January 31 | Grow Up

Series | The God Kind of Life

Scripture | 1 Peter 2:2, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”

Lesson 31 | Grow Up

Everyone loves babies because they are cute and adorable to look at and their smiles can melt anyone’s heart.  However, taking care of babies takes tons of hard work and dedication.  My wife has raised and nurtured all of our three children by feeding them, changing all their dirty diapers, and comforting them when they cry and for that she will forever be my hero (not to mention she birthed them all)!

My gifting as a father kicks in around the time they turn one.  I am then able to help them walk, talk, know right from wrong, and even teach them simple things like their ABC’s.  As a result my wife and I make a great team- she does most of the care when they are babies and I do much of the teachings and life lessons when their toddlers.  And by God’s grace I have helped all our children be walkers by one and potty trained by 2 years old! 

But imagine if when my kids turned one, I said to my wife, “Let’s not give them real food but rather keep them on the bottle until they are in the third grade.”  Or, “I don’t want to potty train Hannah until she is around 12 years old.”  If other parents found out about it they would probably call child services on me.  However, the same is true today in many churches, the leaders are not teaching the baby Christians to “grow up” in their salvation and be disciples, thus many people in the church who are in the 30’s and have been saved for years still need their dirty spiritual diapers changed everyday.

Therefore, make a decision today to grow up in your salvation by craving the Word of God.  First, crave the basics like milk then go to the deeper things like steak as your appetite grows so your spiritual life can be developed, Hebrews 6:1-2. 

Make a decision to never stay where you are, challenge yourself to do what Peter said later in 2 Peter 1:5-9,

5 …make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self- control; and to self- control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

Reflection | Are you growing daily in your walk with God?

Action | (1) Decide once and for all that you wont stay a “baby Christian,” but rather will always be a “growing disciple.” (2) Grow daily in your salvation by adding to your faith- goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love.  (3) Lastly, start today and grow up! 

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Exodus 12:14-13:16, Matthew 20:29-21:22, Psalm 25:16-22, & Proverbs 6:12-15. Click here to read online. 

January 30 | No More Stinkin’ Thinkin’

Series | The God Kind of Life

Scripture | Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is –his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Lesson 30 | No More Stinkin’ Thinkin’

It has been said an average person can think a thought ever second, thus we can have as many as 3,600 thoughts an hour and 57,600 thoughts in one 16-hour day.  Consider if just 10% (one out of ten) of those thoughts in a normal day was negative, that would mean 5,760 negative thoughts per day!  Now consider if you had a “bad day” and 25% (one out of four) of your thoughts were negative that would be over 14,000 depressing thoughts! 

Paul in the above passage is giving the “secret to success” in the Christian life, the transformation of the mind.  Therefore, whenever your physical brain has negative thoughts and patterns of thinking you need to “take every thought captive” that doesn’t conform to the pattern and way of God’s thinking, 2 Corinthians 10:5.

As a Christian you are not conform yourself any longer to the thought patterns of this world.  For example, when you’re having a bad day, don’t do what this world does and keep thinking depressing and negative thoughts, but rather be “transformed” (changed) in your thinking and think the Word of God.  Think, “Today is not going well, but I’m more than a conqueror through Christ and I’m going to make it through this today in the name of Jesus.”

Therefore, get rid of your “stinkin’ thinkin’” and be renewed (made new) in your thinking and transform the ole’ stinky thoughts into beautiful sweet smelling thoughts!  Just because a thought enters into your mind, doesn’t mean you have to mediate on it over and over again like a broken record.  Chose to test (put into action) God’s perfect, good, and pleasing will.  In other words, find out what pleases God and His prefect plan for your life and think about those things 57,600 times a day!

Reflection | What is your thought life like?

Action | (1) On average, what percentage of your thoughts are negative per day? (2) What do you normally do when negative thoughts come into your mind? (3) Lastly, from this point on whenever a negative thought comes into your mind, transform it into a God pleasing thought and think on that!   

