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EXPERIENCING TOMORROW'S REALITY TODAY -- Daily Bible Study Devotionals

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

October 29, 2019

It was a rendezvous with destiny, except that it felt like an ordinary day.  Jill and I had taken our dog, Ollie, for a ride and walk at a time other than we normally would. I ran a quick errand, and then drove back to where Jill and Ollie were walking. As I approached, I noticed a man talking to a man in a wheelchair. As I drove closer, I realized that one of the men was our former realtor and friend,  Blake, a Christian. He commented on the significance of the timing of my arrival. The man in the wheelchair had been perplexed about world events, and was seeing the need for faith in Christ. Blake invited me into their conversation, and asked me to explain further about making a commitment to Christ.

We discussed various Bible verses, I mentioned the need for water baptism at some point following a decision, we addressed questions, and eventually I suggested we have prayer. Before I led in prayer, the man simply stated, “Lord, if you would have me, I give you my life.”

Following prayer, we affirmed that the man had indeed made a commitment to Christ, and we encouraged him to begin the practice of personal Bible study and prayer time. We suggested an online Bible, and other resources. Since he was perplexed about the times we live in, I offered to give him a copy of my book, “Hope for Uncertain Times.” I mentioned our home Bible study group, and invited him to attend - which Blake heartily encouraged. We exchanged phone numbers and parted ways rejoicing. 

It is an unfinished story. Will this man be baptized? Will he attend our home group? Will I have further opportunities to help him grow in the faith? Much is yet to be determined. But, the timing of this encounter leaves me in awe. Was it “coincidence” that we ventured out at the time we did? That we went the specific direction we did? That we would encounter Blake after not seeing him for many months? That we would arrive at precisely the moment their conversation had turned to this man’s desire to make a decision? It seemed a bit like the series of events involving Philip and an Ethiopian government official, recorded in Acts 8:26-40. It also punctuated the truth that “Man’s steps are ordained by the LORD, How then can man understand his way?” Proverbs 20.24.

To literally be led, step by step, to be part of someone’s conversion experience, is the highest and most humbling privilege.

The moral of the story? You may be closer to a life-changing encounter today than you might imagine.  Live, walk, and work expectantly.
 
Steve

posted by steve @ 9:02 AM   0 comments

Tuesday, October 08, 2019

October 8, 2019

I did it again. I don’t like doing the wrong thing, but it seems to be a habit I’ve not been able to break.  If only I had been more understanding. If only I had taken the time. If only I had not been so selfish. The list goes on and on.  Missteps. Mistakes. Sin. You and I have a lengthy list of them, but how we handle them can make all the difference.

“For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7.10

Godly sorrow is contrasted with worldly sorrow. Worldly sorrow leads us to wallow in self-pity, negativism, and defeat. Godly sorrow, by comparison, takes restorative steps. Worldly sorrow leads to death, whereas godly sorrows leads to life.

Unless we follow the path of godly sorrow, we will never enter the kingdom of God. Godly sorrow directs us to repentance, and without repentance we cannot come to saving faith.  

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1.15 

“Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2.38

Worldly sorrow paralyzes. It smothers us with overwhelming regret, and a hopeless sense of unworthiness. We are convinced that God can never accept someone so sin-scarred, and thus we never move forward in repentance that leads to forgiveness and grace. 

There is no better example of godly sorrow that the heartfelt words and prayer of King David, recorded in Psalm 51. Worldly sorrow would have led David to a literal dead end; godly sorrow directed him down the road of restoration. 

There is no escaping the reality of sin. You and I will continue to think and do that which is wrong in spite of our best efforts. Our response to sin, however, will make all the difference. Consider the two path before you: worldly sorrow and godly sorrow. Choose the path that leads to life.

Steve

posted by steve @ 8:15 AM   0 comments

Tuesday, October 01, 2019

October 1, 2019

Where we have been is not nearly as important as where we are today. Faithfulness in the past is good, but faithfulness today is most important. 

“And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain— for He says, ‘At the acceptable time I listened to you, And on the day of salvation I helped you.’ Behold, now is ‘the acceptable time,’ behold, now is ‘the day of salvation’” 2 Corinthians 6.1-2

Some people assert that the Bible teaches that once we have made a commitment to Christ we can never lose the hope of salvation; once saved, always saved. This can easily become license for a worldly lifestyle. If I “got my ticket punched” through baptism, it doesn’t matter how I live because the promise of resurrection and immortality cannot be lost. 

The message of 2 Corinthians 6.1-2 seems at odds with such an idea. Paul urged believers “not to receive the grace of God in vain.” Apparently a good beginning was not an assurance of a good finish. Beginning with the grace of God does not guarantee continuance in the grace of God. The priority is faithfulness in the present: “Behold, now is ‘the acceptable time,’ behold, now is ‘the day of salvation.’” The “day of salvation” was the day of our conversion, but it is also this present day and moment. How we run the race today is at least as important as how we began the race.

Valuing the grace of God in Christ is evidenced in a commitment to daily Christian lifestyle. It’s not a “do” and “don’t” obligation checklist; it’s a wholehearted desire to live the lifestyle of Christ in appreciation for what He has done for us. 

If a concern not to “receive the grace of God in vain” weighs on our hearts and minds, it is fair to say we have not received it in vain. Profound gratitude in the moment, an eager desire to live righteously, a passion for service and outreach, all are indications that God’s grace is working effectively and productively in our lives this moment. As such, today truly is “day of salvation.” May we ever abound in all that pleases God and Christ in response to grace.

Steve

posted by steve @ 8:19 AM   0 comments