Begin your time with God today by reading Psalm 42:1-2:
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you O God.
My soul thirsts for the God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
Take a few moments in prayer to both quiet your mind and thank the God of the universe for the privilege of meeting with him personally today!
Hebrews 10:19-22
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith…”
Has there ever been a time in your life when you felt either unwelcome or unwanted by God?
Have you ever felt that the mistakes or sins of your past have “disqualified” you from God’s presence?
Paul here is referring to the fact that in the ancient Tabernacle (and later Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem) the “Most Holy Place” was an inner room where the presence of God dwelled. This room was separated from the rest of the Tabernacle by a heavy curtain. The only person allowed to enter was the High Priest – and he entered only once a year to offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people. But when Jesus died on the cross, scripture says that this veil was torn from top to bottom – indicating that now all who put their faith in Jesus have access to God himself. Paul is teaching us that through Christ we can approach God with confidence and assurance.
Take a few moments to reflect on the amazing truth that you have been given “confident access” to the very presence of God through prayer. Because Jesus has opened the way to God through his sacrifice on the cross – our sins no longer separate us from Him.
Because God welcomes us into his presence, we can tell him anything and ask him anything. What do you need to share with Him today? What would you like to ask Him today?
Brian Coffey
Friday, January 29
Begin by reading the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)
This then is how you should pray:
Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.
(this last phrase is actually not in the oldest manuscripts of the Bible, but was added from later tradition)
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors…
Some translations and traditions use the word trespasses instead of debts, others have just used sins to communicate the meaning. All of these are getting at the fundamental truth of the Gospel, that we all owe a debt to God because of our sin/trespasses that we cannot pay, and our only hope of forgiveness lies with the one we have sinned against.
Have you stopped to consider that you owe a debt to God? You are in debt way over your head!
(Read the story of the unforgiving debtor or the unmerciful servant in Matthew 18:23-35 to get some more insight into what this part of the Lord’s Prayer really means…)
The second line of this petition is often overlooked, “…as we also have forgiven our debtors”. All throughout the Scriptures, there is a clear and powerful connection made between our ability to receive God’s forgiveness and our ability to forgive others.
Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37-38
With the measure you use, it will be measured to you - and even more.
Mark 4:24
The story has been told of the British general James Oglethorpe, the founder of the state of Georgia, who remarked to Jonathan Wesley; “I never forgive!” To which Wesley replied, “Well then I hope, sir, that you never sin.”
Take a few moments to prayerfully consider where you most need to receive forgiveness in your own life and where you most need to give forgiveness…
Praise you Father that He has forgiven you!
This then is how you should pray:
Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.
(this last phrase is actually not in the oldest manuscripts of the Bible, but was added from later tradition)
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors…
Some translations and traditions use the word trespasses instead of debts, others have just used sins to communicate the meaning. All of these are getting at the fundamental truth of the Gospel, that we all owe a debt to God because of our sin/trespasses that we cannot pay, and our only hope of forgiveness lies with the one we have sinned against.
Have you stopped to consider that you owe a debt to God? You are in debt way over your head!
(Read the story of the unforgiving debtor or the unmerciful servant in Matthew 18:23-35 to get some more insight into what this part of the Lord’s Prayer really means…)
The second line of this petition is often overlooked, “…as we also have forgiven our debtors”. All throughout the Scriptures, there is a clear and powerful connection made between our ability to receive God’s forgiveness and our ability to forgive others.
Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37-38
With the measure you use, it will be measured to you - and even more.
Mark 4:24
The story has been told of the British general James Oglethorpe, the founder of the state of Georgia, who remarked to Jonathan Wesley; “I never forgive!” To which Wesley replied, “Well then I hope, sir, that you never sin.”
Take a few moments to prayerfully consider where you most need to receive forgiveness in your own life and where you most need to give forgiveness…
Praise you Father that He has forgiven you!
Thursday, January 28
Begin by reading the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)
This then is how you should pray:
Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.
(this last phrase is actually not in the oldest manuscripts of the Bible, but was added from later tradition)
Give us today our daily bread…
At first reading this probably sounds like the most straightforward and easy to understand line in the whole prayer. But let’s consider a few things about this specific prayer…
We are told to pray, Give us today…All that we have is a gift given by God! This is not an excuse to do nothing but wait for God to give us what we want. It is meant to remind us that apart from God, we would have nothing at all.
We are to pray give us today our daily bread, not give me today my daily bread.
This is not a selfish, me-centered request, we must not pray about our needs without caring at all about the needs of others.
We are to pray for our daily bread. We should not look fearfully too far into the future and worry over what will happen – read Matthew 6:25-34. The God who created the day is our Father and He will provide what we need in the day He created.
We are told to pray for our daily bread… Was Jesus referring to physical bread (food) or spiritual food, or both? Jesus did after all call Himself the “Bread of Life” (John 6:35). Perhaps then it is a prayer for Jesus himself!
Clearly Jesus is urging us to pray about more than just our daily meals here, but that does not mean we are not to pray about our basic needs and concerns at all.
What troubles you today? What do you worry about? What do you have trouble trusting God with or trusting Him for?
Remember…He is your Father! His name is Holy! He is your King! He loves with an everlasting love!!
Pastor Jeff Frazier
This then is how you should pray:
Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.
(this last phrase is actually not in the oldest manuscripts of the Bible, but was added from later tradition)
Give us today our daily bread…
At first reading this probably sounds like the most straightforward and easy to understand line in the whole prayer. But let’s consider a few things about this specific prayer…
We are told to pray, Give us today…All that we have is a gift given by God! This is not an excuse to do nothing but wait for God to give us what we want. It is meant to remind us that apart from God, we would have nothing at all.
We are to pray give us today our daily bread, not give me today my daily bread.
This is not a selfish, me-centered request, we must not pray about our needs without caring at all about the needs of others.
We are to pray for our daily bread. We should not look fearfully too far into the future and worry over what will happen – read Matthew 6:25-34. The God who created the day is our Father and He will provide what we need in the day He created.
We are told to pray for our daily bread… Was Jesus referring to physical bread (food) or spiritual food, or both? Jesus did after all call Himself the “Bread of Life” (John 6:35). Perhaps then it is a prayer for Jesus himself!
