Rev. Jim Hollis’ Daily Devotional

Today’s Text: 1 Thessalonians 3:8

8 For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord.

Living in the NOW…

Yesterday is but a memory and tomorrow still a dream.  Today, right now, this present moment is the ONLY one we really have in which to live.  If we live for Christ then it is in the NOW, not in the past or the future, just now.  This places a great responsibility and privilege on us to keep current our faith and life in Christ.  We look to the present moment to see where we stand with the Lord. 

So many times we have talked about what things we have done in the past, how glorious or adventure filled it may have been.  We can recall stories of times when we felt really close to the Presence of the Holy Spirit.  However, those are gone now and we must ask ourselves moment by moment, “Am I living in the fullness of faith and the power of the Spirit, now?”  That is the real question that keeps us REALLY living!  I love you all.

Reflecting With You on the NOW,

 Jim

Lord Jesus, we praise you for giving us the gift of life itself.  We are thankful that each new moment in life brings with it an opportunity to serve and love you.  We pray that you will be real and powerful in our lives in the NOW.  We cherish wonderful times with you in the past and even remember times of pain without you.  We also look forward to the remainder of our lives with You as Savior and Lord.  However, let us not live in the past or the future, but focus on the NOW, right now.  In Your name we pray.  Amen and Amen.

Today’s Text: John 3:1-4

1 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?”

Born Again = Personal relationship with Christ…

One of the most amazing news reports I can ever recall was a reporter once saying that the phrase, “Being born again” was created by Jimmy Carter when he was President of the United States.  Can you believe it???

Perhaps we have all heard one or more church members say something like, “I am not really into all that born again stuff.”  What a misunderstanding! 

The concept of “Being Born Again” came from today’s text.  It is Jesus’ teaching with Nicodemus which let him know that being a religious person was simply not enough.  Religious knowledge without a spiritual transformation can not only be woefully inadequate, but eternally deadly.  We are made right with God through coming into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Wouldn’t the world be a better place if ALL Christians and churches understood and taught this basic concept that Jesus shared with Nicodemus? We can be about sharing this today. I love you all.

Thankful for New Spiritual Birth,

 Jim

Lord Jesus, may we always be clear in sharing the need of being born again, from above.  You have taught us that we ALL must be born of water and the Spirit.  We know by confessing our sin, inviting you to come into our lives as Savior and Lord, that we experience being born again.  May you use us to help the world understand and share in the miracle of salvation.   In Jesus’ Name.    Amen and Amen.

Today’s Text: Psalm 93:1-2

1 The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.  2 Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity.

Greetings in our Lord Jesus Christ! 

What a fine day we have had today .  This message is for those of us who worry about time, who doesn’t worry about time?  Having enough time? Being on time?  How you spend your time? -  consider the text:

“The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity.” 

In a hurry?  Worried about time?  What is really important right now, in the past and in the future as well? 

That God is in charge, robed in majesty and armed with strength - that God’s throne was established long ago and is from ALL eternity - we cannot even think in those terms.  We are on His schedule, and His timing is perfect.

Let’s make the most of our time, each minute of each day, praising God and living as witnesses of JOY for Him! 

Right on time,

 Jim

Dear Father, Please guide me in how to use my time to honor and glorify Your name and serve Your mission.  Please help me be patience as You reveal Your plans for me, and let my patience bear witness to Your “perfect timing”.  Amen and Amen.

Today’s Text: Exodus 2:1

1 Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a
Levite woman. 2 The woman conceived and bore a son; and  then she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid him three months. 3 When she could hide him no longer she got a papyrus basket for him, and plastered it with bitumen and pitch; she put the  child in it and placed it among the reeds on the bank of the river. 4 His sister stood at a distance, to see what would happen to him.

Divine Providence…

Why would anyone act this way with a new baby?  They were Hebrews and the child was a Hebrew also.  His life could have been in danger from the oppression of the Egyptians.  So in her ultimate caring for him she tried to protect him. 

God knew everything that was going on and was working in the
midst of all these actions for the raising up of a mighty leader for the Hebrews, Moses.  The way that the Pharaoh’s daughter eventually found him and took him in, opened all kinds of
doors which eventually made it possible for the entire nation of Hebrews to be delivered from slavery and sin.

