Month: March 2024

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10

God Sets Us up To Do Good

Daily Devotion – March 15, 2024

Devotion based on Ephesians 2:10


See series: Devotions

I have been called a lot of things in life but never a Mr. Fixit. Now, I can tell the difference between a hammer, wrench, pliers, or saw. I have even used them from time to time. But for home, auto, or appliance repair, there are many other people I will happily point you to if you needed some help.

One of my friends knows this about me. And so when I offered to help him with a home renovation, probably not wanting to hurt my feelings, he graciously accepted. But it was funny. When I asked him how I could help and what he needed me to do, he pointed me to one of the back bedrooms that needed some new floorboards replaced. When I walked in the room, I saw all the boards had already been cut to size. There were screws counted out by each section. He even marked on the boards where the screws needed to go in. Everything was put out in advance. All I had to do was drill them into place. “Look at me! I’m helping!” the four-year-old inside of me squealed with glee.

Every day, God is setting us up to do good. He guides the paths our lives take, and he gives us opportunity after opportunity to make choices that not only glorify him but point others in our life to him and his love. Like my friend, God sets everything up for us to serve others and do good!

Look around you! As you help that neighbor of yours with his yard work or offer your ear to the person at the office that everyone else wants to avoid getting cornered by, as you love your spouse or spend time with your kids, these are just some of the ways God sets you up to do good. And why do them? Because we are so thankful for the gift of forgiveness that God has given us!

Prayer:
Dear God, open up my eyes to see the many ways I can serve you and others each and every day. Amen.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8,9

Free but Not Cheap

Daily Devotion – March 14, 2024

Devotion based on Ephesians 2:8,9


See series: Devotions

I know some people who go crazy for free stuff. Maybe you’re one of them. It doesn’t matter what it is—candy, a pen, a magnet, etc., some people get incredibly excited when they get anything free. To be honest, I’m not one of those people. You see, I’ve been given enough free stuff to see that most of the free stuff isn’t really all that valuable. It’s often cheap and breaks. And, just between you and me, most of the stuff people give me for free often ends in the trash.

You see, I know how the world works. If you want to find something of value, you have to work for it. It can’t just be given to you! People usually aren’t handed paid-for houses, cars, or a college education. Those things have value and are worth something. And to get them, you have to put forward effort. You have to pour your blood, sweat, and time into acquiring those types of things—things that have value. Right?

And yet, that’s not how forgiveness with God works. The Bible tells us there isn’t anything in us that compels God to love us or want us. And there isn’t anything an individual can do to earn their spot in heaven. No, the Bible tells us that God’s forgiveness and eternal life has been given to us because of God’s grace.

We might be tempted to think that this gift is cheap. After all, we know so often through life experiences that anything given for free isn’t worth all that much. But not so with God’s grace. No, this is an expensive gift, and the high price was paid so we could have it. This gift cost Jesus his life. Free, but not cheap!

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for giving your life on the cross so that my sins could be forgiven, and heaven could be my home. Amen.

God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:6,7

The Best Is Yet To Come

Daily Devotion – March 13, 2024

Devotion based on Ephesians 2:6,7


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I am a firm believer that anytime you go to a party and there are appetizers, it is going to be a good party. Appetizers set the stage for what kind of night you’re going to have. If the appetizers are delicious, you think, “Wow, if the appetizers are this good, I can’t wait for the main dish!” On the other hand, if the appetizers are terrible, you think to yourself, “I can’t wait to get this taste out of my mouth with what comes next.” Either way, appetizers get you ready for something better! At least, that’s my theory.

In our Bible verse today, we’re told that what God has in store for us in heaven is incomparable to what we are experiencing in life. That’s amazing! It blows your mind! Just think of it! If you’re saying to yourself, “My life is great! I am extremely blessed! I couldn’t ask for more.” God tells you, “You think that you’re blessed now? You ain’t seen nothing yet! Just wait until you come to heaven! You’re not going to believe what I have in store for you!”

