Daily Devotion - Page 30

Boanerges · 08-16-2008, 03:18 PM

August 16

More on the Promise of Freedom in Christ
Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed... How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation. (Joh_8:36 and Heb_2:3)
By the promise of God, true spiritual liberation is available in Jesus Christ. "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." If this saving work of the Lord is neglected there is no rescue from the devastating consequences of sin and self. "How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation." As we previously noted, this delivering grace of God is so great that it not only provides a rescue "from," but it also supplies a rescue "unto."
This great salvation, which is experienced by coming to Jesus in humble faith, includes a setting free from innate sin unto imputed righteousness. "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2Co_5:21). This great salvation in Christ includes deliverance from the kingdom of darkness unto the kingdom of light. "Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love" (Col_1:12-13). This great salvation also includes liberation from enmity toward God unto friendship with God. "When we were enemies we were reconciled (turned from enemies into friends) through the death of His Son" (Col_1:21). This great salvation also includes deliverance from alienation from God unto union with Him. "And you, who once were alienated... For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection" (Col_1:21 and Rom_6:5). This great salvation also includes liberation from our own weakness unto God's mighty power. "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2Co_12:9-10). Lastly, this great salvation includes a rescuing from a self-produced life unto Christ living in us. "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Gal_2:20).

Lord God, thank You for providing a rescue from sin, darkness, enmity, alienation, earthly weakness, and self. Praise You for providing a rescue unto righteousness, light, friendship, union, heavenly strength, and Christ! What a great salvation is found in Christ Jesus! I do not want to neglect it through doubt, distraction, disobedience - - or anything else. Help me, Lord, to walk by faith, day by day, Amen.

Bob Hoekstra

Boanerges · 08-17-2008, 01:41 PM

August 17

The Importance of God's "Unpopular" Promises
Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins. (Joh_8:24)
Generally speaking, God's promises are "popular" with many people. When most of the Lord's promises are read or taught, people are delighted. "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed... Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest... Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Joh_8:36; Mat_11:28; and Mat_4:19). Promises like these are so often received with favor, because they are so encouraging. They are embraced with approval, because they are so comforting. On the other hand, some of God's promises are definitely "unpopular" with certain segments of humanity. This type of promise is scorned or rejected, because of its convicting or sobering character. Nevertheless, these promises that are not always well-received have great importance in God's plan.
One such promise is given two-fold in our present verse. "You will die in your sins... you will die in your sins." In a tolerant world that wants to deny the reality of sin and its consequences, this is an unpopular promise. Yet, the promise is true nonetheless. Sin brings spiritual death. From the beginning, this has been the case. "And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, 'Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die' " (Gen_2:16-17). This truth was restated by the prophets of Israel. "The soul who sins shall die" (Eze_18:20 ). It was also repeated by the apostles in the early church. "For the wages of sin is death" (Rom_6:23). Since everyone has sinned, this warning by promise that Jesus gave applies to us all. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom_3:23).
To escape the inevitable consequences of sin, one must trust in Jesus as the promised, divine Savior. "If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." This statement ("I am He") hints of Jesus' deity. Shortly thereafter, He openly declares that he is God, the Son. "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM" (Joh_8:58). Here, Jesus applies to Himself the same name that God revealed to Moses. "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you' " (Exo_3:14). Thus, this important promise by Jesus warns that only faith in Him as the divine Savior will deliver a person from the certain consequences of sin.

Lord Jesus, I thank You for this important warning given by promise. I am delighted to have yielded to its truth and certainty. I rejoice that my sins are forgiven. Use me to pass on this promise to others who need to respond to it, in Jesus name, Amen.

Bob Hoekstra

Boanerges · 08-18-2008, 01:40 PM

August 18

Another "Unpopular" Promise of Sin's Consequences
So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. (Mat_13:49-50)
Here are some more "unpopular" promises from Jesus. This series of promises intensifies the warning He gave in our previous meditation concerning the consequences of sin. "If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins" (Joh_8:24). Our present verses reveal by promise the absolute certainty of, and dreadful extent of, sin's consequences. In a world that wants to ignore eternity and deny accountability, these are unpopular promises.
All who die in the guilt of sin will definitely be judged some day. It is an absolute certainty. A day of accountability is coming. "So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just." Those who die before this day will also face judgment. "It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment" (Heb_9:27). The place of final judgment for the unsaved will be the great white throne. "Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it... And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God... And the dead (the unredeemed dead) were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books... And they were judged, each one according to his works... And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire" (Rev 20:11-15).
This absolutely certain judgment also has a dreadful extent. It is eternal. Sin is a spiritual crime against God. The true and living God is eternal. He is the great "I AM" (Exo_3:14 and Joh_8:58). Therefore, the consequences of sin are also eternal. Thus, all unbelievers will be "cast into the lake of fire and brimstone... And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever" (Rev_20:10). The ultimate torment of hell will be separation from God's presence for eternity. "These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord" (2Th_1:9).
The absolute certainty of, and the dreadful extent of, the consequences of sin make earlier promises we have examined all the more critical. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord... And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish" (Rom_6:23 and Joh_10:28).

