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The Journey with Ron Moore

True Service

October 16, 2021

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Devotion Text

Mark 10:42-45

And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

James and John had a bold request: Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory. The other disciples were outraged. Can’t blame them. But Jesus used the entreaty for a teaching moment.

The ways of the world are built around power and control—people lording it over others. The golden rule of the world is—the one who has the gold rules. Power is used to make others stoop. Jesus, however, lived and taught counter to culture. For those who follow him, true greatness is measured by service. If you want to be first in line, you must go to the back of the line. Jesus, himself, showed us how that works. He did not come to earth to sit on a throne. He left his throne in heaven to hang on a cross. He did not come to be served but to serve and give his life a ransom for many. In his death, he demonstrated the ultimate act of service.

Following hard after Jesus is not about positions of honor or power. Following hard after Jesus is more “backstage” than “front stage.” The rewards are given to those willing to serve wherever and whenever they are needed. Many times that may mean that no one ever sees—no one, that is, except Jesus. He looks deep into the heart and sees our motives and intentions.

Talking Points

  • Ask God to help you be willing to serve in a way that no one, except him, sees.
  • Ask God to help you teach your children the importance of going to the back of the line.

Lord Jesus, thank you for teaching us about service and for showing us how to serve. May we follow hard after you as our Savior and follow your example of true service. In your name we pray. Amen.

 

 

This Week on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Job

Fear or Faith

October 15, 2021

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

Devotion Text

Mark 4:40

He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”

The winds were so strong and the waves so furious that the seasoned fishermen were sure the boat was going down. And as the water pounded the boat, Jesus slept. The disciples were not humored. Finally, they woke him up and asked, “Don’t you care if we drown?”

“Jesus, don’t you care?” That’s often our “storm” question as well.  “Don’t you care that I just lost my job?” “Don’t you care that my marriage is on the rocks?” “Don’t you care that I’m single?” “Don’t you care that I’m sick?” “Why did they have to die so young? Don’t you care?” But Jesus cuts to the chase and answers our questions with a question, “Why are you so afraid? Don’t you trust me?” Jesus knows that a heart absent of faith is full of fear.

In the midst of every storm, we have two options. We can fill our hearts with fear, convincing ourselves that Jesus doesn’t care. Or we can trust him—to calm the storm or calm us. I know it’s easier said than done but those are our choices—fear or faith. It’s an easy answer; it’s a hard application. Let’s pray for his help.

 Talking to God

Lord Jesus, storms are frightening. Like the disciples, I panic and question your care. I am weak and in constant need of your help. It’s easy to talk about faith but live with fear. So, please speak calmness to my heart just like you did to the wind and the waves. Lord, I know my children are watching. They note how I handle storms. Help me pass on the faith and trust that comes from you. Thank you for the promise that you will always be with me. In your name I pray. Amen. 

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Can You Hear Me Now? Living the Bible

Authority!

October 14, 2021

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

Devotion Text

Matthew 7:28-29

And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

Today’s passage concludes the Sermon on the Mount. In this sermon, Jesus addressed everything from lust to love, from murder to money, from judging others to being judged by God. It is indeed the greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest preacher who ever lived.

The people of Jesus’ day had heard many sermons. The religious leaders waxed eloquently about the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ of the law. They heaped guilt on their listeners, tearing others down by building themselves up. But the crowds were amazed at the teaching of Jesus. His words were delivered with authority, from the heart of God to the heart of man.

Hearing God’s Word is not reserved for first-century listeners gathered on the side of a mountain. God’s living Word is available every day for us to read, contemplate, and apply. The Word of God carries with it the authority of God. It never ceases to amaze those who take the time to read it.

Talking to God

Father, thank you for your powerful, living, and authoritative Word. May we be hearers and doers of it. Amaze us each day with your powerful words of life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

Would you like to learn how to read the Bible? Email us at prayer@ronmoore.org for a free resource that will help you read and study the Bible on your own.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Can You Hear Me Now? Believing the Bible

Building Wisely

October 13, 2021

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Devotion Text

Matthew 7:24-27

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.

