Real Victory for Real Life

By Bill Welte

365 Daily Meditations for Victorious Living. "You'll be encouraged, you'll find answers, you'll be challenged by some of Keswick's favorite speakers. In fact, I believe you'll advance daily in your understanding and experience of life lived out in the energizing power of the Holy Spirit." —Robertson McQuilkin Author Bill Welte, General Editor

• Language: English
• Publisher: CLC Publications
• Release date: Oct 28, 2022
• ISBN: 9781619581418

Book preview

Introduction

Early on in my Christian life, my Mom and Dad taught me the importance of having a daily quiet time with the Lord each day. Like many of you, I have struggled with consistency in this discipline, but praise God, it is getting better each year.

For a number of years we have encouraged our KESWICK family to use a daily devotional. In January 2004 while visiting our daughter, Laura, in Minnesota, I had some time to think. One of the ideas that the Lord planted in my mind was to put together our own devotional using speakers, authors, pastors, missionaries and staff who have been a part of the KESWICK family over the years.

The other motive for this project was my challenge to four of my mentors to put into writing the message that has been a part of the fabric of their lives, for the generations to come. I am grateful for the major contributions that have been made by Dr. William Raws, grandson of the founder of America’s KESWICK, Dr. Robert Alderman, Minister-at-Large of Shenandoah Baptist Church in Roanoke, VA, Dr. Eric Crichton, Pastor Emeritus of Calvary Church, Lancaster, PA, and Dr. Roger Willmore, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Trussville, AL. These four men have been instrumental in teaching me the message of the victorious Christian life and have shared that message around the globe in churches and conferences.

Included with each day is an Old and New Testament passage for you to include in your reading. Devotionals like this project are not designed to replace the reading of God’s Word. His Word is to be exalted above all things! If you read the Scriptures each day you will read through the entire Bible in one year. At the end of the book we have included several Bible reading plans for your consideration, thanks to Dr. Woodrow Kroll and our friends at Back to the Bible. You can find additional Bible reading plans by visiting www.backtothebible.org.

May God ignite the passion of your heart for Him as you spend this year finding Real Victory for Real Life.

Bill Welte

Executive Director

America’s KESWICK – 2006

January 1

Conquerors

. . . we are more than conquerors. . . . (Romans 8:37)

We want to consider the more nature of God. He is always more. He always provides more. He always does more. That is just the way He is. Now it is good for us to see and know how His more affects us in a more personal way.

God’s more is personal for us. He is not more just for Himself. He is more on our behalf. He knows we need His more. We see that in so many of His assurances. He manifested it in His declaration that He had come in order that we may have life . . . more abundantly (John 10:10). We see it in the promise that His grace is sufficient for us, for His strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

That is why our Bible tells us that "we are more than conquerors. . . . We are not merely more than the ordinary. We are not in the category of those who barely make it" in our efforts to overcome the problems of this life. We certainly are not those who are held captive by desires and circumstances. Neither are we captive to the pressures of peers. Corrupted culture holds no claim over us.

Neither are we the ones who merely study about the conquerors. True, those stories of conquerors are exciting. They raise some hope and excite some discipline in those who would like to join the ranks of the victorious. They encourage other conquerors that share the victory. But the promise to us is that we are the conquerors. In fact, we are the ones who are more than conquerors. We are the ones who wear the crown, occupy the throne and hold the victor’s sword.

Are you now saying that such is not the case in your life? Are you saying that your struggle for such victory continues? Are you wondering why this victory has not replaced your defeat?

Why should we ask? The answer to victory is so obvious. For "we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." Have you not claimed your crown, your throne and your Victor’s sword? Have you not claimed your victory in Christ?

Dr. Robert L. Alderman

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1–3; Matthew 1

January 2

Christian Commitment

Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. (Psalm 37:5, NKJV)

THOUGHT: Second only to the word obedience is the word commitment in Christian living and serving. Where there is no commitment, there will be no obedience. Three factors are involved:

1. The Meaning of Commitment. "Commit your way to the LORD. . . . The Hebrew reads: Roll your way on the LORD." The problem with our lives is that we think we can carry the burdens and responsibilities of living and serving; but this is totally impossible. If we could do so, there would have been no reason for the redemptive work of Christ.

