September DevotionsFollowers of Jesus Christ~Lk. 9:23-27

---

“Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:3-5)

Our personal relationship with God the Father and our walk with Jesus Christ as Lord, begins with trust. That trust is expressed in faith. Faith in what His word says about us (“There is none righteous, no, not one...all have sinned…” Rom. 3:10-23); about our most important need (“…Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God…”  Jn. 3:3); and the only possible solution to our sin problem (“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. Jn. 14:6). The expression of our saving faith results in an eternal position in the family of God that can never be altered. “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.” (Eph. 1:13) This is only available to each of us, because of the sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ to atone for your sin and mine.  (See: “the Gospel”: I Cor. 15:1-4) 

Once we have (by faith) accepted these truths and we begin to grow in our desire to please our Savior, we must continue to trust that God wants the very best for our life. If we are to be fruitful in our Christian life and effective in drawing others unto our Lord, trusting His work in and for us is vitally important. “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” (Phil. 1:6)

                                                                                                               September 24, 2023

**Next we will discuss what this trust looks like in our life.**

 Meditating on the display of God’s mercy as He grafted in the Gentiles, due to His rejection by His chosen nation, Israel. This plan for redemption was established long before mankind was created. So there is no room for pride on anyone’s part, for God is not done with His chosen people and yet He has mercifully extended grace to the remaining people (that means everyone else). Getting a glimpse of this, is cause for our hearts to praise Him and rejoice for the opportunity to hear Truth and receive eternal life, if (and only when) we choose to accept. (See Romans 9:25-29) 

Our divine eternal journey starts with us being saved by grace (Eph. 2:8-9); because of God’s matchless mercy (Eph. 2:4) even while we were His enemies (Rom. 5:10). Being drawn by His Holy Spirit through convicting our heart of sin and damnation (Jn. 6:44); responding to the Holy Spirit by faith (Eph. 2:8-9; Jn. 16:8) in God the Father through Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross and resurrection from the dead (I Cor. 1:18-31). Sealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13) making our new position with the Father eternal in the heavens only because of His unconditional love and mercy, which initiated this divine journey (Eph. 2:4-10). 

                                                                                                                 September 4, 2023

 “Who, when he (Barnabas) came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”— Acts 11:23-26

Not everyone that calls themselves “Christian” is one; and God does not have stepchildren by way of religions or denominations, nor by how well you practice them. Sadly, not all who claim to be a Christian have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 7:21) A Christian is a Christ follower. Following Him means we have not just heard His Word, gained a head knowledge of it, or said we believe God exists. All of this is also true of the demons, and we know they are not and do not claim to be Christian. (see Jas. 2:19)

On the authority of God’s word, if you have not been born again by trusting solely in what Jesus Christ did at Calvary, you are still hell bound. We all start there as sinners. But praise be to God, that on the cross, grace and mercy were poured out in the blood of the only one capable of cleansing our sin and saving our souls…Jesus Christ. “(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)” (2 Cor. 6:2) 

Additional verses to ponder:

(Jn. 3:16-17; Acts 4:12; Rom. 6:23, 10:9-10;  2 Cor. 5:17- 21; Eph. 2:4-5, 8-10) 

                                                                                                                 September 1, 2023

 I love a good Hallmark or Pureflix movie. Who doesn’t? Where else can you enjoy approximately two hours of drama and intrigue, with any number of life or relational disasters. All of this just to have it end well, and happily ever after, for the most part. We all know that life isn’t a movie and the characters in the real-world experience life altering challenges and catastrophic loss, including death. 