Clearly Jesus is urging us to pray about more than just our daily meals here, but that does not mean we are not to pray about our basic needs and concerns at all.
What troubles you today? What do you worry about? What do you have trouble trusting God with or trusting Him for?
Remember…He is your Father! His name is Holy! He is your King! He loves with an everlasting love!!
Pastor Jeff Frazier
Wednesday, January 27
Begin by reading the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)
This then is how you should pray:
Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.
(this last phrase is actually not in the oldest manuscripts of the Bible, but was added from later tradition)
Your Kingdom come…
The announcement and inauguration of the Kingdom of God was the primary message of Jesus’ earthly ministry. The phrase “kingdom of heaven” or “kingdom of God” occurs over 100 times in the Gospels. But what is the Kingdom? Curiously, we are never given a concise definition of it. Instead we are given descriptions in metaphors, images and analogies. Most of the parables begin with the phrase “The kingdom of heaven is like…”
Essentially, the Kingdom of Heaven is a world that operates in perfect accordance with God’s will. This is the meaning of the second phrase, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” We don’t have to look very far to in our world to see that His Kingdom is not yet fully realized. War, disease, disaster, corruption, oppression are all around us. It would be easy to dismiss this part of the Lord’s Prayer as a kind of spiritual wishful thinking.
But, the Kingdom Jesus proclaimed was not something that began with nations, countries, or social structures. The Kingdom of God is something that begins in the individual human heart. The kingdom of God begins with me…with you!
When you pray for His Kingdom to come, you are not just praying for wars and hunger to cease, a kind of peace on earth in a general way, you are praying for your life to operate in accordance with God’s will. You are praying for His Kingdom to rule and His will to be done in your heart!
It is often much easier to pray for God’s Kingdom to come “out there” in the world than it is to pray for it to come “in here” in my own heart.
Spend some time with your King asking Him to show you where your heart and life need some “Kingdom realignment”…
Pastor Jeff
This then is how you should pray:
Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.
(this last phrase is actually not in the oldest manuscripts of the Bible, but was added from later tradition)
Your Kingdom come…
The announcement and inauguration of the Kingdom of God was the primary message of Jesus’ earthly ministry. The phrase “kingdom of heaven” or “kingdom of God” occurs over 100 times in the Gospels. But what is the Kingdom? Curiously, we are never given a concise definition of it. Instead we are given descriptions in metaphors, images and analogies. Most of the parables begin with the phrase “The kingdom of heaven is like…”
Essentially, the Kingdom of Heaven is a world that operates in perfect accordance with God’s will. This is the meaning of the second phrase, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” We don’t have to look very far to in our world to see that His Kingdom is not yet fully realized. War, disease, disaster, corruption, oppression are all around us. It would be easy to dismiss this part of the Lord’s Prayer as a kind of spiritual wishful thinking.
But, the Kingdom Jesus proclaimed was not something that began with nations, countries, or social structures. The Kingdom of God is something that begins in the individual human heart. The kingdom of God begins with me…with you!
When you pray for His Kingdom to come, you are not just praying for wars and hunger to cease, a kind of peace on earth in a general way, you are praying for your life to operate in accordance with God’s will. You are praying for His Kingdom to rule and His will to be done in your heart!
It is often much easier to pray for God’s Kingdom to come “out there” in the world than it is to pray for it to come “in here” in my own heart.
Spend some time with your King asking Him to show you where your heart and life need some “Kingdom realignment”…
Pastor Jeff
Tuesday, January 26
Begin by reading the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)
This then is how you should pray:
Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.
(this last phrase is actually not in the oldest manuscripts of the Bible, but was added from later tradition)
Hallowed be your name…
We have to be honest here that this word hallowed is not one we use much outside of this prayer. However, if we are going to pray it, then we should understand what we are praying, so what does it mean?
Some translators have used phrases like, revered, kept sacred, honored, and keep holy to convey the meaning of this word.
Let’s go with the idea of “keep holy”, because this is probably closest to the meaning. But keep what holy? The name of God!
(Faithful Jews would not speak the sacred name of God aloud for fear of unintentionally mispronouncing it and thus blaspheming God.)
We must keep in mind that a name was much more than a name in the Biblical view. A name signified the character, nature and personality of an individual. The name of God (YHWH) given to Moses at Mt. Sinai is the character, nature and personality of God as He has revealed Himself to us in Scripture. So…when you pray Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name, you are essentially saying; God, may You be given the unique honor and reverence that only Your nature and Character deserve.
But what does it mean for us to keep the name of God holy?
Did your parents ever say anything to you like this, “We don’t talk or act like that in this family.” You carry your family name with you for good and for bad. You represent your family even in how you live.
You carry/bear the name of your Heavenly Father on your life!!
How does your life represent the name of your Father in Heaven?
In what way(s) do you find it difficult to honor, revere or keep holy the name of God?
Spend some time “hallowing” His name in your heart…
Pastor Jeff
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This then is how you should pray:
Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.
(this last phrase is actually not in the oldest manuscripts of the Bible, but was added from later tradition)
Hallowed be your name…
We have to be honest here that this word hallowed is not one we use much outside of this prayer. However, if we are going to pray it, then we should understand what we are praying, so what does it mean?
Some translators have used phrases like, revered, kept sacred, honored, and keep holy to convey the meaning of this word.
Let’s go with the idea of “keep holy”, because this is probably closest to the meaning. But keep what holy? The name of God!
(Faithful Jews would not speak the sacred name of God aloud for fear of unintentionally mispronouncing it and thus blaspheming God.)
We must keep in mind that a name was much more than a name in the Biblical view. A name signified the character, nature and personality of an individual. The name of God (YHWH) given to Moses at Mt. Sinai is the character, nature and personality of God as He has revealed Himself to us in Scripture. So…when you pray Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name, you are essentially saying; God, may You be given the unique honor and reverence that only Your nature and Character deserve.
But what does it mean for us to keep the name of God holy?
Did your parents ever say anything to you like this, “We don’t talk or act like that in this family.” You carry your family name with you for good and for bad. You represent your family even in how you live.
You carry/bear the name of your Heavenly Father on your life!!
