CATEGORY ARCHIVES: Devotions

No Excuses

Posted by anthologycreative

So what’s your best excuse? When you don’t have your homework, what do you say? Something along the lines of: “I’m environmentally conscious, and I am saving paper this week”; “The dog ate my flash drive”; or “We had homework?”

I’m sure you could be more creative than that. You might have over a hundred excuses, but how many are “good” excuses? How many really excuse you from your responsibility? There is one thing for which no one has a good excuse.

Read Romans 1:18-20, focusing on verse 20.

According to these verses, what is revealed against godlessness?

These verses say that what can be known about God has been made evident. How?

What evidence of God have you seen around you?

Why are people without excuse?

Today’s passage indicates that there is no good excuse for not believing in God. We may come up with excuses like the lame ones we use for forgetting our homework, but there is not a valid excuse. Scripture says God has proven His existence through the things He has created. God is real. Did the sun rise today? Did you breathe air? Did your blood flow where it was supposed to and your feet and hands work today? God has made Himself known through His creation, and there is no excuse for not believing.

For His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what He has made. As a result, people are without excuse. —Romans 1:20

Adapted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission.


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See The Proof

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Read Psalm 19:1-6.

Think about the most breathtaking natural wonder you’ve ever seen. The Grand Canyon. Niagara Falls. Mountain ranges, vast river valleys, caves. Think about the intricacies of your body’s cells and the tiny details you can’t even see with the naked eye on the wing of a butterfly. Consider that no one has the same fingerprints and every dog has a unique nose print. Ponder the seasons, the tides, the moon, and the stars.

Creation itself testifies that there is a Creator. The world around us calls us into a God-consciousness. Because of the intricacies of life, life processes, and all creation, we begin to recognize that there is a God who created all and is in control of it all. Just as a watch points to the existence of a watchmaker, creation over and over declares the glory of the Creator.

That’s what David was describing in today’s Scripture passage. Just as a watch has a watchmaker and a house has a builder, we can look at the intricacies of creation and know that God made it. You live in a world in which many proclaim there is no God, yet creation itself tells a different story. As David pointed out, creation sings a silent song of praise to the Creator, and the message has gone out to all of the world. The writer even points to the sun itself, calling attention to its daily route from horizon to horizon and describing its brightness as the joy of a bridegroom or an eager athlete. The sun itself testifies to the existence of a Creator who set our planet into motion around it. The point is this: God reveals Himself to the world, and one of the ways He does so is through His creation. Many in this world may question the existence of a Creator, but creation doesn’t. If anything, it testifies to His glory. Look out your window. Go outside. See the proof.

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands. —Psalm 19:1


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Just Talk

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I’m not afraid to share my faith. I’m really not. I love sharing the life-giving truth about Jesus. However, don’t start asking me questions about my Christian T-shirt when I’m in the middle of my favorite TV show, and don’t text me with questions about a confusing Bible verse when I’m headed to the football game. Admittedly, it’s hardest for me to share my faith when it’s inconvenient. When is it toughest for you?

Zone in on verse 2 as you read 2 Timothy 4:1-5.

With what have we been charged?

Which of these instructions are easiest for you to carry out? Which one is toughest? Explain.

What is a recent situation that has required great patience from you? How did you do?

When has it been difficult for you to persist in telling others about Jesus? When has it been inconvenient?

What are some examples of verse 3 in your school, community, or even church?

What does it mean to keep a clear head?

How can young believers keep clear heads in our culture?

What are you doing to keep a clear head?

Paul spoke some pretty challenging words to Timothy. People aren’t going to like your words, he admitted. Paul’s advice? Tell them anyway and don’t quit. When are you most tempted to quit? When does it seem like a waste of time to even open your mouth?

Stop right now and ask God for courage to speak His truth, even when it’s unpopular. Even when it’s inconvenient. Even when it hurts. No matter what, speak His truth.

Proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching. —2 Timothy 4:2

Adapted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission.


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Tell Your Story

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At the local coffee shop, a man sits alone, gesturing and having a conversation with . . . uh, no one? No, he isn’t deranged. He has a headset on his ear. Sure, he looks like he’s talking to himself, but he actually is having a real conversation. That must have been how Paul looked to his companions while he had his very first conversation with Jesus, except there was no earpiece. Just a very real God.

Read Acts 22:6-10. Don’t miss verses 6 and 7.