In the biblical account of Judas, there is no indication that he ever chose Christ as Savior. It’s a horrible thought, but it is a reality we must each consider. He allowed greed and the love of money to drive his betrayal of the only One who would die for him. Jesus knew this and even gave him opportunity to repent if he chose to. Peter recounts the dismal and self-inflicted end to Judas’ life in Acts 1: 16-20.  His choice had been prophesied, long before he came onto the scene. “Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot…and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray (Jesus)…and covenanted to give him money.” (Lk. 22:3-6) 

Another biblical account that didn’t end well was that of the rich young ruler. He came to Jesus professing he had kept all the commandments when Jesus challenged him to part with his riches to follow Him. His response revealed his heart and what truly had his allegiance. “But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” (Matt. 19:22) 

The best news is that if there is still air in your lungs, you can choose to have the happiest ending, for all eternity. Jesus Christ died to make it possible and if you have not accepted Him as Savior, may today be the day. Simply admit you are a sinner (Rom. 3:23, 6:23) deserving the punishment Jesus accepted in your place. Profess Jesus Christ as the only Savior, trusting Him to forgive and save your soul for all eternity. (Rom. 10:9-10) God has promised that all who come to Him by faith in what Christ did on the cross would have an eternal hope that nothing can ever take away. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” (I Pt. 1:3)That indeed is the happy ending.

                                                                                                                                                          June 14, 2023

 I. Faith – We experience saving faith when we accept Christ as Savior, but we need to exercise faith and trust in Him daily for all of our needs. Whether we are new babes in Christ or ‘seasoned’ Christians, we can easily misplace our trust if we take our eyes off Jesus. We are not to place undue faith in others, no matter their position or capabilities. God will use others to be a blessing in our lives, but we must ultimately recognize all things as coming from Him. “But without faith it is impossible to please God….He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”(Heb 11:6)

II. Knowledge – Know what scripture says for yourself and not just take the word of another person. The bible commands: ‘study to shew thyself approved unto God’ and ‘hold fast the form of SOUND WORDS…’(see I Tim 4:15,16; II Tim 1:13, 2:15, 3:16). As we search the scripture with a hunger to learn more about our Lord and His will for us, there is the fulfillment of our spiritual appetite that only He can bring about. There truly is life in the Words of our God and with them in our heart we will not be led astray. “Search the scriptures…they are they which testify of Me(Jesus).” (Jn 5:39)

III. Wisdom – With God’s wisdom will come discernment, peace and confidence in His Truths. “For the Lord giveth wisdom:”(Prov 2:6) God’s divine wisdom is essential for growth and enables us to apply doctrine to personal experiences. 

IV. Obedience – This is certainly a necessity for all believers. If we do not trust and obey Christ ourselves, we will not share His love and blessings with others. Our primary purpose for existence is to Glorify and Honor God. This will not happen without obedience. 

V. Eternity – Our perspective on life must be an eternal one. That is, we are not “just trying to make it”; we are not just living for today, or the “pleasures” of this world. The treasures that we store up should be eternal ones and the lives we touch should be for blessings that have eternal significance. This means that through faith in Christ’s ability and omniscience souls are fortified for eternity. Through a genuine knowledge of scripture and Godly wisdom to live it out we are encouraged and capable of encouraging others. Through obedience to Spirit revealed truths, not simply out of obligation but genuine love for Christ, we can view all things from God’s eternal perspective. Wow! What a glorious opportunity we have.  Praying that we are taking advantage of it?

                                                                                                                                                     May 22, 2023

Our roles as mothers may change, but the influence upon lives and hearts can be eternal. I am so thankful for the lessons learned from godly women and the opportunities to pass them on to my own children and others. This thought made me consider how important it is to make the most of our time in any relationship, whether we have biological children or not. God has placed us in each other’s lives for the sole purpose of influencing lives for eternity and His glory.

We do this by our prayers. We are instructed to pray for one another. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (Jas. 5:16b)  Prayer is our divine opportunity to petition the heavenly throne on behalf of another soul. Intercessory prayer causes us to place the needs of another before our own. Such selfless concern is what impacts lives in an expression of genuine love and care. 

Others are influenced by our actions. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16) The examples we leave can really shape a character and life for Christ or for the world. We must be careful to allow the right things to guide our own heart. God’s word must be central, and His Holy Spirit given the reins to our lives and heart. Jesus promised that by His guidance we would experience fruitfulness and unshakable peace. 

