Faith Walk

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Mark 13:21-37 Deuteronomy 19-21

Plan or Panic?

Deuteronomy 19-21, Mark 13:21-37
Key Verse: Mark 13:37

Deadlines are good. They can help us plan-or they can make us panic. At the beginning of a semester, for example, students are given a variety of deadlines. Some students plan well, budget their time and meet the deadlines.

On the other hand, there are those who say, "I work better under pressure." They ignore the deadlines until panic sets in. Then they do work under pressure-but not necessarily better.

How would a student handle it if an assignment were given without a due date? The only due date announced would be when the professor decided to call for the assignment. One would have to be constantly prepared.

Professors do not typically give assignments without clear due dates, but Jesus did. He gave us His work to do until He comes. Instead of a specific time, He said that it could be "in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn" (v. 35). His one-word summary instruction is, "Watch!" (v. 37).

If you knew His deadline were today, would you be prepared or would you panic? It could be today. Do you believe that? And are you prepared?

"God, help me to watch today and every day so I will be ready and watching when Jesus comes."

____________________

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 Mark 14:1-26 Deuteronomy 22-24

A Temptation to Resist

Deuteronomy 22-24, Mark 14:1-26
Key Verse: Deuteronomy 22:1

Among the instructions God gave His people were ones regarding the possessions of others. Straying animals were not to be ignored but returned. At times wandering livestock was to be kept until the owner came to claim it. Even fallen animals were to be assisted. "Do not ignore it" is a twice-repeated instruction in the opening verses of Deuteronomy 22.

It is easier to ignore than get involved. These instructions, though, remind us that God is not concerned just with issues of wrongdoing but with relationships. His people are not to just look out for self, the proverbial "number one" of our lives, but also for the needs and well-being of others. That extends to helping with their livestock. In essence, this instruction aims to involve us in the plights other people face.

Perhaps your neighbor will not have cows loose in your pasture, unless you live in a rural area. If that does happen, you should help. But some other adversity may come into your neighbor's life. When it does, you should help.

Resist the temptation not to be involved with someone else's needs. Read James 2:15-17 and 1 John 3:17-18. Remind yourself that God is concerned that His people help others.

Is there someone you should help today? If no one comes to mind then start looking. Always be ready to help.

____________________

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 Mark 14:27-53 Deuteronomy 25-27

Wants or Will?

Deuteronomy 25-27, Mark 14:27-53
Key Verse: Mark 14:36

Life is often lived in pursuit of the "wants." People who live like this frequent the places that provide the food they want, shop the stores that have the products they want, go to the places that feature the entertainment they want, and spend time with those who share similar wants.

The "want-driven" life can become so ingrained that we can adopt "want-driven" praying. The prayer list becomes a wish list, filled with wishes based on wants. Jesus demonstrated the reality that everyone has wants, but we must seek first God's will. "Take this cup from me," He prayed (v. 36). That was something He wanted and knew was possible because, as He affirmed, with God everything is possible.

His wants, though, were second to God's will. The next words strike at the heart of the want-driven life: "Yet not what I will, but what you will."

James, the brother of Jesus, learned the importance of putting wants second when praying. He wrote, "You do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures" (James 4:3).

When you pray, is it based on your wants or His will?

Look over your prayer list. Ask God to help you sort through the things listed and decide which are merely your "wants" and should be removed.

____________________

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 Mark 14:54-72 Deuteronomy 28-29

On the Brink

Deuteronomy 28-29, Mark 14:54-72
Key Verse: Deuteronomy 29:29

The Book of Deuteronomy is a covenant-treaty with stipulations, blessings and curses for the Israelites as they stood on the brink of entering the Promised Land. It describes the way God's people were to live in their new land. They had the promises of God's help, but the future still was unknown to them.

In Deuteronomy 29:29, Moses told them that the future was unknown to them but known to God. What they knew is what He had revealed. They had His Word. God had told them what they needed to know. Now they needed to follow His instructions.

We are so much like Israel. The future is as unknown to us as it was to them. We have God's Word and it tells us how we are to live. Our responsibility is to follow His instructions. This requires us to trust and obey. Demanding to know is not an option because "the secret things belong to the LORD our God" (v. 29).

Life is always lived on the brink of the future. Our knowledge is severely limited, but we do have the revelation of God in His Word. So give obedient attention to it as you, like Israel, live on the brink.

As the saying goes, we may not know what the future holds but we know who holds the future. Ask God for peace in your heart as you look ahead.