How do you think Paul felt when the blinding light suddenly flashed around him?

What was it like when you first experienced the light of God’s truth? Explain.

How would you describe that experience to someone who has never met Jesus?

If Paul didn’t know who was speaking to him, why did he call Him “Lord”? Explain.

If you have never had a personal experience with God, why do you think that is?

Why do you think Jesus didn’t give Paul the complete instructions right away?

How do you feel when God gives you incomplete instructions and you have to wait?

God got Paul’s attention by pointing out that his religious crusades against Christians were actually persecuting the very God he thought he was serving. Think back to the day you met Jesus. How did God get your attention? How can you explain that moment to others in a way that makes sense to them? Don’t let the unbelievers in your life stare at the light without comprehending it. Help them hear God’s words.

As I was traveling and near Damascus, about noon an intense light from heaven suddenly flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” —Acts 22:6-7

Adapted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission.


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You Have A Past

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Whether you’re proud of your hometown, can’t wait to leave, or already miss it terribly, it’s a big part of who you are. It’s where you’re from. For the rest of your life, when people ask, “Where are you from?,” you’ll remember your hometown. You’ve got a spiritual hometown as well. It’s the place you began, the place from which God has brought you. So, where are you from? Where did your story of redemption begin?

Read Acts 22:3-5. Concentrate on verse 4.

What did Paul tell his listeners about his background?

What do you think he might have left out?

How do you think he chose what to tell about his past and what to leave out?

What would you tell someone about your background if you were sharing your story of meeting Jesus?

What’s the difference between admitting your past sinfulness and glorifying it?

How can you make sure you have the right focus when you tell people about your past?

Even if you don’t have a very exciting pre-Christ past, what can you tell people about your past?

Why do you think the story of where we come from is such a powerful way to share our faith?

We all have a place from which Christ has brought us. Everything we did, whether it was trying to please our parents or rebelling from them, was done as a futile effort to get away from that same lost place. Paul told his story to those listening: he had been raised in religion and was so devoutly zealous in his Jewish faith that he persecuted Christians. To share his testimony, Paul had to admit that his past wasn’t pristine. Paul had to admit he was a sinner, something we all must recognize and admit to become Christians.

So, when you share your story, you get to tell others about the spiritual place from which God has rescued you. Unlike your physical hometown, you never have to go back.

I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and putting both men and women in jail. —Acts 22:4

Adapted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission.


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Words Matter

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Do you know what it means to hit on all sixes? To beat one’s gums? Would you know a piker or a palooka if you saw one? If you had lived in the 1920s, you’d know all of those words, but to most of us, they mean nothing. Likewise, many of the words we use at church and with our Christian friends mean nothing to the unbelievers around us. It’s going to be pretty hard to share your faith with them if they can’t understand you!

Read Acts 21:40–22:2. Pay attention to verse 2.

What are some barriers between you and the unbelievers around you?

What do you have in common with them? How can you use these commonalities to talk about what you believe?

What happened when Paul chose to speak to the angry people in their own language?

Think of an unbeliever you know. What “language” will he or she best understand?

Are you prepared to speak to him or her in this “language”? If not, what will it take to be able to do that?

What are some words you might want to avoid using?

What did Paul get before he started to speak to the people? (See v. 40.)

What difference does it make to get someone’s permission before talking about your faith?

Keep a journal of words you hear Christians use that wouldn’t make much sense to non-believers. Think of some alternative words that would make more sense to unbelievers, and try using these words next time you talk to someone about your faith.

When they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even quieter.
—Acts 22:2

Adapted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission.


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Your Response Says Something About God.

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After George Muller had watched God miraculously provide specific buildings to use as an orphanage, he received a letter from a neighbor listing several complaints against the orphanage. George was confused. Should he ignore the letter? Should he apologize? Should he remind the man of the amazing ways God had provided these very buildings? He did not know what to do. How do you respond when someone complains about you?

Read 1 Peter 3:16-17. Focus on verse 16.

Some people think that if they’re going to be unjustly accused, they might as well do the deed they’re being accused of, so they can at least enjoy the wrong for which they’re being punished. What do you think?

What do these verses say about that philosophy?

According to these verses, what are we to do with gentleness and respect?

What are the alternatives to defending your faith with gentleness and respect?

What accusations might come against a Christian who defends the faith?

What do you think it takes to keep your conscience clear? Explain.

What is one thing that tends to keep you from having a clear conscience?