On the other hand, if this week, month, or year has been plagued with problems and heartache, and you’re dying for it to get better, take heart, God assures you, “This too shall pass. The best is yet to come! Just wait until you celebrate at the banquet of heaven!”

All of this is made possible because of our Savior, Christ Jesus. He delivered us from death! He paid for our sins and has secured our home in heaven! May we find his blessing every day, and may God bless us with patience as we wait until he brings us home.

Prayer:
Dear God, continue to assure me with your Word that I am loved by you because of Jesus. And may the promise of my home in heaven lift my heart when times of pain come. Amen.

All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
Ephesians 2:3-5

Saved by Grace

Daily Devotion – March 12, 2024

Devotion based on Ephesians 2:3-5


See series: Devotions

Do you compare yourself to other people? Of course you do! When we were in school, we looked at our grades to see how we measured up with our classmates. As we got older, we compared salaries, homes, cars, vacations, etc. We go to the gym and see who is in better shape than us and who isn’t. For most of us, measuring ourselves next to others lets us know where we stand.

I’ll admit that I sometimes do this when I look at how my classmates, neighbors, and coworkers live as well. And when I see them doing something “bad,” a part of me says, “Well, at least I don’t do that!” I’m guessing I’m not alone. Do you ever think that you are better than other people? I’m sure, at times, that thought has crossed your mind.

Here is the truth: God doesn’t judge us by our standards of being a “good” or “bad” person. He judges us by HIS standard, and HIS criterion is perfection. None of us is perfect, however. All of us fall short of measuring up. All of us deserve to face God’s wrath.

But the Bible tells us that God is “rich in mercy.” His heart is overflowing with compassion, and God makes up for our shortcomings and failures. He did that by sending us his Son, Jesus, to live the life of perfection that we can’t live. So, no matter how bad you’ve been or how much better you think you are than your neighbor, the only way anyone can match up to God’s standard of perfection is to be saved by Jesus, saved by grace. Thank God that he has done that for us!

Prayer:
Dear God, I know I am unworthy of you and deserve nothing but your punishment. Thank you for sending Jesus to save me from your just wrath. Amen.

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
Ephesians 2:1-5

I’m Alive!

Daily Devotion – March 11, 2024

Devotion based on Ephesians 2:1-5


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A long time ago, there was a Christian man who had become highly respected in his church. He was a leader. He was someone people looked to for guidance. As far as most could see, it appeared that he lived his life in a way that pleased God. However, this man hadn’t always lived a Godly life. In his youth, he had lived a rather wild life. Women, wine, partying—he indulged in it all!

One day, he was walking down the street, and one of the women he used to party with saw him and shouted out his name to get his attention. She ran up to him and asked him, “It’s me. Don’t you recognize me” And he replied, “I do recognize you. But I am not that man anymore. That part of me is dead.”

In the words for our devotion we are reminded of the mercy God extends to us—mercy which graciously forgives us for all of our wrongs and faults. God does not treat us as our sinful pasts deserve—instead, he shows us undeserved love—grace. YOU are forgiven! Yes, even YOU! No matter what you’ve done or how far you may think you have fallen, God loves you and has forgiven you of that past because of Jesus!

When we realize this amazing gift, how can we do anything but say no to those desires and cling to our God who loves us?

Prayer:
Dear God, help me to remember each and every day of the new life I live for you. Help me to reject the deadened path of sin and walk with you today and always. Amen.

The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. The LORD said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.
Numbers 21:7-9

Keep On Looking at Jesus

Daily Devotion – March 10, 2024

Devotion based on Numbers 21:7-9


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To get healed from a snakebite, you look to … a snake? It seems crazy. But it worked because God had promised that it would. God didn’t take away the poisonous snakes; instead, he dealt with the poison.

And that is what he’s done for you and for me regarding the “poisonous snake” called “sin.” Has that snake bitten you this week? A better question would be: How horribly has sin bitten you this week? That’s more accurate, right.

