Nevertheless, some........
Topic: Devotional
Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference 2 Chronicles 30-31 John 18:1-18


“Nevertheless, some . . .”


2 Chronicles 30-31, John 18:1-18
Key Verses: 2 Chronicles 30:10-11

Where were you on December 31, 1999, as midnight approached? Preparations for the infamous Y2K bug varied--from building bunkers to ignoring the warnings. Responses to the forecasts of Y2K-related problems were both extremes and everything in between, but it basically came down to one of two. Either you did something or nothing. Some heard the warnings and heeded them, while others choose to laugh them off.

Long before computers were even conceived of, a letter went out and was met with the same basic responses--people scorned and ridiculed the message, but some listened. The message was from King Hezekiah, calling the people of Israel to return to the Lord. He wrote, "Do not be stiff-necked, as your fathers were; submit to the LORD. Come to the sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever. Serve the LORD your God, so that his fierce anger will turn away from you" (30:8).

Return, yield, serve--a needed message for a people who as a nation had become unfaithful to the Lord.

The people scorned and ridiculed the messengers. Sounds like today. The message of God is not always received. But notice verse 11: "Nevertheless, some . . . humbled themselves and went to Jerusalem." Thank God for the "some."

Hezekiah's message is of eternal significance and so much more important than the Y2K warning. How do you respond to the Word of God? Are you part of the "scorners" or one of the "some"?

God didn't give us His Word just to increase our knowledge but to affect the way we live. If it is going to change you, you must be open to hearing the message. Determine to be one of the "some." Hear and heed His Word.

How to Have a Good Day
Topic: Devotional
Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference Psalm 34:11-16


How to Have a Good Day

Read Psalm 34:11-16

How often has someone said to you, "Have a good day"? That's a nice statement, but what does it mean? When you review the day's activities before you go to bed, how do you know whether the day was good or bad? When Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery, that was a bad day. But God turned it into good for him. When Potiphar's wife lied about Joseph and had him put into prison, it was a bad day. But God turned that into good for him also. You see, we don't always know what a good day is. However, we can make our days good if we follow the instructions given in today's passage.

First, control your tongue. David asks, "Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good?" (v. 12). Of course, everybody wants long life and good days. So you must "keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit" (v. 13). When you say the wrong thing, you will have a bad day. So keep your tongue under control.

Second, "depart from evil and do good" (v. 14). If you want to have a good day, do good. If you sow the seeds of goodness, you'll reap the harvest of goodness.

Third, "seek peace and pursue it" (v. 14). Don't go around with a revolver in your hand. Don't be bothered by every little slight or by everything that people say. If somebody cuts in front of you in a line, don't let it bother you. Be a peacemaker, not a troublemaker.

Finally, trust the Lord because He's watching you. "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry" (v. 15). The word open means "attentive to." You don't have to worry about what other people do. God is watching you, and He's listening to you. You can have a good day if you'll just follow these instructions. So, have a good day!

"Have a good day!" may be a trite expression, but you can have a good day if you follow certain instructions from Scripture. Try following the guidelines of this psalm. Not only will you have a good day, but those with whom you come in contact will be blessed.

Just for Believers-Sins Gone
Topic: Devotional



Mark 9:23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” (NKJV)

(Previous devotionals can be found at go here)

In this series, we are studying those things that God says are true about Believers - that is, those who have experienced authentic regeneration of the heart ("born again") through repentance of sin, and obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Let's review what we have learned so far:

Mark 9:23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” (NKJV)
We discovered that "all things" and the promises, declaration and truths that come from God. Whatever He says He will do, it is possible for them that truly believe. What God declares, whatever is true about God's nature, becomes possible for the Believer. We also learned that this belief is faith which consists of two parts - undoubting belief that God is, and does, what He says He is and does; and that God is the focus of our belief. We can have true belief in the wrong thing; and, we can believe in God, but have doubt, which betrays a lack of understanding who God is. Faith is true belief focused on the right Person.
Remission Of Sins

Acts 10:43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.” (NKJV)

True Believers are the only humans whose sins will be forgiven. [Note: this is not a message about salvation, baptism, eternal security, etc.; so it is not necessary to write me in this context and tell me something I left out or didn't clarify about "how to be saved". This lesson assumes true salvation has occurred.]