2. The Maintenance of Commitment. "Trust also in Him. . . . Just as we commit our lives in faith initially, so we must maintain our lives in faith continuously. As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so [we] walk in Him (Colossians 2:6). The Old Testament word trust is the New Testament word faith. This faith is maintained by looking to the Savior (Hebrews 12:2), living in the Scriptures (Romans 10:17), and leaning on the Spirit; The fruit of the spirit is . . . faith" (Galatians 5:22).

3. The Miracle of Commitment. "He shall bring it to pass. . . . Mark carefully that pronoun He. It is not you or I who can do this. He shall bring it to pass." God takes over and performs a continuous miracle in our lives. We cease to live carnally and begin, and continue, to live spiritually. A truly Christian life is a supernatural life. All the great saints of history have proven this to be true. If we are living as God intends for us to live, our life-style will demand a supernatural explanation.

—Author unknown

Dr. Stephen Olford

Scripture Reading: Genesis 4–6; Matthew 2

January 3

A Calloused Conscience

Then I realized how bitter I had become, how pained I had been by all I had seen. (Psalm 73:21, NLT)

Years ago I heard a Bible teacher say, We must guard against a calloused conscience. When a shoe rubs against our foot, initially we develop a blister, but if we continue to wear the shoe, we will eventually form a callus. The shoe’s friction against our foot does not hurt anymore. The callus just becomes toughened. Our emotions can work in the same way.

At first, we are bothered by the presence of anger, bitterness, envy, lust, or other emotions that can lead us into sin. However, if we feed those emotions long enough, we become comfortable in their presence. Our conscience forms a callus. We become complacent in our lifestyle. Our sin doesn’t cause us pain any more.

In the fast-changing, seemingly conscienceless society we live in today, we need to take a frequent inventory of what we are allowing to enter our lives. What do we watch on TV that we would not have felt comfortable watching a few years ago? What words do we speak without flinching? What questionable business practices have become standard operating procedure? Has it become easier to not speak the truth? Have we let bitterness and doubt form over our conscience?

As Christians, we need to ask ourselves, Have we lost our edge? Are we still pained by all we have seen? Does sin hurt? Ask God to remind you of the price He paid for you. Ask Him to sand away the calluses in your thinking and in your behavior. Have you become bitter and jaded? Ask God to expose areas where your bitterness has covered the pain and shame of sin.

The granddaughter of a friend of mine confessed she had told a lie. When asked why she decided to confess, the little girl responded, The Holy Ghost has been on my back! Do you confess when the Holy Ghost is on your back, or have you become calloused to the conviction of the Holy Spirit?

Many Christians and non-Christians have had the privilege of seeing the movie The Passion of the Christ. Someone asked, Why do Christians need to see that movie? Why? Because we need to have engraved in our mind the price Jesus paid for us. It is my prayer we will not become calloused to His pain.

Marilyn Heavilin

Scripture Reading: Genesis 7–9; Matthew 3

January 4

A Faith Journey

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:6, NKJV)

I admit it. I’ve read the endings of novels before I’ve finished the book. If my twenty-five-year-old son dates someone more than a few times, I yearn to know the future of their relationship.

Recently, on a trip home from Florida, I was reminded how much I dislike surprises and detours. Due to our plane’s mechanical problems I was put on a flight to Cleveland instead of my scheduled flight directly to Philadelphia. Upon landing in Cleveland I discovered that the second leg of my flight home was also canceled because of mechanical problems. I had to spend the night in Cleveland. My plans for that evening and the next day at home were worthless.

As I crawled into bed exhausted I wondered, God, why did this happen?

Sometimes in our travels through life, God rearranges our plans. And He does not notify us in advance or always explain His reasons. We end up feeling like I did—angry, confused, and worried. We want to be in control. We like the security of knowing that things will flow according to our prearranged plans. And we would like to know with certainty how things will turn out. In fact, most of us would appreciate if God would also get our approval.

Has your life taken a few unexpected twists and turns lately? Are you asking, Why this? Why now?

Go ahead and ask, but remember God usually doesn’t inform us in advance of unexpected changes or give us a detailed rationale. Unfortunately, one companion on the road of life is uncertainty. Yet with uncertainty comes the Christian’s certainty that God is directing our paths. He knows where we’ll land and why. Sometimes God just needs to rearrange things to get us where He wants us.

