Daily Bible Devotionals

“Peter, an apostle of [Messiah] Jesus Christ: To the temporary residents dispersed in  Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father and set apart by the Spirit for obedience and for sprinkling with the blood of Jesus Christ [Messiah]. May grace and peace be multiplied to you.”  1 Peter 1:1-2 (HCSB)

Peter’s introduction is similar to that of James’. He begins his letter to the dispersed Jews. But Peter adds that their situation was only “temporary.”

Driven from the land and persecuted for generations, the dispersed Jews felt forsaken by the Lord. They first needed to be reminded that they were still “chosen, according to the foreknowledge of God.” They needed to understand that God still loved them, and He had a purpose for their lives, both personally and for the Jewish community altogether.  

That is what we all need to hear. Before we were even born, God knew we were sinners yet chose to love us.

“In that while we were still sinners, Christ [Messiah] died for us.”  Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

The next thing these Jews needed to hear was that they were “set apart for obedience” by God’s Spirit. God’s purpose for us is that we enter into a saving relationship with Him, which affects us to the point that we live to honor and obey Him.  God offers the same challenge to people of all nationalities, calling us to “bear fruits worthy of repentance.” Luke 3:8

The Diaspora (Dispersion) was part of God’s rebuke towards Israel for not following Him as He had prescribed. Peter tells his Hebrew brothers that the Lord had not forsaken them altogether. It is a message to us as well. No matter how far you have fallen, God has one message for you: “Follow Me!”  Jesus’ blood has provided atonement for the sins of all who would repent and receive salvation. More than temporary situational forgiveness, Messiah’s atonement covers ALL sin: past, present, and future.

Here, in the introduction to Peter’s letter, we have the whole gospel. 1) God is Tri-unity (Father, Spirit, Messiah). 2) God knew our sin yet chose to love us. 3) By the power of His Spirit, we have been set apart to obey Him.  4) We are guaranteed God’s approval, not because of our righteousness, but because the object of our faith is the infinite worth of Messiah’s atoning blood, shed for the remission of our sinfulness.

“My brothers, if any among you strays from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his life from death and cover a multitude of sins.”  James 5:19-20 (HCSB)

Before expounding on the last sentence of James’ letter, I think we should refresh our memories of its beginning.

“James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: To the 12 tribes in the Dispersion.”

This letter is, first and foremost, a Jewish letter. More than simply “Jewish,” it was directed to a specific group of Jews: Messianic (Christian) Jews living outside Israel. These Jews had been scattered abroad for several generations, and their newfound acceptance of Jesus as Messiah did not reflect the norm in Jerusalem.  

Part of the reason the apostles like Paul began planting congregations outside of Roman-controlled Israel was that the Jews abroad were more likely to assess the gospel, apart from the politics of Jerusalem. James’s letter was one of the first distributed 17 years after Jesus’s resurrection. James’ audience would have been more apt to weigh his words against Scripture than they would in later epistles simply because non-Messianic Jewish opposition had yet to saturate the dispersed Jewish culture worldwide.

Speaking to the “Dispersion,” James was not trying to make his readers “Christians,” as we understand the Church today. At the time of James’ letter, believing that Jesus was Messiah was considered a sect of Judaism by non-Messianic Jews and Romans alike. Of course, to Messianic Jews, believing in Jesus was considered the fulfillment of all they and their forefathers, the patriarchs, had longed for. That is, in Jesus, the Jew is completed in his search for restoration and communion with the Lord. Jewish believers today often refer to themselves not as “Christians” but as “Completed Jews” because Messiah Jesus completes what was lacking in the Law with respect to Israel’s salvation.

James encouraged his Jewish brothers to be good JEWS by submitting to the Lordship of Messiah Jesus. That is not to say that Gentiles were excluded or that Jewish believers are more special than Gentile believers. It’s just that Gentiles were not the primary people group targeted by James’ letter. Jesus, speaking to His disciples (all Jews), said, “I am THE Way” (John 14:6), not, “I’m setting up another way.” Judaism had strayed from God’s original design, and Jesus was restoring it to the way it should always have been. It was the Apostles’ articulated belief, through the revelation of God’s Spirit, that faith in Jesus constituted salvation for both Jews and Gentiles. Apart from Him, there is no salvation.

