FAITH: A Promise of an Inheritance!
Daily Devotions based on the Sermon Series: “Thoroughly Equipped”
Week 3 of 4: “Faith that Defines Us!”
Full Sunday message: CONTEMPORARY or TRADITIONAL
THIS WEEK: Five Blessings of Faith!
What would you do with an unexpected inheritance?
Here’s an interesting story:
Brothers Zsolt and Geza Peladi were homeless in 2009, living in a cave outside Budapest, Hungary, and scavenging junk for a living in Hungary when they learned they had inherited a fortune from a grandmother in Germany. The siblings were located by charity workers and put in touch with the attorneys who were handling the estate of their maternal grandmother in Baden-Württemberg, The Telegraph reported.
The once-penniless brothers received 4 billion pounds. Today, that would be equivalent to more than $5 billion in U.S. dollars. (Source: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/slideshows/heirs-chosen-at-random-and-6-other-incredible-inheritance-tales/)
Can you imagine going from penniless to billionaires overnight?
This is what God has done for us. The Apostle Paul is like those charity workers that comes to the brothers and lets them know what they have inherited. He wants us to realize the “Riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.”
Our story of faith is a rags to riches story.
Without a connection to the love of God and the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, we were spiritually broke and penniless.
1 Corinthians 1:26-30 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
Yet God decided to give us an inheritance…not because we have earned or deserved it, but because he chose to give it.
James 2:5 Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?
Realize nothing this world has to offer could buy a spot in heaven…yet God has GIVEN to you an inheritance that is worth far more than all the wealth of the world and far more glorious than any experience the world has to offer.
Ephesians 1:18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,…”
Apply: What would you do if you inherited five billion dollars? How does your life change knowing you’ve inherited something far more valuable?
Prayer: Lord open our eyes so that we can see the riches of the glorious inheritance you have given to us. AMEN.
FAITH: A Revelation of Hope!
Daily Devotions based on the Sermon Series: “Thoroughly Equipped”
Week 3 of 4: “Faith that Defines Us!”
Full Sunday message: CONTEMPORARY or TRADITIONAL
THIS WEEK: Five Blessings of Faith!
Have you ever watched Pawn Stars?
Set in Las Vegas, the owners of the Gold & Silver Pawn shop are met with individuals who have some item they would like to sell. Some of the people who bring items in have researched the item and have an idea of what they would like to get…some make a deal and sell the item…others walk away.
One vignette was of a young man who brought in a Medieval Anglo Saxon Iron Helmet (Watch it here). He had bought it at an auction because it reminded him of the old leather football helmets. He wanted to get $750 for it. After a bit of banter, as often happens, one of the dealers in the pawn shop, invites an expert to come and assess the value of the item…this was no different. The expert explains the history behind the helmet and then tests the metal to determine if it is the right makeup of the period it came from. He tests the metal and declares, “This is one in a million! It’s that rare. I got goose bumps…” The helmet then valued at $15,000! You should see the reaction of the young man who brought it in. His eyes lit up when he realized the value of what he had. He sells it to the pawn shop for $10,000. “I’m in shock. I can’t believe I’m leaving here today with $10,000!”
When he knew the value of what he had, his eyes lit up…I’m sure his heart started beating a little bit faster too!
Paul desires the “eyes of our heart” to light up when we know the hope God has given to us.
18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you,
Perhaps the reality is we underestimate or don’t realize the value and significance of the hope God has given to us.
This hope isn’t based on an empty promise; it’s based on a completed reality.
Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
This hope isn’t one that will disappoint us; it’s one that will be experienced by us.
Isaiah 49:23 Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.”
This hope doesn’t leave when life gets tough; it sustains us in life’s challenges.
Romans 5:3-5 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
This hope doesn’t end at death; rather it extends beyond death.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
There’s more to this hope than perhaps you first realize. We may think what we have is $750 – hope…but the more the Spirit of God opens the eyes of your heart to realize the treasure we have, we realize God has given us a priceless, “one in a million” gift of hope, which is ours through faith.