How does your life represent the name of your Father in Heaven?
In what way(s) do you find it difficult to honor, revere or keep holy the name of God?
Spend some time “hallowing” His name in your heart…
Pastor Jeff
Subscribe to 10 Minutes with God by Email
Monday, January 25
Begin by reading the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)
This then is how you should pray:
Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.
(this last phrase is actually not in the oldest manuscripts of the Bible, but was added from later tradition)
This prayer of Jesus was essentially his answer His disciples when they asked Him to teach them to pray (Luke 11:1) You will begin each morning reciting this prayer and then meditating on a different aspect of it. In this way you will pray your way through it over the next five days.
Our Father in Heaven…
Perhaps you grew up in a tradition where this prayer was referred to as “The Our Father”. Perhaps you did not have the best earthly father growing up. Perhaps you are a father yourself.
Let’s reflect on this word father for a moment…
What kinds of images come into your mind when you think of a Father?
Father may mean simply the biological or paternal father; the person responsible for the birth of a child.
Father might also be used to refer to the source or beginning of something; as in Albert Einstein is the Father of modern physics.
Father can also be used to describe the relationship between father and child – fatherhood. In this sense, Father describes a relationship of love, trust and intimacy between a father and his child.
The Bible understands God as Father in each of these ways. He is the author of your life, the person responsible for your very being. He is also the beginning and originator of all life. But beyond this, He is Our Father…He is to us a loving, protecting, guiding, disciplining Father in whom we can place all our hope and trust.
In what way is it most difficult for you to think of God as your Father?
In what way(s) do you most need god to be your Father?
Thank God that He is Your Father!
This then is how you should pray:
Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.
(this last phrase is actually not in the oldest manuscripts of the Bible, but was added from later tradition)
This prayer of Jesus was essentially his answer His disciples when they asked Him to teach them to pray (Luke 11:1) You will begin each morning reciting this prayer and then meditating on a different aspect of it. In this way you will pray your way through it over the next five days.
Our Father in Heaven…
Perhaps you grew up in a tradition where this prayer was referred to as “The Our Father”. Perhaps you did not have the best earthly father growing up. Perhaps you are a father yourself.
Let’s reflect on this word father for a moment…
What kinds of images come into your mind when you think of a Father?
Father may mean simply the biological or paternal father; the person responsible for the birth of a child.
Father might also be used to refer to the source or beginning of something; as in Albert Einstein is the Father of modern physics.
Father can also be used to describe the relationship between father and child – fatherhood. In this sense, Father describes a relationship of love, trust and intimacy between a father and his child.
The Bible understands God as Father in each of these ways. He is the author of your life, the person responsible for your very being. He is also the beginning and originator of all life. But beyond this, He is Our Father…He is to us a loving, protecting, guiding, disciplining Father in whom we can place all our hope and trust.
In what way is it most difficult for you to think of God as your Father?
In what way(s) do you most need god to be your Father?
Thank God that He is Your Father!
Friday, January 22
Psalm 119:34-35
Give me understanding and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
Scripture tells us that God takes delight in us as his children (Zephaniah 3:17). As you begin your time with him today – remember that he delights in spending time with you and ask him to help you take delight in his word.
James 1:22-25
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.
Most of us have seen those “fun house” mirrors that distort the reflected image into grotesque and humorous proportions. These mirrors do not allow us to see ourselves accurately. James tells us that God’s word is a mirror that will always show us who we really are – no distortions, just the truth. Sometimes that truth is that we are dearly loved by God and that he takes great delight in us! Sometimes that truth is that we have been disobedient to his word and need to repent and seek his forgiveness. The key is to “look intently into the perfect law” and to then do what it says!
Have you allowed God’s word to examine your heart; your attitudes, relationships, words and behaviors? Are you willing to see yourself as God sees you – as both dearly loved – AND in need of his continuing grace in your life? Ask him to show you where you may have a distorted view of yourself – and allow him to make the changes he may want to make.
To receive email updates for the daily devotions, click on Subscribe to Coffey Break by Email
Give me understanding and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
Scripture tells us that God takes delight in us as his children (Zephaniah 3:17). As you begin your time with him today – remember that he delights in spending time with you and ask him to help you take delight in his word.
James 1:22-25
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.
Most of us have seen those “fun house” mirrors that distort the reflected image into grotesque and humorous proportions. These mirrors do not allow us to see ourselves accurately. James tells us that God’s word is a mirror that will always show us who we really are – no distortions, just the truth. Sometimes that truth is that we are dearly loved by God and that he takes great delight in us! Sometimes that truth is that we have been disobedient to his word and need to repent and seek his forgiveness. The key is to “look intently into the perfect law” and to then do what it says!
Have you allowed God’s word to examine your heart; your attitudes, relationships, words and behaviors? Are you willing to see yourself as God sees you – as both dearly loved – AND in need of his continuing grace in your life? Ask him to show you where you may have a distorted view of yourself – and allow him to make the changes he may want to make.
To receive email updates for the daily devotions, click on Subscribe to Coffey Break by Email
Are You “Taking Hold?”
I received a great email this week from an FBCG family that is using the “10 Minutes with God” devotional guide as a family. Since their mornings are very busy – they wait until right after family dinner. After sharing a meal, and before cleaning up, they go through the devotional guide TOGETHER! They write, “These 10-minute devotions couldn’t have come at a better time … It’s turned into 20 minutes with God because it sparks great spiritual conversation … we are praying together once again!” What a great example of a family “Taking Hold!”
Jeff and I have challenged you to make this message series, “Taking Hold: Knowing and following Jesus,” a priority. We asked you to commit to being in worship all nine weeks of the series – and if you have to miss – to keep up by listening to the messages through our website. We are also offering one spiritual challenge each week of the series – something that we believe God might want to build into your life for his purposes.
So, how are you doing? Like any area of our lives where we want to grow – spiritual growth requires intentional and persistent effort – it requires us to “press on” in the Apostle Paul’s words. It’s easy to become discouraged and give up. Our enemy will whisper things like, “Look at yourself, you can’t even spend 10 minutes with God regularly, what kind of Christian are you?!” Don’t listen to that voice! Know that God treasures the time you spend seeking to know him. He doesn’t condemn you when you struggle – he just loves you and misses you! Sometimes our growth takes place in fits and starts – sometimes three steps forward, two steps back – but if we press on, if we refuse to be discouraged, we will grow! That’s God’s promise.