Jesus had ONE goal: Glorify the Father by atoning for the sin of the world. The primary goal of James’ letter was to exhort the local Jewish believers and persuade the dispersed non-believing Jewish people to turn from their sin to a saving relationship with Jesus. Furthermore, James challenged all believers, Jew or Gentile, to do the same.

“What is the source of wars and fights among you? Don’t they come from the cravings that are at war within you? You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your evil desires.”  James 4:1-3 (HCSB)

I have heard the arguments of those who propose we must change the “Image” of the Church-at-large, to keep up with the times. I have sat in the planning meetings of large ministries and heard many creative approaches, all designed to win people by aligning ministry with secular standards. All these efforts perceive that the battle over souls is one of marketing, finesse, and fashion. Here’s a sample argument:  

“We’ve got to compel people without offending them, so we must create a non-threatening environment. If we come off preachy, we’ll turn people off with our message, so let’s focus more on topics and art and lay off rigid Bible teaching.”    

To this end, a ministry environment emerges that puts forth God’s Word as a “Resource” instead of “The Source.”  Concerning this approach to evangelism and discipleship, I ask, “How do we want people to respond, given we reached them with this approach?”

The response: “We hope they would respond by fully devoting their lives to Jesus, reading the Bible, praying, living in community with other believers, and passionately sharing their faith.”

If that is what we want people to become, then that’s how we must lead them. That’s who we should be, what we should model—speed of the leader, speed of the team.

The problem with mankind is internal. You cannot win internal battles by employing the tactics of external warfare. People may be entertained and impressed by a production, but it ministers primarily to the flesh. It may impress at the moment, but it doesn’t “change” someone long-term.  

Furthermore, an over-fed flesh is a malnourished soul. It conditions the congregant to judge spiritual matters by how they feel, as opposed to being led by God’s Spirit to find joy in being uncomfortable for the sake of the Gospel.   Eventually, someone else will devise a more clever approach, and all your sheep will follow a newer, hipper shepherd.  

Only the Gospel reaches souls because only that has the power to reach us within. When the internal is ministered to, our desires and motivations change. A transformed heart asks and receives from the Lord because it has become molded to His revealed will by the power of His Spirit as we search His Word.

“Who is wise and has understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom’s gentleness. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t brag and deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil.”  James 3:13-16 (HCSB)

I have been in the music business all my adult life, singing songs about Jesus. While many great songs of praise come out of Nashville, Tennessee’s “Christian” music industry, it also has its share of ENVY and SELF-AMBITION. Those two negative attributes are fueled by money, notoriety, and an over-anxious need for God’s acceptance. They pretty much define all human competition. A friend once said, “When you take God’s business and mix it with the music business, you get monkey business!”

While self-ambition is somewhat self-explanatory, what is envy? Envy is pride wounded in competition. Think about it. When have you been envious? Has it not been when you felt someone else was succeeding despite your efforts?

The classic Biblical case of envy (while there are many) is Cain and Abel. Two brothers make offerings to the Lord.  Cain’s offering is from the field, and Abel’s is from the animals. The Lord looked more favorably upon Abel’s offering for reasons we won’t get into now. The point is that Cain’s reaction was bitter envy, which, left unchecked, led Cain to murder his brother. Think about it: At that time, Cain slaughtered 1/4th of the world’s population!

In business, especially business that deals with the ministry, this happens all the time—envy, not murder. Hundreds of artists write songs to the Lord and record them for distribution in the marketplace. When one record becomes more successful than another, envy creeps in. Competition can be healthy, but unchecked competition incubates envy.

Here’s another saying: If it were that easy to grab, there wouldn’t be any left. Given the rules of economics, supply, and demand, very few artists can succeed in the competitive market. It is lonely at the top, and often, it is vicious. After the “big grab,” most artists are left feeling underpaid, underappreciated, and, sadly, they often feel rejected by God.