Sometimes we take far too short a view of things that may
appear “bad” or “totally unreasonable” not recognizing that the Divine Providence of God is at work for a much greater good.  Let’s be open to the leading of the Spirit and the fact that God IS in charge.  I love you all.

In Christ’s Divine Providence,

Lord Jesus, let us trust you in all situations.  Sometimes it is very tempting for us to refuse to believe that you are working  things to the good when situations seem so otherwise.  Let us keep our eyes on you and trust you in all circumstances.  Have your way with us.   In Jesus’ Name.    Amen and Amen.

Today’s Text:  John 3:30

“He must become greater; I must become less.”

As Christians, Jesus is the CENTER and the HEART of it all.  Our aim as Christians is not status, security, fame, fortune or any of those dusty things that people spend their entire lives striving for.  Our aim is to know Christ and to enjoy intimacy with Him forever!  To do that we seek humility, not increase. 

 Yes, it is just about the opposite of grow up, do well and have a lot.  Here is the verse for today:

“He must become greater; I must become less.”

Now this verse will go over like a lead balloon in most churches today.  In fact, I have been so unconsciously aware of it that I can’t recall it being a text for one of my consistent sermons.  But I need to change that and will. 

For it is this verse that helps us grow UP in Him and BECOME who He wants us to  become.  We can’t grow UP in Him if we are not willing to GROW DOWN.  Now that sounds very strange indeed, but that is accurate for us as Christians.  We in terms of self become less that He becomes greater. 

As a clergy it is very easy for me to rationalize this out the wrong way.  I can even pray for promotions, recognition and prominence, SO THAT I can lead more to Jesus Christ.  And this happens all the time in this country in “The Great Often Denied Race To The Top Ministry Slots” and other “self justified or rationalized journeys of the ego,” all in the name of ministry.  God help me to be constantly aware that it is JESUS who DRAWS people to himself, not me that does the drawing unto Him.  I am only a messenger at best. 

      LESS OF ME, more of Jesus…                         

It is so simple it makes me want to go to my knees instead of on my feet.  I see once again that though God in Christ loves us beyond all imagination, we are as Christians called to grow down that we may grow up!

      LESS OF ME, more of Jesus…

In Christ’s Service

 Jim

Dear Father , we come to You seeking humility.  Please humble us so that we may always serve You first.  Show Your power through our submission of self, Your strength through our weakness. May our growth be through Your grace.  Amen and Amen!

Today’s Text:  Colossians 3:7-8

7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

The old and the new - which one now?

Paul tells us in the text today that we are to move to newness of life in Christ.  He gives us a very practical “laundry list” to check on as we consider where we currently stand with Christ as Lord.  He even reminds us that we USED TO walk in these ways, but no more. 

Discipleship is a process which constantly moves us forward in faith and spiritual growth.  We do have our moments where we slip back but ultimately, consistently we are move forward in holiness of heart and life.  The things on Paul’s list should have NO part of our lives today – NONE.  Let’s take stock and see if we are making real progress in our spiritual growth.  Let’s press closer to the heart of God and through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us, we can throw away this list, permanently.  I love you all.

Checking the List With You,

Jim

Lord Jesus, life happens to us all.  And for that we are thankful.  We are thankful to be alive and to be your people in the world at such an important time for reaching others with the Gospel.  Yet, our old nature (the flesh) pulls against our new nature.  We are well into the struggle and are calling on you to give us strength and power for deliverance.  In Christ’s Name,   Amen and Amen.

Today’s Text:  Acts 10:36-43

36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all.37 That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.39 We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree;40 but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead.  

The Power

The power of God is the most amazing blessing in life for Christians.  This power means so much to each of us who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  We are not on our own, we are with HIM.  Consider three things that are clear to us from this important and pivotal text:

 1.  The power of God gets things going like nothing else can!  Do we need motivation?  Nothing can supply it like leaning into the power of God.  Do we need hope? Nothing can supply hope like the power of God.  Do we need to move? It moves us beyond our greatest imaginations! 

 2.  Action for God usually results in things really heating up with those who are not advocates for Christ.  They put Jesus to death by hanging him on a tree in response to his personal sharing and message.  It is not always going to be comfortable to live out our faith.  If we are comfortable, warm and fuzzy more than 95% of the time for what we do for the Lord, we are probably so well secularly disguised that we are nearly unnoticeable.  This is not where God wants us to be. 

