Community Devotions

Not One Word

SCRIPTURE

Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass - Joshua 21:45

OBSERVATION

Let that settle--Not one word. Not a single word of all the good promises God made failed. Every single word came to pass. Notice that it is every word of the “good” promises that did not fail. In other words, God fulfilled every single positive promise of blessing, fruitfulness and life when the people obeyed. The thing is, God also made “bad promises” but He did not follow through on every single word of them. When the people failed, disobeyed and rebelled they were supposed to suffer the full gamut of the negative consequences yet God chose mercy and withheld punishment. When it came to promises that would only fully benefit His people He fulfilled every single word. When God swore to give their fathers the land, He made good on that promise by them taking possession of it and settling there (Joshua 21:43). When God swore to give them rest on every side, He followed through by making sure not one of their enemies was left standing (Joshua  21:44).

APPLICATION

No wonder Paul can say in Romans 8:31 that if God is for us, then who can be against us? The good promise that I need to settle from my mind to my heart is from Matthew 28:20, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Jesus is always with me even though there maybe times where I feel like he isn’t. When I go into the world and make disciples he is always with me through failure, sickness and suffering. Another promise that I need to live by is that His grace is sufficient. When I am inadequate and who I am is not equal to the task his grace is sufficient. When I don’t feel like I’m enough as a husband, father and pastor His grace is enough for me.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for being a covenant-making and covenant-keeping God. Thank you that your love never fails and your mercies never come to an end. May I always remember that it is not me holding this relationship together but you upholding and keeping me together. Would you grant me grace and strength to be faithful to you and the sacred calling of being a husband, father and pastor? May I always stand strong and live from the fountain head of your grace and promises. Please continue to be the good shepherd and watch over my wife, family and your church. I love you. Maranatha!

Avoiding Condemnation

“But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation”. (James 5:12) 

The book of James seems like a series of sermons covering everything from trials and perseverance to authentic religion and materialism. Yet in the last chapter James warns us that above all these things we must people who keep our word so that we may avoid condemnation. James’ quoting his more famous half brother Jesus, says that our simple “yeses” and “no’s” should be good enough. We don’t need to swear or make an oath by heaven or earth.

The bible says that I shouldn’t make promises before God too hastily. As 2015 is coming to a close and 2016’s resolutions are coming up. I must really be careful in the promises and resolutions that I am making before God and the commitments that I want to make or else I will fall under condemnation. Points of Obediene:

• Thoughtfully and prayerfully think about my goals and plan of action for 2016.
• Finish well and follow through on my 5%.
  • Devotion to prayer and worship.
  • Meaningful time with wife through engaging conversations and date nights
  • Healthy family life with family fun days, enjoyable dinners and serving together.
  • Fruitful ministry that loves people.
  • Physically healthy.
  • Enjoy life.
  • Faithfulness and growth in inner self development.

Heavenly Father,

You are God in heaven, here am I on earth. Let my words be few yet meaningful.