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Exodus 10:1-12:13, Matthew 20:1-28, Psalm 25:1-15, &Proverbs 6:6-11. Click here to read online. 

January 29 | The Righteousness of God

Series | The God Kind of Life

Scripture | 2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Lesson 29 | The Righteousness of God

Say this out loud, “I am the righteousness of God.  Jesus became what I was-sinful, so I could be who He is-righteous.”  Now repeat it until you believe it!  As a pastor I have righteous anger concerning how the devil keeps people in the “rat race of sin.”

The devil has convinced people that because they were born a sinner they are going to die a sinner and thus sinning is all they can ever do.  Satan teaches people from an early age that temptation to sin cannot be defeated, that if you are tempted to sin, there is no other option but to give in to it and sin.

Also, the devil has gotten religious leaders in Christianity to buy into the lie as well.  Many pastors and leaders teach their people that even after they were “saved” and “born again,” they really aren’t fully saved from the power and presence of sin.  Thus, they still need to be daily saved and daily born again.    

Some people read Romans 7 and believe Paul was teaching that as believers we will always be powerless against the sin that wages war against our mind.  However, they forget to read Romans 8:2 where he boldly proclaims, “…the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”  Therefore, Paul firmly believed that once a person was saved they were totally free from sin and death in their soul and spirit. 

Think of it like this, before Jesus there was no righteousness in you- you were utterly sinful, Romans 3:23.  In the same way, now in Christ there is no sin in you, you are completely righteous.  Therefore, just as much as you were a sinner before Christ is as much of a saint (righteous person) you are in Christ.

Some may ask, what about 1 John 1:8 where he states, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”  However, this is for the person who believes they have no need for salvation- like a Hindu or Buddhist who might say, “I’ve been enlightened, I don’t have any sin."  

Thus, John continues in the next verse in 1 John 1:9 and clarifies, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”  Therefore, the one who rightly confesses their sins is made pure and cleansed from all unrighteousness. 

In conclusion, do you believe that when Jesus saved you from your sins, you were really saved from the power and presence of sin?  Do you believe that when you were born again and made a new creation, you were really born again and made a new person?  Do you believe when Christ crucified your flesh and gave you the Spirit of life, your old nature was actually put to death and now you live a new life?  And lastly, do you really believe that when you confessed your sins, that you were literally washed and cleansed from all your unrighteousness?

If you believe it, then live it- because that is who God made you to be!

Reflection | Do you believe you are the righteousness of God?

Action | (1) Remove any bad teaching that makes you believe you are not righteous. (2) Live like who Jesus made you to be by the power of the Holy Spirit.  (3) Lastly, when you sin and act like who you used to be, repent and be cleansed again from all your unrighteousness.   

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Exodus 8:1-9:35, Matthew 19:13-30, Psalm 24:1-10, &Proverbs 6:1-5. Click here to read online. 

January 28 | Know Jesus and Make Him Known

Series | The God Kind of Life

Scripture | Mark 3:14, “He appointed twelve–designating them apostles –that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.”

Lesson 28 | Know Jesus and Make Him Known

Nothing in life is more important than “knowing Jesus” and “making Him known.”  First, to know Jesus is to have an intimate with relationship with Him as your Lord and Savior.  And second, to make Jesus known is to preach His life changing Gospel to everyone you can.  The above passage teaches every disciple in every generation that they must be faithful to do both.

Knowing Jesus has to do with your personal growth, making Him known has to do with your ministerial growth.  Spending time with Jesus is how you know His heart and commands for your life, spending time with the lost is how you know His heart and commands for the world. 

Worship, prayer, personal study of God’s Word, and being faithful to gather with God’s church is how you grow closer to Jesus.  Witnessing, serving others, going on mission trips, and preaching the Gospel is how others get closer to Jesus.  Knowing Jesus always comes first, making Jesus known always comes second. 