We also influence others by our attitude. Have you ever noticed how contagious laughter can be? The same goes for complaining and a downcast disposition. We have to be so very careful, especially with young ones, that pick up on your every mood. It can be devastating to a young person that is constantly bombarded with discouraging and degrading speech. May we allow the prayers and promises woven throughout scripture to influence how we interact and influence those we have opportunity to touch and persuade for the kingdom of God. “…be thou an example of the Believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (see I Tim. 4:10-13) 

                                                                                                                                                  May 13, 2023 

 “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.” (Ps. 57:7) When our heart is fixed on the Savior, Jesus Christ, we gain an eternal perspective. He alone can bring peace amid our grief; put praise in our hearts as we endure trials; and renew strength when ours is depleted. When it seems that all is against us, our God puts His song in our heart. “Yet the Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, And in the night His song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.” (Ps. 42:8)

What it does for my weary heart to praise my Savior during life’s storms! No amount of caffeine or energy drinks can match it.  My praises should glorify Him, not draw attention to myself. The act of praising Him does not end with our words or musical ability. It continues in our daily walk or routine. How we conduct ourselves in obedience to scriptural principles shows reverence and is an act of worship and praise to our heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ. Remaining faithful in studying  His word, fellowshipping in a local assembly, and serving others helps us to grow in our love for Him. Such love feeds our desire to become more like Christ. “O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: Fear before Him, all the earth.” (Ps. 96:9)                                                                                                                                                   May 6, 2023  

“The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.” (Prov. 16:1-3)

If we commit in our heart to do the works God has set before us, our thoughts will be conducive to pleasing Him. This means when thoughts arise that are not “just, pure, lovely, virtuous…of good report;” we are quick to squash them. (see Phil. 4:8) It’s not that such thoughts are impossible, but in our flesh, we are not committed to honoring the Lord, nor do we desire to do so. But as Believers in Jesus Christ, we are no longer to walk in the flesh.  We must be intentional.  Obedience will not happen by accident. As we are led by the Holy Spirit, which indwells every Believer at salvation, we will seek to please our heavenly Father. Obeying the Spirit’s leadership and living out the principles of scripture are what brings about the genuine joy and peace that every heart desires.

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Phil. 4:7-9)

                                                                                                                                                 April 18, 2023

 There are many reasons to praise God for the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.  Without the crucifixion of Jesus, we wouldn’t have the resurrection. Aren’t you glad the emphasis is on His resurrection? Our God is alive!

One of the many reasons we should rejoice is that we serve a God who brings to pass all that He promises. God’s word is both our compass and assurance for eternal hope. He is our immutable God in which we can trust and the only One we can rest our eternal souls in.  “Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.” (I Thess. 1:4-5)

Because of Christ’s resurrection we can receive atonement for sin; reconciliation to holy God; guidance for every day through His Word and the indwelling Holy Spirit; and a hope for eternity that has been secured by the blood of Jesus. “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:  And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (Jn. 11:25-26)  No religion or the gods this world has created, can give such assurance.

                                                                                                                                               April 8, 2023

  “For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.” (Ps. 18:28)

Darkness and depression can and will touch the life of Believers. Whether it’s through our own personal spiritual battle, circumstances out of our control, or caused by evil perpetrated towards us from someone else. The evidence of spiritual battle for the mind and soul is all around us. We have been warned throughout scripture, that “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.” (2 Cor. 10:4) Which means, we cannot fight this with physical weapons, nor in our own strength.

Jesus Christ is the light of the world. (Jn. 1:9; 8:12; 9:5) Since darkness is opposite light; it is contrary to the character and holiness of God. Before salvation we were in spiritual darkness. As a Believer in Jesus Christ, we must seek to walk in the light scripture. It gives guidance for each step we take as we humbly obey. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Ps. 119:105) 

His Holy Spirit illumines our mind to the truth of scripture and brings it to our remembrance in time of need, leading us down the narrow path that results in peace and joy. He convicts and reminds of the danger of sin and darkness expressed through things we watch, read, or listen to. If we are receptive to His guidance and prompting, we will experience the fruitfulness of a fulfilled life, available only through our dependence upon Jesus Christ. “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” (Gal. 5:16)

If we know Jesus Christ as Savior, we do have a choice and must constantly choose according to the light of His holy Word, not the darkness of our past sin or present temptations. What we choose to dwell on or consume from day to day will make a difference in our mental attitude and the resultant actions. As Joshua warned the Israelites, we too must: “choose you this day whom ye will serve…” (Josh. 24:15)

