I John 2:6
Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
This is one of the toughest assignments we could ever have been given. It could take someone his whole life just to get started. Fear, pride and other things will keep some from accepting the gift of salvation until they are much older. Personally, I’m glad I accepted Christ at a young age.
In this verse, however, John is not talking about our initial conversion to Christ, but rather our ongoing walk with Him. There are many aspects of this walk that I have heard people talk about. Loving one another, sharing the good news, and praying for the sick are just a few.
From what I’ve seen there is a major part of Jesus’ life that most Christians never even hear about, let alone imitate. I am talking about the many times that Jesus went to a solitary place just to be alone with the Father. It was during these times that He received the strength and guidance needed to fulfill His public ministry.
So, in my opinion, if Jesus needed this in His life, if He felt He couldn’t complete His call without it, then who am I to think I can get by without these private times in the Lord’s presence. That is why I put together these devotions. I want as many believers as are able, to experience this incredible meeting of them and God in that secret place.
Spend time in the Father’s presence today. Find there what your soul needs to carry on.
Tags: Bible, calling, Christ, Christian, destiny, devotion, disciple, encouragement, fellowship, God's will, guidance, Holy Spirit, holy worship, intimacy, Jesus Christ, prayer, prepare, presence of the lord, revival, solitary place, strength, walk like Jesus
Mark 6:45-47
Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.
When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land.
As I read the Gospels, I find that Jesus loved the mountains. He went there often to seek solitude and to pray. I don’t think that the disciples ever realized the importance of this part of the Lord’s ministry until after the resurrection.
There were many times where the best thing for Him to do was to dismiss the crowds and to send away His disciples in order to be alone with the Father. This was one of those times. He had just ministered to thousands of people. That can be very draining no matter who you are.
When the Lord took on flesh and blood, He chose to live as one of us. Because of this, Jesus was bound by the same physical limitations that we are. He learned that you cannot just keep giving out to others. You must also take something in that can recharge your own spiritual batteries.
It was in these mountains of prayer that Jesus was able to renew His Spirit. He would seek the Father’s face and by the Spirit, hear the plan for the road ahead. In that way He could fulfill the work He was called to do without burning Himself out doing it.
That needs to be a lesson for us. If Jesus needed this time with the Father, how much more should we be seeking the presence of the Lord in our daily lives. Take the time necessary today to renew and refresh yourself in the presence of the Lord. You will be glad you did.
Tags: Bible, burn out, Christian, devotion, disciple, distractions, encouragement, fellowship, God's will, Holy Spirit, intimacy, Jesus Christ, mountain, mountaintop, overcoming, power, prayer, prepare, presence of the lord, recharge, renew, solitude, strength, trust, victory, walk on water
Joshua 8:30, 34-35
Then Joshua built on Mount Ebal an altar to the LORD, the God of Israel…
Afterward, Joshua read all the words of the law – the blessings and the curses – just as it is written in the Book of the Law. There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read to the whole assembly of Israel, including the women and children, and the aliens who lived among them.
Moses left instructions for the Children of Israel to complete after he died. Joshua was to take them to Mt. Ebal. As they came into that area they were to climb the sides of two mountains that faced each other.
The words of the entire law of Moses were then to be read aloud to them. In this way they were to hear the law again and reaffirm their commitment to God and to His law.
It is always important to review what God has called us to. From time to time we must come to a point in our lives where we can remember what was spoken to us. Then, with faith rekindled, we reaffirm our commitment to see it through. Sometimes all that is called for is a quiet, out of the way place to review where we have been and where we are going.
Is there some unfinished business between you and the Lord? Go to Him today. Let Him know, once more, that you are standing firm and will see your calling accomplished. If you have been ignoring it, now would be a good time to pick it back up again. Take some quality time today to talk with God.
Tags: Bible, Christian, destiny, devotion, disciple, encouragement, faith, God's will, Holy Spirit, intimacy, Joshua, Moses, mountain, overcoming, praise, prayer, prepare, presence of the lord, reaffirm, remember, testimony, trust, unfinished business, victory
The Olympics are quickly approaching. Are you going to watch it? If so, what excites you about it?
1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
One of the biggest things about the Olympics, that draws us in, is that it only happens every 4 years. For many athletes it is a once in a lifetime chance to show what they’re capable of accomplishing. It is this all or nothing, “go for the gold” attitude that brings fans to their feet in applause for the victors.