Georgia Shaffer

Scripture Reading: Genesis 10–12; Matthew 4

January 5

Sorry

Take words with you, and return to the LORD. Say to Him, Take away all iniquity; receive us graciously, for we will offer the sacrifices of our lips. (Hosea 14:2, NKJV)

Words are incredibly important. A bride and groom make vows with words, and their lives are never the same again. A judge sentences a guilty person to life imprisonment, and the words which take seconds to say have an effect on the hearer forever. For every word in Hitler’s Mein Kampf, 125 people died in World War II. Such is the significance of words.

Speaking to a backslidden nation Hosea said, Take words with you and return to the Lord. So, what words does God want to hear from us? Which words can take us across the line from being distant from God to being close to Him?

There are some words that are very easy to say, but difficult to say with sincerity. One of these is Sorry. God doesn’t want us to come saying I’m good, but to admit our wrongdoing. As a father, there were times when I asked one or more of my children to apologize, but they said, I’m sorry in such a grumpy way that they were really saying, "I’m not sorry, but I have to say ’sorry’ or I will be sorry!" So they were given another opportunity to apologize as they should!

You remember the man with the withered hand in Mark 3? Jesus asked him to stretch out his hand. Which hand did he stretch out? We immediately think that it was the withered one. But actually, if he was like us, he would have been tempted to stretch out the good one. We tell people how good we are, not how greedy or selfish or dishonest! But, would Jesus have healed the man if he had shown off how well he was?

Confessing sin to God glorifies the Lord (Joshua 7:19) and is the means of bringing forgiveness to us, through the death of Christ. Time and again, God pleads with people to repent, to say sorry, to turn from their sins. In 2 Corinthians 7:11 there are seven results of true repentance listed, and in verse 10 we read that it brings true life. God wants us to say we’re sorry and to demonstrate that it is genuine repentance by renouncing the sins which we are confessing. Take time now to take to God the word: Sorry!

Roger Carswell

Scripture Reading: Genesis: 13–15; Matthew 5:1–26

January 6

Thank You

Take words with you, and return to the LORD. Say to Him, Take away all iniquity; receive us graciously, for we will offer the sacrifices of our lips. (Hosea 14:2, NKJV)

He is there and He is not silent is one of Francis Schaeffer’s immortal sayings. God has revealed Himself to us. He speaks. He communicates. And He uses words to do so. Jesus Himself is called The Word.

God has created us as people who communicate—to each other and to Him. God loves to hear us speak, and in Hosea He urges us to bring to Him words. So what words does He want to hear from us? Sin is so serious, He desires to hear us say Sorry.

He also longs to hear us say Thank you! There is so much to be thankful for, and it is all too easy to take for granted every good and perfect gift from God. However, the greatest gift from God is the Lord Jesus. He came to die, bearing in His own body our sin, and to rise victorious over sin and death. The living Christ offers to any who will turn from their sin and trust Him, total forgiveness, liberating freedom and intimate fellowship with God Himself. Surely such a salvation should lead us to say Thank you. Thanking God is a demonstration of our receiving what He is offering.

Jesus was saddened when only one of the ten lepers He healed returned to give thanks to the One who had done so much for Him. He grieved over the city of Jerusalem, which rejected Him: How often would I have gathered you . . . but you would not, He said. If only they had simply thanked Him and taken Him at His word, how different things might have been for them and our world.

An attitude of gratitude is a great thing. But for us to cross over the line that brings us from death to life in Jesus there must be an initial step whereby we come to God, and we should thank Him for taking the initiative and sending Jesus to reach and rescue us. Will you come to God and thank Him for that inexpressible gift of salvation? Will you thank Jesus for His death and resurrection for you? Will you be grateful for the Holy Spirit’s work in your life drawing you to Him?

Roger Carswell

Scripture Reading: Genesis 16–17; Matthew 5:27–48

January 7

Please

Take words with you, and return to the LORD. Say to Him, Take away all iniquity; receive us graciously, for we will offer the sacrifices of our lips. (Hosea 14:2, NKJV)

Hosea tells us that God wants us to bring to Him words. The three basic words that God delights to hear are sorry, thank you and . . . please.

God is the greatest Giver. He loves to grant our requests. The Psalmist, wondering what he should give to the Lord, comes to an interesting conclusion. What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD (Psalm 116:12–13). With God having done so much for us, surely the only response is to come to Him in heart and mind to pray. First to say how sorry for sin we are; then to thank Him for sending Jesus to die, bearing our sin in His own body; and finally, to ask Him to become our Lord and Savior.