                                                                                                                                                              April 1, 2023

The Holy Spirit was promised by Jesus Christ, to be a Helper and Comforter to His disciples and all those who placed their trust in Him as Savior.  He is the third Person of the Trinity; not to be referred to as “a force” or “it”. Without Him we could not accomplish God’s work, nor would we know and understand His will for our lives. Jesus warns those who had walked closest with Him while on earth, to wait for His Spirit before continuing the work He had commissioned them to do.  “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” (Lk. 24:49) 

Without the Holy Spirit’s work of illuminating the truth of the Gospel, we would remain in spiritual darkness. “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:  (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)” (Eph. 5:8-9)  Before accepting Jesus Christ as Savior, we do not have His Holy Spirit within. Without the indwelling Holy Spirit, scripture says we are outside the family of God and in danger of spending a Christless eternity in hell. “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.” (Rom. 8:9b) 

It is the Holy Spirit that convicts of sin and impresses upon us the need for a Savior. He alone can draw us unto the Father in humble submission to the work Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross. Jesus said to the Jews that murmured against Him for rightly proclaiming to be the “bread of God…come down from heaven…”:  “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (Jn. 6:44) 

If you have never placed your faith in Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross for your sins, may today be the day. Please don’t ignore His convicting, prompting and leading because tomorrow is not promised to you. "behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Cor. 6:2b)

                                                                                                                                      March 12, 2023

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Cor. 6:14)

God’s command to the Corinthian Believers not to be unequally yoked, is for all who call on Christ as Savior. This command is not limited to the marriage relationship, but is to be our guide for all of life’s companions. Those whom we  spend time with, in a way that would influence our thoughts and actions, no matter the age or season of life. 

If one is to be considered a friend,  the principles woven throughout Psalm 1, reminds us the importance of wise counsel coming from those with which we associate. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” (Ps. 1:1) Their beliefs, motives, and wisdom (worldly versus godly), will all determine the advice given and actions that follow. We must be careful to surround ourselves with persons that love the Lord and live like it, for the purpose of glorifying their Savior and sharing Him with others. “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” (I Cor. 15:33) 

When it comes to relationships with the opposite sex, the same principles apply. Is becoming closer to this individual going to enhance or hinder our relationship with Jesus Christ? Will this individual encourage my decisions in a way that honors the Lord? What is the intent of this relationship and are there boundaries in place to protect our purity? All of these are valid questions, whether as a single young lady or older woman.  We must first consider what pleases God and in which direction He is leading. “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” (I Thess. 5:22)

Another important issue that is so prevalent is women professing to be Believers, starting a serious relationship with a man that is not a Believer in Jesus Christ or professes to be, but his lifestyle says otherwise.  Why would we get so close to someone, if we know their beliefs and/or lifestyle do not line up with the principles of scripture?

**We would love to discuss this further, answer any questions, or share some helpful resources on the above topic. Feel free to contact us via email or leave a comment.**               
                                                                                                                                        March 1, 2023

We were created to give worship and honor to God. This is expressed through our words, as well as our walk; both privately and corporately. “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (Jn. 4:24) We compromise genuine worship when our walk is contrary to our words as we attest to spiritual truths in conversation or song. 

We are drawn closer to our Lord and receive of His wisdom, as we make time for private devotions, prayer, and meditation upon His word. This is necessary, if we are to worship Him in spirit and truth. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” (Jas. 4:8) Walking closely with the Lord and acting on the wisdom He imparts through the Holy Spirit, will help us choose wisely for Him in the face of compromise.

In our public worship, we must consider that Jesus Christ established the church; died that we might become a part of the Church or Body of Christ; and provided the foundation upon which we are called to wisely build. Therefore, He alone must be glorified through the spiritual Body and in our local assemblies. Through glorifying our Savior and worshiping our heavenly Father, we are ministered to in ways words cannot portray. This equips us to encourage and build up one another in the faith, as we are instructed throughout scripture. This cannot happen if we are not present and willing to make ourselves accessible to other members in the body of Christ for His service. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another:…” (Heb. 10:25) Together we are able to minister to our world all around us, desperately in need of the life-giving love of Jesus. (See also I Cor. 3:9-11; Eph. 2:18-22, 5:32; I Pt. 2:4-6)       

                                                                                                                                       February 23, 2023

 Perfect Love – JESUS (Please Read I Jn. 4:7-21)

7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

Perfect love came into this world for the singular purpose of sacrifice for my sin and yours. This Perfect Love was the Son of God humbly wrapped in humanity. Perfect Love expressed His sacrificial love on the cross, satisfying all that the heavenly Father required for sinful man to experience forgiveness and eternal life in His presence. 

