Daily Bible Devotionals

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

“For whatever a man sows he will also reap, because the one who sows to his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit.  So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.”  Galatians 6:6b-9 (HCSB)

I have spent my whole adult life in and around the Christian music business.  When I was 22 years old, I got my first record deal.  I clearly remember the day I signed that record contract.  I recall sitting across the desk from the record executive, ink still wet on the contract from my signature.  He leaned back in his chair and spouted two incredibly poignant pearls of wisdom.  The first was, “Most people fail in this business because they quit too soon,” and the second was, “Don’t quit your day gig.”

Those two statements conveyed a multitude of wisdom.   On the one hand, he wanted me to know I was in a “slow growth” industry, where investment would take considerable time to pay dividends.  But, on the other hand, he encouraged me that MY pay-off was worth the wait, and HIS pay-off depended on my wise investment and patience!

The “Christian” music business can be a tricky industry.  There are multi-car pileups at the intersection of Faith and Commerce!  Some people see the “platform” as an opportunity to vainly project their image in hopes of exploiting the marketplace.  When you view yourself as a product, everyone else becomes a consumer.  That scenario doesn’t foster great personal relationships.  Eventually, an artist’s “shelf life” ends.  Those who sow their gifts in vanity reap an empty harvest.

Other artists approach the business from the standpoint of ministering to others.  Sure, they produce products for the marketplace, but the greater desire is for the music to encourage people to draw closer to God.  The well-intended artists view their time on the “shelf” as the Lord’s calling and recognize it is God’s prerogative to eventually call them elsewhere.  Yet, they never tire of doing good, no matter how high or low profile the ministry opportunity may be.  

However, wherever we are called to serve the Lord, we should each diligently sow the gospel seed in whatever mission field the Lord leads us to.  Then, we must patiently wait for God to provide growth.  When we focus less on our personal pay-off and more on the quality of fruit that develops in the lives of others, we will be less inclined to sell out or quit when times get hard.

“For you were called to be free, brothers; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.  For the entire law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Galatians 5:13-14 (HCSB)

Beginning on Thanksgiving and continuing through New Year’s Eve, an elderly man handed out $20 bills to strangers.  He became known as the “Secret Santa.”  Over the next 30 years, “Secret Santa” gave away almost 2 million dollars.  

A few years ago, his identity was revealed.  In a twist of tragic irony, the “Secret Santa” who had helped so many was himself in need of benevolence.  He needed a kidney transplant and didn’t have enough money to pay for it.

For the cynics, this story is confirmation of how idiotic philanthropy is.  They say giving money without personal accountability or getting a tax deduction is terrible stewardship.  Skeptics would say people should only work their way out of poverty.  They would even say benevolence should only be left to professionals.

The cynics will no doubt fail to recognize how people worldwide rallied to pay for “Secret Santa’s” operation.  So much money poured in that a fund has been set up to spend the excess.  As a result, “Secret Santa” will end up giving more out of poverty than when he was rich!

“When that year was over, they (Egyptians) came the next year and said to him (Joseph), ‘We cannot hide from our lord that the money is gone and that all our livestock belongs to our lord.  There is nothing left for our lord except our bodies and our land.  Why should we die here in front of you – both us and our land?’”  Genesis 47:18-19a (HCSB)

As in the days of Joseph’s leadership in Egypt, people in America are selling themselves into bondage.  They are enslaved to credit card and mortgage companies.  America’s insatiable desire for “self” has driven it into slavery…even government shutdowns at the Federal level!  The average American household maintains over $12,000 in credit card debt.  Most of us can’t afford to give to the poor, even if we wanted to.

It reminds me of today’s passage.  Compared to the World economy, most of America’s “impoverished” still possess considerable disposable wealth.  God has blessed us with spiritual and financial wealth, not to waste it all on ourselves but to invest it in His Kingdom.  When we use our freedom to satisfy ourselves, we become slaves to our desires.  But if we love our neighbors as ourselves, the Lord (Who sees what is done in secret) will bless the faithful.

“But in the past, when you didn’t know God, you were enslaved to things that by nature are not gods.  But now, since you know God, or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and bankrupt elemental forces?  Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again?  You observe special days, months, seasons, and years.  I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted.” Galatians 4:8-10 (HCSB)

In recent years, the United States has legalized same-sex marriage.  Because these daily email devotionals go out to several foreign countries, some of you have asked for my opinion concerning this issue.

Personally, it doesn’t much matter what I think.  It’s what the Bible says that matters, and I hope you are continually weighing my observations, insights, and opinions by God’s Word, as you should with anyone else.  My ministry goal is to encourage people to read the Bible one chapter daily.  You build your faith by raising your Biblical literacy.  If you have limited time and are trying to decide between reading the day’s Bible chapter or reading my devotional, please read the Bible!

