A Clean Heart and a Steadfast Spirit... Every Day (Psalm 51:10)

Today's scripture: Psalm 51:10

As I meditated on today’s scripture, it struck me that I should pray this verse every day.

“Create in me a clean heart.”

This is a confession of sin. It’s a request for the Lord to thoroughly wash away the junk and reveal the righteousness that is ours through Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection.

I need to pray every day for a renewed cleansing because, every day, I mess up. A prideful thought may enter my mind. An angry outburst at another driver may be uttered. A feeling of discontent may rest on my heart.

So every day, I need to ask God to “create in me a clean heart. And renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

I looked up “steadfast,” and it’s defined as “firmly fixed in place; not subject to change” and a “firm belief, determination or adherence.” That’s what my faith needs to be: firmly fixed in place. I cannot waver. If I believe what I say I do, I must do so with a strength of conviction that nothing can sway.

This doesn’t mean I don’t question how God works. Or that sometimes I may still doubt. Or that I may not completely understand why things happen the way they do.

But through the questioning, the doubt, the lack of understanding, my faith remains strong. It will not change.

I pray for many things every day. My husband. My family. My friends. God’s will for my life. And now I want to pray for a steadfastness of spirit, for a firmly-fixed faith, and a clean heart ... every day.

These are requests I know God will answer “yes.”

A Legacy of Faith (Psalm 145:4)

Today's scripture: Psalm 145:4

One of the greatest things a Christian can do is leave a legacy of faith for the next generation.

I'm very blessed to have had godly grandparents who modeled Christ to me. I think especially of my maternal grandfather. Grandpa Hess loved Jesus and praised Him throughout his life. He had a gentleness of spirit and a genuine compassion for others.

For many years, he was a chaplain at the Los Angeles Rescue Mission, and he worked with countless "least of these." I remember the times my siblings and I would join him for services. We would sing. He would speak. And every time, I would see him offer love and compassion to men whom much of society would shun.

I also have a mom who loves God and who has also been a huge influence to my own faith. I know when I went through my lengthy rebellion against that faith, she prayed for me. Never did she point a finger or lecture me. She just loved me with a Christ-like, unconditional love.

I know beyond doubt that it was the quiet love I felt from my mom and grandparents and their examples of faith—and regular prayer—that brought me back to my own relationship with God.

And now, I pray I'm influencing the next generation to know and love God. To praise Him. To tell of His love and "mighty acts."

Whom in the next generation are you influencing for Christ? Your children? Your grandchildren? Other young people God is bringing into your life?

Leave a legacy of faith.

Being Faithful Saints (Colossians 1:1-2)

Today's scripture: Colossians 1:1-2

Since I started writing this devotional several years ago, I've journeyed through many of the apostle Paul's letters, and each of them has blessed me abundantly. Today, I begin meditating on his letter to the Christians at Colossae. I pray the Lord will speak through me, and that you will be as blessed as I know I will be.

As always, Paul begins this letter by greeting his brothers and sisters, those he calls "saints" and "faithful." Sometimes we think of saints as being those people who have done amazing and wonderful things for God's kingdom, but according God's word, anyone who has committed his or her life to Christ is a saint. Just read through the New Testament, and you'll see that every reference to "saint" is about men and women who follow Christ. No one is singled out as somehow better than others.

If you are a follower of Christ, you are a saint. You are sanctified in the eyes of God Almighty (1 Corinthians 6:11; Hebrews 10:10). You have been created to do God's work to build His kingdom (Ephesians 2:10).

What a blessing to know God loves us so much and sees us as saints!

The question I have to ask myself–and perhaps you need to ask yourself–is: Am I faithful? Yes, I am a child of God's because I accepted His gift of salvation through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. But am I faithful to Him? Do I live to please Him? Do I use the gifts and talents He's given me to serve and bring glory to Him?

Will I one day stand in His presence and hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant"?

I believe if I daily commit my life to Him, if I seek His will at all times, if I commune with Him through prayer and study, then yes. I will hear those wonderful, humbling words.

Will you?

Testifing Faith (3 John 1:1-4)

Today's scripture: 3 John 1:1-4

We’ve journeyed through John’s first two epistles. Now we’ll study God’s wisdom that flowed out of John’s pen in his third and final letter.

A couple of things stand out to me in these verses.

First, John prayed that his recipient “may prosper in all things and be in health …” We hear a lot these days about a prosperity gospel that says God wants all His children to prosper (i.e., be rich). Since we’re not all rich, does that mean we aren’t children of God? I don’t think so. John adds a caveat: He prays that they prosper, “just as your soul prospers.”

