Faith Walk

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Leviticus 13 Matthew 26:26-50

Words’ Worth

Leviticus 13, Matthew 26:26-50
Key Verses: Matthew 26:34-35

In the space of just a few verses are recorded words spoken by two disciples. The first was a lie and the second was a boast. Judas lied and did what he denied. Peter boasted and did not do what he declared.

"One of you will betray Me," Jesus said. "Not I," was Judas's reply (vv. 21-25).

"You will deny Me," Jesus said. "Never," was Peter's reply (vv. 34-35).

Sometimes we know ourselves too well, as did Judas. We know our plans for wrong, and our denials are hollow sounds. Sometimes we do not know ourselves well enough, like Peter. We make our boasts, which fall short of reality. Our boasts can be hollow sounds as well.

How it must have grieved the heart of Jesus. In the emotion of that night He heard from His disciples words of deceit and denial.

What words does Jesus hear from you? He knows your plans and your heart, your words of denial or boasting notwithstanding. Think about your words and the heart from which they come. Eliminate deceit and denial and give true worth to your words.

Tell the truth always, to God and to man. Think before you speak, making sure you say what is true.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Leviticus 14 Matthew 26:51-75

From Courage to Cowardice

Leviticus 14, Matthew 26:51-75
Key Verse: Matthew 26:75

In Peter's life there was a slow, downward spiral, a regression from courage to cowardice. It began with a denial, moved to a defense and concluded with a denial of a different kind.

Just prior to these verses is the boast of Peter, the one in which he denied that he would ever deny Jesus.

Then came the scene in the garden. Judas arrived with a group of armed men. With characteristic courage and impetuousness, Peter drew his sword and struck a man.

Peter then moved away from Jesus' side to somewhere in the distance. He hung back, staying just out of sight yet keeping everything in sight. His courage was waning. A servant girl and another girl prompted the first two denials. The third denial in the crowd was inevitable.

In Peter's actions there is a lesson: A step back from Jesus may lead to yet another. He did not go immediately from courage to cowardice. It was a sequence of events.

Watch your every step. Stay close to Christ. When your step is away, make sure the next one is back toward Jesus.

"Help me stay close to You, God, in private and in public. May I always be willing to say, 'You are my God.'"

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Leviticus 15-16 Matthew 27:1-26

Repentance and Remorse

Leviticus 15-16, Matthew 27:1-26
Key Verses: Matthew 27:3-4

Peter's actions are tragic enough, but ultimately he served Jesus courageously and faithfully. Yes, he denied and deserted Jesus, but he found forgiveness and restoration.

The actions of Judas are tragic but in a far more intense way. Ultimately he faced remorse and took his life. He did not take the path that would lead to forgiveness and restoration.

Did Judas repent? Some versions translate verse three with the word repented. The Greek word in that verse, however, does not indicate change. Instead, it carries the meaning of remorse. Judas demonstrated his remorse in his interaction with the priests by throwing the money into the temple and by his suicide. He did not repent unto salvation.

Judas could not escape responsibility or undo results, and neither can we. Without forgiveness, remorse remains.

Remorse must be replaced with repentance. The proper action is to look to God and accept His forgiveness. First John 1:9 promises that His response to our confession will be forgiveness.

Do not live in remorse. Go to God for forgiveness. Make the necessary changes in how you live, and, like Peter, return to a life of obedience.

Is there a need for repentance in your life right now? Do not let sin drive you away from God. Instead, draw near, asking for His forgiveness.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Leviticus 17-18 Matthew 27:27-50

Overcomer

Leviticus 17-18, Matthew 27:27-50
Key Verses: Matthew 27:28-29

The imagery of the crown that was set on Jesus' head is much fuller than the English translation conveys. It was a crudely and cruelly fashioned crown, the branches of a thorn bush hastily twisted together. The blows to Jesus' head undoubtedly added to the torment as the thorns pushed painfully into His scalp. That much of the picture is evident, but there is more.

The crown specifically was a stephanos. This is the word for the victor's crown, the type given as the symbol of triumph. The person awarding the victor's crown might be wearing a crown as well-in this case a diadem, the ruler's crown. These two Greek words are both translated "crown," the one belonging to the ruler and the other to the overcomer.

The crude and cruel crown of thorns upon Jesus' brow was more than just a crown. It was the symbol of the overcomer.