____________________

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 Mark 15:1-25 Deuteronomy 30-31

Listen, Learn, Live

Deuteronomy 30-31, Mark 15:1-25
Key Verse: Deuteronomy 31:11

The attempts of children to answer questions about the Bible can be cute. Names and events get switched around and blended. In their innocence and youthfulness, their statements often bring a smile to one's face.

The expectation is that with growth, their childish mistakes will be replaced with Christian maturity and understanding. But that does not happen automatically. Growing older physically is no guarantee of maturing spiritually.

The emphasis in Deuteronomy 31:11 on reading aloud the Word of God is set in a time in which oral teaching was critical. Today there is easy access to the printed Word. While times have changed in that regard, the truth of verses 11-13 remains.

People need to listen to, learn and live the Word of God. We must live in accordance with the lessons learned from the Bible.

Moses also emphasized the need to pass God's Word to the next generation. Verse 13 says that "their children, who do not know this law, must hear it and learn to fear the LORD your God."

None of this is automatic. Each of us must listen to and learn the Word of God so we may live it. Then, we must pass His truth on to the next generation.

What are you doing to pass along God's truth to the next generation? Think hard about this and pray about what else you should be doing.

____________________

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 Mark 15:26-47 Deuteronomy 32-34

They Spoke Better Than They Knew

Deuteronomy 32-34, Mark 15:26-47
Key Verses: Mark 15:31-32

It's an odd thing that we can say one thing and mean another. Sometimes people speak better than they know.

In their mockery, the religious leaders spoke better than they knew when they challenged Jesus to save Himself from the cross (vv. 31-32). They said the right thing. If Jesus were to fulfill His messianic mission, He could not save Himself. His death was necessary for man's redemption.

But their words carried the wrong meaning. In their minds, Jesus was powerless to save. They knew He had healed others, but now since He was staying on the cross, they said that He could not save Himself.

These were the right words, but with the wrong meaning. Jesus is not powerless to save, nor is He unwilling. The nails did not hold Him fast to the cross. It was love-a love as hard as nails. Had He saved Himself from death, He could not have saved others from something more deadly than storms or illnesses. By His suffering, death and resurrection, Jesus taught us to "take up" the cross, not to come down from one.

Many people say the right words about Jesus but do not grasp the real meaning. Do you? Do you truly understand that Jesus had to stay on the cross?

If you have never received Jesus as your Savior, pray to do so now. If you have, thank Him for staying on that cross until His work on our behalf was finished.

____________________

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 Mark 16 Joshua 1-3

Step Into The River

Joshua 1-3, Mark 16
Key Verse: Joshua 1:9

Knowing and doing are two different things. One can know what to do and fail to do it because of fear. At times, obedience is incomplete due to fear.

The Israelites were concluding 40 years in the wilderness due to fear. What they saw as impossible kept them from doing what God had wanted. Now the nation was once again on the brink of entering the land.

A new leader stood before them. His frequent challenge was, "Be strong and courageous." That phrase is repeated four times in chapter 1 (vv. 6, 7, 9 and 18) and expressed in slightly different terms in other verses.

It was time to move out. They knew what they were to do and now they were to do it! Notice what happened next. The spies brought back an encouraging report and the people prepared to move out. Their first steps, though, were into a flooded river-where their sandals were to meet the mud, so to speak.

"Be strong and courageous" was put to the test when they stepped into that dangerous river. But they obeyed and God blessed (3:15-16).

There will be times in our life of obedience that our courage will be tested. Be ready to step into the river. God is faithful even when the river is wide.

"Today and every day, Lord, give me the courage to obey. I need the strength You give."

____________________

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 Luke 1:1-20 Joshua 4-6

Think So?

Joshua 4-6, Luke 1:1-20
Key Verses: Luke 1:3-4

E-mail is both used and misused. Hardly a week goes by without some startling story, prayer request or warning of a vicious virus that is circulating. The novice believes whatever has been sent and forwards it on to others. Then come the replies: "It's a hoax." So many of these fabricated stories exist that there are Web sites where one can check to see if the story is true or not.

It's good to question what you read, especially if it is forwarded e-mail! A simple "Think so?" can spare you the embarrassment of passing along incorrect information.

In contrast, Luke begins his gospel with the comforting statement that "it seemed good . . . to write an orderly account . . . , that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught" (vv. 3-4). "Think so?" is replaced with a confident "Know so!" because God has given us His certain Word.