Some Christians today just want to “know Jesus” and keep Him all to themselves.  They are either too lazy or afraid to share Him with others, thus they hid their light under a bowl and no one else is benefited.  On the other hand, some people can be so busy in ministry for Jesus that they forget to spend quality time with Jesus.  They believe that doing is more important that being.  However, like Jesus taught Martha in Luke 10:38-42, being at the Master’s feet is always most important.   

As a result, we must be like the first disciples who both knew Jesus and made Jesus known!   

Reflection | Are you faithfully knowing Jesus and making Him known?

Action | (1) What are you faithfully doing to grow in your knowledge of Jesus? (2) What are you doing faithfully to make Jesus known to others?  (3) Lastly, live everyday knowing Jesus and making Him known! 

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Exodus 5:22-7:25, Matthew 18:21-19:12, Psalm 23:1-6, &Proverbs 5:22-23.  Click here to read online.  

January 27 | A Friend of God

Series | The God Kind of Life

Scripture | James 2:23, “And the scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend.”

Lesson 27 | A Friend of God

Wow, could you imagine what it must have felt like for Abraham to be called “God’s friend?”  Friendship is a relationship that is mutually beneficial for both persons who like to have fellowship with each other.  Thus, by God calling Abraham His friend, God was affirming His great love and appreciation for Abraham’s companionship.

The Bible teaches us that God has no needs, thus it wasn’t like God wanted to find someone to hang out with because He was lonely.  However, God in His infinite love desired to have intimate relationships with His own creation.  David understood this great honor when he said in Psalm 8:4, “what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” 

Also Jesus, God in the flesh, said in John 15:15, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his masters business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”  Therefore, not only was Abraham a friend of God, but also so were the disciples.  And so are you when you believe in God the way they did.  For James says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend.”

As a result, when people place their full trust in God and His Word their sins are forgiven, they are made righteous, and are then brought into close relationship with Him.  Thus, if you have placed your faith in Jesus you are God’s friend! 

As God’s friend do you spend time with Him everyday?  Do you enjoy being in His presence?  Do you introduce Him to your other friends?  Or are you ashamed of Him and His character?  I would like to challenge as God’s friend to never be ashamed of your friendship with Him, but rather in all you do aim to please and honor Him, because He has given you the highest honor by being your friend!

God is so loving that He allowed us to be His friends, therefore, I pray you will love Him in return with all your heart and be a good friend!     

Reflection | Are you a good friend to God?

Action | (1) Examine your life to see if you honor your friendship with God on the job, in your home, and out with your other friends. (2) If there are things you do that displease God and dishonor your friendship with Him, repent and ask Him to forgive you.  (3) Lastly, live everyday of your life being mindful of your best friend.

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Exodus 4:1-5:21, Matthew 18:1-20, Psalm 22:19-31, &Proverbs 5:15-21.  Click here to read online. 

January 26 | Me and My House

Series | The God Kind of Life

Scripture | Joshua 24:15, “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Lesson 26 | Me and My House

In the above passage, Joshua is giving his final words to the Jewish people after successfully completing his task for the Lord and is at the end of his life.  He had powerfully brought the people of Israel into the promise land and defeated the enemies of God.  However, he knew that the greatest enemy the people of Israel were going to face was going to come from their own families and homes.

In other words, Joshua knew that the only way Israel could be defeated was if the people turned their backs on God and worshipped the false gods and idols of the nations.  Therefore, he gave them the ultimatum, “you can either serve the Lord or the false gods.”  But Joshua was very clear what he and his household were going to do, he said, “but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Your house may not be tempted to serve the gods of the Egyptians or the Amorites, however, they may be tempted to serve the god of “money,” “sports,” “entertainment,” “self,” “humanism,” and, “perversion.”  Thus, you need to make up in your mind which “god” you and your house are going to serve.

If you are the leader of your house you should determine how and when everyone goes to church, does daily family devotions, obeys God’s commands and preaches the Word of God everywhere they go.  Don’t let Oprah Winfrey or American Idol have the loudest voice in your family!

However, if you’re not the leader in your home, you can start with your bedroom and say, “As for me in this bedroom, I will serve the Lord.”  And one day when you have your own house and family you can boldly say, “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord!” 

