Daily Devotional – August 14-20
August 14 – Meditating on God’s Word
This devotional series offers less content but more opportunity for you to reflect, contemplate, and pray through the short Scriptures we offer. It is an opportunity to help us slow down and enjoy time in the presence of God. It is an exercise in listening with the intent of hearing from God through His Word and by His Spirit. Here is the passage for the week:
John 11:25-26, Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Prayer: “Jesus, this is the best news ever! Before you died, You declared You are the resurrection. You are the life. You are not one of many, but You are the only one who can claim this. By believing in You and the work You accomplished on my behalf will cause me to live even when I die. Yet, because I believe, when my body dies, I will continue to live. I will just be transferred to a glorious location in Your glorious presence. Let me be clear. Jesus, I do believe this! I do believe in You. Amen.”
August 15 – Meditating on God’s Word
John 11:25, Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life…”
Write out the Scripture. (As it is or in your own words.)
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life…”
Observe what it is saying. (Answer the who, what, when, where, why, and how questions)
These words were spoken to Martha when Jesus came to their home after Lazarus had died. Martha and Mary were disappointed that Jesus had not come sooner so their brother could have been healed. This was Jesus’ response after promising that their brother would rise again. Martha understood what many Jews understood that there would be a final resurrection at the end of time. However, Jesus was speaking of a more immediate rising that would soon happen. Our Christian faith hinges on the fact that Jesus is the only way of resurrection and life. He didn’t say, “a resurrection and a life” but used the definite article, “the.” If this is true, then we have unending hope for what is to come. If it is not true, then, as Paul says, our faith is futile.
Relate it to your life. (Connect how this Scripture speaks into your life today.)
I am counting on these words of Jesus to be absolutely true. I have given my life and responded to the call to proclaim this wonderful and eternal truth that Jesus is the only way to encounter resurrection and eternal life.
Do something. (Pray it. Live it. Act on it.)
“Jesus, You really are the resurrection and the life. Our whole faith system comes down to this central belief. If we don’t believe this, we have nothing. You have made clear the path of life and eternal life by word and action. Thank You Jesus. Amen.”
August 16 – Meditating on God’s Word
John 11:25, …The one who believes in me will live…
Write out the Scripture.
“…The one who believes in me will live…”
Observe what it is saying.
This is more than just living an ordinary mundane life on earth. In its full context, it speaks about living eternally. The message is so simple: Believe in Jesus = Life. If we choose to put our faith in Christ’s death and resurrection then we will know life in its fullest. Jesus defined eternal life in John 17 as knowing both Him and the Father. Life through Jesus is both quantity and quality. So, to really live, we will believe, love, and follow Jesus.
Relate it to your life.
The way to abundant and eternal life is found in a loving, authentic faith in Jesus.
Do something.
“Jesus, I want to live, really live. You have given me the clear path for such abundant living. I choose to immerse myself in Your saving grace that comes from the Father. Amen.”
August 17 – Meditating on God’s Word
John 11:25, …even though they die;
Write out the Scripture.
“…even though they die…”
Observe what it is saying.
Jesus spoke the most impossible statement. They will live even though they die. How can that be? We understand the dying part. It’s a certainty. However, the challenge is to believe that which Jesus spoke that doesn’t seem possible. We must believe that which we cannot yet prove. Living beyond death is the great finale of our faith. It’s the reward of all who have maintained faith until the very end. It is the ultimate fulfillment of all our hope for the future.
Relate it to your life.
The most comfort I can have in my encounter with sorrow is the promise of life after death for all who truly believe.
Do something.
“Jesus, I despise death. However, You defeated it and have given us the great promise of life that never ends. As far flung as it may sound to some, I believe it with all my heart. Amen.”
August 18 – Meditating on God’s Word
John 11:26, and whoever lives by believing in me will never die…”
Write out the Scripture.
“and whoever lives by believing in me will never die…”
Observe what it is saying.
We live, really live, by believing in Jesus. This is more than a spiritual platitude. It’s a powerful reality of the unseen world that Jesus revealed. Believing is the gateway for us to enter into eternal life. The moment we take our last breath here, we take our first breath of pure oxygen in the glorious presence of Jesus. This is the promise of our Christian faith that offers the most comfort whenever we experience death.
Relate it to your life.
This is what I find to be most comforting, especially, with the passing of so many in my family and my church family.
Do something.
“Jesus, thank you for the assurance of faith that this promise gives about our future. I’m looking forward to seeing all my believing family and friends again! Amen.”
August 19 – Meditating on God’s Word
John 11:26, “…Do you believe this?”
Write out the Scripture.
“…Do you believe this?”
Observe what it is saying.
Jesus pointedly asked Martha if she believed what He said was true. Jesus has spoken the promise. However, for it to become true for us, we must believe that He is the way, the truth, and the life. He isn’t one of many ways, but the one and only path to enjoy eternal life, here and now, and forevermore in His glorious presence.
Relate it to your life.
The question that Jesus asked Martha is the same that He asks each of us. What is our answer?
Do something.
“Jesus, I believe! I declare to you today, with all of my heart, soul, and mind, that I trust Your plan and promises for the greatest gift of peace, hope, and comfort known to mankind. Amen.”