This is exactly what the dying thief, crucified next to Jesus, did. In Luke 23 we read that:

• He thought of God (v. 40)

• He thought of his sin (v. 40 and 41)

• He thought of Christ (v. 41), and then he asked Jesus for a favor

• He put his trust in Jesus (v. 42)

He, in effect, said Please to Jesus. He had nothing to commend himself to Jesus. He could only cast himself on the mercy of the Savior. He didn’t speak to Mary or John, who were at the foot of the cross, but went directly to Jesus—as we may.

Similarly, the tax-collector in the temple simply prayed, God, be merciful to me a sinner! It took seconds to pray, possibly years to formulate, but all eternity to enjoy the answer. He audaciously asked God for the greatest favor there is, and God granted his request. Salvation is a gift to be received, so I would urge you to simply say please to the God who delights to give.

Sorry, thank you, please—words to bring to God, and as we do, we will find that He gives to us the very things which matter for all eternity. He will give us His pardon, peace, and presence forever.

Roger Carswell

Scripture Reading: Genesis 18–19; Matthew 6:1–18

January 8

A Fresh Spring

. . . a fruitful bough by a spring. (Genesis 49:22)

These words constitute a perceptive tribute that Jacob expressed concerning his son Joseph. They are words of high praise inasmuch as they were spoken against the background of all the adversity that Joseph experienced at the hands of his brethren, as well as at the hands of Potiphar and his wife. Notwithstanding, Joseph was a fruitful vine by a spring.

This suggests that there were unseen resources in Joseph’s life that enabled him to be spiritually fruitful notwithstanding the adversity and suffering that he experienced. The hidden resources were no doubt his confidence and trust in God. All of this he must have learned from his father. Genesis 31:34–35 indicates that Joseph’s mother was an idolater and could be of no help to him spiritually. But Jacob must have taught Joseph from his own growing experience in the knowledge of God. And so Joseph found those hidden resources of strength and fortitude that came from his own trust in God.

The encouraging truth of the Word of God is that we also may share such a tribute. Despite all of the difficulties and adversities of life, we may also be fruitful vines by a spring. For example, there are available to us the fresh springs of the Word of God. Psalm 1:2–3 speaks of the one who studies in the Word of God. Such a one becomes like a tree planted by the rivers of water that continually brings forth fruit in its seasons. We have that fresh spring of the indwelling life of Jesus Christ. As Jesus explained in John 15, as we abide in Him, His life flowing through us will make us fruitful to the glory of God.

But then there is another transforming spring that makes us fruitful, namely that of the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who ultimately bears fruit in us. So as we walk in the Spirit and live under His control, He will make us a fruitful vine by a spring.

It was because Joseph was a fruitful bough by a spring that he became such a great blessing to multitudes. May that be true of us also as we appropriate the hidden springs of the Word of God, and lay hold by faith upon the springs of life found in our Lord Jesus Christ and through our obeying the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Dr. Eric Crichton

Scripture Reading: Genesis 20–22; Matthew 6:19–34

January 9

A Glimpse of His Glory

Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom. (Matthew 16:28)

The above words of Jesus were confusing to the disciples, just as they are to some Christians today. Jesus had been teaching His disciples that He would be arrested, die and be raised again. Now, within the same context He claimed that some of them would not die before they saw Him coming in His kingdom. How could this be? What was He trying to communicate to them?

About a week later Jesus proceeded to take Peter, James and John to a high mountain where He prayed (Luke 9:29). While praying He was transfigured before them. The Greek word is the one from which we get our word metamorphosis. He was changed before their very eyes, His face shone and His clothing was brilliant, whiter than any bleach could make it. As this occurred, Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus.

This was an entirely new turn of events for Peter. Immediately he asked the Lord for permission to build three tabernacles, or booths, one each for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. The question we should ask ourselves is why would Peter make such a request? The answer is quite simple. The Jewish people had an annual feast called Tabernacles. The name has several meanings, one of which deals with the context. This concept is that one day God will dwell with man. Each year they build a flimsy frame structure on or near their home, on which they place branches. They are to sleep in it, or at least eat in it, during this seven-day celebration. It anticipates the time when God will permanently dwell with men.