The next time Jesus is described as wearing a crown is in Revelation 19:12, when He appears as the Rider on the White Horse. On His head are many crowns. This time the word used is diadem. The overcomer has returned to reign.

Worship King Jesus. He overcame death and hell. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Jesus is King! Take a moment to pray, to worship, praising Him as King.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Leviticus 19-20 Matthew 27:51-66

Rules For Righteousness

Leviticus 19-20, Matthew 27:51-66
Key Verse: Leviticus 19:2

Is there a child who has not at some point looked at his parent and asked, "Why?" And is there a parent who has not replied, "Because"?

Sometimes when one reads the Old Testament, particularly the sections with various laws, the "why" question comes to mind. The Book of Leviticus can do that to a person! It includes very specific instructions regarding even mildew. Why?

Our passage today gives two direct reasons. "'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy'" (19:2). One reason is holiness. God's intent is not to give rules just for the sake of giving rules. Carefully considered, the various laws and regulations have as their focus the holiness of God's people.

The other reason is relationship. "'I am the LORD your God'" (v. 3). This theme is repeated throughout these chapters and others. The word translated "LORD" points specifically to the relationship between God and His redeemed people. He is our God, and we are His people. In that relationship we are to serve and honor Him.

Rules for the sake of rules? No. Rules for the sake of righteousness and as a part of our relationship. Does your life reflect the holiness that God requires of His people?

To be holy is to be set apart. Are you set apart from sin and set apart to God? Does your life show holiness?

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Leviticus 21-22 Matthew 28

When the Rock Rolled

Leviticus 21-22, Matthew 28
Key Verse: Matthew 28:9

Pilate had ordered the tomb in which Jesus was buried to be made secure (Matt. 27:65). Three things were used to accomplish this. One, a big stone was already in place that covered the entrance securely. Two, a seal of Rome was placed on the tomb. Such a seal was not to be broken and carried severe penalties if it were. Three, a guard was posted.

It was good that the authorities did these things. By taking these measures, they removed the possibility of anybody stealing the body of Jesus. But their efforts were ultimately useless. The rock rolled, the seal broke and the soldiers fainted. Rock, wax and a few armed men could not thwart heaven's plan. Christ arose!

The reactions of Jesus' followers are interesting. The women who heard the angel's announcement were "afraid yet filled with joy" (v. 8). When they saw Jesus, they worshiped Him. When the disciples saw Jesus in Galilee, their response was likewise one of worship.

The resurrection is a demonstration of God's power that should evoke worship. Our response to this truth today should be the same as that of the followers of Jesus that day.

"Christ the Lord is risen today. Alleluia!"

At the heart of worship is response. You know Jesus rose from the dead. How do you respond to that truth? Worship should be an immediate response. Say a prayer of praise to our living Savior.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Leviticus 23-24 Mark 1:1-22

Good News

Leviticus 23-24, Mark 1:1-22
Key Verses: Mark 1:14-15

The preaching of Jesus is described as "proclaiming the good news of God" (v. 14). The Gospel is the Good News of God. Specifically, it is what Jesus preached about God. What He had to say is indeed good news.

David Garland observes that "preaching the gospel today is not simply giving testimony to timeless truths, providing tips on successful living from pop psychology, or regaling congregations with entertaining stories designed to make them feel good about themselves and the preacher" (The NIV Application Commentary: Mark, p. 62). To learn what the Gospel is, one needs look no further than the next verse.

"The time has come." No more delay in the working out of God's plan.

"The kingdom of God is near." No more distance. The kingdom is not far off but at hand.

"Repent and believe." No more doubt. Repentance is a change of mind that brings about a change of life. Jesus included the need to believe. A disciple is not just a morally good person but also believes in Jesus.

This is the good news about believing in Jesus. Through His death, burial and resurrection, He paid completely the penalty for our sin. There is no better news than this!

Do you ever share good news with others? Of course you do. Today tell someone the good news about Jesus.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Leviticus 25 Mark 1:23-45

Good Fear

Leviticus 25, Mark 1:23-45
Key Verse: Leviticus 25:17

As God instructed His people in how they were to live, He gave them reasons. At times the reason was one of relationship. "I am the LORD your God." Other times the reason was one of righteousness. "Be holy because I am holy."

