Find Rest in God Alone | Devotions on Selected Readings

I Am Not Ashamed | Romans 1:16-25

The problem has been around for ages. Scoffing and ridicule for those who "believe in a God who created the world" or "a God who allowed himself to suffer and die!" Foolishness... says the world. Ridiculous... says human reason. What does God say? It couldn't be more clear. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul directs us to God's obvious and gracious answer to all our doubts. Nature speaks to the power and wisdom of our God. Scripture reveals the power of God for salvation — His life-giving gospel! In a world that continues to spiral into sinful depravity and utter defiance of God, it is all the more important for Christians to repeat the refrain of Romans 1, "I am not ashamed of the gospel!" The only solution to sin that leads to death, the only answer to the skeptical sinner, the only proclamation that tells us "the almighty God of the universe humbled himself to live, suffer, die and rise again for you." We are not ashamed to preach Christ crucified! May God empower and embolden us to share this message with those who desperately need it!

Refreshed By His Word | Isaiah 55:6-11

So is my word that goes out from my mouth... Speaking through His prophet, Isaiah, the LORD comforted his people by once again directing their attention to His power, His mercy, and His desire for sin-sick souls to find forgiveness and restoration in His promises! The beautiful imagery in Isaiah 55 reminds God's people that His Word is powerful; it is life-giving; it is beyond our comprehension; it is given freely through God's grace. We have not received a "how-to" on achieving perfection, rather God has given us a sure and certain "it's DONE!" through the blood of Christ. Our souls thirst for confidence, certainty, and relief from the burden of sin and guilt... and our Father in Heaven showers us with His grace through the refreshing waters of the gospel. Let us return to the Word daily as God invites us to be refreshed!

Find Rest in God Alone | Devotions on Selected Readings

Things are difficult — we want comfort. Our lives are frustrating — we want peace. Living in this world is tiring — we want rest. Throughout Scripture God offers comfort, peace, and rest. The need is obvious: our world is full of difficulty, frustration, sin, and death. And this is all our own doing. From the day Adam & Eve abandoned God's goodness for their own selfish desires, the world has been a tiring and painful place... yet God did not abandon his creation. He did not abandon us. In three separate readings, we see God providing rest for his people. Not a "light at the end of the tunnel" for those brave enough to pursue it. An immediate and powerful promise of rest in God alone! Jesus himself declared, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." The Savior speaks his saving promise to the hearts of tired and weary sinners. God has given us rest through the sacrifice of His one and only Son. God has calmed our troubled hearts, comforted the anxious and frustrated soul, given all-encompassing and eternal rest to those He loves, those who trust in Him through His grace. So, be at peace, dear Christians! Find rest for your weary souls in the blood of Christ shed for you on the cross! Rejoice in knowing that this rest will never fade, but will continue into eternity with our Savior in heaven! Find Rest in God Alone!

Fight the Good Fight | 1 Timothy 6:11-16

The church is often pictured as an army. A bold, courageous group equipped and empowered by God's Word and promises - a force ready to defend against the lies of the evil one and eager to use the sword of the Spirit to bring light and truth to a sin-darkened world. This is truly a beautiful picture! But when Paul encourages Timothy to fight the good fight, he's giving a personal and specific encouragement. Through these words, the Spirit convicts and comforts each of us too. We are fighting the good fight of faith every day as we flee from the destructive temptations of the devil, the world, and our sinful flesh and as we cling ever more firmly to the promises revealed to us in Christ! This spiritual fight is a constant struggle, a tiring battle, a fight of eternal significance. And as we, as Christians, march forward into battle, we know that the victory is ours... because Christ has already won. Forgiveness, life, salvation, peace and comfort are ours through the work of our Savior. Our God fights for us. Keep fighting!

Fearlessly Confessing Christ | Matthew 10:21-33

Hatred, betrayal, rebellion, persecution, death... "Do not be afraid," says the Teacher. God alone holds all power and authority. God alone is to be feared. Jesus uses strong language to instill comfort and confidence in his disciples as he sends them out to proclaim the Good News. Yes, the sinful world is hostile and opposed to the message of Christ. Yes, there will be division, persecution, and death. Yes, the God of the universe - the God who created and sustains the world by His word - is in full control. Yes, the message is vitally important for lost sinners. Yes, God will work through His Word by His Grace! Our Teacher, our Savior, our loving Redeemer tells us to be fearless and bold in confessing His Name... because His Name holds all power! His Name proclaims grace. His Name brings hope. His Name delivers salvation, peace, and joy. His Name reminds us that God loves us, cares for us, sacrificed his only Son for us. Let us be bold and fearless to share the news!