Pastor Brian
To receive email updates for the daily devotions, click on Subscribe to Coffey Break by Email
Jeff and I have challenged you to make this message series, “Taking Hold: Knowing and following Jesus,” a priority. We asked you to commit to being in worship all nine weeks of the series – and if you have to miss – to keep up by listening to the messages through our website. We are also offering one spiritual challenge each week of the series – something that we believe God might want to build into your life for his purposes.
So, how are you doing? Like any area of our lives where we want to grow – spiritual growth requires intentional and persistent effort – it requires us to “press on” in the Apostle Paul’s words. It’s easy to become discouraged and give up. Our enemy will whisper things like, “Look at yourself, you can’t even spend 10 minutes with God regularly, what kind of Christian are you?!” Don’t listen to that voice! Know that God treasures the time you spend seeking to know him. He doesn’t condemn you when you struggle – he just loves you and misses you! Sometimes our growth takes place in fits and starts – sometimes three steps forward, two steps back – but if we press on, if we refuse to be discouraged, we will grow! That’s God’s promise.
Pastor Brian
To receive email updates for the daily devotions, click on Subscribe to Coffey Break by Email
Thursday, January 21
Psalm 119: 10-11
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Open your time with God today by confessing to him any way in which you may have strayed from his commands in attitude, word or deed. Thank him for the grace and forgiveness that he offers through Christ.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Someone has said that the most important 18 inches in human experience is the 18 inches between the head and the heart. I think whoever said that may have had Hebrews 4:12 in mind – because God’s word always moves from the head to the heart. While knowing and understanding the content of the Bible is important – that’s just the first step. The most important step is moving from information to transformation – and transformation takes place in the heart!
Can you point to a time when God’s truth moved from your head to your heart? When you read God’s word – do you tend to read with your head (for information) – or with your heart (for transformation)?
If the two “edges” of God’s word are his grace (forgiveness, mercy, comfort and love) and his judgment (holiness, confrontation, conviction of sin) – which edge has cut most deeply into your own heart – and why?
Thank God for the power of his word to penetrate your heart!
To receive email updates for the daily devotions, click on Subscribe to Coffey Break by Email
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Open your time with God today by confessing to him any way in which you may have strayed from his commands in attitude, word or deed. Thank him for the grace and forgiveness that he offers through Christ.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Someone has said that the most important 18 inches in human experience is the 18 inches between the head and the heart. I think whoever said that may have had Hebrews 4:12 in mind – because God’s word always moves from the head to the heart. While knowing and understanding the content of the Bible is important – that’s just the first step. The most important step is moving from information to transformation – and transformation takes place in the heart!
Can you point to a time when God’s truth moved from your head to your heart? When you read God’s word – do you tend to read with your head (for information) – or with your heart (for transformation)?
If the two “edges” of God’s word are his grace (forgiveness, mercy, comfort and love) and his judgment (holiness, confrontation, conviction of sin) – which edge has cut most deeply into your own heart – and why?
Thank God for the power of his word to penetrate your heart!
To receive email updates for the daily devotions, click on Subscribe to Coffey Break by Email
Wednesday, January 20
Psalm 119:57-58
You are my portion, O Lord; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.
Re-read these verses from Psalm 119 several times over – slowly and prayerfully. Make the words of the ancient writer your words and your prayer as you meet with God.
2 Timothy 3:14-16
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Here Paul is assuming there are three “stages” of growth when it comes to God’s word:
1. Continue learning – which refers to learning the content of the Bible;
2. Become convinced – which means trusting the truth of God’s word;
3. Be equipped – which means putting truth into practice in our lives.
How would you evaluate your own growth in all three areas? Do you feel like you have a firm grasp of the content of scripture? If not, consider making a personal commitment to simply read through the Bible over the course of time. You can find plenty of tools on-line or in Christian book stores that will help you in this journey.
Are you convinced of the truth of God’s word? Do you have questions about the Bible and its authority? There are many books you might want to read – here are a few:
“God Wrote a Book” by James McDonald
“Is the Bible True?” – by Jeffrey Sheler
“How Reliable is the Bible” – by Judson Poling
“The Stones Cry Out” – by Randall Price
Do you feel equipped to put your faith into practice in your daily life? One of the best ways to grow in this way is to get involved in service or become part of a group where you can share your life and questions with others who may be able to both encourage you and hold you accountable. Ask God to lead you into the opportunities that will help you grow in applying his word to your daily life.
You are my portion, O Lord; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.
Re-read these verses from Psalm 119 several times over – slowly and prayerfully. Make the words of the ancient writer your words and your prayer as you meet with God.
2 Timothy 3:14-16
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Here Paul is assuming there are three “stages” of growth when it comes to God’s word:
1. Continue learning – which refers to learning the content of the Bible;
2. Become convinced – which means trusting the truth of God’s word;
3. Be equipped – which means putting truth into practice in our lives.
How would you evaluate your own growth in all three areas? Do you feel like you have a firm grasp of the content of scripture? If not, consider making a personal commitment to simply read through the Bible over the course of time. You can find plenty of tools on-line or in Christian book stores that will help you in this journey.
Are you convinced of the truth of God’s word? Do you have questions about the Bible and its authority? There are many books you might want to read – here are a few:
“God Wrote a Book” by James McDonald
“Is the Bible True?” – by Jeffrey Sheler
“How Reliable is the Bible” – by Judson Poling
“The Stones Cry Out” – by Randall Price
Do you feel equipped to put your faith into practice in your daily life? One of the best ways to grow in this way is to get involved in service or become part of a group where you can share your life and questions with others who may be able to both encourage you and hold you accountable. Ask God to lead you into the opportunities that will help you grow in applying his word to your daily life.
Tuesday, January 19
Psalm 119:108
Accept, O Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws.
Begin your time with God today by offering him praise and worship. Acknowledge his holiness, his power and his authority. Ask him to be present to you and to teach you through his word today.