There is yet another reason behind His instructions. It's one that doesn't get much attention but is a theme of Scripture. In this chapter the reason given is reverence. "Fear your God" (vv. 17, 36, 43).

Sometimes we emphasize God's love exclusively. The fact that He is a God of grace overshadows that He also is a God to be feared.

The inadequacy of understanding the fear of God also keeps its emphasis diminished. There is a fear that debilitates and destroys. This is the most common way of understanding fear. Then there is the fear that is beneficial. The fear of God is not baneful but a blessing.

The fear God commands is a reverence for Him and a restraining force for us. In reverence one realizes that God truly is the awesome God.

God warns us to fear Him, and we should. Do not take lightly the consequences of disobeying God.

Ask God to help you fear Him-not in the frightened sense, but in a life of reverential awe.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Leviticus 26-27 Mark 2

Leave No Doubt

Leviticus 26-27, Mark 2
Key Verse: Mark 2:5

In the account of the healing of the paralytic, attention is immediately drawn to the actions of his friends. They are determined enough to dig through the roof in order to get the man to Jesus. Mark writes that "Jesus saw their faith" (v. 5).

Faith is an intangible. It cannot be weighed on a scale or measured with a ruler. There is no way to biopsy it or to attach it to a monitoring device. Yet Jesus saw their faith. Specifically, Jesus saw the demonstration of their faith. He recognized that their bold action was evidence of their belief. They really believed Jesus could heal.

Suppose they had done nothing but believe. The man would have stayed a paralytic. To believe is one thing; to live out that belief is another thing-a necessary thing.

James commands us, "Do not merely listen to the word . . . . Do what it says" (James 1:22). Jesus could see their faith by what they did.

Do others see your faith? To believe is one thing; to live out your belief is another. Let there be no doubt in the minds of those who know you. Let them see your faith.

"Help me today, God, to make my faith seen. Give me an opportunity to do something that unmistakably is an act of faith."

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Numbers 1-2 Mark 3:1-19

Keep It Quiet

Numbers 1-2, Mark 3:1-19
Key Verse: Mark 3:11-12

One of the confusing situations in the Gospels is when Jesus instructed someone to keep what He did quiet. In this chapter the evil spirits are given strict orders not to tell that Jesus was the Son of God. Why would Jesus want that fact kept a secret?

Note that in this situation, as in chapter 1, Jesus is muzzling evil spirits. The problem was not with incorrect information. What they said was true; He was the Son of God. The problem was the wrong messenger. As Warren Wiersbe says, "The Savior did not want, nor did He need, the assistance of Satan and his army to tell people who He was."

The right message told by the wrong messenger can bring about the wrong results. People could have confused the ministry of Jesus with their understanding of evil spirits. The two are not aligned in any way. In reality, they are dramatically opposed to each other.

The truthfulness of the message is vitally important. There also needs to be an emphasis on the truthfulness of the messenger. Sometimes the message of Christ is hurt by the one carrying the message.

Are you a fit messenger?

Be the kind of messenger Jesus wants to use to tell others about Him. Your life affects your message!

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Numbers 3-4 Mark 3:20-35

Intentionally Confusing

Numbers 3-4, Mark 3:20-35
Key Verse: Mark 3:30

In the first part of this chapter, Jesus gave the evil spirits strict orders not to tell people who He was. While their message was true, those messengers could cause confusion. Some would think that Jesus was associated with demons.

Some people even tried to make others think that. In an intentional effort to make Jesus look demonic, teachers of the law said, "He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons" (v. 22).

What Jesus sought to keep the evil spirits from doing, the teachers did. What they said not only was wrong but also did not make sense. "How can Satan drive out Satan?" Jesus pointed out (v. 23).

The reality of the ministry of Jesus is that He was destroying the work of Satan and that He is more powerful than Satan.

The conflict with the evil one is real, continues today and will continue until the final judgment. Remember, though, that ultimately Jesus will destroy all the work of Satan.

The battle is raging, but Jesus will win. Do not let anyone confuse you about that.

Jesus has power over the kingdom of darkness. Don't ever admit defeat. Assume that victory will come through Jesus.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Numbers 5-6 Mark 4:1-20

The Face of Blessing

Numbers 5-6, Mark 4:1-20
Key Verses: Numbers 6:24-26

Today when I read these verses, I think of pastors in my youth who concluded the Sunday service with these words or those of other benedictions found in the Bible. As a child, I usually perceived the benediction as the beginning of the end. I would be ready to bolt from the pew as soon as the moment of silence-just long enough to let the pastor get a head start to the door-lasted.