And how does our soul prosper? By meditating on God’s word. By communing with Him in prayer and solitude. By glorifying Him. By surrendering everything to Him.

God may indeed bless us with financial wealth, but He would rather see our souls “prosperous” than our having huge bank accounts.

Second, John gave a most beautiful commendation of the faith of his recipient: “For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth.” His heart burst with godly pride as he saw his spiritual children share truth, so much so that others “testified” of their faith.

And so I’m convicted. Would others “testify” of my faith? Would my spiritual “parents” be filled with joy as they heard of how I served God and others?

I pray so. And I want to make certain those who led and mentored me in my faith would be delighted in how I live for God.  How I walk in truth.

How Will He Find You? (1 John 2:28-29)

Today's scripture: 1 John 2:28-29

John now comes to the most important reason we should abide in Christ. He will return one day. It could be today. Or tomorrow. Or years from now. But He will return.

How do you want Jesus to find you when He returns? Watching television? Playing video games? Gossiping with your friends? Committing adultery? Cheating? Lying? Or appropriate for today, blasting the other political party?

Or will He find you serving at a soup kitchen? Praying? Playing with your children? Reading His word? Embracing your spouse? Worshipping at church?

Will you be following what Jesus called the greatest commandment—loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? And the second—loving your neighbor as yourself? (See Mark 12:30-31.)

God is righteous. And we who call ourselves His children need to be as righteous as we possibly can be. We won’t be perfect this side of heaven, but we can choose to live loving God and loving others. We can choose to live in such a way that we won’t be in any way ashamed when Jesus returns to take us to heaven.

How will Jesus find you when He returns? Think about it.

Grow in Grace and Knowledge (2 Peter 3:17-18)

You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
(2 Peter 3:17-18, NASB)

Peter ends his second letter with a final exhortation. Since we know some will distort the truth, we need to be on guard. We need to be so saturated with God’s word and its truth that no one or nothing can cause us to fall away.

Instead, we need to continually “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Every day should find us eager to discover what God wants us to know of Him. We should read and study and dig deeper into His word. We should pray and ask for wisdom and discernment. We should be on alert against those who would try to pull our eyes and heart from our Lord.

And in all things and all ways we should glorify our God—Father, Son, and Spirit. Now on earth, and then eagerly awaiting the day when we will have the privilege of glorifying Him for eternity.

Neither Useless nor Unfruitful (2 Peter 1:8-9)

For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.
(2 Peter 1:8-9, NASB)

The exhortation continues …

Not only should we have all the qualities we talked about yesterday, but they should also be increasing in us. But look at the outcome: We will be useful and fruitful. Our knowledge of Christ, our perseverance, our brotherly love can be used by God to build His kingdom.

What a gift!

I have the privilege of speaking at women’s groups throughout each year. I am so blessed when women tell me how God has inspired them and encouraged them through the words He has given me. It’s amazing to me God chooses to use the broken and flawed to fulfill His purpose. Each time I have the wonderful gift of speaking, I’m humbly grateful. He’s made me fruitful.

But Peter doesn’t stop there. And this is the heartbreaking part of these verses. If we “lack these qualities,” we are blind. We have “forgotten [our] purification from … former sins.”

Oh, may that never be true! May we never forget what Christ has done for us! May our remembering His sacrifice on our behalf create in us an urgency to be all those things: loving, patient, kind, growing in knowledge.

It’s the least we can do to show our gratitude.

Reverent Awe for Our God (Ps. 111:10)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.
(Psalm 111:10, NKJV)

When we truly fear God, focusing on Him with reverent awe, we want what He wants. We seek His will. We find wisdom as we read His word—and we’re eager to do so.

As we read and meditate on His word to us, we understand more the desires of His heart. We understand that we’re to love and serve Him, with everything we are (Mark 12:30). We’re to seek first Him and His kingdom (Matt. 6:33). We’re to daily take up the cross (Luke 9:23). We’re to love others (Mark 12:31).

When we know God more intimately, we become more certain of His trustworthiness and faithfulness (Deut. 7:9). We can be confident in His everlasting love (31:3). We can rest assured in His constant presence (Deut. 31:6, 8).

We can rejoice that He listens to us (Jer. 29:12). He sees us (Gen. 16:13). He provides for us (Gen. 22:14). He heals us (Ex. 15:26).

And we can praise Him for all that He has been, all that He is, and all that He will be. Forever.

The Greatest Irony (Est. 8:1-2)

Before the end of the day, King Xerxes gave Esther everything that had belonged to Haman, the enemy of the Jews. Esther told the king that Mordecai was her cousin. So the king made Mordecai one of his highest officials and gave him the royal ring that Haman had worn. Then Esther put Mordecai in charge of Haman's property.(Esther 8:1-2, CEV)

Irony. Irony. Irony.