"Remission of sins".... have you ever thought about what that means, or is it just a "churchy" phrase used in Sunday school? Think about the fullness of what it means. Remission carries the following ideas:

to lay aside (a mood or disposition) partly or wholly
to let (as attention or diligence) slacken : relax
to release from the guilt or penalty of
to refrain from exacting
to cancel or refrain from inflicting
to give relief from (suffering)
to restore or consign to a former status or condition
to abate in force or intensity
How often we quickly fly past what it means to be forgiven, especially in societies where affluence and comfort are the rule. Remission of sins (forgiveness) is something we get done as an accomplishment, one of those important things to take care of like getting a college degree. We would do well to consider all that God has "remitted" for us as Believers, realizing that Jesus paid the price for it.

All your sins, and mine, have been laid aside in whole. The condemnation you deserve for all those lies, deceit and manipulation has been relaxed and removed by God. You have been released from the penalty you deserve for the lust and impurity that you have committed. God will not exact a penalty from you for all the times you've cheated and stolen. The Lord has cancelled the planned and deserved punishment that was awaiting you for blaspheming Him through profanity or casual use of His name. The Lord has granted you relief from the suffering and eternal condemnation that awaited you for your wickedness. God has restored you from being a lost sinner outside His family, to be a righteous adopted heir of eternal life. The Lord has removed the intense punishment and condemnation that would have been yours the moment you died and faced Him.

The remission of sins is much deeper and comprehensive than our typical conversation reveals. It's one thing to say "my sins are forgiven"; it's another to STOP, and actually consider all that it means. The remission of sins IS the essence of what salvation is all about. No sin can be in God's presence. Therefore, God had to provide a way that ALL sin could be removed in order for us to be able to live with Him, in His house, for all eternity.

Remission of sins is ONLY for the true believer
who has obediently responded to
the Gospel (salvation on God's terms).

The remission of sins are NOT for:

The Religious - religion will not get you remission of sins. There are countless millions who have fallen for the popular idea that you just need to "pick a religion and faithfully practice it." Obviously, this is an attempt to earn remission of sins by your own effort. Instead of being forgiven because of belief in Christ, the religious person thinks they DESERVE forgiven because of their own religious merit or affiliation. You can give all you have to the poor; work day and night to help others and sacrifice your entire life in religious service, and you will be no closer to earning forgiveness than is the vilest reprobate.


The Good - it is a growing trend to teach that being "good" is the way to salvation and personal wholeness. Myriads of books and public personalities (ie, Schuller, Dr. Laura, Dr. Phil, Oprah, many churches, etc) proclaim that being good is sufficient to be accepted by their version of "god" (a "higher power"). However, long before being good started being proclaimed in modern times, the "religion of morality" has been a favorite of humans.

Ask any person you know (with the exception of mature Christians), "are you a good person?" and they will say "sure, I try to be." A vast majority also consider this sufficient reason to be pardoned by God, and accepted in to heaven. (Try it! Ask 10 people today if they are "good" and ask them if being good is what gets you to heaven).

Learn to administer the following simple test that will effectively show someone they are not "good" at all. Remember, you have to first reach the human INTELLECT with God's Law to convince someone they are in need of being saved. Then the HEART is ready to hear the Good News about Jesus. We often avoid the hard work and difficulty of the first step, to move to the "feel good benefits" of the second.

Quickly show someone they are not "good" and face the danger of standing before God as "guilty" by asking these simple questions... "So you're a good person you say? You've heard of the Ten Commandments right? They are simple and easy to understand. Let's see if you are 'good' when compared to the 10 commandments":


Have you ever lied? Even once? What does that make you? (be persistent until they actually say "liar"; don't allow them to sugarcoat it by saying "that makes me human" or "just little white lies"). One lie makes you a liar.
Have you ever used God's name in vain (profanity or casual use like "oh my god")? God calls that blasphemy, a very serious sin.
Have you ever, even once, lusted after someone? Jesus says that is "adultery in your heart" and is the same as actually committing the act.
Have you ever stolen anything, no matter how small? Or stolen from your employer by not working hard? What does that make you?