Now I realize that there is more to these verses than the format for a formal conclusion. They are words of blessing, a prayer as such, imploring God to bless the hearer.

What joy there is when we realize that God's face is shining upon us, His graciousness is in our lives, He is watching over us and giving us peace!

In the same way, what joy there should be when we ask God to do that for others. In a self-centered life, we want. In a Christ-centered life, we give. Blessing is ours both to receive and to give. Find someone today for whom you can pray God's blessing.

Fill in the blank: "God, bless _____________ today." Then tell that person you prayed for him or her to be blessed.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Numbers 7-8 Mark 4:21-41

From Fear to Fear

Numbers 7-8, Mark 4:21-41
Key Verse: Mark 4:40

The account of the calming of the sea is so familiar that it can be read almost without thinking. The disciples are in the boat when a threatening storm hits. They wake Jesus, whose sleeping makes them wonder if He cares. He muzzles the wind and all is calm-except the hearts of the disciples.

Jesus asked, "Why are you so afraid?" (v. 40). Their fear makes sense to us! The fear of drowning was real.

What does not make sense is the next verse. After what they had just experienced, the Bible says the disciples were terrified. Instead of going from fear to faith, they went from fear to fear.

There are two parts to explaining this. First, the disciples went from fear to awe. The Greek words used here are different. They went from fright to reverential awe.

Second, they were so accustomed to seeing Jesus in His humanity that the display of His deity astounded them. Typically believers today think first of the deity of Jesus. Divine displays do not astound us as they did His disciples. They should, though.

Do not by familiarity lose sight of the awesomeness of Jesus. Then in times of fear, He will help you move from fear to faith.

Take a few moments to meditate about this passage. As you do, answer this question: "What manner of man is this?"

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Numbers 9-11 Mark 5:1-20

Gripers in the Grip of Grace

Numbers 9-11, Mark 5:1-20
Key Verse: Numbers 11:23

Numbers 11 begins with a gripe. When the going gets tough, those with a gripe get going. The Exodus was not a nature walk but a tough trek through the wilderness.

There were hardships, for sure. The first complaint, though, was about the food. In their minds, the Israelites had eaten better when they were slaves. The power of the stomach was so strong that it sounds like they preferred the food of slavery over the menu of the delivered.

Think about all the blessings God was giving them. They were freed from slavery, delivered from the Egyptian army and given a promised land. On a daily basis they experienced God's provision of food and guidance.

Yet in the midst of deliverance, protection, provision and guidance, the people complained. Their discontent was really a rejection of the Lord. Verse 20 makes this plain.

Rejection of God's plan for our lives is a rejection of God. Discontent with our circumstances is a rejection of God. Believers may not think of it in that way, but God does.

The blessing of contentment comes with acceptance of God's work in our lives-no matter what is on the menu.

"God, help me to know contentment, the kind that comes from accepting Your plan for my life."

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Numbers 12-14 Mark 5:21-43

Ten to Two

Numbers 12-14, Mark 5:21-43
Key Verse: Numbers 13:30-31

A children's chorus begins with the words, "Twelve men went to spy on Canaan, ten were bad, two were good." Can you name the two that were good? The answer, of course is, Caleb and Joshua. But can you name any of the others?

A speaker I knew would at times get out his wallet and offer to pay a dollar for each of those names a person could recall. He never gave away a single bill. As he put away his wallet with all its dollar bills intact, he would say, "We remember the people who stand for God, but not the ones who don't."

Joshua and Caleb stood for God. Shammua, Shaphat, Igal and the others did not. Their collective voices drowned out the faith of the other two. It was not just a matter of a majority vote but of rebellion. When the people decided not to do what God wanted, it was a rebellion that resulted in 40 years of wandering plus the death of all but the younger generation.

But Joshua and Caleb were spared. They ultimately entered the Promised Land.

The lesson is clear: stand for God-whatever the numbers.

There are probably times you do not stand boldly. Perhaps today something will happen and you will have to make a choice either to speak up or be silent. Stand up for Jesus.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________