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The Journey with Ron Moore

Appointed

July 9, 2021

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Devotion Text
 

Jeremiah 1:4-5

Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

God’s selection of Jeremiah was made before the prophet was even formed. The word “knew” means more than intellectual knowledge. It describes a personal relationship. God knows those he calls. God “appointed” Jeremiah as “a prophet to the nations.”

Is this verse just for Jeremiah? I don’t think so. Speaking to believers, Paul wrote, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight” (Eph 1:4 NIV). Think of that amazing truth! Before time began God chose you to be holy and blameless in his sight. Like Jeremiah, God knew you intimately before you took your first breath.

And like Jeremiah, God set you apart. He has something very definite in mind for you to do. He has appointed you to a specific assignment. He has placed a significant calling on your life. We cannot waste what God has graciously given us. Such love on the part of God demands love, worship, and action on the part of man. Determine what God has called you to do; then, go about getting it done.

Talking Points

  • Thank God for placing a significant call on your life. Ask him for the wisdom and courage to get it done.
  • Ask God to help your children hear his voice in their lives. Ask him to help them understand their calling early on and follow hard after Jesus.

Father, give us the wisdom to know what you have called us to do. Give us the courage to do it. And give us the perseverance to get it done. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

True Light

Waiting on God

July 8, 2021

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Devotion Text
 

Isaiah 64:4

From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.

God acts on our behalf. He saves, delivers, and rescues. His arm is not too short to reach down to help us. He is never stingy with forgiveness. His grace is a constant flow. His mercy never ceases. There is no end to his love. He acts on our behalf. And notice that he acts on behalf of those who “wait for him.”

I am convinced that many people never see God act on their behalf because they are too busy acting on their own behalf. Why wait on God when you can get it done yourself? They barge ahead on their own. They make their deals, cut their path, and build their stuff. And then when their deals fall through, their path leads to the edge of a cliff, and their buildings crumble, they wonder why God didn’t act.

So…slow down and wait on God. He is seldom early but he is never late. His right-on-time presence will provide all we need to do what he has called us to do. He is not silent or ignoring your need. He is waiting for his perfect time. Waiting on God is always worth the wait.

Talking Points

  • Tell God where you are impatient…things that you want to happen now.
  • Ask God to give you the patience and the trust to wait on him.

Father, we are in a hurry…slow us down. We are impatient…help us to wait on you. Thank you for being a God who acts on our behalf. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Our Advocate

Robe of Righteousness

July 7, 2021

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Devotion Text
 

Isaiah 61:10

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness….

The good news begins with bad news: I am separated from God and can do nothing about it. My best effort on my best day cannot bridge that great divide. My only option is to turn to Christ and trust in him as the One who paid the penalty of my sin by dying on the cross. When I stand before the Judge, having trusted in Christ, two things happen:

  • God clothes me with the garments of salvation. Not on the basis of what I have done, but fully on the merits of Christ’s work on the cross, God rescues me from an eternity separated from him. He declares me, “Not guilty” (justification). He takes off my old worn-out clothes and gives me a beautiful clean wardrobe—garments of salvation.
  • God gives me a robe of his righteousness. Not only does God declare me, “Not guilty,” He declares me, “Righteous.” When he looks on me, dressed in the garments of salvation and the robe of his righteousness, he views me as blameless because of the work of Jesus on the cross.

The good news begins with bad news. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. And our sin deserves death (physical, emotional, and spiritual). But the good news is that Jesus came and did for us what we could not do for ourselves. When we trust in Jesus as the only way to know God, we are set free from our old clothes and our old ways, and finally can enjoy the fellowship of the living God. That, by the way, is what we have wanted all along.

Talking Point

  • Ask God to give you the courage to share his good news with someone he has placed in your life.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your work on the cross to make my salvation possible. Thank you for a new set of clothes and a beautiful robe of righteousness. In your name I pray. Amen.

 

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Cleansed

The Back of the Line

July 6, 2021

Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download

Devotion Text
 

Isaiah 53:5-6

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Jesus was given no advantages. The Father sent him to the back of the line and made him experience all the pain of humanity. He was not strikingly handsome or a head taller than the rest of the crowd—He had no form or majesty that we should look at him…. He was not a person readily accepted by virtue of personality—He was despised and rejected by men…. Although fully God, he was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth—a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.