A person decided to build a house. They worked hard and had it up in record time. Sure, they took a few shortcuts, but the house looked fantastic. They moved in and had cookouts for family and friends. Everyone enjoyed their generous hospitality. Then one night a storm rolled into town. The sun rose to show the house was demolished by the rain and wind.

A person decided to build a house. They worked hard and took their time. They focused first on the foundation and dug down deep until they hit bedrock. With the footing solid they began to build. The house looked fantastic. Family and friends enjoyed their generous hospitality. Then one night a storm rolled into town. The sun rose to show the house standing strong “because it had been founded on the rock.”

Jesus was a carpenter, but this story was not a lesson in building a house. Rather it was instruction for building a life. The solid foundation belongs to those who hear the words of Scripture and put them into practice. So, here’s the question. What kind of house are you building? Be honest. Are you a wise or foolish builder?

Talking to God

Father, I know that storms will come. Help me to be a wise builder who hears your Word and does what it says. Help me build on a solid foundation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

The Bible’s Translation and Distribution

No Surprises

October 12, 2021

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Devotion Text

Matthew 7:21-23

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

On the final day, there will be some solemn surprises. Jesus said on that day people would call him, “Lord, Lord,” but they are not fit for the kingdom of heaven. Can you think of anything more tragic?

Some will proclaim their great work for God. But works will never secure our place in heaven. Eternal life is a free gift of grace through faith in Jesus alone.

Do you know for sure that you will not be turned away from heaven? Words cannot describe the heartrending emotion of thinking you were in only to hear the words, “I never knew you.” Please don’t let that happen to you. Use the following prayer as a personal guide to tell Jesus your desire to hear, “Welcome home good and faithful servant.”

Talking to God

Lord Jesus, I know that there is absolutely nothing I can do to earn a place in heaven. My best works on my best day fall short of your perfect standard. I am broken and cannot fix myself. I am a sinner and cannot earn forgiveness. I am lost and cannot save myself. I need you. Right now I trust in you as the only way to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I trust in you as the only way to have eternal life. I trust in you as the only way to have meaning and purpose during my years on earth. I know that I am saved only by your free gift of grace. I trust in you as the One who paid the penalty for my sin and places me in a personal relationship with the living God. In your name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

The Bible’s Context

Wolves Dressed Like Sheep

October 11, 2021

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Devotion Text

Matthew 7:15-20

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

Through your computer, tablet, or smartphone you have at your fingertips the opportunity to hear thousands of teachings from hundreds of teachers. The Internet provides incredible choices…and tremendous danger. From the varying messages of media, you can stay in the main lane or be lured into a perilous detour.

Today’s passage provides a much-needed warning. There are many appealing messages and messengers, but some present teaching outside the body of truth found in Scripture. Watch out for deceiving and dangerous teachers who are, what Jesus calls, ravenous wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing.

How do you spot a misleading teacher? Consider their words, actions, and attitudes. Hold what they say up to Scripture—God’s inerrant Word. Consider their lifestyle. Evaluate their decisions. Sooner or later, what is happening on the inside will be revealed on the outside. The inner seed will produce outward fruit. When you see the fruit then you can discern the seed.

Talking to God

Father, give me biblical discernment. Help me study your Word so I can spot teaching that is outside your truth. Guard me against false teachers—even when their words and presentations are attractive. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

God, Are You Listening to My Prayers?

Wide or Narrow?

October 10, 2021

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Devotion Text

Matthew 7:13-14

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Two Entrances

There are two entrances to the spiritual journey. One entrance is high, wide, and packed. You can bring all your beliefs and philosophies, along with your possessions and pride. Just follow the crowd. The other entrance is small. Only the Gatekeeper permits access. To enter you must set aside your pride and stoop down.