Who among you is wise? Reject the tendency to be envious and self-ambitious. Find your identity in the Lord. Rest in His plan and provision, and show your works as one who has already received God’s blessing of abundant and eternal life through Messiah Jesus.

“For whoever keeps the entire law, yet fails in one point, is guilty of breaking it all.”  James 2:10 (HCSB)

I am an artist. Being an artist is a “condition” that should be covered by insurance. When a group of pastors gets together, it’s called a “conference.”  When artists get together, it’s called a “support group.”  As an artist, I get stuck in the conceptual realm of thought and depend on others to handle my details.

Periodically, my wife will ask me to help her by writing a list of chores for me. Usually, she’ll say, “There’s a lot here, but PLEASE MAKE SURE you do #’s 1, 2, 3…”  Those items are the PRIORITY items. If I don’t complete the list but cover the priorities, she’s usually happy.

While not everyone is an artist, if we’re honest, we must admit we’ve all had the “priority list” approach to God’s Law. None of us has completely followed God, so the natural assumption is that God won’t hold anyone accountable for falling a little short.

We try to avoid the BIG sins: murder, stealing, and adultery (although our culture seems to be growing more tolerant of adultery). But when it comes to lying, coveting, or observing the Sabbath, we figure God doesn’t care as much. We say, “If I do the PRIORITIES on the list, God will be happy.”  Guess what? God’s standard is perfection.  

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is Perfect” Matthew 5:48 (HCSB)

The Ten Commandments are not a prioritized list. They are God’s directive, His character, and standard articulated to mankind. He itemized the Commandments so that we can comprehend facets of His Holiness. By commanding that we keep the entire Law, God is commanding us to keep His character. Anything short of the complete Law is unacceptable because it humiliates God’s character.

You may say, “Well then, NOBODY can please God through the Law!”  I agree, and so does Scripture. That is precisely James’ point, as he was writing to the Jewish believers dispersed worldwide. James laid out the impossibility of men being justified before God strictly on the merit of their good deeds.

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”  2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)

The only way to keep the entire Law is through a saving relationship with Messiah. Jesus took upon Himself the judgment that our sin deserves. He atoned for our sin. He fulfilled the Commandments on our behalf. Furthermore, He offers that atonement to us (lawbreakers) free of charge if we turn from our sin and receive His salvation.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of James 1. Click the links below to watch or listen.

“Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s Word to you.  As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith.  Jesus Christ [the Messiah] is the same yesterday, today and forever.”  Hebrews 13:7-8 (HCSB)

Reading today’s chapter, I am reminded of King David, whom the Lord called “…a man after God’s own heart.”  (1 Samuel 13:14)  

When I was young, the story of David confused me.  Sure, killing the Philistine was impressive.  David’s integrity in battle, sparing the life of evil King Saul, and his humility when the ark returned were all great stories of faith.  But his acts of adultery and murder were obvious no-no’s of the 10 Commandments.  So, exactly what is “a man after God’s own heart,” and what does that mean to us?

First, we know for certain that all people sin.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  Romans 3:23 (NKJV)

“There is none righteous, no, not one.” Romans 3:10 (NKJV)  

It has been said that the Church-at-large’s biggest obstacle is that it must recruit from the human race.  People sin.  That is why we need a Savior.

Although our goal and direction should be to honor the Lord, even followers of Jesus sin.  If we didn’t sin, how could Satan accuse us?  If there were no accusation, why would Jesus need to intercede for us?

“Who is the one who condemns?  Christ [Messiah] Jesus is the One who died, but even more, has been raised; He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.” Romans 8:34 (HCSB)

So, what of our leaders?  Are they human?  Yes.  So, they sin?  Of course!  Just as in the case of David, we must carefully observe our leaders.  We must respect them because they have spoken God’s Word to us.  We must observe the outcome of their lives, and although no man is perfect, we must imitate their FAITH and not their sin.

We teach children to follow David’s faithful deeds and steer clear of his faithless ones.

While faithful men are the reflection of God’s glory, only Jesus was the embodiment of it.  We follow leaders in as much as they follow Messiah.