Apply: Go to www.biblegateway.com or similar online Bible and search the word “hope.” What else does God show you that increases the value of the hope he has given to you?
Prayer: Lord, send me your Spirit to open the eyes of my heart so that I might uncover, know and deeply appreciate the hope to which God has called me. AMEN.
FAITH: A Connection to Wisdom!
Daily Devotions based on the Sermon Series: “Thoroughly Equipped”
Week 3 of 4: “Faith that Defines Us!”
Full Sunday message: CONTEMPORARY or TRADITIONAL
THIS WEEK: Five Blessings of Faith!
When you need information, where do you turn?
When you need wisdom, where do you turn?
If I need information on how to change the brakes on my car, I search on YouTube for a video showing someone else explaining and doing the task. I can take in the information and then take the actions it has demonstrated.
If I need wisdom for a life decision, I don’t go to YouTube and search for information. I go to a respected friend or family member who has not just information, but intelligence and practical experience. Individuals who know the information but also know how to apply that information in a given circumstance.
Wisdom is knowledge rightly applied.
It’s hard to put wisdom in a text book or on Wikipedia. Wisdom can sometimes counter the objective facts. Wisdom can sometimes be counter intuitive. Wisdom does not always make rational sense.
Faith gives us a connection to wisdom that will always be right and benefit us and others.
Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
The ability to have God-given, Spirit-driven wisdom ONLY comes through our connection to the Lord, which is ours by faith.
As the Apostle Paul gave thanks for the faith God had given the Ephesians (yesterday’s devotion), he now asks God to give them “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.”
Ephesians 1:17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
Notice the purpose of this wisdom. It’s not for “wise” financial investments. It’s not for “wise” business decisions. It’s not even for “wise” relational input. It’s “so that you may know him better.”
Paul prays for God’s Spirit to give the Ephesians wisdom so that they may know GOD better.
This is my prayer for each of us.
The truth is, the fear of the LORD IS the beginning of wisdom! So if true and lasting wisdom starts with our connection to the LORD, it makes sense that the more we know the LORD, the wiser we become.
The world has lots of wisdom to offer…academically, scientifically, psychologically, politically, relationally, etc. The challenge is that very little of that today starts with a foundation of knowledge based on the LORD.
The LORD desires his wisdom to affect every aspect of our life.
Too often I fail to pray for the Spirit of wisdom. Too often I rely on my own human wisdom to figure something out.
Recently a friend asked when I presented him with a challenge I was facing, “What does God have to say? Did you ask him?”
I hadn’t. But I am learning to tap into more often the connection to wisdom our faith gives.
I invite you to do the same. Don’t hesitate to ask God to give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.
Apply: Take time to read through the Proverbs…its full of the Spirit of wisdom!
Prayer: Lord thank you for faith that connects me to the Spirit of wisdom. Remind me to always seek your wisdom first in every decision and activity of life! AMEN.
FAITH: A Reason to Give Thanks!
Daily Devotions based on the Sermon Series: “Thoroughly Equipped”
Week 3 of 4: “Faith that Defines Us!”
Full Sunday message: CONTEMPORARY or TRADITIONAL
THIS WEEK: Five Blessings of Faith!
God has so many good things to give to us.
Faith is the connection between God’s heart and ours. In Sunday’s message (Click the link above to listen to the full message if you missed it), I shared the example of faith being the needle that delivers the vaccine to the body of the individual. The vaccine is all the good things God desires us to have. The needle or faith is the unsung hero that delivers those good things to us. It too is a gift from God.
In this week’s devotion, I’d like to point out five blessings of faith that perhaps we don’t realize or have forgotten based on the opening words of Ephesians 1:15-23. See if you find five.