That being said, I do have Bible-based opinions on gay marriage.  First, the Bible is clear that all sex outside of heterosexual marriage is a sin.  (Hebrews 13:4)  The Bible is clear that marriage is ordained by God to be between a man and a woman.  (Genesis 2:21-24, Matthew 19:4-6) Furthermore, the Bible is very clear as to God’s feelings about homosexual behavior. (Genesis 19:1-13; Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Cor 6:9)

The Bible is also clear that homosexuality is just as forgivable as all other sins: sins like pride, adultery, idol-worshipping, murder, or lying.  (John 3:16; Romans 5:8)  God promises strength for victory over sin.  (1 Corinthians 6:11, 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Pertaining to today’s passage, it does not shock me that same-sex couples want to be married.  Apart from heeding the direction of God’s Spirit, which is given to all true believers, the non-believer does not have the correct motive or desire to abstain from worldly pursuits.

To me, three great tragedies surround the legalization of gay marriage.  The first is focused on believers in Jesus who refuse to take a stand for fear of offending the gay community.  To them, I would say: Now you have offended God.

The second tragedy is focused on the “pseudo-Christian” pastors who perform gay marriage services.  There is a reckoning forthcoming.

And thirdly, perhaps most tragically, those professing to be Christians living the gay lifestyle have been sold a false gospel.  It is heresy to claim to have been set free from the elemental forces of our sin nature, accept the Grace of Jesus, claim to be called by His name, yet purposely and continuously live in defiance of the commands, precepts, statutes, and requirements that God established for His followers.

“The Law, then, was our guardian until Christ [Messiah], so that we could be justified by faith.  But since that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for you are all sons of God, through faith in Christ [Messiah] Jesus.  For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ [Messiah] have put on Christ [Messiah] like a garment.  There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; for you are all one in Christ [Messiah] Jesus.  And if you belong to Christ [Messiah], then you are Abraham’s seed, heirs according to the promise.”  Galatians 3:24-29 (HCSB)

This particular passage has been somewhat controversial among believers, especially Messianic (Jewish) believers.  Some theologians have suggested that Paul declared that Jews who believe Jesus is Messiah are no longer Jews.  Others have suggested that Paul, with his mention of the universal inclusion of all believers into God’s promise to Abraham, was declaring that Gentile believers have now become Jews, thus reassigning Judaism to “Christians.”  Neither assumption is valid, nor are those assumptions remotely close to Paul’s intended message.  To understand the essence of Paul’s comments, one must consider the types of people that Paul is addressing in his letter to the Galatians.

First, there were non-Messianic Jews who were taught they must follow the legalistic “religion” that Judaism had become.  This religious form had (and still has in many respects) so re-interpreted the Torah that a faithful relationship with God had been diminished to a performance-based list of impossible rules.

Secondly, there were Torah-observant Messianic Jews who believed that salvation came by way of faith, apart from works.  While they departed from the man-made aspects of rabbinic Judaism, they did not depart from observing the Torah.  This group would have included all of the apostles, as well as the true Jewish believers.  

Third, there was the legalistic “circumcision sect.”  Paul says they were a faction of James’ congregation.  They called themselves believers and claimed greater apostolic authority than Paul because of their ultra-religious adherence to the man-made rules.  Paul mocked them as “Judaizers,” denying they were believers at all because anything other than salvation by grace through faith falls short of true salvation.

Lastly, there was a divided group of confused Gentile Galatians!  Some were following Paul’s preaching, while others were being swayed by the impressive, albeit unbiblical, disciplined lifestyles of the “Judaizers.”  While the devoutness of the modern Orthodox Jew is impressive, all of that discipline, apart from Jesus’ grace, is in vain.

Paul’s message to the Galatians was simple: as it pertains to salvation, God does not elevate any people group, economic condition, or gender above another.  All believers are heirs to God’s promise to Abraham, who was himself considered righteous by faith in God alone, apart from the works of the Torah.  That being said, being a “Jew” means being part of a distinct ethnic people group.  To this day, there are Jewish and Gentile believers, often separate in culture and forms of worship, yet ONE in Messiah’s grip and grace.

“The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.  I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.”  Galatians 2:20b-21 (HCSB)

I grew up in (what is known as) the “Bible Belt.”  In the Southern US, a larger-than-average percentage of the population goes to church, hence the name “Bible Belt.”  Without going into all the cultural nuances of living in the South, let me describe my church experience there.

Growing up, I remember a lot of preaching about God’s grace.  I recall that most sermons pleaded with people to accept Jesus and His free gift of eternal life.  I recall hearing how there was no “good work” a person could do to be saved.  And, hey, there’s nothing wrong with those messages!  They communicate the freedom of the gospel.  Maybe that’s why Jesus is so popular down South.

Sadly, once a person crossed the “line of faith,” they were often inundated with a myriad of rules.  It was as if one entered a room of religious bondage through the door of grace.  Whether it was an issue of social standing, education, dress code, or Bible translation, it was challenging for new believers to live up to the standards of some churches.