 3.  Jesus commands each of us to share the faith and give testimony of His work in our lives.  And he commanded us - which means this is not an option.  And moreover, we are to testify that HE is going to be the judge of the living and the dead.  That’s saying a lot!!!! 

Let’s live it out and experience the JOY and the ADVENTURE of faith!

In Christ,

Jim

Dear Lord, please empower, motivate and strengthen us to share our faith and give testimony to others.  Please let us be just witnesses to your commandments and give life to your message!  May we glorify your name in all that we do!  Amen and Amen!

Today’s Text:  Ephesians 5:3

But among you there must not even be a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.

God’s Holy People - us?

How would you feel if someone you know came marching right up to you and said, “I am so glad that you are one of God’s holy people today.”  Would you feel awkward, uncertain, or maybe even want to ask them to retract their statement?

 It is really scary in a way to consider that is EXACTLY who God says we are in Christ Jesus!  We ARE God’s Holy People, whether we feel very holy or not.  It calls us to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord.

Not EVEN a hint of evil things need to be in our lives.  Dirty jokes, sexual suggestiveness, all forms of impurity, greed for money, power or prestige, are ALL out of line with God’s Will for our lives daily.  As we are told, “these are improper for God’s Holy People.”

IF we ever think for a minute that they really don’t matter - be not deceived!  They do, really.  Our witness is something that we must constantly guard, grow and discipline to honor the One who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.  I love you all.

In Rebuking Even a Hint,

Jim

Lord Jesus, may we FEEL how much you hate sin and love us.  You want the best for us that we may not only have the joy of salvation, but the true adventure and fulfillment of living out our faith in you every day as our Lord.  Keep those in authority over us in touch with you and protect them, also.  Amen and Amen.

Today’s Text:  1 Thessalonians 2:3

God tested us thoroughly to make sure we were qualified to be trusted with this Message.  Be assured that when we speak to you we’re not after crowd approval - only God approval.  

Qualified to be trusted.

Wow!  What a concept: that God demands we be qualified to be trusted with the sacred message of the Gospel.  After all, we have read in Scripture that we are not to throw the pearls of God (truths and teachings of God) before the swine, lest they trample them under foot.  So we want to have an examination of our own consciences to see if we indeed qualify.  We qualify if we walk in a personal, saving relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior AND Lord of our lives. 

There are a few people who think they can believe in Christ and live exactly as they want to, in sin.  NO! God forbid that we ever allow anyone to think such a deadly thing.  Sin is not to be compromised with, dabbled with, romanced, decorated, dressed up as fun only, or rationalized - ever.  God HATES sin.  And I do mean “hates” literally.  So let us then flee the darkness, not be found among activities that are spiritually filthy that would indeed shoot the credibility and integrity of our witness. God approval is quite different from crowd approval.  We cannot refuse to compromise with sin and get both approvals!   I love you all.

In Seeking God Approval Rather Than Crowd Approval,

Jim

Lord Jesus, may we never be so concerned with how others influence us to live that we fail to live in your Will for our lives.  May we pursue righteousness, joy, peace and all the spiritual gifts that you give us.   In Your Holy Name we pray.   Amen and Amen.

Today’s Text:  Philippians 3:12

Not that I have already obtained this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Doing OUR part of grace.

Pressing on can be hard but is critically important in living out our lives as Christians.  Jesus Christ has taken hold of us through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives.  He has an incredibly wonderful and unique plan for each of our lives, but we cannot just “sit back” and think it will all come to us!  We have to do our part. 

That includes praying, studying & searching the Bible, ministry involvement, growing in risking ourselves for others and a host of other ways we can exercise our faith. EACH day we have infinite new opportunities to grow closer to Jesus Christ.  This occurs when we GET SERIOUS about pursuing holiness of heart and life.  We want to take every thought captive and hold it up to the light of Christ.  We want to consider our witness that others

are seeing in us. 

We may well be the only Jesus someone who is looking sees at this point.  How well are we representing the ONE who called us?  I love you all.

In Pursuit of Holiness of Heart and Life With Christ,

Jim

Lord Jesus, may we put you first.  Take away our bent to sinning.  Give us renewed hearts and a surge of your amazing power to propel us forward In faith and ministry.  We ask you to use us in ways that are truly beyond our greatest expectations.   In Your Holy Name we pray.   Amen and Amen.