The Bible is true, and all teaching must be measured by it. Any teaching that does not match up with the Word is wrong. So, read your Bible with confidence. God gave it to you so you will know the certainty of your faith.

Thank God for the certainty of His Word. Our hope is not an uncertain hope but a confident one.

____________________

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 Luke 1:21-38 Joshua 7-9

Difficult by Design

Joshua 7-9, Luke 1:21-38
Key Verse: Luke 1:38

Smooth sailing is preferred over rough seas; paved roads over potholes. But sometimes the rough seas and potholes are by God's design to accomplish His purpose. At that point, the follower of Christ must decide whether to follow God in the tough times or not.

Mary experienced a time that was difficult by design. These verses record part of her predicament: an unexpected pregnancy. Imagine as best you can the full emotion of the situation. She, an unmarried virgin, was asked to have a baby. Undoubtedly she would become the object of much doubt and ridicule. The truth would be too unimaginable for people to believe. She would bear the shame. In Matthew's account, it is noted that Joseph even considered divorcing her (1:19).

Yet Mary's attitude was remarkable. She said to the angel, "May it be to me as you have said" (v. 38). Her statement revealed her character. She was ready to endure the doubt and ridicule. God's work was more important to her than her reputation.

Following God will take you down rough roads at times. Sometimes you'll be tempted to find the easier path. The best road to travel, however, is always the one of God's choosing.

Are you on the right path, doing God's will? When the way is rough, pray like Mary did, surrendering to God's work in your 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 Luke 1:39-56 Joshua 10-12

A Heart of Humility

Joshua 10-12, Luke 1:39-56
Key Verse: Luke 1:43

Two remarkable women, one older and one younger, teach by example a lesson too easily lost. They teach in what they say and do the amazement every believer should have in sharing the blessings of God. But it is an amazement that can be felt only in a heart of humility.

Elizabeth was amazed to find herself in the presence of Mary, the mother of her Lord. Out of a heart of humility she said that she did not deserve to be there.

Mary, on the other hand, was amazed at the fact that God had chosen her to serve Him in this special way. Her feelings were clear-God owed her nothing. Yet she had received everything from Him. Out of a heart of humility she acknowledged His work in her life.

Humility is a natural result when one truly recognizes the awesomeness of God. These two saints felt honored by God and expressed a deep sense of respect for Him. Their relationship with God was not a casual one, as if He were a friendly neighbor. To them, knowing God was an honor.

Are you too casual about the things of God? Awe is easily lost when familiarity with the Almighty is taken for granted. Keep a heart of humility and be amazed like Mary and Elizabeth.

Humility can be hard to obtain and even more difficult to keep-especially when we think we are humble. Aim low! Stay humble.

____________________

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 Luke 1:57-80 Joshua 13-15

Incomplete Obedience

Joshua 13-15, Luke 1:57-80
Key Verse: Joshua 13:13

Great promises and great victories fill the pages of the Book of Joshua. Israel moved into the Promised Land and conquered it with God's help. Jericho fell, literally. Ai was ultimately defeated. The sun even stood still-all striking evidence that God was fighting for Israel (10:14).

Yet when the details of the conquest are examined beginning in Joshua 13:13, a sad fact needs to be noted. The Israelites did not drive out the people of Geshur and Maacah. The significance is not the names of the people but the fact that they were allowed to remain in the land. As you continue to read Joshua, you will find this phrase repeated: "did not drive them out completely."

The account of Joshua tells us about God's promises and Israel's victories. But it does not hide the fact that sometimes the fulfillment of the promises was limited by Israel's incomplete obedience. Lack of faith and incomplete obedience allowed some of the people to remain in the land.

God's instructions were clear. His promises were certain. The failure was not God's but the people's. They failed and ultimately bore the consequences.

Always strive for complete obedience; never stop short of it.

Whatever God gives you to do, do it completely. Unfinished tasks can be more troublesome than the effort of doing it the first time.

____________________

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 Luke 2:1-24 Joshua 16-18

First, Middle and Last

Joshua 16-18, Luke 2:1-24
Key Verse: Luke 2:11

Sometimes when people say, "Lord Jesus Christ," it sounds like that is His full name. First, middle and last names all add up to "Lord Jesus Christ." But do not allow our typical three-part names to inadvertently cause you to miss the significance of those words.

In Luke 2:11, Jesus is described as "Christ the Lord." Jesus is His name. Christ and Lord are titles. Together they give a wonderfully complete picture of Him.