Remember, these disciples had just been told that some of them would not die until they saw the Lord coming in His kingdom. Having now seen Jesus transfigured, Peter saw Him as He will be in His kingdom. Consequently, he was ready for this to take place immediately.

For us, we have not seen this. However, we know the Lord is coming, and through this passage we get a glimpse of His future glory. With that in mind, we should seek to reflect His glory to a lost world.

Dr. Fred H. Hartman

Scripture Reading: Genesis 23–24; Matthew 7

January 10

A Heart for the Church

Colossians 1:15–29 (NASB)

As believers we are asked to have a heart for all kinds of things. We are asked to have a heart for the lost and thus have a passion and interest in evangelism. Then there is the heart for missions: showing attention to giving to missionaries or answering the call to go overseas. Then there is a heart for kids and youth, or a heart for worship—and the list goes on. To be honest, I have said all of these things one time or another, and so I am guilty of causing the confusion to what our hearts should be focused on. Yet there is one thing for sure; as Christ-followers, we are compelled to devote our affections towards—and allow our heart to be consumed in such a way that our lives are obsessed by—the CHURCH.

I am not talking about a building or even a particular local assembly, even though that can be definite proof of our devotion. I believe that each of us needs to have a heart for the Body of Christ. As Christians, the Church is to have prominence in our lives. Wait just one minute. . . . I thought Christ was to have preeminence! He is; do not get me wrong. Christ is Lord of lords in our lives—He is our master! But look at our passage today, and you will observe that Paul here helps us see that after we come to Christ, His Church is to also have a place of prominence in our hearts.

Rightfully so. Paul makes sure that the Colossians understood that Jesus is the Son of God and, as our Savior and Lord, should be exalted. That’s why he wrote: He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. But then look what he says: He is also head of the body, the church . . . so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. The Church has prominence in our lives because Christ is the head of the Church. Sometimes we forget that—because we see people in leadership, especially those who think that they are the head. Nevertheless, Jesus is the head of the Body and as we devote ourselves to the Body, He is having first place in everything.

But look what else Paul says: And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach—if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister. We were once living behind enemy lines as unbelievers; then we came to Christ and He rescued us. Through salvation we were placed in the Body, and as members of it, the Lord is changing us, cleaning us up and making us holy. Nowhere else in the world can we experience the sanctifying work of Christ except as part of the Church. As a matter of fact, as long as we stay put and don’t walk away from the Church we will continue to enjoy the sanctifying hope that the gospel gave us.

Finally, Paul says this about the Church: Of this [universal] church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. The Church is where the gospel of Christ radiates from; it is the Church that gives forth the life-saving message of salvation, a message that was once hidden but is fully known to the world because of the Church. It is the Church that has a significant role in the world. That is why Paul said he was a minister or servant of the Church. As a matter of fact, as the Church, we are known as the hope of GLORY! Why should the Church be prominent in our hearts? Because we have a SAVIOR who is its head; because it is the sole place for SANCTIFICATION to occur; and because it is the proclaimer of the SALVATION message. Sadly the Church has been overlooked, ignored, taken for granted, and underutilized. How about you? As you reflect on the Church today, what place does the Church have in your heart? Is the Church a priority in your life? If not, why not? Today, take some time and ask the Lord of the Church to give you a heart for His CHURCH!

Dr. Jamie Mitchell

Scripture Reading: Genesis 25–26; Matthew 8:1–17

January 11

A Great Calm

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Peace, be still! And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:39, NKJV)

If we don’t drive into a storm, certainly a storm will eventually find us where we are. We never expect the storm even when the signs are there. Sometimes it’s our fault. Sometimes it’s not. Storms happen. At the time, it really doesn’t matter. We are scared and frightened. Perhaps we are even fearful—is this final? If we know the answer, we certainly know where to turn. We shout in incomplete sentences, Lord! Save!

Jesus doesn’t speak to us. It’s not because He doesn’t care—He cares on levels we cannot comprehend. It’s just that He is disappointed, even sad. He’s been with us all the time. He’s shown us His power—time and time again. Why are we worried? Don’t we believe He will rescue us? Don’t we believe He can rescue us? Well, maybe. There is some doubt.