“No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful.  Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it.  Therefore strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but healed instead.”  Hebrews 12:11-13 (HCSB)

“This is crazy!  This is crazy!” I told my son one wintry morning a few years ago.  We were driving to meet up with some friends to go surfing.…the temperature outside was 38 degrees!  It was the January meeting of the Harvest Surf Fellowship, and I had agreed to lead the music and teach the Bible study.  In short, I HAD to go!

While I had to be there as a leader, I didn’t have to get into the water.  At least, that’s what I kept telling myself as we passed the gate at San Onofre State Beach.  The cold was almost unbearable, and the waves were pitifully small.  In the summers, Surf Fellowship can draw well over 100 people.  In the winter, only the hard-core crazies show up!  Seven of us huddled together and worshipped the Lord.  It was more for warmth than brotherhood.

Finally, I was done with the Bible study.  It was the moment of truth.  Was I going to be a surfer or not?  

Against all common sense, I stretched on my wetsuit, booties, and hood.  I unstrapped my 10’ board off the top of my car and headed out for (what turned out to be) my most fun day of surfing ever!  It took a little discipline to prepare my songs and Bible study.  It took a little discipline to wake up early.  It took a little discipline to drive to the beach and teach the lesson.  It took sheer courage to get into the water, but it was all worth it.

Paddling out on the ocean with my fellow Christian brothers and catching a few waves was awesome.  The pleasure was worth the discipline!  The Lord even cleared away the clouds to give us the warmth of the sun.  

Nobody likes spiritual discipline either, but we find joy in the end.  Reading your Bible every day may not seem like the most exciting way to grow your faith.  Some days, it may seem tedious or even torturous.  But give it time.  You are sowing the seeds of righteousness and readiness.  It takes a while for seeds to show any signs of growth, but you are growing.  We are depositing Scripture into the banks of our hearts and minds so that we can always be ready to give a reason for the hope within us. (1 Peter 3:15)

Keep reading and be patient.  Allow the seeds of God’s Word to take root and sprout shoots.  It won’t be long before you can enjoy the fruit of faithfulness.

“These all died in faith without having received the promises, but they saw them from a distance, greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth.  Now those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.  If they were thinking about where they came from, they would have had opportunity to return.  But they now desire a better place – a heavenly one.  Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:13-16 (HCSB)

Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets…all these people were considered righteous by God because of their faith.  Faith, in and of itself, is not sufficient to save a person.  God’s standard is that people be perfectly righteous.  The system of salvation, which allows our faith to be counted as righteousness, is itself a gift from God.  That is His Grace towards mankind.  Faith of only human value is considered righteousness.  That is because the value of our faith is not in its origin (us) but rather in its object (Jesus).  If I pull the trigger on a pistol, faithfully believing a bullet will be fired, it is not my faith that has hit the target but the bullet propelled by the object of my faith, the loaded pistol.  

“For by grace you have been saved through faith – and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)

These heroes of the Bible are generally known for the great things they accomplished.  It is easy to assume they earned their salvation through good works.  Every Jewish parent would want their children to succeed in the manner of these patriarchs and tsadiks (righteous men).  But each of these spiritual giants was also human and fell short of God’s standard.  The Bible tells us so.

The writer of Hebrews is drawing attention away from the accomplishments of these people and focusing on the root of their success: Faith.  He didn’t say, “Seek to build an ark, or have a child in your old age, or slay a giant Philistine,” etc.  He is challenging us to employ the FAITH that led these patriarchs to accomplish such feats.  The Holy Spirit, working through their faithfully surrendered lives, was the source of their strength.  Whenever those so-called “spiritual giants” departed from the path of faithfulness, they ceased to live victoriously.  Perhaps King David is the best example.  

God is not ashamed to be called “the God” of those who faithfully respond to His call.  Though we may be ashamed of some of our decisions, thoughts, or behaviors, God honors faithfulness.  Most of these “heroes of the faith” committed extremely faithless acts: adultery, murder, drunkenness, and cowardice…yet God recognized their faith as righteousness.

As the patriarchs did not know when Messiah would come, we are unaware of when He will come again.  Those whose hope is Messiah see God’s kingdom from a distance.  We greet it by living faithfully and waiting for God to unfold His plan in His timing.