If someone were making an accusation against you, what would he or she say? Why?

What is your attitude toward people who complain about you?

After George Muller received his complaint letter, he realized his neighbor’s complaints were justified, and he actually moved the orphanage to another location. He understood that the way we respond to the complaints of others represents Christ to them. Who has complaints against you today? Are they valid? Prayerfully consider how you should respond when others complain, argue, or pick fights with you.

However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are accused, those who denounce your Christian life will be put to shame. —1 Peter 3:16

Adapted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission.


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Be Prepared

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Read 1 Peter 3:13-15.

Kamryn knew all the Bible answers to any question. She was invincible in any religious debate until she met Nick, an extremely vocal atheist. Determined to win him over, she immediately began slinging Scriptures his way. Not fazed, he calmly quipped, “I don’t believe in the Bible. What else ya got?”

Kamryn wasn’t ready to give a defense of her faith. She’d memorized the verses and answers she’d been told she should know, but she didn’t know what she believed well enough to explain it any other way.

Knowing the Word of God is huge, but we’ve also got to be able to think and speak outside of the box when defending our faith. God can and will give us the right words to say in each situation, but He also wants us to be prepared to defend our faith with words and actions that people unfamiliar with the Bible will understand.

That’s exactly what Jesus did. He quoted the Old Testament prophets to people who would understand them, but He also spoke in parables, using common, everyday themes that non-religious people would understand. He explained truth in such creative, unique ways that people who never darkened the door of the synagogue came looking for Him. They drank in His words. Not only did they understand Him, they believed Him. Will you be ready to defend your faith and make God’s truths clear to anyone who asks?

But honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. —1 Peter 3:15

Adapted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission.


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God Doesn’t Leave

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The little girl stood crying for her father. She pleaded with him to come to her, but he never looked back. He walked out of her life . . . forever. I was 3 years old when that happened. My father had abandoned me.

Have you faced a similar situation? Have you ever felt hopeless or alone? Life can be hard. In fact, it’s a guarantee that at some point, you will experience crisis. The ultimate question is: How will you react?

Read Isaiah 43:1-7. Meditate on verse 2.

Why are these verses comforting?

What do these verses teach you about how God feels about you?

Which verse speaks to you most? Explain.

What do these verses teach you about God’s involvement in your life?

When you feel alone or abandoned as a result of events in life, do you cling to the promises of God? Why or why not?

No matter what is thrown at you in life, you can overcome. You must have faith and believe that regardless of what is going on or where it will lead, God will always be with you. Embrace the passage you studied today and live a life of victory. Learn, as I did, that though people may leave you, God will never abandon you. It is a promise He has given us, and God keeps His promises.

Deuteronomy 31:6 states that He will not leave you or forsake you. Know that no matter what the situation, no matter how intense the crisis is in your life, God IS there. He is always there. Give all of your fears, worries, and concerns over to Him. He can handle it! And more than that, He wants to. Whatever you face, wherever you go, God will be with you.

“I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you.” —Isaiah 43:2


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Get Up

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Your grandma’s death. Finding out your crush likes someone else. When your dad lost his job. You didn’t get tapped out for Little Chief. Think about the last crisis in your life that caused you to shut down. How did you respond? Why doesn’t life stop just because something bad happens?

Zone in on verse 7 as you read 2 Samuel 19:5-8.

Why was David grieving?

How was David behaving toward his people?

What was wrong with David’s behavior?

What strong words did Joab offer?

What was David’s response?

When faced with life’s tragedies, do you shut down or choose to move forward? Explain.

What are some ways to move forward?

In today’s Scripture passage, David was overcome with grief that consumed him. Though Absalom’s betrayal had been painful, his death was even more overwhelming. Unfortunately, David was so lost in his sorrow that he forgot his responsibilities as king. Joab wasn’t being insensitive or cold when he told David to get up. He was just reminding the king that his duties as the ruler of Israel had not changed.

Grief can be crippling. Crisis in any form can make you numb, but the key is to move forward. Take things one breath, one step, and one day at a time. It won’t be easy; in fact, it may seem impossible at first, but with God’s loving arms around you and a support system of your brothers and sisters in Christ, you can do it.

“Now get up! Go out and encourage your soldiers, for I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out, not a man will remain with you tonight. This will be worse for you than all the trouble that has come to you from your youth until now!” —2 Samuel 19:7


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