Past Devotions

Two Witnesses

by TerryLema

I have been encouraged by thinking about the wonderful truths found in Romans 8:14-16. First the solace of seeing I am a child of God, led by the very Spirit of God. Then the comfort in knowing I have received all I need to overcome fear in my life … the Spirit of adoption whereby I can call out to my Father God, “Abba” and know that He will provide through the power of His Spirit the courage and strength I need to overcome. [vs 14-15]

Then this morning, as I looked at that last verse [16] I saw that I have the testimony of not one, but two witnesses that I am God’s child.

“The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children.” [Romans 8:16 HCSB]

When I was saved nearly five decades ago, my own spirit felt God’s grace come into my heart. I knew I was different than I had been. While I had always known about God, I had never truly experienced God. In that moment of surrender everything changed.

Of course, over the years as I traveled through difficult times and trying circumstances, or when I allowed the world to influence my thinking, there were moments of doubt. There were times when I doubted my ability to be a true follower of Christ Jesus. There were times of doubt when I wondered if God was aware of what was happening to me – or even cared!

It was when those times arose that the second witness, “The Spirit Himself,” spoke loudly and clearly, confirming the reality of my position as a child of God. He reminded me that my position was not based on my meager efforts to follow, was not based on what circumstances I was facing, nor was it based on what the world was telling me.

My position as a child of God was based on God’s adopting me into His family through the power of the Spirit, and nothing in me or in this world had the power to change that!

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Received

by TerryLema

“All those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father!’ The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children.” [Romans 8:14-16 HCSB]

Fear is an atmosphere the enemy of our soul loves, promotes and rejoices in.  The devil knows that if he can keep us in a spirit of slavery to fear, he has effectively made us irrelevant in the kingdom of God.

Fear is one of the greatest issues of our time. It is promoted daily in the media and on social media. It comes through loud and clear. We are to fear the virus. We are to fear our government is not being truthful about the virus. We are to fear the vaccine. We are to fear those who refuse to be vaccinated. We are to fear the vaccine will not be enough to stop the virus. We are to fear our economy will never recover. We are to fear our economy being opened up without better safeguards.

Wherever your opinion on this virus-and fear pandemic, there is enough fear to go around. But notice the solution Paul provides in Romans 15 … “you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba Father!’”

The antidote to a spirit of slavery to fear is “adoption.” The word for adoption is “huiothesia” and it means to be adopted into a divine family. We know it is a divine adoption because Paul links that adoption to the Spirit of God. The word he uses for “Spirit” is “pneuma” and signifies the Holy Spirit of God is involved in that adoption.

Now we have the closest of relationships … instead of crying out in fear we cry out “Abba, Father!” as we remember that our relationship with God is far stronger than our fears.

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Led

by TerryLema

There are times when reading Romans 8 that I think we could read it every day of our life and still not grasp its fullest significance. I always start reading then get to a certain portion and stop. Today I stopped at verses 14-16.

“All those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children.” [HCSB]

Actually, where I first paused was on verse 14: “All those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons.” I then read the next two verses and stopped to consider the passage.

The law was given to lead people to Christ. But once saved by grace through faith, the law no longer has authority to lead. Now all God’s sons and daughters are led by God’s own Spirit.

This leading happens because we enter into a relationship with our Father God. When we become sons and daughters of our Father God, we are received into His family, with all the privileges and responsibilities of adult children. One of the greatest privileges is to be able to claim, “I am a child of God.”

As verse 14 also reminds us, another of those great privileges is to be led by the Spirit of God in our walk with Christ.

But lest we forget, one of the greatest responsibilities is to cooperate fully (rather than fight) the Spirit of God as He seeks to lead us!

 

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Building the House

by TerryLema

Yesterday as I read Chapter 5 of 1 Thessalonians, I was struck by verse 11. “Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.” [HCSB]

Encourage is the word “parakaleó” and it means to call to one’s side, to exhort, to encourage.  It comes from a root “paráklētos” meaning legal advocate. It means our encouragement never belittles, never causes discord, but always reflects the gentleness and compassion of The Holy Spirit of Truth, often referred to as “The Paraclete,” our legal advocate and counselor.

There is a second part of that verse that we need to see clearly. While we are commanded to encourage one another, we are also commanded to “build each other up.”

The word for build is “oikodomeó” and it simply means to build a house. Our character is the house we live in. Everything we do will either build up that house or tear it down. Every choice we make, every voice we listen to, every path we choose will strengthen our house or weaken it.

That goes for when we influence others in their choices and decisions. Our voice in their life will either build up their character or it will create doubts, fears, disappointments that will tear down their house. We must always be on our guard as we come alongside others that our motivations and our actions are to build up and strengthen them.

