Power Of/In Faith November 16, 2019

Hebrews 11:16 New International Version (NIV)

16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

Hebrews 11 is full of reminders of the great heroes of faith from long ago. Many of them risked everything — some even paid the ultimate price — for their faith. How did they live out such a strong faith in the face of such difficulty and persecution? They were looking for a better place, a better home, a better country, a better city — a heavenly one. God prepared this better place for them. He is proud to be called their God and welcome them to that better place. And this better place, this better country, is also promised to us as people of faith! Jesus promised us that he is preparing for our arrival at our heavenly home and he will come back and take us to be where he is (John 14:1-4). If the Lord is longing for us to join him, then surely we can have a deep longing to be with him. Let's desire our heavenly country!

Thought for today: Does my faith ask me to look at the big picture and is it a sustaining faith?

Completion November 15, 2019

Joshua 11:15 New International Version (NIV)

15 As the Lord commanded his servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses.

Joshua is one of my favorite Bible heroes. He was a great servant to Moses. He refused to be swayed by his peers or by the crowd when he spied out the Promised Land. He followed in the footsteps of a great leader and was a great leader himself — not an easy task! Joshua was vigorous and vital even in his old age. Most of all, Joshua was obedient to God and did everything that God had commanded him to do, as well as what God had commanded Moses that he should do. In other words, Joshua was faithful!

Thought for today: What am I faithful and committed to?

Not Against Flesh and Blood November 14, 2019

2 Corinthians 11:14 New International Version (NIV)

14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.

While we wait for God's great victory for us to be fully realized, we also need to know that we are in a battle. God will win this battle through Jesus Christ. The final outcome is certain. Christ has already won the decisive battle. However, let's not be fooled; the evil one will do everything he can to deceive all people and confuse the lost. Let's stick with God's plan — living his truth, listening for his voice in Scripture, and following the lead of his Spirit.

Thought for today: Can I recognize false prophets and prophecy?

Praise and Power In My Impatience November 13, 2019

Hebrews 11:13 New International Version (NIV)

13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.

I'm not good at waiting for much of anything. I'm like the kids who have seen the catalogues for Christmas toys and are anxious for the big gift day. God does have a great Gift Day ahead for us. On that wonderful day, all our waiting will be over and our faith will become sight. Let's follow the example of these great heroes of faith, and welcome that day from afar, by anticipation, praising God for his victory through Jesus Christ in our lives.

Thought for today: Do I stress and get anxious over the things I believe I “should” have or understand?

Lifting Not Lowering November 12, 2019

Proverbs 11:12 New International Version (NIV)

12 Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense,
    but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.

Wise folks don't have to prove their wisdom by disrespecting others and putting them down. Instead, they hold their tongues and let their lives speak what is good, honorable, righteous, and true. In a world of sarcasm and in a culture that is attracted to the person who can put down others with quick and razor-sharp "put downs," we are called to bring a blessing with our words (Ephesians 4:29).

Thought for today: Do I give pause and prayer before speaking?

All In This Together November 11, 2019

1 Corinthians 11:11-12 New International Version (NIV)

11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12 For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.

"We are all one in Christ Jesus!" Paul told the Galatians (Galatians 3:26-29). Satan, however, constantly tries to divide God's people. One of his most effective means of division has been to divide men and women — whether in families or churches. Paul reminds us that if Jesus is our Lord, we recognize we need each other and we are committed to placing value on each other. Rather than letting Satan divide us through our differences, we choose to unite around our Savior!

Thought for today: Do I use difference as a justification to continue in poor behavior?

The Backslide November 10, 2019

Jeremiah 11:10 New International Version (NIV)

10 They have returned to the sins of their ancestors, who refused to listen to my words. They have followed other gods to serve them. Both Israel and Judah have broken the covenant I made with their ancestors.

Sometimes those with the greatest opportunity for blessings spurn them and fall back into the sinful habits of their heritage and culture. The consequences of this rejection of God, and his will, are enormous. For the last ten days in our devotionals, we've looked at the glorious future that lies ahead for us in our walk with Christ. Unfortunately, there are some who never climb on board the train of grace. They don't follow God and disdain those who do. In the face of their criticism, let's make sure we are truly faithful to God's calling, not just in word, but also in deed.

Thought for today: Am I faithful and consistent in my faith walk?