Make Jesus the Lord of your life and the only God of your house! 

       
Reflection | Do you and your household serve the Lord?

Action | (1) If you’re the leader in your home, establish today daily prayer times and Scripture readings. (2) If you’re not the leader of your home, establish in your life regular prayer and Bible reading.  (3) Lastly, don’t let the idols of this world become the gods of your house- serve the Lord! 

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Exodus 2:11-3:22, Matthew 17:10-27, Psalm 22:1-18, &Proverbs 5:7-14.  Click here to read online.  

January 25 | A Life Built on the Rock

Series | The God Kind of Life

Scripture | Matthew 7:24, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

Lesson 25 | A Life Built on the Rock

I love to go to the beach, lay out and swim during the day, and fish for sharks at night.  I’ve had the blessing to visit great beaches all over the US and other countries.  I’ve been to beautiful beaches in Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Mexico- and my favorite of all time- Paradise Island Beach in the Bahamas!  Every beach I’ve visited I’ve seen extraordinary homes all along the shore.  The homes in Miami and Bahamas we’re some of the nicest I’ve ever seen.

On the other hand, no matter how beautiful the beachfront homes are they all have one major problem, they’re all built on sand!  Thus, when hurricanes and high tides come those extraordinary beachfront homes are always the first ones to get destroyed.  However, the 1,000-square-feet two-bedroom homes built on solid ground just a few miles away usually make it through the storms without major damage.  Why?  Because the cheap houses away from the beach are built on a better foundation then the million dollar homes on the beach.

The same is true in life, some unbelievers may have high paying jobs, great educations, and even strong family values- however, Jesus said when the storms of life come their lives fall apart because they built them upon the sand of “man’s ways.”  However, when we as Christians build our lives on God Word and put what He taught us into practice we will survive with everything in tact.  Thus, the prosperity of our lives doesn't come from our jobs, man’s wisdom, or even education- our success comes from God!

Of course, God wants us to be wise, have a good education, and be successful on our jobs but its not those things that keep us safe from the storms of life- it is the Word of God and our obedience to it.  Therefore, everyday build your life upon the "rock" of God's Word!  

Reflection | Have you built your life upon God’s Word?

Action | (1) Examine the foundation of your family, job, and overall life. (2) Dedicate your life to building upon the foundation of God’s Word.  (3) Lastly, obey all that God has taught so that your life will remain after the storms come.

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Genesis 50:1-Exodus 2:10, Matthew 16:13-17:9, Psalm 21:1-13, & Proverbs 5:1-6. Click here to read online. 

January 24 | Always a Way Out

Series | The God Kind of Life

Scripture | 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

Lesson 24 | Always a Way Out 

Repeat this out loud with me, “God will not let me be tempted beyond what I can handle.  God is faithful- He will always provide a way out so I can stand under it.”  Now repeat that simple sentence until you believe it! 

All of us face temptations in life where we think to ourselves that there is no possible way out of this without sinning.  Sometimes our temptation may be to get angry and act ungodly in traffic- but we need to stop ourselves at the moment we're getting ready to yell at the car in front of us and look for God’s way out.  His way out of an ungodly temper might just be turning on worship music, focusing on Jesus, and being thankful for all the “extra” time we now have to be in His presence!

Or you may be facing the temptation of giving up on God’s promises, staying home from church, and running away from the godly people in your life because you are ashamed of your sins.  However, if you would just take a moment before you start your 100-yard-dash away from everything holy and ask God for the way out He will give you one.  He may simply speak to your heart, “Go to church and confess you weaknesses to a trusted leader and have them pray for you because you’re not facing this situation alone.”

Therefore, no matter what temptation you are facing in life before you freak out and say God has abandoned you and there is no other option but to sin- stop, drop, and roll!  Stop whatever wrong thing you’re about to do.  Drop to your knees and pray for God’s way out.  And lastly, roll out of the temptation into the way of escape provided for you!

Reflection | What temptations are you facing today?