Perhaps there are no more comforting words ever written in response to an act of our Savior. Jesus calms the storm and there was a great calm. He’ll do it even if we don’t believe. He will do it in His time and in His way. Make no mistake, He will do it. At the core of our being we know He will do it.

But Jesus does have expectations. He wants us to trust Him—even before He shows His power. He wants us to come beside Him and lay our head on His shoulder and whisper, I trust you, Jesus, even though I don’t see a way. We know He will save. He will eventually make everything work out—no more anguish, no more tears. We’re vaguely aware of the winds and the waves as we fall asleep beside Him. And there was a great calm.

David Hodge

Scripture Reading: Genesis 27–28; Matthew 8:18–34

January 12

A Look in the Mirror

And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, God, be merciful to me a sinner! (Luke 18:13, NKJV)

If you’ve ever wondered how far God would go to show His love, look in the mirror and wonder no more. We need not look any further than ourselves to find the most shocking and amazing display of God’s grace. If we think otherwise, it is only because we have not seen ourselves as we truly are.

It has been said and sung many times: There but for the grace of God go I. At first this sounds grateful, but such sentiment masks a dangerous pride. It is actually not unlike the statement of a religious leader in Jesus’ day as he looked upon a sinner on his knees crying out for God’s mercy. Lord, I thank you that I am not like that sinner over there, the Pharisee prayed. It is a view that focuses on someone else’s misfortune. Someone else is worse than I am. Much better to be thinking and praying, Here, because of the grace of God, and for no other reason, am I. I am the only person I truly know about when it comes to sin. I am the authority on the subject.

The Pharisee hasn’t a clue about the sinner—who he is or what he has done. Nor does he have any business making the assumption that the sinner’s lot is any worse than his. The only prayer any of us can pray on the subject of sin is: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. This is the only prayer that sends heaven scurrying.

It is best to steer completely clear of the comparison game. Any attempt to better oneself at the mercy of someone else’s failure will always bring a twisted view of both ourselves and others.

The immensity of God’s mercy is not displayed in what He did for the world or for someone else. Nor is it discovered through some theological understanding of the many nuances of His grace. The immensity of God’s mercy is revealed finally—and only—in the incredible realization that, lo and behold, it found out the worst of the lot. It looked from heaven and found out me!

John Fischer

Scripture Reading: Genesis 29–30; Matthew 9:1–17

January 13

A Man of God

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. (1 Timothy 6:11, NKJV)

Are you a man of God . . . a woman of God? Though used frequently in the Old Testament, the term is used only here in the New Testament. It was the term Paul chose to describe and define young Timothy. It was a title that conveyed both compliment and challenge.

What must one do to be worthy of such a title? What are the characteristics of a man of God or a woman of God? Paul reminds Timothy that there are at least four characteristics which should set him apart from others. These are four characteristics for which all men and women of God should be known. Paul lists these four distinguishing characteristics in First Timothy 6:11–14.

We should be known by what we flee from: flee these things (v. 11). Paul reminds Timothy that a man of God will flee from certain things. Here, Paul speaks specifically of lust, pride, and greed. Flee these things. It is important to note that there are some things with which Christians are not to fight or flirt. The only safe option is to flee. Have you ever heard the Holy Spirit shouting to you . . . RUN! When He does, it is a good thing to RUN!

We should be known by what we follow after: pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness (v. 11). Six noble characteristics are to be pursued. A.T. Robertson reminds us that verse 11 contains vivid verbs which indicate active effort on the part of the man of God. We are to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and gentleness as a lion pursues its prey.

We should be known by what we fight for: Fight the good fight of faith (v. 12). There is a time to flee, but there is also a time to stand. Someone said that a man who stands for nothing will fall for anything. In a world that is becoming more and more resistant to Christ and His gospel, it is imperative that the people of God stand fast and fight the good fight of faith.

We also should be known by what we are faithful to: keep this commandment (v. 14). Paul’s use of the word commandment refers to the entire Word of God. What a marvelous title . . . O man of God! Can God write this title across your life?

Roger D. Willmore

Scripture Reading: Genesis 31–32; Matthew 9:18–38

January 14

A Meeting with God

Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. (Genesis 32:24, NKJV)

Jacob is a perfect example of a man who strives to do the will of God in his own strength and intellect. Jacob rose to great heights and acquired wealth by his human abilities, but in all of his success he was far from being in the will of God.