"So by your own admission, you are a lying, thieving, blasphemous adulterer at heart, right? Does this sound like you are a 'good person'? Do you think you are good enough to tell God 'I deserve to be in heaven, you must let me in'?"

At this point, the person is convicted of their sinfulness by their own words and admissions (intellect), and are now fertile ground (the heart) to plant the seed of the Gospel which alone can make them acceptable to God.

Everyone - it is a favorite human justification to simply believe that "all roads lead to God". It is "judgmental" and "intolerant" to believe otherwise (according to the world). Christianity IS judgmental and intolerant. (notice I didn't say "Christians"....) By its very nature, since Christ alone is the sole source of salvation, Christianity condemns and judges all those who reject God. Christianity judges, not Christians. It is not our job to walk around condemning the lost world; we should be convicting them with God's law. It is not our job as Christians to be intolerant of the lost, but to embrace them by proclaiming the message of salvation to all. We ARE intolerant and judgmental about participating in, or condoning sin, but we are NOT intolerant and judgmental towards the "lost sheep" who are in need of a Shepherd. Intolerance towards sin; compassion towards people. Judgment against unholiness, patience with struggling sinners.

Remission of sins is given to EVERYONE. It is available to everyone (John 3.16), but is only granted to those who respond to and obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We do no lost person any favors by informing them of any less.
Remission of sins is the single most important thing that is JUST for believers in Christ. Everything else is secondary to this one great truth that is the essence of salvation and the key to being restored to an eternal relationship with the Creator.

Lord God, Help us to understand what it really means to have our sins remitted. Help us to grasp the depth of this gift, and allow it to change our lives. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Contemplation: Have you ever thought what it really means to have your sins forgiven? Have you meditated on this wonderful truth? How do you think it would change your life, your faith and your commitment to Christ if you were to really stop and contemplate what it really means to have remission of sins?
Application: Remission of sins is exclusive to Believers in Christ. No religion, no good works... nothing will take away yours sins other than Jesus Christ. Forgiveness from all your sins is an exclusive gift just for Believers.

James 1:22 - But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (NKJV)

What is the most obvious Bible truth you have learned today?

What change in your life needs to be made concerning this truth?

What specific thing will you do today to begin that change?



Are you a good person, take the test and see

If the Vehicle Lacks Fuel
Topic: Devotional


Ask yourself who you know who isn't saved. Without the blood of the Savior, the Bible says those people you are thinking of will one day be cast into the Lake of Fire. How does that make you feel? Does it make you want to reach them with the Gospel? If we are lacking the fuels of compassion and gratitude for our own salvation, the task of sharing our faith will become a chore. It will be a burden. If our vehicle lacks fuel, we'll have to push it rather than drive it. If we have to push the vehicle of evangelism, it will be a tiresome task, while driving it will be exhilarating. Without the gas of gratitude, our attitude won't be an enthusiastic, "I delight to do Your will," but a begrudging, "I have to do Your will." There goes another minute. Gone forever. Go share your faith while you still have time.

Go and Learn What Jesus Desires
Topic: Devotional
serious faith Daily Devotional



Matthew 9:13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (NKJV)

Jesus commanded the prideful, religious hypocrites to "go and learn" what this means: "I desire mercy not sacrifice". For those of us guilty of pride or hypocrisy at times, perhaps we should go and learn this too.

First, it helps to put the statement into modern context. We would be more likely to understand if it were stated, "I desire mercy over acts of religion". But wait! Doesn't Jesus desire, even command us to do certain "religious" things?

At the time Jesus spoke these words, wasn't it God's law that the Jews sacrifice (a religious practice of giving certain possessions back to God)? Yes. So wasn't the Lord contradicting Himself? Of course not. Then what was He saying?

