DEVOTIONS

Monday, February 21 – “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6) It isn’t about works, like being a good person.  It isn’t about genetics, like being of a certain race.  It isn’t about heritage, like being from a specific family.  It isn’t even about what church you attend.  Salvation is a personal choice that you make about Jesus.  All of the above can influence your decision. But, in the end, it’s all about you and the choice you make.  God has presented you with the way, the truth and the life.  Now, will you accept it?   

Tuesday, February 22 – “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29) These are the words of Jesus.  This is very simple, it just isn’t easy.  Believe in Jesus and you will be saved.  Live as a follower of Jesus and “you will find rest for your souls”.  Both in this life and for eternity.  Simple, right?  So, what are you waiting for?  Maybe you realize that you can’t live as you have always lived, as a follower of Jesus?  Faith in Jesus transforms who you are and what you do.  But don’t worry, Jesus is “gentle and humble in heart”.  He wants to walk with you and teach you how to walk with him.

Wednesday, February 23 – “If you love me, keep my commands.” (John 14:15) Does this sounds like works to you?  Keeping Jesus’ commands, so that he will love you?  Read the passage again.  This has nothing to do with Jesus’ love for you and everything to do with your love for Jesus.  Keeping Jesus’ commands has nothing to do with deserving the love of God.  Keeping Jesus’ commands is what you do in response to the love of God, that you have already received.  This isn’t works, trying to earn God’s love. This is all about the works you do, in response to the love that God has already showered upon all of creation.

Thursday, February 24 – “For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.  Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John 17:2-3) You might not like how God has offered salvation to the world.  You may think that faith in Jesus is too narrow and exclusive.  Well, you have a choice to make.  Reject Jesus, because you don’t like how God has chosen to save all of humanity through Jesus.  Or accept Jesus and live your life as someone whose sins are forgiven, whose life is eternal and who is filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.  Oh, and choosing not to decide is still a choice.    

Friday, February 25 – “As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” (1Peter 4:2) Here’s the truth.  You will live your life “for the will of God” or you will live your life for your own “evil desires”.  There is no third choice.  Everyone lives submitted to something or someone.  Why not the will of God?  Only you can answer that question.  Why don’t you want to believe in Jesus?  Who hurt you?  What are you afraid of?  Who taught you that God and Jesus and faith is a lie?  Something to think about this weekend.

Saturday, February 26 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) There it is!  This is definitely a works theology.  The only way that anyone can get into the kingdom of heaven is to do the will of God.  Jesus said so.  Reread the passage again.  Jesus is teaching that there are people out there who will claim to be followers, but their lives don’t prove it.  This isn’t a works theology.  This is reality.  If you want to truly find out what someone believes simply follow them around and watch what they do.  Actions, works, don’t bring about salvation. They simply prove it!