Daily Devotions

Friday, January 22.

Once we have received Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, we are clean in His eyes. But that doesn’t mean we will never sin again (John 13:9-10). As we live in this world, we’ll continue to exhibit some fleshly patterns, at times thinking wrong thoughts, making hurtful comments, having inappropriate attitudes, and behaving foolishly. That’s why continual cleansing from sin is important.  

James gives us a process by which we can purify our hearts. When we resist the devil, mourn for our sin, and humbly draw near to God in submission, our Father is always faithful to forgive and cleanse us. Confession and repentance are like a spiritual shower that washes away the filth of sin so we can be clean and renewed (1 John 1:9). 

(Ephesians 5:24-25) speaks of cleansing the church “by the washing of water with the word.” Scripture acts like a sharp sword that convicts us, reveals our hidden sins, and teaches how to live in a manner pleasing to the Lord. 

Let’s follow James’s advice today by submitting to God and renewing our minds with His truth. I pray that we can perceive and understand the Lord’s ways, and be confident of our salvation and eternal security despite our failures. 

Memory verse: 1 John 1:9.

“The heart of spiritual discernment is being able to distinguish the voice of the world from the voice of God.”

Friday, January 15.

Our culture is obsessed with longevity. While it’s natural to desire many healthy years on earth, we must remind ourselves life doesn’t end with physical death. The bigger issue is eternal destiny. 

There is only one way to assure that we are destined for life in heaven: We must recognize our hopeless, sinful condition, turn to Jesus Christ in faith, and receive forgiveness of sins and the gift of everlasting life. Those who do this get to spend eternity in the presence of the Lord, where there is fullness of joy and pleasures forever (Psalm 16:11).

Those who reject the offer of salvation suffer the terrible fate of agony in hell and complete separation from the living God. After death, there is no mercy or grace that can bridge the gap between hell and heaven. The matter must be settled while we are alive on earth (Hebrews 9:27). 

We know from Scripture that eternal life is irrevocably linked to the person of Jesus Christ. As the apostle John wrote, “He who has the Son has the life” (1 John 5:12). Reaching a healthy old age is a laudable goal, but nothing is more meaningful than receiving the Savior and the gift of eternity in His presence. 

Memory verse: 1 John 5:12.

“Discernment is God’s call to intercession, never faultfinding.” Corrie Ten Boom

Thursday, January 14.

Sometimes we hear so much about love in books, songs, and conversations that we begin to lose sight of its spiritual dimensions. Believers must remember that God’s love is of a much higher caliber—it is the starting point of our salvation. If He had not loved us first, we’d be destined for eternal condemnation rather than eternal life. 

God revealed the extent of His love by sending His Son to die in our place. Jesus Christ became our substitute and bore God’s wrath for our sins so we could be forgiven and receive life everlasting. 

But divine love extends even further. Not only are we pardoned forever, but God has also adopted us into His family (Ephesians 1:5). As His children we are loved, accepted, and cared for by our heavenly Father. Yet even this is not the full extent of His love. God has also made us co-heirs with His Son. Our inheritance is reserved for us in heaven, and one day when He returns to earth as King, we will one day rule with Christ in His kingdom. 

Never let the world’s shallow concept of love rob you of the wonder of being a recipient of God’s divine love, which transforms us from enemies to heirs. 

Memory verse: Romans 8:17.

“Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right. C.H. Surgeon

Wednesday, January 13.

In our individualistic society, we may think we don’t need anyone’s help in making decisions, forming convictions, or distinguishing truth from error. But such self-reliance doesn’t lead to true wisdom and spiritual discernment. To know the Lord’s mind about a matter, we must rely on His Word. In the pages of Scripture, God has revealed who He is, how He works, and the way His followers are to deepen both their understanding and their relationship with Him.

God has also appointed leaders in the church to help us develop spiritual discernment. They do this by teaching sound doctrine and refuting any ideas that contradict Scripture. Under the instruction of these mature believers, we can grow in righteousness by learning biblical truths and then applying them. 

Since every aspect of life is influenced by our capacity to make wise, godly judgments, it’s essential that we read the Bible and heed the instruction of our pastors. The truths we learn become a filter for everything we see, hear, and experience. Then, if we encounter error, our internal alarm will go off to protect us from deception. 

We all need help when it comes to wisdom. So let’s ask the Lord today to guide us away from self-reliance and towards His holy Word. 

Memory verse: Proverbs 1:17.