Hebrews 5:12
In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
In this passage Paul is chastising Christians for failing to move beyond spiritual infancy. He is telling them it is time to move from “milk” to “solid food.”
While it is difficult to know exactly what Paul is referring to – it seems likely he is encouraging us to grow beyond dependency on others for our spiritual food – to learn to feed ourselves.
Here are a few questions to consider as you look at your own spiritual journey:
Have I been too dependent, at times, on my church or my pastor to “feed me” with God’s word?
Have I invested equal time and energy in learning to feed myself by personal reading, study and mediation?
If asked, would I be able to teach God’s word to others?
Ask God to use your commitment to “10 minutes with God” to deepen your love of – and hunger for – his word.
Accept, O Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws.
Begin your time with God today by offering him praise and worship. Acknowledge his holiness, his power and his authority. Ask him to be present to you and to teach you through his word today.
Hebrews 5:12
In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
In this passage Paul is chastising Christians for failing to move beyond spiritual infancy. He is telling them it is time to move from “milk” to “solid food.”
While it is difficult to know exactly what Paul is referring to – it seems likely he is encouraging us to grow beyond dependency on others for our spiritual food – to learn to feed ourselves.
Here are a few questions to consider as you look at your own spiritual journey:
Have I been too dependent, at times, on my church or my pastor to “feed me” with God’s word?
Have I invested equal time and energy in learning to feed myself by personal reading, study and mediation?
If asked, would I be able to teach God’s word to others?
Ask God to use your commitment to “10 minutes with God” to deepen your love of – and hunger for – his word.
Monday, January 18
Psalm 119:1-2
Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.
Take a few moments to quiet your mind and heart before God; ask him to cleanse your heart form anything that would keep you from hearing his voice today.
1 Peter 2:2
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up into your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Can you remember when you were introduced to God’s word? Was it at home with your parents? If so, how did your Mom or Dad make the Bible part of your life? Were you a child in Sunday School? Who were some of the Sunday School teachers who made the Bible come alive for you? If you were blessed to have been introduced to God’s word at an early age – thank God for that privilege and consider sending a note of thanks (if possible) to those special people!
When did you first begin to read or study the Bible on your own? Can you remember why you did so? Were you curious? Were you desperate? Did you do so out of some sense of guilt or obligation? Perhaps this is the first time you have tried! Notice that Peter says we are to “crave pure spiritual milk” – that is, we are to hunger for God’s word as newborns hunger for their mother’s milk. He is saying that without this desire for God’s word we will not grow healthy and strong. Ask God to cause your hunger for his word to grow stronger and stronger – so that you can grow in the way he desires.
Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.
Take a few moments to quiet your mind and heart before God; ask him to cleanse your heart form anything that would keep you from hearing his voice today.
1 Peter 2:2
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up into your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Can you remember when you were introduced to God’s word? Was it at home with your parents? If so, how did your Mom or Dad make the Bible part of your life? Were you a child in Sunday School? Who were some of the Sunday School teachers who made the Bible come alive for you? If you were blessed to have been introduced to God’s word at an early age – thank God for that privilege and consider sending a note of thanks (if possible) to those special people!
When did you first begin to read or study the Bible on your own? Can you remember why you did so? Were you curious? Were you desperate? Did you do so out of some sense of guilt or obligation? Perhaps this is the first time you have tried! Notice that Peter says we are to “crave pure spiritual milk” – that is, we are to hunger for God’s word as newborns hunger for their mother’s milk. He is saying that without this desire for God’s word we will not grow healthy and strong. Ask God to cause your hunger for his word to grow stronger and stronger – so that you can grow in the way he desires.
Friday, January 15
Friday 1/15
Begin your time with God today by reading these passages…
Hebrews 3:12-13, Hebrews 10:23-25, 2 Peter 2:12-14
What common theme or message do these three passages share?
Again and again the Scripture tells us to encourage, challenge, confront, exhort, comfort and pray for one another. This implies that you have a close enough relationship with other Christians for these actions to take place between you.
(see Tuesday’s devotional)
In 2 Peter 2:12, Peter says that he will always remind his readers of the truths they already know.
Who in your life needs to be reminded of God’s truth? Perhaps they have forgotten or lost sight of who God is. Perhaps they need to be reminded of His love, His forgiveness, His sovereignty, etc. It is all too easy to assume that they already know what you would say and therefore they don’t need to hear it again from you. But the Scripture tells us that it is our duty to remind each other often, because we forget! We are easily frightened and distracted people who need to be reminded. So…who in your life needs to be reminded?
How can you remind them?
Hebrews 10:24 tells to consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Who do you that needs to be encouraged or spurred on in their faith? Who in your life is discouraged spiritually? Who needs a nudge in the right direction, or perhaps a spiritual kick in the pants?
How can you spur them on?
Hebrews 3:13 tells us to exhort one another. The word exhort means to give a warning, make an urgent appeal and to incite one to action. In other words, we are to be willing to challenge and confront one another as Christians. It is much easier to think about encouraging someone than confronting them. But again, the Scripture tells us that we have this obligation of love to our brothers and sisters. Who do you know that needs to be challenged? Who is heading in the wrong direction and may need a loving exhortation to change course?
How can you exhort them?
Begin your time with God today by reading these passages…
Hebrews 3:12-13, Hebrews 10:23-25, 2 Peter 2:12-14
What common theme or message do these three passages share?
Again and again the Scripture tells us to encourage, challenge, confront, exhort, comfort and pray for one another. This implies that you have a close enough relationship with other Christians for these actions to take place between you.
(see Tuesday’s devotional)
In 2 Peter 2:12, Peter says that he will always remind his readers of the truths they already know.
Who in your life needs to be reminded of God’s truth? Perhaps they have forgotten or lost sight of who God is. Perhaps they need to be reminded of His love, His forgiveness, His sovereignty, etc. It is all too easy to assume that they already know what you would say and therefore they don’t need to hear it again from you. But the Scripture tells us that it is our duty to remind each other often, because we forget! We are easily frightened and distracted people who need to be reminded. So…who in your life needs to be reminded?
How can you remind them?