We are first introduced to Jacob in Genesis 25. At the time of his birth we see two things. First, God informed Rebekah that the struggle she felt in her womb was because she was carrying twins. God promised that the blessings of the birthright, always given to the first-born, would be given to the second-born. Secondly, Jacob’s nature is revealed in the birth process as he holds to the heel of his twin brother Esau.

In time Jacob convinced Esau to sell his birthright as the first-born for a bowl of stew (Genesis 25:29–34). Later he lied to his father Isaac and tricked him into bestowing to him the blessing (Genesis 27:18–29). From the time Jacob lied to Isaac until we see him wrestling with the Lord in Genesis 32, over twenty years elapse. Jacob’s entire life was one of deceit and deception. The tragedy of his life was that God had promised to give everything to Jacob that he was lying and cheating to get. If only Jacob had waited on God, how different his life would have been.

Jacob’s actions eventually backed him into a corner at Jabbok. It was here that God arranged a long overdue meeting with Jacob. This meeting with God would be the turning point in Jacob’s life.

Genesis 32:22–32 describes the nature of this meeting. First, Jacob was left alone. God requests that we spend time alone with Him, but if we refuse or neglect to keep this appointment God will arrange an appointment of His own. He knows the value of His children spending time alone with Him. Are you spending time alone with God? At Jabbok God broke Jacob. It was out of this brokenness that Jacob saw himself as he was and he confessed all his sin. It was in this state of brokenness that God changed Jacob and blessed him with a new name and a new nature.

Are you spending time alone with God?

Roger D. Willmore

Scripture Reading: Genesis 33–35; Matthew 10:1–20

January 15

A New Creation

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6, NIV)

Because we are related to Adam, we are born sinners and are condemned to die. That is a historical, visible and experiential fact. We don’t necessarily understand the how or the why of what happened in the Garden of Eden. Yet we are aware that death is a certainty because we are related to Adam. For the wages of sin is death . . . (Romans 6:23). The result of this inheritance is eternal separation from God who reigns in heaven.

As mysteriously as condemnation became ours as relatives of Adam, God’s amazing grace has provided us with a new inheritance which was revealed in a different garden. Christ died to pay for the wages of sin and conquered death’s power. The empty tomb revealed His identity as God in the flesh. When the Spirit of God opens our eyes to see this truth we discover that a miracle has occurred. We have been transplanted out of Adam’s heritage and into Christ’s heavenly heritage. If you confess with your mouth, ’Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).

Not only did God the Father raise Christ from the dead, but we who believe were resurrected with Him! We are already alive eternally, counted as in Christ. We are heavenly beings in the here and now!

The Apostle Paul continually underscores the miraculous life of those in Christ. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20). The One who lives in me is reigning in heaven, and I am in Him. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves (Colossians 1:13).

Lord, give us eyes to see and grace to believe who we are in You. Grant us the privilege, by Your mercy, of embracing our heavenly citizenship. Let us live the above life here below.

Glenna Salsbury

Scripture Reading: Genesis 36–38; Matthew 10:21–42

January 16

The Priesthood of Jesus

. . . a priest . . . according to the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 5:6, NKJV)

Seven times in Hebrews chapters 5, 6 and 7, Jesus Christ is referred to as a priest according to the order of Melchizedek. That immediately prompts a question. Why this priesthood according to this order and how does it apply to Jesus Christ?

Part of the message of Hebrews is to show how Jesus Christ fulfilled all that was typified by the priesthood of Aaron. This was accomplished in the fact that Jesus Christ entered the Holiest of all by means of His own blood to make atonement for our sins. Then why this added form of priesthood? That very question is asked in Hebrews 7:11, If perfection were through the Levitical priesthood [of Aaron], what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek?

The answer is simply in the fact that the order of Melchizedek had not to do with our Lord’s ministry on earth but rather His ministry in heaven. Hebrews 7:16: . . . according to the power of an endless life. Hebrews 7:24: But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.

The significant thing about this particular ministry of our Lord is that He now does for us what Melchizedek did for Abraham. When Abraham returned from the rescue of Lot, Melchizedek met Abraham and brought forth bread and wine to sustain him, and he also blessed Abraham.