Jesus came from heaven to earth…and was sent to the back of the line—stricken, smitten, afflicted, pierced, crushed, oppressed, like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, cut off out of the land of the living. The King of Kings lived life as the king of suffering. He was not a victim of circumstance. He was not in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was sent to the back of the line by the Father—it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief.

Jesus was given no advantages in life and died a brutal death. That’s what it took to pay the penalty of sin. Nothing less would do. So, Jesus left heaven and went to the back of the line for you and me. I was the one who went astray. I was the one who turned to my own way. God laid my sin on Jesus. There is only one way to respond to such love—fall down and worship him! Every day! With your whole life!

Talking Points

  • Thank Jesus for suffering and dying for you.
  • Ask Jesus to help you live for him, every day, with your whole life.

Lord Jesus, thank you for willingly going to the back of the line for me. In your name I pray. Amen.

 

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Belonging

Stretch of Darkness

July 5, 2021

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Devotion Text
 

Dark stretches in our journey are not meant to be confusing or permanent. God uses these times to develop and deepen our faith. He calls us to follow hard after him, even with our questions, and trust him to open and close the appropriate doors. He desires that we rely on him for wisdom and discernment, for strength and peace. There will be times when the path seems dark, but these are the times God uses to ask us a question, “Can you trust Me?” Can you?

The prophet Isaiah says it like this:

Isaiah 50:10

Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.

God never leaves us, even in the darkness. It’s there we hear his voice most clearly. In the darkness we learn to rely on him. If you are walking in darkness let the following prayer be yours or send the prayer to someone who is going through a challenging time.

Talking to God

Father, this challenge, this stretch of darkness is lonely and discouraging. I long for closure, for a new day, for light at the end of my tunnel. Allow me to feel your presence. Help me gain your strength. Remind me that you are still at work. Help me trust and rely on you. I thank you that somehow you will use this stretch of darkness to do great things in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

1st John Introduction

My Purpose Will Stand

July 4, 2021

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Devotion Text
 

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

We are blessed and privileged to live in the United States. We thank God for all our temporal blessings. And we know we live in spiritually challenging times. But the believer has this confidence: our heavenly Father is sovereign over all—what he purposes, he will do.

Isaiah 46:9-11

…Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.

Regardless of the economic forecast…I am God and there is no other…. I have purposed, and I will do it.

Regardless of congressional votes or Supreme Court decisions… I am God and there is no other…. I have purposed, and I will do it.

Regardless of who wins the next election… I am God and there is no other…. I have purposed, and I will do it.

Regardless of the governments that come to power around the world… I am God and there is no other…. I have purposed, and I will do it. 

Regardless of the rogue rulers who make great claims I am God and there is no other…. I have purposed, and I will do it.

Even when the doctor’s report was not what I wanted to hear…even when a spouse walks away…even when my heart is broken…even when I wait for God to answer…even when my dream dies…even when I don’t get the job…even when my child is estranged…even when I am discouraged…even when I am depressed…even when I don’t feel like pushing forward…even when grief hits me like a vicious upper cut…even when things don’t make sense…REMEMBER— I am God and there is no other…. I have purposed, and I will do it.

Talking to God

Father, wherever we stand today…whether it is in joy, sadness, disappointment, discouragement, confusion, fear, impatience, or anxiety…we proclaim that you are God and there is no other. We thank you that what you have purposed; you will always accomplish. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

This Week on The Journey Broadcast:

 

1st John

Forgiveness

July 3, 2021

Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download

Devotion Text
 

It’s hard to forgive others when the hurt is deep, isn’t it? Pain brings emotions that beg for a source and when the source is another person it’s hard to release it…even to God. But an unwillingness to forgive is like holding a ball of fire; you will end up burning yourself.

Forgiving others may not be your biggest issue. You may struggle with forgiving yourself. All of us have disappointed and hurt those we love. Maybe it was a reckless word that pierced a friend like a sword. Maybe you abandoned your marriage. Maybe you disappointed your children. Maybe a rash decision led you to financial hardship. All of us wish we would have done things differently. But in today’s passage note the great forgiveness of God.

