From: November 4, 2023
“Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance” (Hebrews 6:12 NLT).
There are some of us who after hearing and believing the gospel become sluggish and slothful in loving others and living for Christ. How can this be since we are assured of inheriting God’s promises? Perhaps it is because we misunderstand our faith, thinking we can hold it passively, when instead, it must be acted upon. Since we have the promises of God in Christ, let us walk by faith, not becoming “weary in well-doing” (Gal. 6:9).
Are you becoming spiritually dull and indifferent? Your love for God and love for others has waned? Anxiety and fear are always knocking at your door? Faith and endurance are the antidote. Fan your zeal into flame by faith. Endure hardship in your love for others. You have the promises of God. Don’t be spiritually lazy. Live to full, depending on Christ’s strength!
PRAYER: Dear Father, You are a consuming fire. Cause us to be on fire for You. Not mere emotion, but a burning passion for worship and ministry is what we ask. Strengthen us to know and stand on Your promises and power through Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: November 4, 2022
HOPE LIKE A ROPE
Christian hope is not like the world’s hope. It isn’t like saying “I hope it doesn’t rain this weekend.” For that hope is a mere wish built on nothing but a desire.
Christian hope is like a rope, anchored in the historical resurrection of Jesus Christ in the past, taken hold of by our hands of faith in the present, and proceeding into the future beyond the curtain of heaven where the risen Lord has entered on our behalf. This hope is not ethereal, but both “strong and trustworthy.” It is not dangling loose, but is anchored to the empty tomb on one end and the throne of God on the other. It is drawn taut between Christ’s resurrection and promised return.
We cling to this cord of hope with hearts of faith, trusting His promises and assured by His Spirit’s presence within. Our hope is made of sturdy stuff. So take hold! Those who hope in Christ will not be disappointed!
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the hope that anchors our souls. For this hope gives us joy in the present and cheerful expectation for the future. We are able to weather life’s storms holding on to this hope we have in Christ Jesus. Strengthen our grip on this hope today. In Christ’s name we pray, amen.
From: November 4, 2017
Stop only discussing the doctrines of Christ and start following them. Grow up in the knowledge of Jesus. As Paul wrote, “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Cor. 8:1). So, move on from head knowledge to heart knowledge, which is a change of character that leads to a change of conduct. Better to know one thing of Christ and do it, than to know one hundred and practice none of them. Keep growing in knowledge, not that you might keep “laying again” the foundations of your faith, but that you would grow up into the Head, which is Christ. For He is the “Perfection,” that God wills for you.
From: November 4, 2016
Ezekiel saw a vision that exposed the sin and idolatry of God’s people and the resulting departure of God’s glory. He witnessed the glory of the Lord moving out from the Holy of Holies, out of the Temple, and departing out through the Eastern gate to the top of the Mount of Olives. The holy God will not share His glory with another. “Ichabod–– the glory has departed” (1 Sam. 4:21). His glory and grace departed, so that His judgment and wrath might fall. Even so, Ezekiel saw God’s glory pause at the threshold of the Temple and at the Eastern gate, giving His people time to repent, but they did not. Yet someday, the glory of the Lord will return (Ezek. 43), the Messiah will come back through the Eastern gate to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
From: November 4, 2015
Our hope is like a rope, anchored in the historical resurrection of Christ in the past, taken hold of by our hands of faith in the present, and proceeding into the future beyond the veil of heaven where the risen Lord has entered on our behalf. This hope is not ethereal, but both “sure and steadfast.” It is not hanging unhindered, but anchored at both ends. It is drawn taut between Christ’s resurrection and return. We cling to this cord of hope with hearts of faith, trusting His promises and assured by His Spirit’s presence within. Our hope is made of sturdy stuff.
From: November 4, 2014
Self aggrandizement is unwise. If you praise yourself, others will not only remain silent, they will think you immodest. Praise from a friend is good and praise from a stranger better still. An even greater tact is to humble yourself, so that the Lord Himself might lift you up (James 4:10).