Action | (1) Call to mind the two biggest temptations you’re facing in life.  (2) Then say out loud, “God will not let me be tempted beyond what I can handle.  God is faithful- He will always provide a way out so I can stand under it.”  (3) Lastly, ask God for the way of escape so you don’t have to sin.    

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Genesis 48:1-49:33, Matthew 15:29-16:12, Psalm 20:1-9, & Proverbs 4:20-27. Click here to read online. 

January 23 | His Great and Precious Promises

Series | The God Kind of Life

Scripture | 2 Peter 1:4, “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

Lesson 23 | His Great and Precious Promises

Did you know that every situation you face in life God has a promise for you?  God has literally given a promise of prosperity and blessing for every hardship you face in life.  Every trial and test the believer goes through can be seen as a chance for God to “keep His Word!” 

Think about it like this, if you bought a new car and it came with a manufacturer “bumper to bumper warranty” for the first 100,000 miles it would cover any problems within that time.  Thus, if during that time frame your transmission went bad, you could bring the car back to the dealer based on the promise given in the warranty to fix it.  The same is true in life concerning God’s promises.  Whenever we face “breakdowns” in life that need repair we can go to God confidently based on His promises to “fix us.”

Peter calls these promises found in the Bible “very great and precious” because they are powerful and are given to us from the heart of God.  And when we act upon the promises of God we are actually “participating in the divine nature” and “escaping the corruption in the world” because God protects us by His divine power so we do not suffer without hope. 

At the same time, God’s promises are not like unconditional “wishes” from a Genie in a bottle.  Some of the promises require faith and perseverance on our part.  Other promises may not fully come to pass until we reach heaven.  And some promises, have a timeline that are different from our microwave mindsets.  Thus, we are to find in hope in the promises and trust the God who gave them to us that He will fulfill them in His time for His greatest glory!      

Reflection | What are some promises from God you’re holding on to?

Action | (1) Search the Bible for three promises today that relate to a need in your life. (2) Pray for God to fulfill the promises in His way and in His time.  (3) Lastly, live today with the hope that God will keep His Word! 

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Genesis 46:1-47:31, Matthew 15:1-28, Psalm 19:1-14, &Proverbs 4:14-19. Click here to read online. 

January 22 | Trials=Joy

Series | The God Kind of Life

Scripture | James 1:2-3, “2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”

Lesson 22 | Trials=Joy

Say what!?  How in the world are we to consider facing various trials and hardships “pure joy?”  Either James is playing a cruel joke on us or he is living in fairy-tale-land playing “make believe,” right?  I know that is how many people view the above verses, thus something must be missing from our understanding if we are to consider it pure joy when we face various trials.  As a result, the key to understanding the joy in trials is found in verse three where James writes, “the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”

Therefore, we are not rejoicing in the trial itself, we are rejoicing in the outcome of the trial.  For example, if your child turns their back on God after you have raised them in the “fear and admonition of the Lord,” you don’t rejoice and say, “I’m so happy right now because my child has turned away from God.  This trial is absolutely pure joy!”  God forbid.  But rather, you are to rejoice and say, “I praise God for this trial and count it as pure joy because I know my faith will get stronger through this and my perseverance will increase to see this trial through to the end!”

In other words, every trial you face is producing a deeper faith and perseverance in your life.  This faith and perseverance will result in great blessings in this life and the eternal life to come.  Therefore, don’t allow discouragement and depression to come when you face various trials as if God is not in control.  But rather, rejoice and trust that God is allowing you to go through this time of testing to increase your faith and perseverance.

You will make it through the trial stronger then when you started!  

Reflection | What are some trials you’re facing today?

Action | (1) Think about two trials you’re facing today. (2) Now rejoice for the promised outcome you will have when the trial passes.  (3) Lastly, trust God that He is with you and that He will bring you through whatever you’re facing.   

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Genesis 44:1-45:28, Matthew 14:13-36, Psalm 18:37-50, &Proverbs 4:11-13. Click here to read online. 