Everlasting Father, I know that I deserve eternal judgment due to my sins against You. I praise You for the gracious gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Use me to help others know of the reality of judgment and the availability of everlasting life, Amen.

Bob Hoekstra

Boanerges · 08-19-2008, 03:33 PM

August 19

A Precious Promise of God's Provision
By which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises . . . And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (2Pe_1:4 and Phi_4:19)
In recent meditations, we have looked at two differing categories of promises: "exceedingly great and precious promises" and "unpopular" promises. Both play a vital role in God's plan. The first category of promises brings encouragement, comfort, and hope. The second category warns, convicts, and awakens. Both types are equally certain of fulfillment. Both types are to be heeded and embraced. For awhile now, let's alternately consider promises from these two categories.
Our present verses contain a promise of the first type. "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." The context of this promise concerns material provisions. "Now you Philippians know . . . no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities" (Phi_4:15-16). The saints at the church in Philippi regularly gave of their financial resources that the Apostle Paul might concentrate on ministering the gospel. "Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God" (Phi_4:18). Their recent gifts left Paul abundantly supplied. This generosity was also a pleasing spiritual sacrifice in the eyes of the Lord.
As He did with Paul, the Lord promises to meet the physical needs of all of His children. We can rely on His promised care for us. We do not need to worry or fret. "Do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things" (Mat_6:31-32). Our faithful and loving Father is fully aware of our material needs, and He has committed Himself to supplying them. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Mat_6:33). Our heavenly Father wants us to give our attention to seeking after Him, not after our needs. He wants us to be on a quest to know Him. He desires that we seek after His holy rule and His righteous ways. He will be faithful to "supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." He may typically use a paycheck to fulfill His promise, but He will supply our needs. Even if we are flat on our backs and unable to work, God is our faithful source.

Dear heavenly Father, I thank You for Your faithfulness in supplying my material needs through the years. Forgive me for doubting You at times, when it looked like the provision was not coming. Help me to seek You and not my needs, Amen.

Bob Hoekstra

Boanerges · 08-20-2008, 01:32 PM

August 20

"Unpopular" Promises Regarding Pride and Humility
Whoever exalts himself will be abased, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. (Mat_23:12)
In returning to our category of "unpopular" promises, we now consider a pair that contrasts pride and humility. Basically, these promises guarantee grievous results for those who chose the path of pride, while assuring abundant blessings for those willing to walk in humility. In a proud world (and, too often, proud church world), these promises are definitely "unpopular."
The way of the world is self-exaltation. Babylon is an example of this truth. Babylon was one of the mightiest kingdoms of ancient history. God would allow them to rise to worldwide power. He would even use them to chastise His own rebellious people, Israel. Yet, the Lord warned them of the end to which their pride would lead them. "I was angry with My people; I have . . . given them into your hand. You showed them no mercy . . . you . . . who say in your heart, 'I am, and there is no one else besides me' . . . Therefore evil shall come upon you . . . And trouble shall fall upon you . . . And desolation shall come upon you suddenly" (Isa_47:6, Isa_47:8, Isa_47:11). Even mighty Babylon could not prevent this promised end. "Whoever exalts himself will be abased." If kingdoms powerful enough to dominate their era could not negate this promise, how much less can any individual person (whether in the world or the church world) avoid this sober end for all who walk in pride?
Many of those who would scoff at this warning against pride, also disdain its corollary: "he who humbles himself will be exalted." Many religious and irreligious people alike hate to accept that humility is God's path of promised blessing. To them, humility is weakness and foolishness. They are convinced that self-confidence and self-assertion will gain whatever is desired. They refuse to accept that humility will lead to blessing. Nevertheless, humility is what pleases the Lord. David, a man of great intimacy with God, understood this truth. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart — These, O God, You will not despise" (Psa_51:17). God delights in those who come before Him admitting the greatness of their need. God is not looking for "mighty Babylons." He is looking for humble and broken hearts. Jesus clearly taught such truth. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven . . . Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" (Mat_5:3, Mat_5:5).

Dear Lord Jesus, I do not want to walk the proud path to destruction that mighty Babylon took. I yield to Your promise against pride. My heart is broken and crushed, as I think of my sins and failures. I come to You in humility, throwing myself upon Your great promise of mercy and grace, in Your wonderful name, Amen.

