Posts by 970admin (Page 2)
This is The Way – Devo Day 34
Yesterday (Psalm 119:81-88) the psalmist said that the hardships he was experiencing and the adversaries that opposed him ALMOST wiped out his faith. But, by the end of the stanza, he has reasserted his confidence and dependence on the Word of God. It was a sobering reminder that our faith is always under attack. Satan didn’t tempt Adam and Eve to commit a sin; he only tempted them to doubt His Word. So what is faith anyway? Faith is the…
This is The Way – Devo Day 33
Kaph – Psalm 119:81-88 81 My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word. 82 My eyes long for your promise; I ask, “When will you comfort me?” 83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten your statutes. 84 How long must your servant endure? When will you judge those who persecute me? 85 The insolent have dug pitfalls for me; they do not live according to your law. 86…
This is The Way – Devo Day 32
The Discipline of Prayer Prayer is a vital and unique relational dimension of the Christian faith. God created us to enjoy a personal relationship with Him, and prayer is that personal dialogue with the living God. Seen from a Biblical perspective, prayer is a privileged opportunity, not a duty to discharge. Prayer is the meeting place where we draw close to God, to be with Him, to enjoy Him, to receive from Him, to release our burdens and fears, and…
This is The Way – Devo Day 31
Tell me to what you pay attention and I will tell you who you are. Jose Ortega y Gasset, Spanish philosopher It’s amazing how accurate a personal profile can be compiled from your online purchases, your calendar, your social media feed, your video/audio streaming selections, the books your read, the podcasts you listen to, and the video you watch. It’s also pretty scary when we realize how much we have been influenced by Madison Avenue, Wall Street, Washington DC, Hollywood,…
This is The Way – Devo Day 30
Yodh – Pslam 119:73-80 73 Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. 74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word. 75 I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. 76 Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. 77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may…
This is The Way – Devo Day 29
The Disciplines of Solitude and Silence This was one of the surprise golden nuggets that I discovered while I was at seminary and went on two retreats to a Trappist monastery in southern Missouri. I’d like to say that I learned some amazing spiritual insights from the monks or that God revealed a cosmic mystery to me but what I found there was me. I can honestly say, “I didn’t know myself very well.” I know that sounds stupid for…
This is The Way – Devo Day 28
Jesus Prays for His Disciples – John 17:14-23 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your…
This is The Way – Devo Day 27
Teth – Psalm 119:65-72 65 You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according to your word. 66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments. 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. 68 You are good and do good; teach me your statutes. 69 The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts; 70 their heart is unfeeling like fat, but…
This is The Way – Devo Day 26
The Extremes of Spiritual Development It’s easy to slip into the extremes of spiritual development. The first extreme overemphasizes our role and minimizes God’s role. This position is characterized by the mentality of striving and living for Christ. It emphasizes knowledge, rules, rededication efforts, and human activity, and it undervalues the work of the Holy Spirit. The second extreme (the opposite of the first) overemphasizes God’s role and minimizes our role. This position is characterized by a let-go-and-let-God passivity. It…
This is The Way – Devo Day 25
It is the night before his crucifixion at their Passover celebration. Jesus had washed the disciple’s feet, revealed his betrayer, and foretold of Peter’s denial. Then he turns to His disciples to encourage them, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1 (ESV) It’s another way of saying “Fear not” which is what God says throughout the Scriptures when his people feared what they were confronting. He tells them to trust in God…
This is The Way – Devo Day 24
Heth – Psalm 119:57-64 57 The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep your words. 58 I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. 59 When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies; 60 I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments. 61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law. 62 At midnight I rise to praise…
This is The Way – Devo Day 23
6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.…