The book of Esther is chock full of it.

Haman wanted everything, and he ended up with nothing. Mordecai wanted nothing more than to worship his God, and he ends up with everything.

And that’s the greatest irony of all. Mordecai’s only “sin”—in Haman’s eyes, at least—in this story was his refusal to bow down to anyone but his God. His humility and faithfulness is overwhelmingly evident. In fact, I’m pretty certain the very last thing he wanted was to be a high palace official or to own Haman’s property.

Yet, I don’t believe the lesson we’re to learn is: If you’re humble, you’ll get recognition and wealth. Or even: If you’re prideful and arrogant, you’ll end up on a tower.

No. I believe the lesson for us all is to just focus on God. Focus on His will. Don’t let the world distract you from worshipping Him and Him alone. Then, be willing to do and be anything He wants you to be, whether it’s to stand at the palace gate or rule the land.

Humbly and faithfully serve Him. And Him alone.

Humilty versus Pride (Est. 6:12-14)

Afterwards, Mordecai returned to his duties at the palace gate, and Haman hurried home, hiding his face in shame. Haman told his wife and friends what had happened. Then his wife and his advisors said, "If Mordecai is a Jew, this is just the beginning of your troubles! You will end up a ruined man." They were still talking, when the king's servants came and quickly took Haman to the dinner that Esther had prepared.
(Esther 6:12-14, CEV)

Today’s verses show yet another stark contrast between Mordecai and Haman.

Mordecai has just been honored by the king. He’s been clothed in the king’s own robe and has ridden the king’s own horse. He’s been led by Haman with the proclamation, “This is how the king honors a man!”

And what does he do when it’s all over? He goes back to work. He doesn’t throw a party for himself. He doesn’t brag throughout the neighborhood. He doesn’t preen and tell everyone how amazing and wonderful he is.

He just goes back to doing what he usually does.

Can you imagine what Haman would have done had he been similarly honored? He would have kept the robe and worn it constantly—probably would have even slept in it. Had FaceBook been around, he would have posted his status and sent a message to all his friends. And photos of him on the horse would have filled his online album.

Instead, he slinks back home, utterly humiliated … just in time for the second dinner party with the royal couple. And hoping for some vindication—after all Mordecai isn’t dining with King Xerxes and Queen Esther—he quickly joins the party.

Firm Faith (Est. 3:2b-4)

All of them obeyed except Mordecai. When the other officials asked Mordecai why he disobeyed the king's command, he said, "Because I am a Jew." They spoke to him for several days about kneeling down, but he still refused to obey. Finally, they reported this to Haman, to find out if he would let Mordecai get away with it.
(Esther 3:2b-4, CEV)

All the palace officials have been ordered to bow down to Haman, honoring him as they would one of their gods. And Mordecai refuses.

For the first time in our story, Mordecai divulges his Jewish heritage. He’s kept quiet about it, but when he has to make a decision to honor His God or save his own skin, he chooses His God.

His fellow palace officials seem to want to keep Mordecai from any repercussions—perhaps he’s as well liked as Esther is. They talk to him “for several days,” trying to convince him to kneel.

“It’s not so bad,” they say. “All you’re doing is following the king’s command. You can still bow down to your God. It’s not like you’re worshiping Haman or anything. And if you don’t … well, we’ve heard Haman can be tough. Just bow down, Mordecai.”

Yet, Mordecai remains strong and refuses.

And then, no matter why they tried to convince Mordecai, the other palace officials decide to tattle on him.

What would Haman do with this upstart Jew?

Love Believes All Things (1 Cor. 13:3-7)

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)

Love believes all things.

I spoke at an event a few nights ago, and I said that the one attribute of love that was missing from Paul’s list was, “Love is trustworthy.” After meditating on the words we’re focusing on today, I think I may be wrong. Today’s attribute is close.

If I love someone—truly love him—I’ll believe the best of him. I’ll believe he’ll do his best. He’ll be loyal and kind. He’ll be faithful to me. In fact, I’ll believe he’s worthy of my trust.

In return, I need to be the same for him. This is the relationship I’m blessed to have with my husband. I know he’ll be faithful to me. I know he’ll love me through sickness and health, good times and bad, riches and poverty … because he has.

So I can believe he’ll be the same in the next year or five or ten.

Love isn’t blind. That’s certain. If someone has clear issues—anger, a tendency to belittle, a history of infidelity—you should avoid an intimate relationship. However, if he has proven himself to be faithful, then you can trust him.

Believe in him.