January 21 | Dead to the Flesh, Alive in the Spirit

Series | The God Kind of Life

Scripture | Colossians 3:3, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

Lesson 21 | Dead to the Flesh, Alive in the Spirit

The moment you accepted Jesus into your life two things instantly occurred, first a funeral and then a rebirth.  The funeral was for the death of your old life and the sinful nature that resided in your earthly body (flesh).  And the rebirth was for your soul (mind, will, and emotions) and your spirit.

Then from that moment on your old life has been dead and your new life is with Christ.  Therefore, you are to no longer live according to your old sinful ways, but according to the new ways of the Spirit, Galatians 5:24-25.  Some Christians have been wrongly taught to believe they are “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” on the inside.  One person is evil and the other good- thus daily they have to fight the evil side of their personality and let the good side win.

Not only is this weird and basically schizophrenic to believe, but it’s totally unbiblical.  When Jesus said through Paul you “died” and “your life is now hidden with Christ,” He meant it!  Therefore, decide today to stop living the old life and hanging around the dead sinful nature and choose to live with Christ in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Some might think, “what does it matter how I view myself?”  It matters very much because if you believe you’re still a dirty rotten stinky sinner- you’re going to keep living like a dirty rotten stinky sinner.  However, if you believe what God says is true and that you’re old life is dead and your new life is with Christ then you’re going to live a new clean pure abundant life!         

Reflection | Do you believe your old sinful nature died when you got saved?

Action | (1) Take any thought or wrong teaching captive that has given you permission to live less than how God commanded you. (2) Believe you are who Jesus said you are.  (3) Lastly, live like your old sinful life is dead and your brand new life is with Christ- because it is! 

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Genesis 42:18-43:34, Matthew 13:47-14:12, Psalm 18:16-36, & Proverbs 4:7-10. Click here to read online.

January 20 | More Than Conquerors

Series | The God Kind of Life

Scripture | Romans 8:37, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

Lesson 20 | More Than Conquerors  

When we believe in Jesus’ work on the cross we become “more than conquerors” because Jesus defeated death, hell, and the grave on our behalf.  Jesus became our substitutionary sacrifice and made atonement for all our sins, past, present, and future to the Father.  Therefore, for those who are in Christ Jesus there is no outside force that can defeat them or separate them from Christ’s love.

What are you facing today?  Sickness, hardships, loneliness, satanic attacks, or death itself?  In all the troubles you face, you are more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ who loves you.  Testimonies come from tests and victories come from battles.  Therefore, don’t give up when you face hardships and tough times- for God is with you and nothing can stand against you.

Sometimes people die and it doesn’t seem like all their “battles” were won, however, God doesn’t promise that every victory will happen in this life.  Some battles are won after death when the Kingdom of God permanently resides with man on the new earth.  Therefore, don’t lose heart in your momentary struggles, God is with you and you will see the victory either in this life or the one to come.

Think about your life from God’s perspective- He can see the big picture from start to finish.  He even knows what heaven and the new earth will be like.  As a result, when He says you a “more than a conqueror” He knows it is the truth.  It is up to you and I to believe it!

Reflection | Do you believe because of Jesus you are more than a conqueror?

Action | (1) Think of the biggest hardship (outside of temptation) that you are facing today. For example, “sickness, financial trouble, etc.” (2) Then pray out loud, “___fill in the blank with your hardship______ (ex. Sickness) will not separate me from the love of Christ- I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me.”  (3) Lastly, live today in the confidence of your confession of faith in Jesus Christ. 

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Genesis 41:17-42:17, Matthew 13:24-46, Psalm 18:1-15, &Proverbs 4:1-6. Click here to read online.

January 19 | His Masterpiece

Series | The God Kind of Life

Scripture | Ephesians 2:10 (NLT), "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Lesson 19 | His Masterpiece

Do you own anything that is valuable, if so how do you treat it?  Maybe you own an expensive piece of jewelry and keep it in a special box.  Or a nice car that you park in the garage every night to keep out of the weather.  Some people own nice houses, cars, furniture, and even expensive artwork.  However, do you know what God values more than anything in all creation?  You.