Bob Hoekstra

Boanerges · 08-21-2008, 02:21 PM

August 21

A Precious Promise of God's Completing Work
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Phi_1:6)

Now, we return to the category we are calling "precious promises." (2Pe_1:4). Here we have a priceless one concerning God's commitment to complete the wonderful work of salvation that He began at our new birth.
If our faith is in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, God has started a tremendous saving work on our behalf: " He who has begun a good work in you."
He has made us new creatures in His Son. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2Co_5:17). He has supplied us with immeasurable heavenly resources. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Eph_1:3). What a grand work has been started in us. Yet, God's saving work is "so great a salvation" (Heb_2:3). Thus, whatever He has already been accomplished with us is only a part of the whole. Wherever we are in this glorious process, there is some completing work that God desires to do. He wants to bring into our understanding, our character, and our daily experience more of that which is fully ours in Christ.
Furthermore, our God wants us to be confident concerning this matter: "Being confident of this very thing." As noted in our previous meditation, God does not want people living in self-confidence. That misplaced trust is just another form of pride. This does not mean that we Christians are to be without confidence in our lives. It does mean that all of our confidence is to be placed in the Lord. "And we have such trust [confidence] through Christ toward God" (2Co_3:4). Our Lord wants us to have strong assurance in Him that He will complete this work in us.
Also remember, this saving work of God is done within our lives: "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it." The Lord has established an eternal position for us with Him in heavenly places: "and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Eph_2:6). Yet, He wants to effect a godly walk for us here on earth. "Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called" (Eph_4:1). This walk is not based upon human theories of behavior modification. Our Lord Himself develops this in and through our hearts. "Now may the God of peace . . . make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight" (Heb_13:20-21).

Dear Lord, I long to walk in more of the reality of that which is mine in Christ. Thank You for these words that build my confidence in You. I humbly repent of my self-confident attempts to do what only You can do. I look to You anew and alone!

Bob Hoekstra

Boanerges · 08-22-2008, 09:11 PM

August 22

"Unpopular" Promises Regarding Sowing and Reaping
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. (Gal_6:7-8)
We now revisit the category of "unpopular" promises. This set of promises concerns the absolute certainties of the reaping and sowing process. "Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." In a world that often rejects accountability, these promises are very "unpopular."
Many people are deceived on this matter. They wrongly assume that they will not have to face the consequences of the "daily seeds" they are planting. To hold such an inaccurate perspective is actually a mockery against God, who established this principle. "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked." The pattern of planting and harvesting is clearly demonstrated in the case of physical seeds. Whenever a farmer sows corn, he always reaps corn. He never reaps wheat. This pattern is just as certain in the realm of spiritual seeds. Every person is sowing spiritual seeds every day of their lives: either, seeds of "his flesh" or seeds of "the Spirit." The harvest for each person is thereby determined: either, "corruption" or "everlasting life."
Throughout the world (and, sadly, in many instances within the church world) seeds of flesh are sown day by day. In word, deed, attitude, or relationship, people are planting seeds that are characterized by this fleshly list in Gal_5:19-21. "Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like." These seeds bring forth a harvest of destruction. "For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption." Such seeds diminish and destroy every life that engages in them. Such seeds bring multiplied condemnation and judgment for unbelievers. When believers are caught in such carnal indulgences for a season, these seeds bring forth spiritual dryness, fruitlessness, and lack of appetite for communion with the Lord.
On the other hand, far different seeds are available for sowing, and they produce a distinctly different crop. "He who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." The seeds that are planted by dependence upon the Spirit of God bring fruit as described in Gal_5:22-23. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

Heavenly Father, I deeply regret the fleshly seeds that I have sown. They always diminish my life and dishonor You. I desire to sow seeds of the Spirit. They always enrich my life and bring glory to You. I long to please You, not mock You, Amen.

Bob Hoekstra

Boanerges · 08-24-2008, 03:22 PM

August 23

A Precious Promise of God's Perfecting Work
The LORD will perfect that which concerns me. (Psa_138:8)
Again, we look at one of God's "precious promises." (2Pe_1:4). This one pertains to His perfecting work in the lives of those who know Him and humbly depend upon Him. This priceless promise is the Old Testament antecedent of the one we recently considered from Phi_1:6. "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it."
Think of the astounding implications of our present promise. "The LORD will perfect that which concerns me." Our God has pledged to fully accomplish His will and His plan in every matter that pertains to our lives. Whether it is growth in biblical insight, development in godliness, progress in marriage, or whatever, "the LORD will perfect that which concerns [us] ."
If we have given even minimal attention to God's word, we know that He wants us to grow in sound biblical understanding. "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food" (Heb_5:12). If we will humbly feed on God's word, seeking Him for spiritual insight, He "will perfect that which concerns [us] " in this area of life.
If we care about the will of God for our overall spiritual development, we know His word calls us to godliness. "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age" (Tit_2:11-12). If we seek the Lord and trust in Him for ongoing growth in godliness, He "will perfect that which concerns [us] " in this area as well.
With respect to family life, the scriptures reveal God's will to be a household of mutually submissive servants, each serving the other out of reverence for the Lord: "submitting to one another in the fear of God" (Eph_5:21). The servant wife would follow the spiritual leadership of the husband. "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord" (Eph_5:22). The servant husband would love His wife with sacrificial Christ-like love. "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it" (Eph_5:25). As each seeks the Lord for His transforming grace, He "will perfect that which concerns (us) " in this area of life also.