In a similar way, the Lord brings forth bread to sustain us. But that bread is the bread of the Word of God. We sing appropriately, Break Thou the bread of life, dear Lord, to me, as Thou didst break the loaves beside the sea. Furthermore, He provides that bread of His own indwelling life. In John 6:35, Jesus said, I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger. Again we sing, Thou art the bread of life, O Lord, to me.

Now, the Lord does not bring forth wine as Melchizedek did, but He brings forth something far better. Acts 2:33: . . . having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear. How wonderful, that He bestowed the Holy Spirit to indwell, to teach, to guide and to enable.

Then also we read that Melchizedek blessed Abraham. So in like manner our Lord has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).

How we should thank God for the priesthood of our Lord, not only according to the order of Aaron but also according to the order of Melchizedek, through which He so wonderfully ministers to us day by day, to sustain, to enable and to bless.

Dr. Eric Crichton

Scripture Reading: Genesis 39–40; Matthew 11

SAVIOUR

Saviour, Thou are always near me

Near amidst each trial, each care,

Saviour, Thou dost ever hear me

When I go to Thee in prayer.

Oh, I pray that Thou may keep me

In the center of Thy will,

That Thy grace will ever find me

Loving, hoping, trusting, still.

Saviour, Thou dost never fail me,

In temptation, in despair,

When the storms of life assail me

Thou dost hear and answer prayer.

Saviour, Thou who died for me

Gave so much, Thy life, Thy all;

Help me to obedient be—

Ready, willing, at Thy call.

Saviour, Thou dost give such peace,

That our fears do flee.

Thou hast given from sin release,

All the glory, praise to Thee!

Saviour, oh, I pray, tonight,

That Thou’lt keep me day by day

Walking daily in the light

That Thou shedst along my way.

—Author unknown

January 17

A Provision for Victorious Living

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9, NKJV)

The heart of the victorious Christian life is a moment-by-moment walk with the Lord. God is glorified when I fulfill His will and purpose for my life (Heb. 13:21) as I walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16a).

The Bible teaches that when I accept Christ as my Savior, the Holy Spirit permanently indwells me (1 Cor. 6:19). It is also true that I’m indwelt by the old man (Rom. 6–7). He works to neutralize my walk in the Spirit by prodding me to disobey God.

While God’s high standard is go and sin no more (John 8:11b), He knows that I will (1 John 1:8) and has made a wonderful provision for me to deal with personal sin which breaks fellowship. That provision is 1 John 1:9. I wish I had been taught this early in my Christian life. It would have resulted in more time logged in fellowship rather than a lot of carnal living.

God in His grace uses this simple truth, that I should instantly confess my sin as soon as I am conscious that I have willfully disobeyed God. The basic idea for confess is to agree with God about your sin. The issue isn’t feeling sorry for sin—although you might, and that is all well and good. The point, however, is acknowledging or agreeing with God about your sin. The if gives me the freedom to confess or not confess. I choose, moment by moment, to agree with God or to be out of fellowship.

The verse closes with a promise that if I obey and agree with God, He is faithful and just to forgive [me]. It always happens because Christ’s death made full payment for all my sins. There is the added blessing of His cleansing me from all unrighteousness. All the things I didn’t recognize as sin or forgot about, God forgives. The simple act of believing what God has promised in His Word spells defeat for the old man. I learn from my disobedience and move on in my Christian life. This is real victory!

Dave Shoppy

Scripture Reading: Genesis 41–42; Matthew 12:1–23

January 18

A Pure Church Is a Powerful Church

Who can bring what is pure from the impure? No one! (Job 14:4, NIV)

Prior to pastoring, I worked in an automotive repair shop. I didn’t say I was a mechanic—that would be a reach. Nevertheless, while in the business I did pick up a number of insights concerning the maintenance of cars. One of the interesting facts that you might find handy is that if you, or more likely, your spouse, ever forgets to keep the gas tank full and you completely run out of gas, just getting fueled up is not the answer. Normally on the bottom of a gas tank are all kinds of dirt, rust and particles that easily can clog up a fuel injection system. Therefore if you run out of gas it is imperative to change the car’s gas filter. It is amazing that a small filter can keep the gasoline clean so that the engine will keep running. It is imperative that you have clean fuel, so that you have pure power.

The church operates on the same principle: if impurities enter into the fuel lines of the church, the power of God is inhibited from working. Just like when Achan disobeyed Joshua’s instructions and took treasure for himself in Ai, the consequence was the power of God being removed