truth in every situation. Help us to stand as salt and light among a perverse generation for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Is God’s truth or man’s philosophy the guide to your thinking?

Shalom,

Your Pastor

January 9

Memory Verse:

As for me, I would seek God, and to God would I commit my cause, who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number: Job 5:8, 9 ESV

Beloved,

I see the heart of Job when I read this scripture. I was reminded that even in the harshest of times my refuge is Jesus. He is the One who does wonderful things even in a miserable state of affairs. If we wait upon His response to our need He will abundantly pardon and supply in new and unimagined ways. He can change hearts. We cannot. He can reveal new ways, provide additional knowledge, and change outcomes. His mercy endures forever.

He truly is the giving God. His ways are beyond our understanding. We are always trying to bring God down to our level. We desire to control our circumstances. That is why men create idols. God cannot and will not ever be found in our inventions. He is without restriction. God made physical laws for creation and spiritual laws that set limits on man and Satan. He exists above our laws and limitations. God in His glory will never be found by human reason but only by revelation.

We have a God who loves us by setting limits. His care and love exceed our understanding and expectations. Job knew from his experience that God is the only solution to whatever tragedy he faced in life. Even after many cataclysmic events, Job was greatly blessed in the end more than in his beginning. Spend this day rejoicing that no matter what comes your way, God is faithful. As is written in Joel 2: 25, And I (God) will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten. God is more than able to replace whatever we have lost in the circumstances of our life. He does great things. Baruch ha Shem!

Heavenly Father, Forgive my vain efforts to control my circumstances. Holy Spirit open my eyes to see what you are doing. Help me to walk in the joy of trusting your salvation and a new attitude seeing your hand at work in my life all for the glory of Jesus, Amen.

Do you believe God can restore what you have lost?

Shalom,

Your Pastor

January 10

Memory Verse:

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, The LORD reigns! Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! 1Chronicles 16:31-34 ESV

Beloved,

All of creation gives praise and acknowledgment to the God who created it. The angelic host praise and worship God. Only man has the audacity to ignore and rebel against Him. All this will change in time when He comes and takes His rightful place on the earth. His promise is sure and His patience has limits. Only His mercy stays His judgment for the moment. Truly He is gentle and kind to us sinful mortals.

Since the heavens declare His glory by their beauty and the earth reveals His handiwork, then it only remains, that we are to worship Him by choice! It is our understanding of His love and grace that sets us apart from all creation. Scientists have discovered the music of the spheres and everything else in creation makes music in response to how God has created them. Only man can sing with his heart in response to His maker.

David wrote this song as the first song to be sung in the temple. Let us remember that we did not make ourselves, and like David, all that we enjoy has been given to us from Him. That God cares for us reveals volumes about His person and purpose for us. Our place is to choose to praise the God of all creation who sent His Son to redeem us and allow us to know and serve Him. Let us make a joyful noise. The LORD reigns! Hallelujah!

LORD, we worship and acknowledge your steadfast love and mercy. Words are insufficient to adequately express the love and praise you deserve. For all that you are and have given us we praise and worship you because of Jesus. Amen.

What will you praise Him for today?

Shalom,

Your Pastor

January 11

Memory Verse:

Philip said, Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied. Jesus replied, "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? John 14:8, 9 NLT

Beloved,

We spend so much of our lives seeking more. Because of discontent we are not able to see the many wonderful blessings God has already provided for us. Jesus is telling Philip that all we need is in Him. He is the full revelation of the Father and His love is abundant to us. God’s word supplies our need and so much more. God reveals Himself to us through our relationship with Jesus Christ. We are to realize God’s love and glorify Him in our hearts.

God is holy. He is able to meet our needs. His Father’s heart desires only our good; because, He is the only one who is absolutely good in every way. He provides just what we need for today. We must learn to fully trust and follow Him. Jesus spent His entire ministry with the disciples revealing truth to them for our benefit and education as well. He only holds back that which we are not ready to receive. For now we do not know all the blessings of the future. We will know them completely in the fullness of time. We find in Him all that we need for this life and the one to come.

The Father has loved us from the beginning despite our rebellion and ignorance. His love is manifested to us every day in many ways. Only look and you will see His love is great for you and me. Jesus said, For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. [John 12: 45] NLT We are astonished by Jesus’ answer to Philip. To see Jesus is to see the Father. Why do we still falter with unbelief? All three persons of the Trinity represent the one true God. What a mystery!

LORD, your blessing is too great for me to fully grasp. Be patient with me until Christ is fully formed in my heart. Help me share this great love with everyone I know and may Jesus be glorified and your will be done. Amen.