I have never heard any competitor say, “I just wanted to run on the Olympic track. That’s good enough for me. I don’t need to give my best.” That would be the craziest thing ever. No one would want to watch that athlete.
Yet, in the Christian walk, how often do we see this attitude.
“I’m saved and going to Heaven. That’s good enough for me.”
These believers will go to church on Sunday. But they don’t want to inconvenience themselves for God or His work. There is no passion in their walk. There is no drive or vision for what the Lord can do in and through them.
We need to take inventory of ourselves. What kind of a runner am I? Am I content to just sit back and let others win the prize? Or do I want to give it everything I have within me?
We need to pick up the “Olympic spirit” in our spiritual walk. Go for the gold. Let the Holy Spirit inspire you to accomplish great things for God. Through Him, we can do above and beyond all we could ever imagine that we could do. Be that victorious believer, who runs the race from a heart on fire for Christ.
Tags: athlete, Bible, calling, Christian, church, destiny, devotion, drive, encouragement, go for the gold, God's will, higher, Holy Spirit, Olympics, overcoming, passion, power, prepare, prize, runner, spiritual walk, strength, take inventory, victory, vision
Luke 9:28-32
About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
This was a life-changing event in the eyes of the apostles. As Jesus prayed on the mountain, His appearance changed. For a brief instance He clothed Himself with the glory that was His throughout eternity.
It is God’s desire to do a similar work in us. When we receive a word from the Lord we are changed. We see what we could become – what we are truly called to be in Christ. In that moment we get a glimpse of the glory that could be evident in our lives.
This is our portion and our heritage in God. It could happen if we would only take the time to free ourselves from the cares and distractions of everyday life. By doing so we would enter a realm where God could speak to us in such a way as to change us forever.
Enter that life-changing presence today. Submit to the power of the Lord’s Word to you. Be transformed at His feet. Then descend the mountain – forever changed.
Tags: Bible, calling, Christ, Christian, destiny, devotion, encouragement, faith, glory, God's will, God's word, Holy Spirit, intimacy, Jesus Christ, life changing, mountain, mountaintop, overcoming, prayer, presence of the lord
Jesus was arrested, just before the crucifixion. Then He was taken to the high priest for questioning. At this point in the narrative Luke makes an interesting comment about Peter.
Luke 22:54
Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance.
This is the same Peter who said he would die with Christ, if necessary. The one who was always so outspoken about his faith in the Lord. Yet, here he is seen shrinking back into the shadows.
This begs the question about our walk with Jesus. We are always so quick to point out that we follow Christ. What does that mean to you? The real question is, “How closely are you following?” Peter was following Him, but far enough away so that it wasn’t obvious that he was with the Lord.
So often we don’t want it to be seen that we are different from the world. We want to blend in with society. We don’t want to get too radical in our Christian walk. Is that the way it’s supposed to be?
I believe that if we’re going to follow Christ, then we must live openly for Him. Even the most casual observer should be able to recognize that there is a difference in how we go about our daily routines.
People aren’t shy at all about using foul language, or other ungodly activity. Christians, on the other hand, are so worried about “offending” anyone. We should not be afraid of praying or talking about Christ in public. We need to stop following Him at a distance.
Tags: Bible, blending in, Christ, Christian, Christian witness, devotion, disciple, distance, encouragement, fear, following, following Jesus, God's will, Jesus Christ, overcoming, prayer, problems, public prayer, shrinking back, shy, testimony, trust, victory, walk with Jesus
Mark 13:14
“When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation’ standing where it does not belong – let the reader understand – then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”
Jesus was giving His disciples a prophetic word concerning what they would be facing in the years ahead. He was explaining to them about the fall of Jerusalem and the desecration of the temple. He told them that when they see these things occur it was time to head for the hills, as the city would not be safe any longer.
“Fee to the mountains” is still good advice today. When sin and the “abominations” of life start to weaken you, you must find a refuge for rest and relief. You have to find a place to be alone with God. Your faith and strength need to be restored in His presence.
Throughout Scripture we are exhorted to enter the mountains of God. We need to seek a mountaintop experience with the Lord. This is quality time, not just rattling off a list of needs and wants. It is spending a while just listening to Him. That is probably the hardest thing for any Christian to accomplish – spending time in silence. In some cases it may be just as hard as scaling a tall mountain.
It is in the quiet places that your spirit can be renewed and refreshed. You can put the noise of society behind you and hear the voice of Christ calling you to a higher walk. Spend that quality time before Him today. In His presence is all you need for life and godliness. If you will flee to His side, you will have all the strength you need to continue on and face your battles victoriously.