The enemy of our soul is always looking for helpers. His is the voice of destruction and fear. He seeks to enlist others in his cause … and sometimes it is too easy to be recruited as his advocate, especially when our thoughts, ideas or opinions are at odds with others.

Our God is compassionate, kind, good, merciful, and loving. If our words or actions reflect anything other than that, we are far more apt to tear down. Grant us wisdom, O God, to build others up! Amen!

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Are you encouraging or …

by TerryLema

The final chapter of 1 Thessalonians discusses “The Day of the LORD,” and gives us exhortations and blessings. It commands us to do things like “Rejoice always!” and “Pray constantly,” and “Give thanks in everything for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  [5:16-18]

As I was reading it recently the one verse that made me stop came at the very end of Paul’s comments on The Day of the LORD. Verse 11 says: “Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.” [HCSB]

The word for encourage is “parakaleó” and it means to call to one’s side, to exhort, to encourage.  It comes from a root “paráklētos” meaning legal advocate.

The Holy Spirit (our advocate and counselor) is often referred to as “The Paraclete.” To me that is incredibly significant in determining how we are to “encourage one another.”

Much of what is going on in the world today seeks to divide Christians, because as Jesus reminded us, a divided house cannot stand strong. It is not just the world that has strong opinions. Christians also have strong opinions about this virus-and-fear pandemic, as well as the recent election, and they have not been afraid to express them.

Mask or not mask? Social Distance or Not Social Distance. Vaccinate or Not Vaccinate. Won or Lost.

I have no problem with Christians taking a stance on political or other important issues. I do have a problem when we take those opinions to the point of discouraging other believers because their opinions differ.

When we express our opinions, we need to make sure that we meet the standards of encouragement outlined by God. That means double-checking to confirm that our words … our actions … match what the Holy Spirit of Truth would say and do.

 

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Yours, LORD

by TerryLema

“Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to You. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all.” [1 Chronicles 29:11 HCSB]

That verse was my verse of the day on Friday. I needed the reminder!

My heart is always a bit sad following a trip to see our California family. All the anticipation for months, then four days of seeing them close up and hugging them and being a part of their life, followed by the letdown of a long trip home and the uncertainty of when we will see them again.

This trip made it apparent that driving down in one day and driving back in one day will no longer work for us at our age. We could possibly do it making an overnight stop in Reno both coming and going, but financially that probably will not work for us, neither will flying. So, this return home has been especially sad wondering when we will see them again.

As I sat there feeling a bit sorry for myself, reading into the future what may or may not happen, God reminded me that everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to Him. He reminded me that He is King, and He is exalted over all things. He reminded me that He possesses “the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty” and that I can trust Him to bring all that to bear for me.

Too often we lose sight of the greatness of our God. We begin to think only in terms of what is happening to us at the moment. I know that often the temporal visible things around me take control of my heart and mind. I forget about the Great One whom I serve.

Today, I will again focus on my exalted King! I will concentrate on all He is and all He does. Whatever life holds in its joys or disappointments fades in the light of God’s majesty! Amen.

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Would you …

by TerryLema

I opened my computer this morning and found an interesting question as the subject of an email from a spiritual organization. The question: “Would you bow to an idol or face death?”

My immediate reaction was “what kind of a question is that?” I deleted the email. But the question kept bugging me and I decided to visit my deleted mail and find out just what the sender wanted of me.  I should have known. It was an advertisement for a series of children’s books it wanted me to buy, the first one was about the “Fiery Furnace.” [Daniel 3]

Still, that question remained in the forefront throughout my morning. I wondered if it is a question any of us could answer with certainty when faced with a situation that would demand an answer to it.

I would say right now, “I will not bow!” But then, I am sitting on my couch in my bonus room, surrounded by peace and quiet with no immediate threats to my life. Would I have the courage of those Three Hebrew Children when standing in front of a fiery furnace or other means of violent martyrdom.

As I consider my own bravery or cowardice, I remember the promise of Jesus. In Matthew 10, Jesus sends His disciples out into the surrounding countryside with His message of hope. His instructions to His own later morph into predictions of persecution. Then in verses 19-20 He gives them a promise.

 “But when they hand you over, don’t worry about how or what you should speak. For you will be given what to say at that hour, because you are not speaking, but the Spirit of your Father is speaking through you.”  [HCSB]

After His promise that His followers will not be alone in that hour of trial, He also promises that we are worth more than many sparrows to our Father and that He will both watch over us and reward us for our loyalty to Christ Jesus.

I can say with confidence that in my own strength I might hesitate, but I will not face tribulation in my own strength but in the power and with the presence of God’s Almighty Spirit within me. Praise His Holy Name!