Hebrews 10:24 tells to consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Who do you that needs to be encouraged or spurred on in their faith? Who in your life is discouraged spiritually? Who needs a nudge in the right direction, or perhaps a spiritual kick in the pants?
How can you spur them on?
Hebrews 3:13 tells us to exhort one another. The word exhort means to give a warning, make an urgent appeal and to incite one to action. In other words, we are to be willing to challenge and confront one another as Christians. It is much easier to think about encouraging someone than confronting them. But again, the Scripture tells us that we have this obligation of love to our brothers and sisters. Who do you know that needs to be challenged? Who is heading in the wrong direction and may need a loving exhortation to change course?
How can you exhort them?
Thursday, January 14
Consider this question…
What is the only thing in your life that will last forever?
It won’t be your wealth, your degrees, your house, your car(s), your career, your achievements, your reputation…so what will last?
Do you know the answer? It is People! People are eternal!
C.S. Lewis writes in his essay The Weight of Glory; It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which if you saw it now, you might be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare..There are no ordinary people, you have never talked to a mere mortal…it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, exploit – immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.
Think about all of the stories of God’s activity throughout the Bible. What has He been doing? He hasn’t been developing governments, palaces, armies, industries, or other institutions. He has been building and developing people, specifically His people!
Beginning in the garden and continuing to the calling of Abraham, to Moses and the Israelites right up to the coming of Jesus Christ and even still today…God is about people!
When Jesus was asked what the most important command was in all of the Bible, what did He say? Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and the greatest commandment. And the second is like it: love your neighbor as yourself.”
Basically Jesus said that what really counts in life is to Love God and to Love people.
Spend some time in reflection and prayer asking God to show you how you are doing with what really counts…
Ask God to show you how He wants you to grow in your love for Him and in your love for people…
What is the only thing in your life that will last forever?
It won’t be your wealth, your degrees, your house, your car(s), your career, your achievements, your reputation…so what will last?
Do you know the answer? It is People! People are eternal!
C.S. Lewis writes in his essay The Weight of Glory; It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which if you saw it now, you might be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare..There are no ordinary people, you have never talked to a mere mortal…it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, exploit – immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.
Think about all of the stories of God’s activity throughout the Bible. What has He been doing? He hasn’t been developing governments, palaces, armies, industries, or other institutions. He has been building and developing people, specifically His people!
Beginning in the garden and continuing to the calling of Abraham, to Moses and the Israelites right up to the coming of Jesus Christ and even still today…God is about people!
When Jesus was asked what the most important command was in all of the Bible, what did He say? Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and the greatest commandment. And the second is like it: love your neighbor as yourself.”
Basically Jesus said that what really counts in life is to Love God and to Love people.
Spend some time in reflection and prayer asking God to show you how you are doing with what really counts…
Ask God to show you how He wants you to grow in your love for Him and in your love for people…
Wednesday, January 13
In the Roman empire of the Apostle Paul’s day, there were very clear distinctions that separated people along national, social and gender lines. Those who were Roman citizens, free, and male had very real rights and privileges that others did not in that culture. The message of the Gospel and the practice of the early Christians was very counter-cultural, even radical, because it did away with these distinctions.
Read Ephesians 2:14-15 & Galatians 3:26-28
Perhaps we don’t have the same prejudices or distinctions that existed in Paul’s day, but there are still plenty of distinctions and divisions in our culture.
Consider some of these major dividing lines that separate people in our culture?
Democrat Republican
Liberal Conservative
Married Divorced
Educated Uneducated
Blue Collar White Collar
Straight Gay
Cubs Sox
Obese Thin
Wealthy Poor
Green Non-Green
Creationist Evolutionist
What distinctions would you add to this list?
Questions for Reflection:
Which of these distinctions is most difficult for you? Why?
What kind of people are you most likely to judge without getting to know them?
What do you think it means when Paul says in Eph. 2:14 that Christ has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility?
How do you think the message of the Cross can help us to overcome our divisions?
Ask God to give you His grace in dealing with those that you are most likely to judge and reject. Ask Him to remind you that He has not rejected you, but has welcomed you in because of Christ!
Read Ephesians 2:14-15 & Galatians 3:26-28
Perhaps we don’t have the same prejudices or distinctions that existed in Paul’s day, but there are still plenty of distinctions and divisions in our culture.
Consider some of these major dividing lines that separate people in our culture?
Democrat Republican
Liberal Conservative
Married Divorced
Educated Uneducated
Blue Collar White Collar
Straight Gay
Cubs Sox
Obese Thin
Wealthy Poor
Green Non-Green
Creationist Evolutionist
What distinctions would you add to this list?
Questions for Reflection:
Which of these distinctions is most difficult for you? Why?
What kind of people are you most likely to judge without getting to know them?
What do you think it means when Paul says in Eph. 2:14 that Christ has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility?
How do you think the message of the Cross can help us to overcome our divisions?
Ask God to give you His grace in dealing with those that you are most likely to judge and reject. Ask Him to remind you that He has not rejected you, but has welcomed you in because of Christ!
Tuesday, January 12
Most of you have probably heard this statement before; “It’s not what you know, but who you know that really matters.” Usually people who use this phrase are talking about connections that can help get you in somewhere; a job interview, a sales contact, a school, a dinner reservation, etc. As Christians this phrase can also be made to apply to our eternal destination, it is not our knowledge of the Bible, but our relationship with Jesus Christ that will get us “in”.
But let’s look at this question from a couple of different angles as it relates to the Christian life.
First of all, who do you know?
Who do you really know? Who is in your “inner circle” of trusted Christian friends? Who looks to you for counsel, guidance, spiritual advice or just to listen to them when they are in need?
Second, who knows you?
Who really knows you? Who do you share your struggles with? Who do you look to for counsel, advice or a listening ear? Who do you allow to challenge you or confront you in your life? Who do you not have secrets from?
Consider this quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book Life Together;
If a Christian is in the fellowship of confession with a brother, then he will never be alone again anywhere. (p.113) Bonhoeffer is talking about the spiritual reality and power of Christian community.
It is not easy to truly know or be known by others in this way. Our natural reaction is to withhold at least part of ourselves from others because we want them to like us. Sometimes we even hide the truth from ourselves.