The God who made the heavens and the earth said you were His masterpiece!  Some people value gold over people, but God put gold on the streets for His people!  Some people will kill for rare jewels, but Jesus died so that people could live in a city with the walls made of jewels!

When you gave your life to Jesus it might have been a surprise for you but it was the perfect plan of God.  Meaning, it might not have been planned a month in advance in your mind, but God had been waiting from eternity past to make you His masterpiece.  Thus, the day you were born again you became the masterpiece or workmanship of God.

Though you will grow and develop in your habits, the day you got saved the masterpiece was completed!  You’re not being tinkered with and developed as you go, but rather you were perfected and completed the day you got saved.

The journey of spiritual of growth is to learn who God made you to be the day you got saved and now do the good works He planned out in advance.  Take for example if someone could buy you the most expensive man made thing on earth and give it to you as a gift.  The International Space Station is worth over 150 billion dollars because of the vast amount of work that went into making it. 

Now imagine, being given the entire space station to have for yourself.  How long do you think it would take for you to learn all about it and to do all the “good works” it can do? A lifetime!  The same is true with how God made you.  You will need the rest of your life to learn how to live and act like the masterpiece He made you to be.  But you will never be more valuable, special, and beautiful than the day you first got saved. 

Reflection | Do you believe you’re God’s masterpiece?

Action | (1) Ask God to remove all self-pity and condemnation from your identity. (2) Start to believe and act like the masterpiece God made you to be. (3) Lastly, if you ever fail to live out the good works He prepared for you, repent, and move forward in grace.      

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Genesis 39:1-41:16, Matthew 12:46-13:23, Psalm 17:1-15, & Proverbs 3:33-35. Click here to read online.

January 18 | By Grace Alone

Series | The God Kind of Life

Scripture | Ephesians 2:8-9, "8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith –and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Lesson 18 | By Grace Alone

You cannot save yourself, only God's grace can save you.  Imagine going skydiving without a parachute and trying to use the air to stop your fall.  Grasping over and over again at the air would do nothing to stop your rapid descent.  The Bible says that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, Romans 3:23.  Your lying, lusting, out bursts of anger, selfish ambitions, pride, greed, bitterness, and jealousies have all caused you to suffer a great fall.

However, your fall is even more terrifying than that from an airplane because the ground will soon come for those who fall out of the sky, but your fall will be for eternity in a pit filled with fire. You will never stop falling and all the good works you have done to try to save yourself will be like dirty grave clothes wrapped around your body.  Your religious works and rituals will be like ropes made of sand giving you nothing to hold onto or strength to save you.  Plus, you will have no hope of help from those who have fallen before you because they too have nothing to stop their own horrifying descent. 

You will cry and scream for the fall to stop and the ground to come comfort your feet again, but none of your cries will be heard because you will fall alone.  Your only company will be the memories of your sin and they will torment you like undying worms crawling through your flesh. 

The last moment of your feet standing will be in a place where you didn’t belong, for the Maker of Heaven, your only hope, will have cast you to your fall with these parting words, “Depart from Me you worker of inequity.”          

What then is grace?  Jesus’ undeserved gift of salvation.  Grace is now your only hope of not falling into that pit you deserve to be cast into.  Therefore, it is by grace alone sinners are saved.  And this underserved gift and unmerited kindness comes only from Jesus.  Receive His grace, live in His grace, and be forever grateful that Jesus saved a “sinner like you.” 

Reflection | Reflect on the words to the ole' song “Amazing Grace.” 

Action | (1) Ask God to reveal the depths and power of His saving grace to you. (2) Spend time today thanking Jesus for His sacrifice that gives forgiveness to sinners by grace. (3) Lastly, never turn away from the grace of God.

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Genesis 37:1-38:30, Matthew 12:22-45, Psalm 16:1-11, &Proverbs 3:27-32. Click here to read online.