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A Memorable Hug …

by TerryLema

Our main focus in going to California last week was to attend the high school graduation of Marcus, our middle grandson. That happened last Friday night. There were private events throughout the week for the seniors and parents, but Friday night graduation was open to everyone and the room was filled with grandparents, other family members, and friends of the graduates.

The most amazing moment happened when our grandson went up on stage to receive his diploma. Our son, as part of the school staff was invited to come up on the stage to shake his son’s hand as the diploma was passed. A number of staff members had done that already with their children. As Marcus moved across the stage to receive his diploma, instead of offering his hand to his father, he opened his arms wide and engulfed his dad in a hug. You could feel the love between these two men, father and son, as they embraced each other.

My son is a great dad to his children. He has dedicated his life to their physical, emotional, spiritual well-being. He loves them unconditionally, listens to them, guides them, encourages them, and is always there for them.

As I watched that moment unfold, I thought of the words of Jesus … “how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” [Matthew 7:11 HCSB]

Repeatedly in the Gospels, Jesus referred to His Father as “your Father.” He reminded his listeners constantly of the love and blessings that flow from “our Father in heaven” and how they are “much more” than what man can give.

One of these days, we are going to walk across that great heavenly stage and “our Father in heaven” is going to open his arms of love wide and embrace us for all eternity! What a moment that will be. Amen.

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A Touching Trip

by TerryLema

We returned on Memorial Day, exhausted, from our California trip. We were so grateful to our friend Patty who flew in from Montana and helped us drive from Boise, Idaho, to Modesto, California.  I kept thinking along the way that this may be our last time to drive this route. I think she agreed with me!  It is not an easy drive and because of our ages and health issues, it has become more difficult over time.

I cannot say I will miss California. What I will miss are some of the events in the lives of my children and grandchildren. We were blessed before we left to see our youngest grandson via the internet at his sixth-grade awards ceremony. But as wonderful as it was to be present via technology, it could not compare with attending the high school graduation of his older brother in person.

We can talk via phone or one of the apps that allow us to see each other when we talk, but nothing can take the place of a physical touch. The greatest joy was putting my arms around my grandsons and his parents. (Yes, I still want to hug my children even at their ages!)

One of the most frustrating parts of the COVID-19 rules for me was the social distancing. I hated being “around” people and yet not being able to give them a hug, or a comforting or encouraging touch.

All the Gospel writers report that Jesus touched people, often to convey a healing. Two “touching” events reported in Matthew’s Gospel always leave me wondering. The first is Matthew 8:3 where Jesus touched a leper and told him, “I am willing, be made clean.” The second is in Matthew 9:19-21 when the woman with the issue of blood reached out to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment.

I always wonder what it felt like for the leper to receive the touch of the Savior as he was healed. As a leper and considered unclean, he would not have been touched very often. I always wonder about the courage of the woman (also considered unclean) to reach out and touch Jesus.

Jesus did not shrink from being touched or touching those the world considered unworthy. He still does not shrink from “touching” us to bring healing, encouragement, comfort, salvation into our lives. Bless His Holy Name!

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Heroes

by TerryLema

The Sunday before we left for California, we watched the final day of the PGA Championship. Phil Mickelson, at 50 years of age was leading the field. Winning would make him the oldest golfer to win a major event.  By the 16th hole it was looking good, and because he and his closest opponent, Brooks Koepka, were the last ones on the course, the fans followed them all the way through the day.

I do not know if you can imagine what that looked like. When Mickelson and Koepka left for Hole 2, they took all the Hole 1 fans with them; then when they left for Hole 3 they had Holes 1&2 fans following. By the time they reached the 18th Hole the size of the crowd was enormous and began to press in on Michelson who now looked like he would be the winner.

They were so thick they had to have security around Michelson. At one point a fan pressed in close and tried to jump on his shoulder. At times it looked like he would be swallowed up.  At the 18th green they had to wait for Koepka (who did get swallowed up) to make his way out of the crowd and onto the green, all the while the crowds are screaming for Michelson.

I thought about all the people around Michelson. It has been a while since people were allowed into a golfing event after COVID-19 shut everything down. They were rooting for the underdog. It is as if they were finding hope in his win and they could celebrate vicariously with him.

As I watched all that unfold, I thought about Jesus and the people that pressed in around Him. Luke tells us in Chapter 5, verses 1-3, that the crowd as He was standing by Lake Gennesaret “was pressing in on Jesus to hear God’s word”. He had to get in a boat that belonged to Simon Peter and push away from shore just to be able to teach.

The crowds that pressed in around Jesus were looking for hope. They prayed that this homeless preacher who often defied the religious leaders would have the hope their hearts yearned for.

Unlike Michelson who could only provide a momentary thrill, Jesus, Savior, LORD, provides hope, salvation, eternal life, and an inheritance in glory.  Praise His Glorious Name!

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