Daily Devotional 11-21-2021
Joh 16:33 I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” Jesus’ instructions about these things (John chapters 14-16) were intended to sustain them, to give them peace in Him. Believers have a dual existence: they are in Christ and in this world. In union with Jesus, His disciples have peace, but the world exerts a hostile pressure. The world system, the enemy of God and His people, opposed Jesus’ message and ministry. But Jesus won the victory over the system; He has overcome the world. As the “strong man” who came and ruined Satan’s kingdom, Jesus is the Victor. Jesus wanted the disciples to remember this fact and to rejoice in His victory. Take heart! means “Be courageous.” Because He won they, in union with Him, can win also.
Daily Devotional 9-2-2021
Rom 13:13-14 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. (14) But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime. Crime, violence, and wickedness are associated with darkness and the night. Perhaps this contrast was suggested to Paul by his phrase “deeds of darkness”. At any rate the activities and attitudes he listed – orgies and drunkenness… sexual immorality and debauchery… dissension and jealousy are certainly “deeds of darkness.” It is interesting that Paul linked jealousy with immorality. Such actions and attitudes have no place in a Christian’s life. He belongs to “the light”; these deeds and thoughts belong to the darkness. A Christian’s lifestyle must be pure and holy, especially in view of Christ’s approaching…
Daily Devotional 8-16-2021
Gal 5:16 I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. As a believer walks through life he should depend on the indwelling Holy Spirit for guidance and power. But the Spirit does not operate automatically in a believer’s heart. He waits to be depended on. When a Christian does yield to the Spirit’s control, the promise is that he will not in anywise gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Thus, while no believer will ever be entirely free in this life from the evil desires that stem from his fallen human nature, he need not capitulate to them, but may experience victory by the Spirit’s help.
Daily Devotional June 11, 2021
Psa 91:1-2 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. (2) I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Life is perplexing. While a triumphant life is assured ensuing from God’s promises to guard and guide us through the evils of this life, it is also troubling at the same time due to the invariable presence of suffering and uncertainties. The fact that our victory in this world is so partial forces us to look more deeply at Psalm 91. God’s purpose for giving us both prosperity and adversity is in order that we fear Him. It is only in Christ where we find true rest in perfect peace and inner strength. “Fear of the Lord” denotes true worship, trusting and obeying God’s Will and humble service to magnify His…