Jesus was always trying to teach the disciples and the crowds that the "internal" was more important than the "external". When the "inside" (the heart) is right, the outside takes care of itself. Jesus taught a higher standard of internal transformation rather than external religious conformation.

We're commanded not to commit adultery (an external constraint); but Jesus said don't even lust (an internal act) or you have already committed adultery. If you don't lust (internal), you won't commit adultery (external).

We're told not to murder. Our higher New Testament standard is not to hate another person at all. If we don't hate (internal), we won't murder (external). We are commanded not to lie, but greater still, not to be dishonest in anyway. If we're not dishonest (internal) we won't lie (external).

Let's look at two real men in the Bible for comparison. One man had the externals right but failed internally. The other man struggled externally, but had the right heart attitudes. The first man:

Was a very successful politician who brought peace to his land
Was a successful businessman
Was known world-wide for his wisdom
Built the world's most magnificent church building for God
Was the richest man who ever lived
And yet the Bible says this about him:

1 Kings 11:9-12 So the Lord became angry...., because his heart had turned from the Lord God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice, and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods; but he did not keep what the Lord had commanded. Therefore the Lord said...., “Because you have done this, and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant. Nevertheless I will not do it in your days....; I will tear it out of the hand of your son. (NKJV, names dotted out on purpose)

Now compare that to our second Biblical example. This man:

Was man of bloodshed
Was very self absorbed at times
Committed adultery and took another man's wife
Then murdered the husband of this woman
Pridefully disobeyed God by taking a census of his nation
But the Bible has this to say:

Acts 13:22 And when He had removed him, He raised up for them... as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found... a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’ (NKJV, names removed by me)

Huh? God was angry at the guy who, by outward appearances, had it all going right. But the wife-stealing murderer was a "man after God's own heart". Of course the two men described are King Solomon, and his father, King David. What a remarkable contrast between how we would judge them versus how God, who knows the heart, judged them.

Why did God favor David who seemed really messed up at times, over Solomon, who by all appearances was tremendously successful?

Solomon's "externals" were right, but he ignored the "internals".
David's "internals" were right even though he struggled with "externals".

David immediately repented when confronted with his sin. Solomon went after other gods even though all his success was the result of God's blessing. David lamented and confessed his wickedness. Solomon disobeyed God even after being warned multiple times.

In light of this, Jesus statement, "go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice'", could be explained to us in these words:

"You've got it wrong. I don't care about your outward Christian acts as much as I care about whether or not your motives and attitudes for doing them are holy. Get your heart right and your conduct will follow."

It takes three sentences to clarify (in our vocabulary) what Jesus said perfectly in six words. Jesus didn't just state those six words alone. He tells us to "go and learn it". This is partly because we are so spiritually dull and partly because we have to practice what Jesus said over a period of time before we come to fully understand it.

Get your heart right and an acceptable holy life will follow. That is the essence of Christian living.

Father in Heaven, help us to understand that You are a heart-changer and that our behavior will follow our heart. Give us the wisdom to know that external behavior is important but only when it is the product of a Christ-like mind. In Jesus name, Amen.

Contemplation: Do you find yourself sometimes measuring how "good" of a Christian you are by evaluating your external performance (church attendance, Bible reading, prayer)? Do you evaluate your spiritual status by conformity to behavior and lifestyle standards? Or by the depth of your humility, love and obedience flowing from a transformed and regenerated heart?

Application: This is a tough one. Christian hearts produce Christian fruit (works of righteousness). And yes, by that, we can evaluate our Christian walk. But we must be very diligent to cut that fruit open and see if, and how many, worms are crawling around inside. Christian "sacrifices" (good works, adherence to standards) must be motivated by a pure desire of obedience to God and in no way be a source of personal merit, personal glorification or self-righteousness.

What is the most obvious Bible truth you have learned today?

What change in your life needs to be made concerning this truth?

What specific thing will you do today to begin that change?