Two Paths

The wide gate leads to the wide road. It is filled with luring attractions. But what looks inviting from the outside is empty on the inside. Even in the large crowd, you feel so alone. The small entrance leads to a narrow road. This road is built with grace and forgiveness. When you stumble, others help you up and keep you heading in the right direction.

Two Destinations

While the wide gate makes for an easy entrance and the path is appealing, the end is tragic. The empty promises lead to an empty life and eternity. The end is destruction, hell—eternal separation from God. The small entrance and the narrow road provide a different ending. The Gatekeeper has paved the way to heaven—eternal fellowship with God. This is the only road that leads to life.

Two entrances, two paths, two destinations. Which will you choose?

If you would like to choose the path of life, make this prayer your own.

Heavenly Father, I have tried the wide gate and the broad road. This path has left me empty, without meaning and purpose; broken, bruised and alone. I know that I am on the wrong road. Today, with your strength, I want to start a new journey. I trust in the Gatekeeper, Jesus Christ, as the only One who can grant access. By his death, he purchased my admission. I accept the invitation. I humbly bow and enter the road that leads to life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

If you have prayed that prayer, please let us know. Email us at prayer@ronmoore.org. We would love to send you some free resources to help you on your new journey.

 

 

This Week on The Journey Broadcast:

 

The Greatest Text Message

Good Gifts

October 8, 2021

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

Devotion Text

Matthew 7:9-11

Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! 

Godly parents love their children. They always want the best for them. They would never hurt or deceive them. A rock given to a hungry child instead of bread? Unthinkable! A snake given to a child expecting a fish? Absurd!

The heavenly Father loves his children and always gives them good gifts. He offers eternity to us free of charge. He loves us so much that he sent his Son to die for our sins on the cross. Since he did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all, “how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32).

Prayer is talking to God and asking for what we need. He loves to hear the requests of his children. He will never trick us, deceive us, or give us something harmful. He will give you what is good…when you ask.

Talking to God

Father, I am asking that you provide me with your good gifts. Thank you for the promise that when I ask, you will give me exactly what I need to do what you are calling me to do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Do all things really work out for good?

Ask. Seek. Knock.

October 7, 2021

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Devotion Text

Matthew 7:7-8

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

Do you desire to have all that God has for you? Do you desire to develop as a follower of Jesus? Do you desire to follow hard after Christ? Do you desire God’s rich spiritual blessings? Let’s talk to him about Jesus’ words in this passage.

  • Ask God to give you not what you want, but what you need. Tell him all that is on your heart. Ask him to temper, redirect, or embolden your dreams.
  • Ask God to help you seek the things that elevate him, not you. Ask for guidance to run after eternal things that will impact the kingdom. Find what impassions and ignites your heart for him.
  • Ask God to help you knock on the right door—the door that opens to God’s path for you. Allow him to open up opportunities for career and training. Start pursuing the plans he has for you.

James says that we don’t have what we need because we don’t ask for it. Sometimes we ask with the wrong motives (James 4:2-3). So, ask God to keep your heart pure. Seek those things that honor him. Stay on the path of obedience, then you will receive the great blessings God has for you.

Talking to God

Father, help me to ask, seek, and knock with pure motives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

God, What Are You Trying to Teach Me? – Part 2

Gospel Discernment

October 6, 2021

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Devotion Text

Matthew 7:6

Do not give dogs what is holy, do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.

Is there ever a time when we shouldn’t share the gospel? Is there ever a time when we should stop sharing the gospel? Are there times when we need to back off from sharing Jesus?

In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus was teaching about the danger of judging other people. He used the example of pointing out a speck of sawdust in another person’s eye while you have the whole plank in your own eye. Now he uses some words that seem shocking. He gets our attention in order to drive home a point about discernment.

In Jesus’ day, dogs were not pets but scavengers, half-wild animals. Pigs, in the Jewish mind, were unclean. “Sacred” in this verse refers to the gospel. Jesus reminds us that we must be prudent and discerning when it comes to sharing the good news. There will be times when blinded eyes, hardened hearts, agnostic attitudes, and unbelieving minds must be left alone (See Acts 13:44-48; 18:5-6). The gospel is an eternally valuable gift. God must prepare the heart before we can present the message.