Coming to Jesus was easy, but keeping up your Christian image was almost impossible.  As a result, many people walked away from the church, twice confused.  They had undergone a religious experience, but under the legalistic burden of others, they could never be sure their faith was the real thing.  They definitely couldn’t be honest about their growth process for fear of being exposed as a sinner.

Paul had an issue with that type of church.  Just to set the record straight, a follower of Jesus is redeemed by faith in Him alone, apart from the works of the law.  As one preacher said, “The mark of a Christian is not their perfection, but rather their direction.” Another added, “We are not saved by faith and works.  We are saved by faith that works.”

We are neither saved nor kept by the good things we do for God.  We are saved because of Him, set apart for Him, and redeemed and kept by Him.  His children should indeed desire to do good works, but their motivation is out of thankfulness and obedience and not to earn or keep their salvation, which is impossible for mankind.  

If we could earn our salvation, then we don’t need a Savior.  Therefore, Messiah would have died for nothing.

Let’s be thankful that Jesus’ death meant death to sin and that His resurrection is life to all who, by faith, believe.

“Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from this present age, according to the will of our God and Father.  To whom be the glory forever and ever.  Amen.” Galatians 1:3-5 (HCSB)

I love home improvement shows, although cooking shows are becoming my favorites.  Many people’s favorite home improvement show is Extreme Makeover-Home Edition.  The only problem is that every episode makes me cry!  The show’s producers search out families who have suffered significant loss yet are determined to be survivors.  Every time the show ends, my wife and I say, “Man!  I wish someone would come over and overhaul our place!!” But in reality, that’s already happened.

Paul reminded the Galatians that Jesus gave Himself to “rescue us from this present age.”  To be rescued, people first have to acknowledge they need rescuing.  I have never seen the Extreme Makeover crew go into someone’s shack, propose to level it completely and rebuild them a mansion, and the people respond, “No thanks.  We’re good.”

That never happens!!  When they just see the show’s host at the door, people break down before he says a word and start wailing and thanking God!  Why?  Because they know that hope is on their doorstep.  But One greater than a TV host stands at the door of your heart.

“Listen!  I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20 (HCSB)

And what “dinner” is Jesus speaking?  Is it not the Passover dinner, which remembers the “passing-over” of our sin, atoned for by the Messiah’s death on the cross?  And wasn’t that atonement approved by the Father and evidenced by virtue of Jesus’ resurrection?

Paul says, “according to the will of our God and Father,” Jesus has become our ultimate Korban Chatat (sin offering).  That means the wrath and judgment of God have forever passed over all who receive His atonement.

Do you have the “grace and peace” that comes from God through a saving relationship with His Son, Jesus?  It is God’s will that your relationship is restored to Him.

“Today, if you hear His voice: do not harden your hearts…” Psalm 95:7b-8a (HCSB)

Does your life need an “extreme makeover?”  Can you hear Him knocking at your heart’s door?  Then, surrender your resistance, open the door, and let Jesus in.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of 2 Corinthians 13. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so I would not exalt myself.  Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me.  But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’” 2 Corinthians 12:7b-9a (HCSB)

I must confess, I hate the gym.  I simply like eating chocolate donuts more than loading iron ones onto the ends of steel bars and pushing them off my chest.  

What motivates people to pump iron?  Are these people ever satisfied with their bodies?  I’ve never heard of anyone walking into a gym, catching their reflection in that mirrored wall (which happens to be in all gyms), and calling their friend on the cell phone, “Dude… I just went to the gym.  Guess what?  I’m done.  I have the perfect body!!”

Spiritually, we all have sin issues to work out.  Nobody is perfect.  True, in a saving sense, we are perfect in God’s eyes through the atoning work of the Messiah.  But who are we kidding?  We still sin and personally undergo God’s discipline as a result.  The Bible says Satan continually accuses us before God while Jesus intercedes for us.

“Then I heard a loud voice in Heaven say: ‘the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Messiah has now come, because the accuser of our brothers has been thrown out: the one who accuses them before our God day and night.’” Revelation 12:10 (HCSB)

“My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin.  But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father – Jesus Christ the Righteous One.” 1 John 2:1 (HCSB)

If we didn’t sin, how could Satan accuse us?  Honestly, we give Satan plenty of ammo to accuse us with!

Paul allows us insight into his personal struggles.  The Bible doesn’t list Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.”  Perhaps the omission was intentional so we could insert our individual “thorns in the flesh.”  Thus, Paul’s struggle becomes everyone’s struggle.  Whatever it was, Paul’s struggle must have been significant because he said it came by way of a messenger of Satan, and Paul prayed three times that God would take his “thorn” away.

God’s response to Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” God’s exhortation is the same for us since we have not suffered any temptation other than what is common to man.  (1 Corinthians 10:13)

There are things about God (and us) we cannot learn until suffering exposes them.  “No pain, no gain,” they say at the gym.  Of ourselves, we learn exactly how much we can bear.  Of Him, we learn to trust He will “spot” us, strengthening us by pushing our limits while bearing up the weight we lack the strength to lift.