January 17 | One Way

Series | The God Kind of Life

Scripture | John 14:6, "Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Lesson 17 | One Way   

Have you ever driven the wrong way on a “one way” street before?  If you have, you probably heard someone yell out something like, “Stop- you’re going the wrong way!”  And if you listened and got turned back around you were most likely very thankful for their help.  The same is true with going to heaven.  There is only way to go on the narrow road and that way is through Jesus.  And it is the job of ever Christian to let people know who are going the wrong way to stop, turn around, and go the right way.

Jesus believed and acted as if He was the only way to the Father.  He made no mention of Buddha, Krishna, or even Hercules- thus, in the mind of Christ He was the only way people could go to be in a relationship with God. 

Thus, was Jesus lying?  Did He really believe there were “many roads” to heaven and He just wanted people to pick Him over the rest because of His ego?  Or was Jesus a lunatic and out of His mind because He didn’t know how crazy His statements really were?  Or lastly, was He the Lord of Glory telling the truth?

Some people like to say Jesus was just a “good man.”  But a good man doesn’t lie or act like a lunatic.  Thus, He couldn't have been telling the truth with a rational mind and just be a “good man,” because “good men” don’t claim to be the only way to God.  In turn, if Jesus was telling the truth and had a rational mind, He is the Lord of all.  And as the Lord, He then must be taken serious and His Words fully obeyed.

As a result, if you believe Jesus is Lord, it’s your responsibility to let others know about the “one way” to God.  We live in a culture where “buffet religion” is very popular.  Many people like to pick and choose from each religion what they like the best- a little Jesus with a side order of Buddha.  However, a little poison with your food can kill you.  Therefore, stay following Jesus and let others know it!   

Reflection | What other ways do you see people taking in life?

Action | (1) Ask God to give you the revelation of Jesus’ only way to the Father. (2) Think of two popular ways people are taking other than Jesus. (3) Lastly, prayerfully prepare a short message in your heart to share with people who are going the wrong way when God’s brings you into their path.     

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Genesis 35:1-36:43, Matthew 12:1-21, Psalm 15:1-5, &Proverbs 3:21-26. Click here to read online.

January 16 | Living by Faith

Series | The God Kind of Life

Scripture | Genesis 12:2, "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.”

Lesson 16 | Living by Faith   

When God gave the above promise to Abraham he didn’t even have one child and was 75 years old.  As a matter of fact, his name was still “Abram” (which means, “high father”) because God hadn’t changed it to Abraham yet (which means, “father of multitudes”).  However, God didn’t speak to Abraham from an earthly and natural perspective, but rather God spoke to Him from a heavenly and spiritual perspective.

God was declaring the future to Abraham in the present.  God was giving Abraham a promise that was grounded in the very power and nature of Himself.  The moment Abraham believed what God said to him, he was acting in faith.  Also, from that moment on when he would talk to people about what God said he was speaking in faith.

Can you imagine how funny it must have been for some people to hear from a guy with no kids at the age of 75 that God promised to make his descendants a great nation?  Even Sarah his wife laughed when she heard about God’s plans for them.  However, the Bible teaches in Galatians 3:6 that Abraham “believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness.”   

Paul then writes in Galatians 3:9, “those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.”  Therefore, when we believe and speak the promises God has for us we too are blessed like Abraham.  God kept His word to Abraham and made his decedents the great nation of Israel.  And from the Jewish people Jesus was born and made an even greater nation of Christians from all nations and generations. 

Thus, take some time today to learn from faithful Abraham.  Decide to put your faith in God and believe what He has said He will do.  God is not a man that He should lie, what He has promised you according to His Word, He will do! 

Reflection | What are some promises God has given you?

Action | (1) Find and write down three promises from God found in the Bible. (2) Pray and speak the promises out and believe them to be true. (3) Lastly, walk and talk in faith because God will keep His Word!     

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Genesis 32:13-34:31, Matthew 11:7-30, Psalm 14:1-7, &Proverbs 3:19-20. Click here to read online.