Isaiah 43:25

I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.

There are two things that God does with our sin. First, think of your greatest sin written in big, bold letters and highlighted on a piece of paper. God dips a brush in a jar of ink and applies it to the sin. The indictment is covered over; it can no longer be read. Secondly, God chooses to remember our sin no more. This has nothing to do with the capacity of his memory; it has everything to do with the depth of his grace. Through Christ, God forgives us completely. We move on from our forgiven sin. And…we can forgive others.

Talking to God

  • Tell God of a past failure (name the sin) that continues as an obstacle in your life. Ask God to help the memory dull so you can move forward in your relationship with him.
  • Name the person (or people) you are having a hard time forgiving. Ask God to help you lay down the hurt and pain and move forward in your relationship with him.

Father, thank you for full and complete forgiveness. Thank you for blotting out our sin and choosing to remember it no more. Please help us to forgive others—regardless of the pain they have caused—and help us forgive ourselves in order to live in the freedom of your great grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

This Week on The Journey Broadcast:

 

1st John

In My Days

July 2, 2021

Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download

Devotion Text
 

Hezekiah was in the prime of his life when he became very sick, and the prophet Isaiah told Hezekiah that he would die. Hezekiah pleaded with God to save him. God heard his prayer and promised the leader another fifteen years. Hezekiah was overjoyed! But unfortunately, pride overtook his heart. When envoys came from Babylon to give condolences, the recovered king showed them everything in his kingdom!

What was Hezekiah thinking? Why would a leader give away guarded secrets? God was not pleased with Hezekiah and let him know that the consequences of his actions would be placed on his sons after him. That’s when Hezekiah spoke the words in today’s passage. In essence he is saying, “Well at least I don’t have to worry about it.”

Isaiah 39:8

Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “There will be peace and security in my days.”

The result of our sin is a terrible legacy to leave to our sons and daughters. What we do today does matter—for today and tomorrow. Let’s not follow the example of Hezekiah. Let’s leave God’s blessings to our children, not the mess of our sin.

Talking Points

  • Ask God to show you any sin in your life today that will put a burden on your children.
  • Ask God to help you order your life to leave a godly legacy.

Father, please remind us that what we do today counts for tomorrow. Help us leave a legacy of spiritual blessings to those who follow us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Action

The Believer’s Desire

July 1, 2021

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Devotion Text
 

True believers long for God. We need him! In today’s passage, Isaiah desires three things.

Isaiah 33:2

O Lord, be gracious to us; we wait for you. Be our arm every morning, our salvation in the time of trouble.

We desire God’s grace. Like a person who looks at their face in a lighted magnifying mirror, the closer we get to God we see more of our blemishes. Growing believers understand the great need for God’s grace. We desire, in the words of the old hymn, “grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt.”

We desire God’s strength. We know the journey has many obstacles along the way. Circumstances slow us down and wear us out. Some people help carry our load; others add to it. The growing believer understands their weaknesses and limitations. They long for God’s “arm”—God’s strength every morning.

We desire God’s deliverance. Trouble hits us from all directions. Stress weighs down our hearts. Sickness, job loss, separation, divorce…no one is immune from living in a sin-ridden world. But right there in the midst of our distress, God comes and delivers us. The situation doesn’t always go away, but his peace passes all human understanding.

Talking Points

  • Tell God how much you need his grace.
  • Tell God that you are dependent on his strength today.
  • Ask God to give you peace in the midst of your circumstances.

Father, we long for you. We are incapable of making this journey on our own. We long for your grace, strength, and salvation. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Humility

Waiting

June 30, 2021

Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download

Devotion Text
 

Isaiah 30:18

Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.

God’s people were not acting like God’s people. They were “heaping sin upon sin” (Isaiah 30:1 NIV). They were rebellious, deceitful, and unwilling to listen to God’s instructions. They formed an alliance with Egypt, looking to Pharaoh, instead of God. They rejected the prophets and told them, “Do not prophesy to us what is right…let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel.”

Yet…look at today’s passage…God desires to pour out his grace. God can’t wait to demonstrate his great compassion. Certainly, he is a God of justice and there are consequences for sin. But like a loving father, God holds us tight and reminds us how much he loves and cares for us.