God has given us the gift of community; authentic relationships where He is at the center, in order that we do not have to withhold, pretend or hide.
Take a moment to list those who you feel are closest to you…
Thank God for the true friends in your life.
Ask God to help you develop the kind of relationships that will help you to grow into the person He wants you to be.
But let’s look at this question from a couple of different angles as it relates to the Christian life.
First of all, who do you know?
Who do you really know? Who is in your “inner circle” of trusted Christian friends? Who looks to you for counsel, guidance, spiritual advice or just to listen to them when they are in need?
Second, who knows you?
Who really knows you? Who do you share your struggles with? Who do you look to for counsel, advice or a listening ear? Who do you allow to challenge you or confront you in your life? Who do you not have secrets from?
Consider this quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book Life Together;
If a Christian is in the fellowship of confession with a brother, then he will never be alone again anywhere. (p.113) Bonhoeffer is talking about the spiritual reality and power of Christian community.
It is not easy to truly know or be known by others in this way. Our natural reaction is to withhold at least part of ourselves from others because we want them to like us. Sometimes we even hide the truth from ourselves.
God has given us the gift of community; authentic relationships where He is at the center, in order that we do not have to withhold, pretend or hide.
Take a moment to list those who you feel are closest to you…
Thank God for the true friends in your life.
Ask God to help you develop the kind of relationships that will help you to grow into the person He wants you to be.
Monday, January 11
Answer this question: How would you describe yourself?
Go ahead, make a list and jot a few things down that describe who you are…
What kinds of things did you write down? What characteristics or qualities made your list? It is not a very easy thing to capture in just a few words is it?
Now read Ephesians 2:11-22…
What are the characteristics that define the people Paul is writing to in this passage?
What single fact shapes their identity?
Do you see yourself primarily and fundamentally as a member of God’s family?
Is the fact that you belong to Christ the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about who you are?
Sociologists and psychologists tell us that the primary issue for early adolescents is “identity formation”, they are trying to answer the question; who am I? From a spiritual perspective, I think this is the primary issue for every human being regardless of their age.
Questions for reflection:
How have you struggled with this question in your own life?
How does the passage in Ephesians help you answer this primary question?
How might your view of yourself & your view of others change if you were more secure in your identity in Christ?
Thank God for giving you a new identity in Christ and ask God to give you the security in Him that you need…
Go ahead, make a list and jot a few things down that describe who you are…
What kinds of things did you write down? What characteristics or qualities made your list? It is not a very easy thing to capture in just a few words is it?
Now read Ephesians 2:11-22…
What are the characteristics that define the people Paul is writing to in this passage?
What single fact shapes their identity?
Do you see yourself primarily and fundamentally as a member of God’s family?
Is the fact that you belong to Christ the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about who you are?
Sociologists and psychologists tell us that the primary issue for early adolescents is “identity formation”, they are trying to answer the question; who am I? From a spiritual perspective, I think this is the primary issue for every human being regardless of their age.
Questions for reflection:
How have you struggled with this question in your own life?
How does the passage in Ephesians help you answer this primary question?
How might your view of yourself & your view of others change if you were more secure in your identity in Christ?
Thank God for giving you a new identity in Christ and ask God to give you the security in Him that you need…
Friday, January 8
Psalm 16:11
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
This Psalm celebrates God’s desire to fill us with his joy – both now and someday in his eternal heaven. Begin your time with God focusing on his presence in your heart – and his promise of joy.
Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
After reading our “core text” one more time – focus on the last half of the last sentence. Paul writes, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Most scholars believe Paul is looking ahead to the promise and joy of heaven. I think there are two primary thoughts in Paul’s mind: first, there is the promise of rest and joy in the presence of Jesus, his Lord. At this point in his life Paul is in prison and knows he is probably facing either continued imprisonment or even death at any moment. He is fully prepared for the end of his earthly life and the beginning of his eternal life!
But he also speaks of “winning the prize.” If salvation is based on faith in the grace of Christ alone – what prize is Paul talking about winning? Again, most scholars believe that he is talking about the rewards that Christ promises those who have served him faithfully in this life. Heaven is the reward for all who receive Christ as Savior and Lord – but the Bible does seem to point to special honor and responsibility that will be given to those who have served Christ with great faithfulness (see 2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Peter 5:4). Paul seems to be expressing his desire to remain steadfast and faithful in his calling – despite great hardship – by looking forward to the promise of Christ.
Most of us don’t think about heaven much until we face the death of a family member or friend – or until we face a life-threatening situation ourselves. But heaven is real – and an eternal life of joy and service to our King is to be that which both sustains us in difficult times and inspires us to faithfulness to Christ now!
Take some time to think about, and maybe write about, how the certainty and promise of heaven can shape and inspire your life now.
Ask the Lord to remind you often that even now your are being prepared for your eternal destiny in him!
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You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
This Psalm celebrates God’s desire to fill us with his joy – both now and someday in his eternal heaven. Begin your time with God focusing on his presence in your heart – and his promise of joy.
Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
After reading our “core text” one more time – focus on the last half of the last sentence. Paul writes, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Most scholars believe Paul is looking ahead to the promise and joy of heaven. I think there are two primary thoughts in Paul’s mind: first, there is the promise of rest and joy in the presence of Jesus, his Lord. At this point in his life Paul is in prison and knows he is probably facing either continued imprisonment or even death at any moment. He is fully prepared for the end of his earthly life and the beginning of his eternal life!
But he also speaks of “winning the prize.” If salvation is based on faith in the grace of Christ alone – what prize is Paul talking about winning? Again, most scholars believe that he is talking about the rewards that Christ promises those who have served him faithfully in this life. Heaven is the reward for all who receive Christ as Savior and Lord – but the Bible does seem to point to special honor and responsibility that will be given to those who have served Christ with great faithfulness (see 2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Peter 5:4). Paul seems to be expressing his desire to remain steadfast and faithful in his calling – despite great hardship – by looking forward to the promise of Christ.
Most of us don’t think about heaven much until we face the death of a family member or friend – or until we face a life-threatening situation ourselves. But heaven is real – and an eternal life of joy and service to our King is to be that which both sustains us in difficult times and inspires us to faithfulness to Christ now!