Lord. The word speaks of authority. To say that Jesus is Lord is to acknowledge His right to rule and the power He has to accomplish it. He is Lord over all.

Jesus. This is His name. It is the Greek form of Joshua, which means "Yahweh saves." This name says that He is the one who brings the salvation promised by God. Christ. In the Old Testament, the word used for this title is Messiah, which means "Anointed One." Jesus is the promised Messiah.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the sovereign of the universe, the One who saves us from our sins, the Christ who was promised by God.

Those three words, Lord Jesus Christ, resonate with meaning. When you say them, remember they are not just a name but a powerful statement of who He is.

"Jesus, help me understand who and what You are. I want to grow in my understanding of You, my Lord, Savior and Christ."

____________________

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 Luke 2:25-52 Joshua 19-21

Ready to Wait

Joshua 19-21, Luke 2:25-52
Key Verse: Luke 2:29-30

Patience is not a widely practiced virtue anymore. Today is the time for fast food, microwaves and high-speed computers. Just drive through, download and move on to the next thing.

Yet sometimes God says, "Wait." To faithfully follow God, one must be willing to surrender to not only the will of God but also to the "wait" of God.

The Bible tells us that Simeon was a man whom God had instructed to wait, though we don't know for how long. He would not die until he had seen the Lord's Christ (v. 26). Simeon accepted the fact that the timing of his life and death were in God's hands. Once he saw Jesus, he then said, "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace" (v. 29).

In a similar way, Anna, an 84-year-old widow, was a faithful follower who never left the temple. Hers was a life of worship (v. 37).

Simeon and Anna demonstrated remarkable patience. He waited. She remained faithful. Their days, perhaps months and even years, were in God's hands.

Patient faithfulness is a virtue that needs to be demonstrated in the lives of God's followers today. Have you surrendered to the "wait" of God?

When do you want God to answer your prayers? Probably right now. So, pray this prayer for Him to answer now: "Lord, teach me to wait on You."

____________________

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 Luke 3 Joshua 22-24

The Cure Is Contentment

Joshua 22-24, Luke 3
Key Verse: Luke 3:14

Years ago the only clothes people owned were probably handmade. The same was true of their furniture and most everything they had. Then came the rise of manufacturing. More things were available, if you had the money to buy them. With the increase in goods came the increased desire to have.

The finishing touch, of sorts, was the catalog. It made more people aware of how much more there was to have. The catalog stoked the fires of materialism, a fire that rages in epic proportions today.

Manufacturing and marketing, however, are not the source of materialism. The source is the sinful human heart.

Ever notice what John the Baptist said to the soldiers who asked him, "And what should we do?" He replied, "Don't extort money . . . be content with your pay" (v. 14). John knew that soldiers used their position for personal gain. He also knew that the problem was one of the heart. The cure is contentment.

Watch carefully what you feed your heart. Feed it the trappings of materialism, and discontentment will grow. In contrast, Paul said, "Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Tim. 6:6). Find true gain by feeding your heart godliness and contentment.

Ask yourself if you have these two qualities: godliness and contentment. Sometimes it is hard to admit they are missing in one's life, but that is the first step in developing them.

____________________

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 Luke 4:1-30 Judges 1-3

Feel the Power

Judges 1-3, Luke 4:1-30
Key Verse: Luke 4:14

There is nothing wrong with the desire to have the Holy Spirit's power in your life. Sadly, however, teaching on the subject too often strays from biblical truth. In the quest for Holy Spirit power, many people follow paths paved with emotion rather than doctrine.

There is an interesting sequence surrounding the temptation of Jesus. He was full of the Holy Spirit and led by the Spirit (v. 1). Filling comes with surrender. Surrender allows the Spirit to lead. The Spirit-filled believer will be an obedient believer.

In a setting of temptation, He withstood the direct attempts of Satan to get Him to sin. The Spirit-filled believer also will resist temptation and live a righteous life.

After the temptation Jesus is described as returning to Galilee "in the power of the Spirit" (v. 14). It is not incidental that "power" is noted after surrender, obedience and resisting temptation.

There is no short circuit to Holy Spirit power. One must start with surrender and proceed with obedience. Righteousness also is required. A lack of spiritual power is not due to a shortage of emotion. More often it is a shortage of the Christlike life.

If you want Holy Spirit power, follow the example of Jesus. Do not start with emotion but with truth.

To know the power of the Spirit, begin where these verses begin. Ask God to help you follow these steps.

____________________

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
____________________