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down His life for His friends.” (Jn. 15:13) No matter what picture the world paints as love, it will always fall short of what God had in mind when He spoke the words: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (Jn. 3:16) The Father’s love for us caused the Godhead to set a plan in motion for the object of His love – you and me. This love expressed by the Creator of the universe, who desires an intimate relationship with the very ones He created, even knowing the rejection and rebellion those same human hearts would convey. 

There is no greater love because God could have chosen a different plan, that didn’t include us, but He did not.  What gratitude should fill our hearts at the mere thought of holy God reaching down and drawing you and I unto Himself for eternal communion. 

There is no greater love, because Jesus left the beauty of Heaven and became sin, that you and I might become righteous in the Father’s eyes. “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” (Phil. 3:8-10)Being clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ, only comes by placing faith in all that He accomplished by His death, burial, and resurrection for the atonement of sin. By the indwelling we are able to experience Jesus’ righteousness, that we may live in obedience to His holy word. Without His Spirit and His righteousness, we would have no hope of living according to the will of God for our lives. 

There is no greater love because God has promised that all who are in Christ will one day experience His perfection, peace, and joy for all eternity in His presence.  “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” (Col. 3:1-4)  There is no greater thought that should cause indescribable joy in our hearts and a motivation to live more faithfully for the Lord right now. All that this world has to offer pales in comparison. So, may our hearts be stirred to share more of Him, and our lives become an impact for His glory! 

                                                                                                                                                     February 3, 2023

God's Standard, Not Ours

God's thoughts and standards of forgiveness are much higher than ours. We recount past hurts and failures to establish present trust and worthiness. We say we forgive, yet allow the twinge of anger to cause us to withhold grace and love. God's unconditional love and forgiveness sets the standard to which we must attain; but only by the power of His Holy Spirit. God's mercy towards us has set the foundation upon which we must forgive. His grace, offered through the shed blood and the love displayed upon the Cross paved the path for that forgiveness. (Isa. 55:6-9) "Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isa. 55:6-9)                                                                                                Jan. 8,2023

“Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, That I might not sin against Thee.” (Ps. 119:11)

Hiding God’s Word in our heart is the basis for our growth in faith and trust of our Savior. His Word hidden in our hearts provide the ammunition necessary to combat the onslaught of our  enemy, Satan. There can be no doubt that we are in a spiritual battle, that begins the moment we choose to side with holy God in saving faith. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Eph. 6:12; see also 2 Cor. 10:4; I Tim. 1:18)

We are instructed as “newborn babes” in Christ to “…desire the sincere milk of the Word…” that we may grow (I Pt. 2:2). This is a vital steppingstone in our continuing growth process.  A malnourished Christian will expose areas of vulnerability in his life of which the world, the flesh and the devil will take full advantage. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (I Pt. 5:8)

We are also instructed to dress appropriately for this spiritual battle. In Ephesians 6 we are instructed to walk in the strength of God’s might and to put on His “whole armor” (vv. 10-18). This appropriate battle attire includes intake and application of the Word and praying “in the Spirit”. Such praying in the Spirit indicates that the Spirit dwells within; and this is only possible through the spiritual new birth by faith in Christ’s work on the cross. Praying in the Spirit is not happened upon, but is intentional and predicated by the act searching, believing and applying of scriptural principles in the Believer’s life.

Questions to ponder:

Is there a genuine desire for the Word and growing in the knowledge of your Savior, Jesus Christ? Has feeding upon the Word of God become your daily routine? What is your primary goal/motivation for reading the Bible? What role does prayer have in your life?

                                                                                                                                           January 25, 2023