Talking to God

Father, please don’t allow me to use this passage as an excuse to back off on sharing your truth. As I look for opportunities to share, give me discernment. Help me plant in fields that you have prepared. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

God, What Are You Trying to Teach Me? – Part 1

Blind Spots

October 5, 2021

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Devotion Text

Matthew 7:3-5

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

Blind spots. We all have them. Maybe it’s a particular character flaw obvious to others, oblivious to you. Maybe it’s an unhealthy attitude toward someone or something. Others see it as clearly as the nose on your face. You look in the mirror each day and miss it. Maybe your blind spot is the neglect of a particular spiritual discipline.

Blind spots. They are as dangerous as that area in our car mirror where we can’t see the vehicle in the next lane. Blinds spots keep us seconds away from disaster. Funny how we can see the speck of sawdust in our neighbor’s eye from a mile away but miss the two-by-four sticking out of our eyes even as they clang against everything in front of us.

In The Valley of Vision, a collection of Puritan prayers and devotions, there is a great prayer about blinds spots. As you pray, ask God to show you the plank sticking out of your eye. It has caused enough damage already.

Talking to God

Lord Jesus, I am blind, be thou my light, ignorant, be thou my wisdom, self-willed, be thou my mind. In your name I pray. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

God, Who Are You in My Shaken World?

First Things First

October 4, 2021

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Devotion Text

Matthew 6:33-34

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Do you spend time—maybe a whole lot of time—maybe way too much time—focusing on what Jesus calls “these things” in today’s passage? The right friend group. The perfect career. The beautiful home. The most effective school for your children. The most enriching activities for them. The retirement plan. The luxurious car. The special vacation. “These things” are not bad things. In fact, Jesus says that he will give you all the things you need as long as you shift your focus from “these things” to this one thing: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.”

The kingdom order starts with preparing our hearts. Busyness with the secondary keeps us from focusing on the primary. Seeking after his kingdom and his righteousness allows all the other things in our lives to fall into their proper place and time.

Seeking God’s kingdom first prepares our hearts to run after the most important goal. It keeps us on the right path. It keeps us running hard after Christ. When we seek first things first, God promises to take care of the rest.

Talking to God

Father, as I seek you first today, give me the needed confirmation that you really will take care of the other things in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

God, Where Are You in My Shaken World?

Consider the Flowers

October 3, 2021

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Devotion Text

Matthew 6:28-32

And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

Today’s passage is from a sermon that Jesus preached while sitting on a beautiful mountainside. To illustrate the truth about worry, Jesus pointed out the flowers mixed in with the thick grass. Perhaps he picked one and held it as he drove home the spiritual principle.

Jesus noted that even Solomon—Israel’s wealthiest king—was not clothed with the natural beauty and brilliance of the flowers. God provides the flowers with everything they need. If God would do that for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, just think about how he will take care of you—the one for whom he sent his only Son.

Worry steals our joy and tries to confuse this simple yet profound truth:

God will give us everything we need to do what he is calling us to do.

Talking to God

Father, I don’t want to worry. I don’t want the anxiety. I don’t want chaos and despair to take over my heart. Remind me often of this powerful truth. You take care of the flowers; you will take care of me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

This Week on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Unshakable Faith

Worry: The Irregular Heartbeat

October 2, 2021

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

Devotion Text

Matthew 6:25-27

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

Worry: To be anxious. To be troubled in spirit. To live in fear. To be obsessed with an issue or issues. To experience stress.

Worry impacts our entire being. We burn energy at a higher rate causing fatigue. Our heart rate increases. Our blood pressure rises. Our body temperature climbs. Stress can cause insomnia, migraine headaches, hypertension, depression, ulcers, and lead to heart disease. Worrying cannot add a single hour to your life, but it can take a few hours away.