Do you realize how much you are loved by our heavenly Father?

Shalom,

Your Pastor

January 12

Memory Verse:

I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning. God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord. Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. Ephesians 3:9-12 NLT

Beloved,

The mystery of salvation was kept secret until God sent His Son to earth. After Jesus death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven, the Holy Spirit came upon all believers at Pentecost. God’s mystery was to create a church of people who believed in Him. This church is not a building or a denomination. It consists of all believers from all over the world who truly believe in Christ. The true church is God’s family.

As part of this church, we are to live lives that are good and beneficial to others. We do this because of the great love that God has demonstrated to us by sending Jesus to be our Savior and example. He blesses us that we might be a blessing. He gives us clear instruction through His word on how we are to live. We may work out our salvation differently than our neighbor. It should, however, be in accordance to His written word. He empowers us daily as we are about His business.

Today, let us be good first of all to those who are of the household of faith. That household is God’s church on earth. It is now only a mystery to those who are on the outside. Let us love in such a way we encourage those who are already part of God’s family and persuade those who are on the outside to join with us. Hold them up in prayer and speak encouraging words to lift their spirits. Our purpose is that the Holy Spirit will bless them through us. Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. [Hebrews 4:16]

Blessed Father, Make this a reality in my life. Amen.

What will you do today to show God’s love to someone?

Shalom,

Your Pastor

January 13

Memory Verse:

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble. For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. Psalm 107:2, 9 ESV

Beloved,

The redeemed know of God’s wondrous love. If you know this personally, you will have no trouble giving Him adoration. Learning to walk in newness of life exposes us to fresh paths and opportunities. God gives us unexpected pleasure in seeing His will in a new way and experiencing life with a gratifying perspective. Jesus came to redeem our soul and to restore the relationship that had been foolishly lost because of a lie. Now we can know and walk with God because of what Jesus has done for us by overcoming the wickedness of Satan.

When we go through times of trouble, it is easy to realize our frailty. I can recall after a serious illness how depleted of energy and strength I had become. It was all I could do to sit up on the side of the bed. I thought and felt as though walking and running were light years away. I realized my dependence must be upon His strength and provision since I felt I had none. I have learned not to expect but to rely upon Him instead. He is good to the longing soul. He alone can satisfy.

Have you discovered how much we think about food when we are hungry? The picture the psalmist is projecting is that God will meet whatever hunger we have when we put Him first. He is not limited in His ability to meet our deficit. There are times when he will lead us to quiet waters to drink or green pastures to graze. He is the Good Shepherd who cares for his flock. We also need times of rest for refreshment so we can prepare for whatever battle lies ahead. His desire is to fill us with good things.

LORD, You are my great Shepherd. I need you to guide and provide for my living. Grant me grace and mercy to walk in ways that please you. Grant me a new vision and hope for the days ahead. May I do all for the glory of Jesus. Amen.

Are you as hungry for God as you are for food?

Shalom,

Your Pastor

January 14

Memory Verse:

The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29 AV

Beloved,

There are some things about life we will never understand. These are the hidden things known only to God. I am not bothered by what I do not understand. I am bothered when I know what is true and yet fail to obey. Just as Moses told the children of Israel, I need to do what the Lord has revealed and not be concerned about the unknown. God is ever aware of our struggles. He never fails to provide for us. Our obligation to God and to our children is to teach the wonderful promises He has revealed to us about now and the future when He returns.

Sinlessness is not possible here on earth. But, it is possible to have a tender and willing heart. This is precious to God. He is not impressed with our human knowledge. He desires we be motivated to follow Jesus. Employees seldom understand fully all that is involved in running a company. It is the CEO who is attentive to his enterprise and sets about meeting the goals of the company. When we do our part, we have a sense of accomplishment. Teamwork produces the success. Jesus is the greatest CEO who has ever lived. He has graciously let us in on much of His business on planet earth. Let us follow Him with a whole heart no matter what the task He assigns.

Our heavenly Father is our authority. He provides, protects, and produces the results of our efforts. He has gifted each of us for His purpose and will give each of us opportunity to use all that He has given us. Our joy is in seeing His will achieved in and through our life. Our greatest joy will be in hearing the words, Well done, good and faithful servant! Let us give Him all that we have today for His glory.

Father God, Help me today to serve you with renewed energy and effort to glorify Jesus and be a blessing to others. Amen.

Do you give your best to the Master or what is left over?