Too often our sin occurs because things aren’t happening the way we think they should or as fast as we think they should. Our impatience moves us to take matters into our own hands. We like it when we are in control…or at least feel like we are in control. But God blesses those who wait for his will and his way to be revealed. “Blessed are all those who wait for him.”

Talking to God

Father, thank you for your great grace and compassion. Thank you for desiring to pour out your grace and love on me. Thank you for your gracious discipline when I play on the dangerous road of sin. Give me patience to wait on your will in your time. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Real Life – Sacrifice for Others

Engaged Worship

June 29, 2021

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Devotion Text
 

Isaiah 29:13

And the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men….

We can sing beautiful worship songs with beautiful harmony…with hearts far from God.

We can stand attentively during the reading of Scripture…with hearts far from God.

We can say the Lord’s Prayer in beautiful unison…with hearts far from God.

We can recite the amazing truth of the Apostles’ Creed…with only our mouths and lips.

We can give our money to the church…even lots of it…with hearts far from God.

We can take the bread and the cup…with our minds on something other than the great sacrifice of Jesus.

We can attend church every weekend…motivated by guilt instead of worship.

We can serve the poor…with hearts far from God.

We can take care of widows and orphans…out of obligation instead of spiritual service.

We can read the Bible every day…only to check off our daily reading assignment.

We can say prayers…while our minds are wandering.

God is never impressed with people who come near him only to impress others. God is not impressed with recitation of mindless liturgy. God is not impressed when our worship is based on a set of traditions and rules that allow words to come from our mouths while nothing comes out of our hearts.

Saying prayers, singing songs, reciting creeds is not worship if our hearts are disengaged. Jesus said that true worshipers worship God in Spirit and in truth “for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks” (John 4:23 NIV). Are you the kind of worshiper God is looking for?

Talking to God

Father, help me be the kind of worshiper that you seek. Don’t allow my words to be disconnected from my heart. Don’t allow me to go through religious motions. Please keep my worship fresh and my heart engaged. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Real Life – Confidence and Contentment

Perfect Peace

June 28, 2021

Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download

Devotion Text
 

Isaiah 26:3-4

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

Fear shows up at the most inconvenient times. Like the winds of a tornado, it swirls through our hearts destroying the places where calm lived. Fear usually comes with a partner—a call from the doctor with a report of dreaded results, an appointment with our supervisor who may be delivering bad news, the upheaval of the stock market playing havoc with what we thought would be our retirement, a child out late who was supposed to have been home an hour ago.

But our passage today reminds us that fear can be dulled, even driven away, when we keep our mind on the Lord rather than our circumstances. This focus results in “perfect peace,” a deep settled calmness. Why? Because the mind stayed on God trusts him. Life still happens but in the midst of our storms, he is the immovable anchor. And we can trust in him forever. He is the “everlasting rock.”

I don’t know what you are going through today but God does. If you are reading this with a fearful heart, he is inviting you to trust him even as the winds of fear howl around you. He is inviting you to a place of rest and peace. The following prayer is for you. Use it as a guide, make it your own, and trust in the everlasting rock.

Talking to God

Dear Father, I am fearful. (Name the circumstance) is causing anxiety to fill my heart. I am scared of what may happen or what may not happen. Please help me let go of the fear and turn it over to you. Please fill my heart with the perfect peace that you promise. Help me to keep my mind stayed on you. You are the everlasting rock. I cling to you as the anchor for my fearful soul. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Real Marriage – Nourished

Holy One of Israel

June 26, 2021

Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download

Devotion Text
 

Isaiah 17:7-8

In that day man will look to his Maker, and his eyes will look on the Holy One of Israel. He will not look to the altars, the work of his hands, and he will not look on what his own fingers have made, either the Asherim or the altars of incense.

The phrase “in that day” refers to a time of God’s judgment on those who oppose him. In some passages this phrase refers to the end times; in others, it refers to the current situation. Here the phrase refers to a time when Israel, because of disobedience, would be invaded by the Assyrian army.

On the day of the invasion, God’s people finally turned to him for help and deliverance. The altars they had built to foreign gods would be of no assistance. Asherim were wooden symbols of the Canaanite fertility goddess and partner of Baal. The lifeless idols and altars offered no aid when the enemy swarmed down upon the people.