Worry’s greatest damage is not to our bodies but to our souls. It takes our minds off Christ and focuses on circumstances. Worry resurrects failure from our past and borrows uncertainty for our future. Worry is a lack of trust, a lack of faith, and an irregular beat of a heart not set on God. Worry is not a personality trait; it is a spiritual problem.

Talking to God

Father, my mind can be filled with many things besides you. I can worry about things from my past and things in my future. I can allow worry to paralyze me and render me spiritually useless. Lord, please override my worry with your peace. Keep my eyes focused on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

This Week on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Unshakable Faith

God or Money

October 1, 2021

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

Devotion Text

Matthew 6:24

No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

I cannot serve two masters.

Serve: Placing myself in submission to someone or something. Be subjected to. Be used by. An act of the will. A conscious decision to give up certain rights.

Master: The person or thing I serve. That which owns me. The person or thing that calls the shots in my life. The person or thing that sets the agenda for my life.

I cannot love two masters.

Masters call us toward different paths.

I cannot travel two paths at once.

The path I take demonstrates my loyalty.

Masters do not share allegiance.

As soon as you bow before one your back is turned to the other.

Masters do not share devotion.

As soon as I devote myself to one master, I treat the other with contempt.

God or money.

Which master do you serve?

 

Talking to God

Father, help me answer that question honestly. Based on my answer move me to the appropriate action. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Following with the Right Expectation

Spiritual Eyes

September 30, 2021

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

Devotion Text

Matthew 6:22-23

The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

A person can have 20/20 vision and still have bad eyesight. The eye is the lamp of the body filtering what enters our minds and hearts. If our spiritual eyes are healthy, our whole body—the instruments in which we live our lives—is filled with light. But if our spiritual eyes are coveting wealth and possessions, then our whole person is impacted. If what should be light is in reality, spiritual darkness, “how great is [that] darkness.”

So, the question is…what do you allow your eyes to see?

What do you view on your smartphone?

What do you access on your computer?

What print materials fill your mind?

What programs do you watch?

What grabs your attention when driving down a road?

Where do your eyes gravitate walking in a neighborhood?

The things that fill our thinking, the things that move our hearts, the things that form our words all enter through the gateway of the eyes. So…how is your eyesight…your spiritual eyesight?

Talking to God

Father, guard my eyes against things that bring spiritual disease to my mind, heart, and actions. Help me discipline my sight in order to see things from your perspective. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Following with the Right Connection

Fasting: Right and Wrong

September 29, 2021

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

Devotion Text

Matthew 6:16-18

And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Fasting is not a topic of many sermons or writings today. It is often misused and misunderstood. Today let me offer a definition of fasting, describe what it is not, and then describe what it is.

A Definition

Fasting means to do without human desires and needs in order to focus on prayer. Fasting is normally done when we have a particular request or are dealing with a particular circumstance.

Wrong Methods and Motives

Fasting is not to impress others with our “spirituality.” In fact, it is to be done in secret. Don’t tweet or post on Facebook that you are fasting. It is not used as a way to gain favor with God. Remember his love for us is already unconditional. Fasting is not to be done in a mechanical manner. Prayer and meditation are not formulaic. Fasting is not to be done with the expectation of immediate answers or results. And, of course, fasting is not to be done in a situation where it would be detrimental to your health.

Right Methods and Motives

Fasting is always to be done with prayer and meditation (Luke 2:37; Acts 13:2).  Doing without physical needs for a time produces humility (Ps. 35:13; 69:10). Sometimes fasting is done in conjunction with repentance (1 Kings 21:27; Neh. 1:4, 9:1). Sometimes it is done to prepare for ministry (Acts 13:2-3; 14:23). And sometimes it is done to prepare us during a period where we have a special request (Ezra 8:21-23; Esther 4).

Fasting is an opportunity to focus on God. It is not a methodical process to get what we want but an act of prayer and worship to better discern what we need.