Shalom,

Your Pastor

January 15

Memory Verse:

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Colossians 2:8 ESV

Beloved,

Even though Paul wrote these words two thousand years ago, they are very fitting for our modern culture. It seems that the same lies, taught by those who hated God then, are at work in our culture today. We are not fighting against flesh and blood but against Satan. Jesus called him the father of lies. Satan uses the vain love of knowledge by certain false teachers to misguide even believers in God. Today there are those who are trying to influence the naive into denying truth. God’s natural laws are indisputable. They are the foundation of natural truth as well as spiritual truth for all men. There is a greater judgment for those who lead others astray through false theories.

Those who espouse the notion there is no absolute truth, prey upon those easily influenced into believing the lies they teach. If there are physical laws, there are also spiritual laws that originate with our Creator who is the source of all truth. These truths are only proven by those who seek God. These are not based on human tradition or religious dogma but the resolute Word of God. Manmade idols or the worship of creation is despised by God and pointless. Those who worship these are deceiving themselves.

There is a war raging against the knowledge of God. Only the truth of God’s word can deliver us from the lies foisted upon the innocent. Many may worship false idols in ignorance. The Word of God came to reveal truth and light. We are called to respond to the revelation of God who came into the world to deliver us from the empty box of circular thinking of the pseudo-scientists. They have neither authority nor special revelation in support of their false theories. God is sovereign regardless of what some arrogant men may espouse.

Lord, deliver us from the lies of deceitful men who pervert the truth and lead others astray. They do it for vain glory and the desire to control the lives of others. Keep us focused on your truth in Jesus Christ and grant us victory over the lies of Satan. Amen.

Are you alert to the lies and deceit of the enemy?

Shalom,

Your Pastor

January 16,

Memory Verse:

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. You will seek me and find me. When you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11, 13 ESV

Beloved,

Today, as we reflect on what God has told us, let us recall the mercies He has already given us. Regardless of what we may be facing, remember His intent is always for our benefit to make us more like Jesus and not to do evil to us. We are His children and he trains us in love. Whenever we encounter opposition, God can work it all out for our good. God is the source of goodness, not evil. Evil is the absence of good, just as darkness is the absence of light, and cold is the absence of heat.

We should always come to our Father with reverence. We must never come to Him in a haphazard or trivial manner. He is always serious in His love for us and desires to heal us of life’s many wounds. We are to ask what we desire with the stipulation that His will be done. He is always purposeful in His answer to our specific situation. Nothing is as simple as it seems. Some problems are answered in multiple parts. When He answers for us there are many others that will be affected by the answer as well as ourselves.

When we pray for something specific, we may not always get what we want or in the way we want it. What He wants for us is always better than what we imagine. All our requests are answered appropriately for our circumstance. All requests are answered at the exact time that will accomplish His will for us. It is our heart that He is after. When He has our heart, we have our answer. Learning to walk by faith is always wrapped in uncertainty. However, God is always certain. He knows where we are and where we need to be in relation to Him. That is why we look to Him for the best possible solution. Remember, we live by faith not by sight. That is our constant challenge.

Father God, Answer the desires of my heart according to your will and not mine. You alone know exactly what I need and when I need it. Do all for the glory of Jesus. Amen.

How would your day be different if you believed God was good?

Shalom,

Your Pastor

January 17

Memory Verse:

God’s way is perfect! The promise of the LORD has proven to be true. He is a shield to all those who take refuge in him. Who is God but the LORD? Who is a rock other than our God? God arms me with strength. His perfect way sets me free. 2Samuel 22:31-33 GWV

Beloved,

Do you ever ask the question, Who is God really? It may not appear that this is an insult to God. Satan is always seeking to undermine our devotion and commitment to Him. Satan’s ways are deceitful. If He can make us question God’s character and faithfulness, He will have achieved much to discourage our faith and bring leanness to our spiritual life. We can, however, learn his strategies, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, overcome his attempts to harm our faith. His plan is always to drive a wedge between us and the Savior.

Another question we may ask, Is God really like a rock? This would be a question an inexperienced believer would ask. When we do not walk close to God, we become unaware of how sure a foundation He really is. Our own sinful self can lead us away from our Savior. We may even blame God for our earthly circumstances as if we, among all humans, should enjoy smooth sailing. Usually it is our own weakness and lack of discipline that causes us to stray from the life God desires us to live. He is always ready to restore us if we humbly come back to Him. He desires we listen and obey.

The Holy Spirit is our helper to overcome our godless habits. It is His strength and His word that instructs us and keeps us on the right