If you are trusting in anything but God, one day the circumstances of life will clearly show you the utter futility of your “gods.” The altars to self, career, and possessions will offer no relief. One day you will look to your Maker. Please don’t wait until “that day.” Turn your eyes to the Holy One today!

Talking to God

Father, open my eyes and my heart to see what I am depending on. Forgive me if it is anything or anyone but you. Give me strength to destroy any false gods. Help me look to you alone—my Maker and the Holy One. Help me teach my children (and grandchildren) the danger and futility of trusting in the things of this world. Help me show them how to keep focused on you alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

This Week on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Real Talk – 1st Corinthians

Omnipotence

June 25, 2021

Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download

Devotion Text
 

Isaiah 14:24, 27

The Lord of hosts has sworn: “As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand”. . . For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?

God’s omnipotence means that he is able to do all that he desires to do. When he plans something…it will come to be. If he purposes something…it will happen. Nothing can prevent his plan. Omnipotence comes from two Latin words: omni—“all”, and potens—“powerful.” God’s decisions are always in line with his character and he has all the power to do whatever he decides to do.

Scripture is clear that God is strong and mighty (Ps. 24:8). Nothing is too hard for him to accomplish (Gen. 18:14; Jer. 32:17, 27; Luke 1:37). Often God is called “Almighty” describing him as the One who possesses all power and authority (2 Cor. 6:18; Rev. 1:8; et. al.). In fact, Paul says that God is “able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think…” (Eph. 3:20).

Reflect on this attribute of God. When God plans something for your life, he is not dependent on circumstances, your strength, your network, or the economy. He is not wringing his hands hoping that you are in the right place at the right time. God’s will is not reliant on what you know or who you know. God has great plans for you and he’ll get them done. Watch and enjoy seeing God at work!

Talking to God

Father, I acknowledge you alone as all-powerful. Nothing can derail your plans or thwart your purposes. Help me to trust that you—the Omnipotent One—are working all things out for my good. Help me demonstrate my trust in your omnipotence to my children. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Real Sex – Guarded

A Son is Given

June 24, 2021

Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download

Devotion Text
 

Isaiah 9:6-7

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor. I can go to him anytime for anything. He is never too busy. No appointment needed. He understands. He sympathizes with my weaknesses. He has been tempted and yet never gave in. His perfect counsel corrects my selfish thinking and gives guidance to my foolish heart.

Jesus is the Mighty God. All things were created by and for him. Apart from him nothing was made that has been made. He touched blind eyes and they saw. He touched withered limbs and they were normal and healthy. He calmed the raging storms with his command. He raised the dead. He conquered death! He is fully God and fully Man.

Jesus is the Everlasting Father. He is eternal. The Word became flesh in the manger, but there has never been a time when Jesus was not nor will there ever be a time when he is not.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He reigns as King and one day will bring peace to the earth. But now he brings peace to the heart. He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).

For to us a child is born! Enter the King! Exit the darkness! The Light of the World has come!

Talking with God

Father, thank you for demonstrating your love to me by sending your Son—the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace—to die in my place on the cross. Help me respond appropriately to such unfathomable love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Real Sex – Honored

Immanuel

June 23, 2021

Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download

Devotion Text
 

Seven hundred years before the birth of Jesus, Isaiah proclaimed this prophetic promise.

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

But even a fulfilled prophesy can be problematic. Imagine explaining that you were “with child” absent the physical act. Imagine trying to explain the pregnancy to your fiancé. Joseph couldn’t accept it. His plan for a quiet divorce was the act of a godly man with a broken heart. He would move on; she would have the baby alone. That was the plan…until the angel’s visit which provided Joseph with God’s explanation.

The promises God makes will come to be. He never renegotiates. He never changes his mind. He never bases his promises on our actions. When God makes a promise, it is a matter of fact, even seven hundred years before it happens.

Talking to God

Father, I thank you for the certainty of your Word. Thank you for making good on all your promises. Help us depend on you as we wait for your promises to come true. Thank you for sending Jesus—Immanuel, God with us! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Real Sex – Distorted

Holy. Holy. Holy.