Father, take me into times of doing without, in order to receive what I need. Help me to understand the process and importance of fasting. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Searching for Light

Forgiveness: A Beautiful Idea

September 28, 2021

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

Devotion Text

Matthew 6:14-15

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

C.S. Lewis said that forgiveness is a beautiful idea until you actually have to do it. It’s true, isn’t it? We delight in the forgiveness of God, but…forgiving others when they have hurt us…well, that’s hard. The words of Jesus are hard as well—forgive if you want to be forgiven.

Jesus once told a story about a servant who was not able to pay his hefty debt—ten thousand bags of gold! After the servant begged for patience, the master took pity on him and canceled his entire debt. Then the servant went out and found a man who owed him a few hundred silver coins. The servant refused to forgive his debtor and had the man thrown into prison. When the master learned what the servant had done, he reversed his decision and had the ungrateful servant thrown into prison as well.

The point of the story is hard to miss: If you are not willing to forgive others of their relatively small debt, God will not forgive you of the great debt you have accumulated.  As Lewis said—forgiveness is such a beautiful idea…. but it only comes to life when we are willing to forgive others.

Father, I pray for those who are having a hard time with forgiveness. Someone has hurt them and the pain is real. They are carrying resentment and anger. Please allow them to see the great debt you have canceled in their lives and give them the supernatural power to forgive that person who is right now on their minds. Give them the courage and strength to express their forgiveness and lay down the burden of bitterness. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Searching for Grace

Learning to Pray

September 27, 2021

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

Devotion Text

Matthew 6:13

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Every person is tempted. And each temptation comes from one of three sources:

  • The World: We live in Satan’s realm. He has created a culture that is in opposition to God (Think: religious extremism, sexual abuse, slavery, abuse of power, etc.). This is not the way it’s supposed to be.
  • The Flesh: Each of us has a weakness to sin, a propensity to be lured by a certain temptation (Think: pride, lust, gossip, materialism, sexual sin, etc.).
  • The Devil: Satan is not omniscient, but he is a student of our behavior and knows our weaknesses. Satan is not omnipotent, but he has the power to leverage the things that lure us.

This part of the Lord’s Prayer is asking for God to protect us from those things that tempt us. Our petition is that God keeps us from giving in to the world, the flesh, and the devil. The pull of sin is strong. On our own, we will succumb every time.

Temptation is not sin, but it leads us one step closer to giving in. We need God’s strength, power, and protection. We need him to deliver us.

Father, you and I know my weaknesses. You and I know my inclination to sin. You and I know that left to myself I will fall every time. Please protect me from temptation and from the evil one who lives to see me fall. I trust in you for strength and help. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

 

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Searching for Assurance

Learning to Pray

September 26, 2021

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

Devotion Text

Matthew 6:12

…And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

There are two important truths in today’s passage: I need to ask forgiveness for my sins, and I need to forgive others when they sin against me. The first is easier than the second.

As a believer, Jesus paid the penalty of my sin in full. He bore my sin in his body on the cross. Because of Jesus, the heavenly Father declared me, “Not guilty!” The penalty of sin is gone, however, the propensity to sin remains. I am still tempted and give in to sin. When I do fail, I need to confess my sins knowing that God is “faithful and just to forgive [my] sins and to cleanse [me] from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Owning up to my sin and confessing it is not always easy, but the second part of this truth is even harder. When I ask God to forgive me, I come as one who has, by his grace, forgiven others. I should forgive others just as God, through Jesus, has forgiven me (Eph. 4:32). Think of the contradiction: “God, I want you to forgive me for sinning against you, but I will not forgive the person who has sinned against me.” Forgiveness is a two-way street.

Father, it is so hard to forgive some people for the pain they have caused. I want to hold out on my pardon. I see the contradiction when I want your forgiveness, but I am unwilling to forgive others. I cannot do this on my own. Give me your strength, grace, and mercy to forgive those who have sinned against me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

 

This Week on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Searching for Jesus

Prayer

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