Dear Father, forgive me for attempting to perfect myself, when You have promised to attend to it. My vain efforts only quench the work of Your Spirit of grace. Lord, please carry out Your transforming work in my study of the word, my need to grow in godliness, my relationships at home, my testimony on the job, my service of You — my entire life, in Jesus name, Amen.

Bob Hoekstra

Boanerges · 08-24-2008, 03:23 PM

August 24

An "Unpopular" Prophetic Promise of Apostasy
Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron. (1Ti_4:1-2)
As we continue to alternate between "precious promises" and "unpopular" promises, we come to a prophetic promise of apostasy. Among those who are actually drifting into apostasy, this promise is certainly "unpopular." Additionally, in a church world that wrongly accepts what sounds positive and rejects what sounds negative (instead of rejecting error and accepting truth), this promise is often met with disinterest or, worse, disdain.
"The faith" is the message of the word of God. It is the divine truth in which we are to place our faith, our trust. It especially includes the good news of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our present promise forewarns that there will be those who fall away from "the faith" as the days press closer and closer to the end of the church era. "In latter times some will depart from the faith." Since this is a departure, they seemed to adhere to the word of God for a season. Then, they turned away from it. If they remain active in the church world, their message will no longer reflect the true content of the scriptures. Peter gave a similar warning. "There were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them" (2Pe_2:1). As sure as Israel had false prophets, the church would have false teachers.
Paul provided some insights into their path of apostasy. They would be " giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons." Their errors would result from paying attention to concepts that were perpetrated by demonic deception. The devil and his army of evil spirits are intent on confusing and distorting the teaching of the word of God. Typically, such errors feed man's fleshly desires to glorify self.
These apostates would also be "speaking lies in hypocrisy." Not only would their teaching be erroneous, their lives would be marked by falsehoods related to pretense. They would add untrue testimony to their inaccurate message. Perhaps, the reports of their ministerial prowess would be grossly exaggerated.
They would also be "having their own conscience seared with a hot iron." They would teach errors and live lies until their consciences were no longer convicted of sin. Be forewarned. Such apostates undoubtedly abound in these last days.

Lord God of truth, thank You for lovingly warning me of the danger of apostasy. Enlarge my appreciation of such "unpopular" promises. Please help me to cherish the truth of Your word. Give me a heart to know Your word. Sharpen my discernment concerning error. Keep my heart and my message anchored in the truth of scripture, Amen.
Bob Hoekstra

Boanerges · 08-25-2008, 01:02 PM

August 25

The Most Precious Promise of Shared Life
By which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature . . . Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law . . . that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (2Pe_1:4 and Gal_3:13-14)
Here, we get at the heart of God's "exceedingly great and precious promises." By means of promise, the Lord has made it possible for us to share in His life: "that through these [God's promises] you may be partakers of the divine nature."
What a remarkable prospect this is — that man could participate in the divine nature. Yet, the promises of God make this available to man. Of course, this does not mean that man becomes divine (as many false religions and some aberrant theologies espouse). God alone is, and will ever be, divine. "I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me" (Isaiah 46:9). Nonetheless, man can share in the life of God, even though he will never become "a god" himself. This is accomplished by Jesus Christ coming to dwell within the lives of those who believe in Him. The Lord Jesus died for us that He might give life to us. "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life" (Joh_6:47). This life that Jesus wants to share with us is His own life. "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life' . . . Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life' " (Joh_11:25 and Joh_14:6).
The Apostle Paul taught this great truth extensively. "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus" (2Ti_1:1). He understood that his apostolic ministry was not only anchored in God's will, but it also depended upon the life that God promised. Thus, he confessed Christ as his very own life: "Christ who is our life" (Col_3:4). Paul was not the source of the daily Christian life that he lived. "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Gal_2:20). The Lord Jesus was Paul's life source.
This is what the promise of the Spirit is about. "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law . . . that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." At new birth, the Holy Spirit also comes to indwell those who believe. The Spirit reveals these truths to us through the word of God. Then, the Spirit pours forth the life of Christ through every humble, dependent child of God. "It is the Spirit who gives life" (Joh_6:63).

Lord Jesus, thank You for making Your life available to me. What a precious promise that is! Teach me to walk according to Your Spirit, that Your life might be expressed through my life day by day, Amen.

Bob Hoekstra

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