Through the work of Jesus, believers have an eternal inheritance that will “never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). Our rebirth comes with powerful privileges.
Daily Devotion
Daily Devotion
Where is Your Allegiance?
No one or no thing can stand between you and God. God will not put you through the same test he required of Abraham, but he wants your total allegiance just the same. Put him first and he will provide everything you need. Remember, his name is Jehovah-Jireh.
The Cost of Compromise
How about you? Where are your tents pitched? What are you willing to concede for your “flocks to thrive”? Many are willing to compromise their reputation, marriage and family for the sake of power and possessions.
God’s Promises Are Always True
I don’t know what your situation is today. Maybe like Abram, you are beginning to feel that God has forgotten you and his promise. You have fallen into that “can’t happen” mindset. Let me remind you that his name is still God Almighty!
Begin the Journey
How about you? Are you willing to step out on faith even when you’re not sure where the journey may take you? Are you willing to obey even when it doesn’t add up on your spreadsheet?
God Never Backs Down
God never backs down. He dealt with the issue by supernaturally confusing their language. Picture the scene. One minute the parents were bragging about their super-gifted children, and the next minute it all sounded like babbling. Then God gave the rebellious innovators exactly what they didn’t want. He “scattered them over the face of the whole earth.”
Faith in Action
We live in the middle of “wickedness on earth” as well. People all around us are following the evil inclinations of their hearts and ignoring God. But here’s the question: Is there a contrast between us and the people of our time?
Satan, Sin, Disease, and Death
Just as poison at the beginning of a stream contaminates the entire stream, so sin at the beginning of the human race contaminates us all. “All have sinned,” and that sin separates us from God. Actually God did for us what we could not do for ourselves. He sent his Son to pay sin’s penalty by his death on the cross.
One Flesh
Adam was formed out of the dust, but his partner was formed from the already created man. Today’s passage begins with Adam’s first words after he woke up to see his partner. When you read the passage, don’t miss Adam’s sheer excitement. He is beside himself!
Our Creator and Protector
God the Father: The All-Powerful Creator. God the Son: The Agent of Creation, Re-Creation and Resurrection. God the Spirit: The Protector and Nurturer. How can we respond to such a powerful, gracious and loving God? Only one way – bow down and worship him. Why don’t you do that right now? Start the new year on your knees before the Triune God.
Ending and Beginning
Jesus didn’t stay an infant for long. It was time for Mary and Joseph to prepare Jesus to become a “son of commandment” (bar mitzvah). At that age young boys were obligated to observe the religious practices personally. So Jesus made the trip for Passover. Two decades later he would make the trip again, one last time, giving his life on the cross.
The Shadow of Death
Death followed Jesus throughout his life. From the moment of his birth, those in authority were trying to kill him. And finally, they did. But not as a helpless victim; Jesus voluntarily gave himself up for us on the cross. He died in my place. He died so that I could live. Have you surrendered to the King? Or, like Herod, are you still trying to keep him out of your life?