Ephesians 1:15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
The first blessing of faith is that it gives us a reason to give thanks. Paul lists “faith in the Lord Jesus” as a reason to “not stop giving thanks.” Paul was overjoyed that many in the city of Ephesus had put their trust in Jesus.
The OBJECT of their faith was in the right place. They didn’t believe in a nebulous god. They didn’t just believe in something they had no knowledge of. They put their trust, their faith in Jesus.
Faith gave the Ephesians a reason to give thanks. Faith gives every person who has faith in Jesus a reason to give thanks. Why? Because faith is the means by which God personally connects us to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What we could not do on our own, is done for us by Jesus.
Faith gave Paul a reason to give thanks. Paul was overjoyed to see the power of the Gospel at work in the hearts of the Ephesians. It gave him great joy to see that the Word worked. He was so grateful that faith was also leading them to have a “love for all the saints.” Faith worked and faith at work!
Faith gives each of us a reason to give thanks. Sunday’s message pointed out three reasons based on Romans 3:21-26 and Galatians 3:26. Faith defines us as righteous…because of Jesus we are perfect, completely right. Faith defines us as justified…because of Jesus we are declared not guilty. Faith defines us as a child of God…because of Jesus we are part of the family of God.
In just over a week, we as a nation will observe a day of Thanksgiving. Don’t forget to include in your list of things for which to give thanks, your faith in Jesus. Faith is a wonderful gift God has given to you to TRUST that Jesus is your Savior!
Apply: Make a list of the blessings that have come to you because God has given you faith in Jesus. Take time to thank God for each of the blessings he gives you.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of faith that leads me to trust you for all that I need to spend an eternity with you. AMEN.
Jesus Is Coming…Be Praised!
Daily Devotions based on the Sermon Series: “Thoroughly Equipped”
Week 2 of 4: “Grace that Saves Us!”
Full Sunday message: CONTEMPORARY or TRADITIONAL
THIS WEEK: Jesus’ Teaching on his 2nd Coming!
Many of us go through life without much recognition. We don’t win a Most Valuable Player award. We don’t receive a Medal of Honor. We don’t win a high profile public election. (If you have, congratulations!)
We live life.
A friend needs help moving; we show up and load or unload the truck. Our child is sick; we willingly stay up all night to make sure they are OK. We see a homeless person on the corner; we share a water bottle and granola bar. A hurricane creates a need for food and basic supplies; we gather at the local municipal airport to load planes with supplies to get to them. We see a customer that has extra questions; we patiently answer every one of them.
Some may say, “All in a day’s work.”
For a Christian, it is just all part of our life of faith. Serving Jesus by serving others.
We are not looking for the “MVC” (Most Valuable Christian) Award. We are not looking for a special seat at church. We are not even looking for people to serve us back. Because we are just living and serving – it is what happens when a heart has been affected by the love of Jesus.
It is not always easy. It is not always comfortable. It is not always convenient.
But we do it, but not for recognition or reward. So, imagine what it will be like when this happens:
Matthew 25:34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
To be praised by the King of kings and Lord of lords for loving and serving people? What a surprise! We are not keeping score or asking God to tally our good efforts and overlook our bad, we are simply living as God has made us to be…his children, his servants, his disciples. We are just doing our duty, like the servant in Jesus’ story:
Luke 17:7 “Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? 8 Would he not rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? 9 Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? 10 So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’ ”
We live with the confidence our performance has nothing to do with our salvation. Jesus secured that with his perfect life, innocent death and glorious resurrection. We live in the joy of knowing our service is a blessing to others and is seen as works of faith that also serves Jesus. We do it with no expectation of reward or praise, but, then, by grace we are given the highest praise from the one that really matters, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take the inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.”
Apply: Enjoy serving Jesus and others every day…simply out of gratitude for what Jesus has done for you. Be humbled to know Jesus will praise you for it!
Prayer: Thank you Jesus for serving me. I do not praise you enough! Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and others. I am humbled that you would recognize it and bless me through it. AMEN.