June 22, 2021

Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download

Devotion Text
 

Isaiah 6:1-3

In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”

Can you imagine seeing the things that Isaiah described in this passage? The great prophet saw God seated on his throne as King over all. The Lord was high and exalted. His long robe filled the temple as a sign of royalty and majesty.

Above the Lord were angelic beings, each with six wings. In humility, the seraphim used two wings to cover their faces as they hovered before God. With two wings they covered their feet showing their service to the Most High. And with two wings they flew in continued activity. As they served, they called out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” Isaiah’s response to such a vision was to cry out, “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips…!”

We thank God that he is our heavenly Father and we can approach him with the endearing “Abba, Father.” While our relationship is an intimate one, he is still the omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, eternal Creator. Thank God for your personal relationship with him. And don’t forget that he is holy and the “whole earth is full of his glory!”

Talking to God

Father, forgive me for taking your greatness for granted. Help me live in awe of your Person. As I draw near to you as my Father, may I never forget that you are holy, holy, holy. Help me teach my children (and grandchildren) about your greatness and majesty. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Real Leadership – Part 2

White As Snow

June 21, 2021

Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download

Devotion Text
 

Isaiah 1:18

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”

Left to ourselves we can’t have a relationship with God. Our baptism, confirmation, generous giving, and regular church attendance are not enough to make us right with God. We are in a helpless and hopeless situation. Because of our sin, we deserve to die—spiritually, physically, and eternally.

But God did for us what we could not do for ourselves. He demonstrated his great love by sending Jesus to pay the penalty for our sins. Jesus—fully God and fully Man—died to pay the penalty for us. Being a Christian is simply this: I believe that Jesus died for me. I believe that the death of Jesus paid the penalty for my sin. I trust in Jesus alone to place me into an eternal relationship with the living God.

Our sins stain our hearts. Now, through Jesus, we can be clean. God wants to settle the matter with you. God loves you and desires to know you intimately and deeply. Today I urge you to speak with your children (or grandchildren) about Jesus. Use the following prayer as a guide putting it into age-appropriate words.

Talking to God

Dear heavenly Father, I know that I am a sinner and cannot earn my way to you. My best efforts on my best day fall short. I trust in Jesus alone as the only way I can have a relationship with you. I trust in Jesus as the One who paid the penalty of my sin by his death on the cross. Thank you for hearing my prayer, forgiving my sins, and placing me in your family. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

If anyone in your family has trusted in Christ, please contact us at prayer@ronmoore.org so we can help them get started on their journey with Jesus.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Real Leadership – Part 1

Battlement of Silver

June 20, 2021

Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download

Devotion Text
 

Song of Solomon 8:8-9

We have a little sister, and she has no breasts. What shall we do for our sister on the day when she is spoken for? If she is a wall, we will build on her a battlement of silver, but if she is a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar.

The Song of Solomon pulls no punches regarding sex, but it is in no way crude or vulgar. Through exquisite poetry the book vividly describes this beautiful gift from God within the context of marriage. Today’s passage explains that the training for biblical sexuality begins at home.

The family asks: How can we prepare our sister for God’s gift?

If she is a wall, we will build on her a battlement of silver.

The city wall was strong. It provided protection from enemies. The tower was where the battle gear was hung. The battle ornaments gave a sense of strength and preparedness. So, if the young girl remained strong like a wall—refusing to give in to sexual temptations—the family would encourage and honor her virtue.

If she is a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar.

If the young woman was promiscuous—open to the advancement of men—then the family would place restrictions on her in order to protect her from hurting herself prior to marriage.

So as children (this instruction applies to young men as well) mature and become sexually aware, it is the parents’ responsibility to encourage proper behavior and restrict improper behavior. This type of interaction is not easy. It takes time and energy that only those who love their children are willing to give. This is not the description of an overly strict family, but one that cares and is committed enough to do their job in teaching sexual responsibility.

Talking to God

Father, I pray that you will give all parents the courage they need to guide and train their children in the area of sexuality. Thank you for allowing us to teach our children about sex before they hear about it from their friends. I pray that all the learning about this vital area of life takes place in a healthy way within the safe environment of the home. And I pray that you will help parents (and grandparents) model biblical sexuality. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

This Week on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Real Talk – 1st Corinthians

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