Take some time to think about, and maybe write about, how the certainty and promise of heaven can shape and inspire your life now.
Ask the Lord to remind you often that even now your are being prepared for your eternal destiny in him!
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Thursday, January 7
Psalm 51:1-2, 10, 12
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Restore me to the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Begin your time with God today by spending a few moments in reflection and confession. Lay open the content of your heart before the mercy and cleansing power of God’s great forgiveness. Ask him to renew your heart today.
Philippians 3:13-14
But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Here Paul is likely thinking about his life before meeting Christ – when he devoted himself to persecuting the followers of Jesus. I think it’s possible that the memories of his own pride and hatred cling to him even though he knows his sins are forgiven. Is there any way in which the mistakes, failures and sin of the past year still cling to your heart and mind today? Take some time to write down some of the things – attitudes, actions, habits – that Jesus might want you to “forget” – that is, trust completely to him as you look ahead to what he has for you in the New Year.
Close your time with God by thanking him for his power to wipe the slate of our hearts clean – and re-commit yourself to his calling on your life.
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Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Restore me to the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Begin your time with God today by spending a few moments in reflection and confession. Lay open the content of your heart before the mercy and cleansing power of God’s great forgiveness. Ask him to renew your heart today.
Philippians 3:13-14
But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Here Paul is likely thinking about his life before meeting Christ – when he devoted himself to persecuting the followers of Jesus. I think it’s possible that the memories of his own pride and hatred cling to him even though he knows his sins are forgiven. Is there any way in which the mistakes, failures and sin of the past year still cling to your heart and mind today? Take some time to write down some of the things – attitudes, actions, habits – that Jesus might want you to “forget” – that is, trust completely to him as you look ahead to what he has for you in the New Year.
Close your time with God by thanking him for his power to wipe the slate of our hearts clean – and re-commit yourself to his calling on your life.
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Wednesday, January 6
Psalm 119:30-32
I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.
I hold fast to your statutes, O Lord; do not let me be put to shame.
I run in the paths of your commands, for you have set my heart free.
Take a few moments in prayer to “set your heart” on the Lord. Confess to him those things that might keep your heart from being free to hear his word today.
Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.
Paul knows that Christ has taken hold of him.
Paul also is absolutely committed to taking hold of Christ’s purposes in his life.
But Paul confesses that he has not yet achieved his spiritual goals – he has not yet become all that the Lord wants him to be.
In what ways can you identify with Paul in his admission that his spiritual growth is an unfinished process?
Take some time to reflect – and write down – areas of your life that you know Jesus would want to grow, strengthen or change.
What would you say are the top three barriers or hindrances to your own spiritual growth?
1.
2.
3.
Close your time with God in prayer – recommitting yourself to “pressing on” in the process of spiritual growth.
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I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.
I hold fast to your statutes, O Lord; do not let me be put to shame.
I run in the paths of your commands, for you have set my heart free.
Take a few moments in prayer to “set your heart” on the Lord. Confess to him those things that might keep your heart from being free to hear his word today.
Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.
Paul knows that Christ has taken hold of him.
Paul also is absolutely committed to taking hold of Christ’s purposes in his life.
But Paul confesses that he has not yet achieved his spiritual goals – he has not yet become all that the Lord wants him to be.
In what ways can you identify with Paul in his admission that his spiritual growth is an unfinished process?
Take some time to reflect – and write down – areas of your life that you know Jesus would want to grow, strengthen or change.
What would you say are the top three barriers or hindrances to your own spiritual growth?
1.
2.
3.
Close your time with God in prayer – recommitting yourself to “pressing on” in the process of spiritual growth.
To receive email updates for the daily devotions, click on Subscribe to Coffey Break by Email
Tuesday, January 5
Psalm 119:14-16
I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
Take a moment to thank God for the beauty and power of his word. Ask him to help you focus your mind and heart so that you may understand the truth he has for you today.
Philippians 3:12
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
Paul seems to be suggesting here that while our journey with Christ begins with understanding and receiving the gift of eternal life, God has a purpose for each one of us that goes beyond salvation.
Paul eventually came to understand that Christ’s purpose for his life was to bring the gospel to the Gentile world. In what ways have you “taken hold” of Christ’s purposes for your life? What questions do you have about what he may want for you or from you?
Take a few minutes to write out answers to these questions – then close your time with God by asking him to make his purposes for your life clear through the coming weeks.
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10 Minutes with God, Monday, January 4, 2010
Psalm 119:17-18
Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
Spend a few moments in prayer; ask the Lord to quiet your heart and mind that you may know his presence and hear his voice.
Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Paul here describes his relationship with Christ as a dynamic process – a kind of intentional journey.
Take some time to think about your own spiritual journey.
Were you raised in a Christian home? Were you exposed to the truth of Christ early in life – or did you meet him later on?
Who were the influential people in your journey toward Jesus?
When and how did Christ “take hold” of you?
Was there a decisive moment when you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior – or was your experience of salvation more of a “process?”
Can you define 1 or 2 spiritual turning points in your life?
Take a few minutes to write out an outline of your faith journey. After doing so - close you time with God by thanking him for the people and experiences he has provided you along the way. Ask him to give you an opportunity to share your story with someone who needs encouragement in their journey.
To receive email updates for the daily devotions, click on Subscribe to Coffey Break by Email
Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
Spend a few moments in prayer; ask the Lord to quiet your heart and mind that you may know his presence and hear his voice.
Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Paul here describes his relationship with Christ as a dynamic process – a kind of intentional journey.
Take some time to think about your own spiritual journey.
Were you raised in a Christian home? Were you exposed to the truth of Christ early in life – or did you meet him later on?
Who were the influential people in your journey toward Jesus?
When and how did Christ “take hold” of you?
Was there a decisive moment when you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior – or was your experience of salvation more of a “process?”
Can you define 1 or 2 spiritual turning points in your life?
Take a few minutes to write out an outline of your faith journey. After doing so - close you time with God by thanking him for the people and experiences he has provided you along the way. Ask him to give you an opportunity to share your story with someone who needs encouragement in their journey.
To receive email updates for the daily devotions, click on Subscribe to Coffey Break by Email
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