God gives help for the poison of sin. Jesus talked about it in John chapter three, when he said to Nicodemus, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life” (John 3:14,15). God’s answer to sin was to charge Jesus with all of those sins, and put Jesus on a cross to pay for them. When Jesus died, he paid for sin in full. Everyone who looks to Jesus and trust in him for forgiveness is healed of their sin, just as everyone who looked at that bronze snake in Moses’ day were healed of their snakebite. So, keep your eyes on Jesus and trust that through him, you really are healed of your sin.

Prayer:
O Savior, forgive me for underestimating the horror of sin. Lead me back to your cross over and over, that you might continue to assure me that I’ve been healed by your work, that indeed I’ve been healed forever. Lead me to live in the confidence of forgiveness, and to reflect your joy to those around me. Amen.

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
1 Corinthians 1:25

Been There Done That

Daily Devotion – March 9, 2024

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 1:25


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Christian author Timothy Keller has made a compelling observation about Christianity in our society. He says that many in our culture look at Christianity and think to themselves, “Been there. Done that.” In other words, from their point of view they grew up with Christianity, know it through and through, found no satisfaction in it, are bored with it, and have long since moved on. “Been there. Done that.”

But according to Timothy Keller, the real problem is that many have become familiar with the trappings of Christianity—but just enough, in Keller’s words, to “inoculate” themselves. As a result, their attitude towards Jesus Christ might come down to something like this: Jesus is nice. Jesus is quaint. Jesus is good for my kids. Jesus makes me feel better when someone dies—and that’s about all.

If Timothy Keller’s observation is valid—if it is true that the attitude of “been there, done that” is a big part of the cultural air we breathe, then you and I have an important question to ask ourselves. Have we ever fallen into the same trap? Somewhere along the line, has our familiarity with the trappings of Christianity make us think we now have the right to smile that knowing smile, to nod that knowing nod, to sigh and say, “Been there. Done that”?

If we have, it means you and I have dabbled in the same kind of cultural “wisdom” that the apostle Paul describes in 1 Corinthians chapter 1. Such wisdom is no wisdom at all. Instead, it’s just a lie dressed up like some world-weary truth. Such lies are toxic and lethal. All they do is put cold, uncaring distance between us and our Savior.

Thank God that the Lord Jesus does what he has to do to pull us out of the trap, to shake us up, to call us to repentance. And when that happens, there he is, ready to embrace us in his assurance of forgiveness, cover us in the blanket of his love, and bring us back home.

Prayer:
Forgive me, Lord Jesus, when I have used my familiarity with Christianity as a twisted excuse to ignore you. Embrace me. And help me begin again. Amen.

And God spoke all these words: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. . . “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. “You shall not murder. “You shall not commit adultery. “You shall not steal. “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
Exodus 20:1,2,12-17

Zeal for Service

Daily Devotion – March 8, 2024

Devotion based on Exodus 20:1,2,12-17


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As a child, you sometimes bristled at your parents, teachers, and coach’s rules. They felt restrictive, burdensome, and unnecessary.

There are times you feel like that about God’s rules, too. Today’s Bible reading focuses on the fourth to tenth commandments. God’s commandments are straightforward, but we might wonder, “Does God realize the situation that I’m in? Those government leaders are corrupt and inept. That person deserves my revenge. My lusting doesn’t hurt anyone. My employer should pay me more if they want more effort. It’s fun to talk about the juicy gossip. Some people do seem to have all the luck.”

God is aware of how your sinful nature thinks. That’s why he has rules. They aren’t meant to keep you from having fun. They are meant to help you and others enjoy life more. The God who gave you the Ten Commandments is the same God who saves you from hell and gives you freedom from slavery to sin. You can trust this God when he tells you that selfish sins never lead to a more enjoyable life. God wants to spare you from the suffering that goes with your selfish sins.

Unfortunately, none of us can perfectly keep God’s commandments. But Jesus did. And because he did so in our place, God gives us the credit for Jesus’ perfect life. Let this promise not only comfort you but motivate you to strive all the more to follow God’s loving commandments.

Prayer:
Gracious Savior, give me zeal to follow your commandments, knowing that you know what is best for me and those around me. Amen.