Tags: alone with God, Bible, Christ, Christian, devotion, distractions, encouragement, faith, God's will, higher, Holy Spirit, intimacy, mountain, mountaintop, mountaintop experience, overcoming, presence of the lord, refresh, relief, renew, rest, restoration, revival, strength, trust, victory
Exodus 13:17-18
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle.
The best path is not always the shortest. Sometimes, the road you take is as important as the destination. As a matter of fact, if we wanted the quickest way between two points, we would have to fly like a bird!
We sometimes get frustrated with God because He doesn’t seem to be leading us to our destiny by the shortest route. As Israel had to learn, the shortest way may prove disastrous. God knew the road ahead and took them the way that would insure their survival. We need to trust God’s plan for our lives as well. It may be that the longer path is what’s needed for our ultimate victory.
Why are you taking the route you are on? That is not only a question you need to ask on the road, but also in life. What choices brought you to this place? Where does this road ultimately lead you? Is the destination worth the trip?
These are things to ponder in God’s presence as you free yourself of distractions. One of your goals should be to see where you’ve come from and where you are headed. That way you can make a course adjustment if necessary.
Spend time with the Lord today seeking His insight. Let Him share His mind with you. Remember, you might not be on the quickest path, but that doesn’t mean it is not the right one. Take the time today to establish God’s path as the final authority for your journey through life.
Tags: Bible, Christian, course adjustment, course change, course correction, destiny, devotion, disciple, distractions, encouragement, faith, God's will, overcoming, path, path of life, presence of the lord, questions, shortest route, trust, trusting God, victory
God has given you many precious promises. Some are in the Scripture, while others are more personal – between God and you. How real are they to you?
Deuteronomy 34:1-2
Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the LORD showed him the whole land – from Gilead to Dan, all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the western sea.
Sometimes, when you’re alone with God, He will take you for a mountaintop view of the promise. Maybe it will deal with your calling, career, family, relationships, or some other area of your life. At that point you will see clearly what He has in store for you, even if He doesn’t always show the path by which He will take you there.
It is always God’s will to share His plans with His people, the problem is, we are not always listening. The Lord waits until He has our undivided attention so that He can speak to us clearly and without distraction.
He wants to show you a glimpse of His plan for you. It will encourage you and strengthen you for the road ahead. Always be ready for these moments of clarity. Unfortunately, these times are few and far between in our lives. Missing the chance that the Lord offers will hurt your progress, but responding to His call will affect the rest of your life.
Use your time wisely. Spend quality time in His presence, listening for His voice. Seek to know His will for your life.
Tags: Bible, calling, Christian, destiny, devotion, distractions, encouragement, God's faithfulness, God's voice, God's will, higher, Holy Spirit, listening, listening heart, mountain, mountaintop, overcoming, path, power, prayer, prepare, presence of the lord, promise, promises, strength, trust, undivided attention
1 Samuel 15:22
But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”
In this passage, the prophet Samuel is rebuking King Saul. He had disobeyed a direct command of God for “religious” reasons. Saul said that he was going to give God a sacrifice instead. In his rebuke, Samuel gives us a principle that we would do well to remember.
Obedience to God is always better than any sacrifice we can make. It doesn’t matter whether you’re putting money in an offering plate or offering up a “sacrifice of praise.” Obedience trumps sacrifice every time.
The reason is that sacrifice can be manipulated. It can be motivated by self-will or arrogance. Obedience, on the other hand, honors God by putting Him directly in the center of what we’re doing. Usually, total obedience to God can only be accomplished through the work of the Holy Spirit in us. Not only is God the focus, but He is also the One who strengthens us.
A good example of this is Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. As He cried out to God He said, “If it is Your will, take this cup [dying on the cross] from me.” Then He told the Father that it was not His own will that was important, but the Father’s. The Lord’s prayer that day was in accordance with the principle of Samuel. What Jesus wanted didn’t matter – it was the Father’s will that was supreme.
Our “cup” and God’s will are two totally different things until we allow the Lord to merge them. Our highest goal should be to know God’s will and obey it. More than any other part of our lives, this is our highest call.
Tags: arrogance, Bible, calling, Christ, Christian, devotion, disciple, encouragement, Garden of Gethsemane, God's will, highest call, honor God, obedience, offering, praise, prayer, prepare, sacrifice, self-will
The Spirit and the Word 