Category: First Things First Devotional

“If I have spoken wrongly,” Jesus answered him, “give evidence about the wrong; but if rightly, why do you hit Me?” John 18:23 HCSB

A person of integrity will always speak the truth, even if it is not the popular thing to say or if it means enduring some type of punishment. As parents we try to teach our children to always do what is right, regardless of the consequences.

Jesus consistently spoke the truth and did what was right. He did not deserve to be arrested, nor did He deserve to be slapped by the temple police. Jesus had been falsely charged and was questioned as a common criminal, yet He spoke the truth knowing that He would eventually die as a result. He did not deserve to die but was willing to endure pain, suffering, and death so that our sins might be forgiven and we might have a relationship with God, our Heavenly Father.

Challenge: Always speak what is right no matter what the consequences might be. Know that Jesus loves you and was willing to suffer and die for your sins, so that you might have eternal life. Pray for strength to make it a practice to do what is right in the eyes of God.

“I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus answered him. “I have always taught in the synagogue and in the temple complex, where all the Jews congregate, and I haven’t spoken anything in secret. John 18:20 HCSB

I know I am showing my age, but I used to enjoy watching the old television show called “I Have a Secret”. The premise of the game show was for a person with a secret to be a guest on the show and for a panel of stars to ask questions one at a time with the hope of determining what the secret was. If the person could stump the panel of stars, he would win a prize.

The high priest began to question Jesus with the intention of proving that He was guilty of sedition, the act of trying to gather enough followers to create a riot or rebellion among the Jewish people. Everything Jesus did and taught was in public, and there was no secret plan to cause an uprising. Jesus even endured the undeserved physical abuse of the temple police. He could have called on a thousand angels to come to His defense, but He was willing to humble Himself and endure pain, suffering, and even death for our sake.

Challenge: Do you sometimes play “I have a secret” because you do not want others to know that you are a Christian? Be willing to suffer for your beliefs and do what is right at all times, even if you will face persecution.

Then the slave girl who was the doorkeeper said to Peter, “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” “I am not!” he said. John 18:17 HCSB

Each week on the show “Undercover Boss,” the CEO of a company changes his appearance and identity so he can go undercover to see what is really happening in his company and how job productivity can be improved. Most of the time the boss discovers how difficult it is to do many of the jobs within his company. He comes away from his experience with a much greater appreciation for his employees and what they mean to the success of his company.

Peter did not change his appearance, but he was unwilling to identify with Jesus. He was afraid his life would be in danger. Previously Peter had declared that he was willing to die for Jesus, but just a few hours later he denied that he was a disciple of Christ. This is in direct contrast to Jesus, who willing proclaimed, “I am He” knowing that He was going to suffer at the hands of his captors.

Challenge: Are you willing to identify with Jesus? Would others identify you as a disciple of Jesus? When and why have you denied the Lord by your actions and words? Ask God to give you the strength to take a stand and be willing to endure any pain, suffering, or even death that may come as a result of being a follower of Jesus Christ.

Then Jesus, knowing everything that was about to happen to Him, went out and said to them, “Who is it you’re looking for?” “Jesus the Nazarene,” they answered. “I am He,” Jesus told them. Judas, who betrayed Him, was also standing with them. When He told them, “I am He,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. John 18:4-6 HCSB

I had the opportunity to be the co-chairman of the Follow Up Committee for the Billy Graham Crusade in Nashville. After the service each evening it was my committee’s responsibility to address and mail packets of information to everyone who made a decision for Christ and then send their contact information to a local pastor for follow up. It was a huge task, but I really enjoyed being of service for the Billy Graham Crusade. One evening Billy Graham and his son, Franklin, walked through our area just to thank us for our work. It was an honor to be in close proximity to such a godly man as Billy Graham. There seemed to be a sense of awe and respect from each volunteer as the Grahams addressed us.

John is the only Gospel writer who records that the soldiers, temple police, Pharisees, and even Judas stepped back and fell to the ground when Jesus proclaimed, “I am He”. His proclamation was more than just saying, “I am Jesus”. His words, “I am He” served as a proclamation that He was the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. In the same situation, most of us would have been tempted to lie about our true identity to avoid being arrested, but Jesus was not afraid to boldly proclaim who He was. Evidently all of those present had a sense of awe and respect and they stepped back and fell to the ground in honor of the Messiah. I easily recognized the human greatness of Billy Graham, but how much more important it is to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, the One who came to save the world from its sins!

Challenge: Step back and fall to the ground in honor and praise of Jesus, the Son of God, who died on the cross for your sins so you might be forgiven and receive eternal life. Jesus deserves your honor and respect in everything you do.

So Judas took a company of soldiers and some temple police from the chief priests and the Pharisees and came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. John 18:3 HCSB

I have always appreciated our country’s military and the sacrifices they make for our country. While living in Clarksville, Tennessee I came to have a greater appreciation for military families who attended our church from Fort Campbell. Many brave men and women place themselves in harm’s way for our freedom every day. Throughout human history soldiers have been charged with keeping order, maintaining peace, and guarding freedom. In modern day Israel, young soldiers of the Israeli Defense Force are expertly trained to protect the country and its inhabitants.

John is the only one of the four Gospel writers who records that a company of soldiers came to arrest Jesus. A company of Roman soldiers would have been a group of 30-200 soldiers. Just imagine such a large group appearing with lanterns and torches in the middle of the night to arrest Jesus. The soldiers came to insure that there was no resistance from Jesus or His disciples. There was no real reason for such force to be used because Jesus had been in the temple almost daily teaching and healing and had never posed a threat.

Challenge: Are there those around you at work, school, or in your neighborhood who feel that Jesus and Christianity is a threat to them in some way? It seems we live in a culture that is constantly attacking Christians. Pray for strength as you make a stand and face persecution for your Christian beliefs and values. Jesus understands because He has already faced opposition and persecution.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way. Psalm 139:23-24 HCSB

The specialist examined my ear and told me that I had a benign tumor in my ear. It was growing larger and would destroy any tissue it contacted and was gradually moving toward my brain. Needless to say, it needed to be removed. I was scheduled for surgery that was predicted to last an hour and half, but when the surgeon discovered that the tumor was wrapped around my facial nerve, he took greater care so as to not cause the left side of my face to become paralyzed. After three and half hours the doctor was successful in removing the tumor.

Sin in our lives is like a cancer or tumor and will cause pain, suffering, and even death if we do not do something about it. In these verses, David pleads with God to search his heart, his thoughts, and his actions and to remove any offensive way. We all have evil thoughts, jealousy, and actions that are hurtful toward ourselves or others. Only God can cleanse us of all unrighteousness and guide us in the everlasting way.

Challenge: Pray these two verses as a prayer to God. Ask Him to search your heart and mind and show you the sins in your life. Ask Him to help you resist the evil one and to lead you in the path of righteousness.

For it was You who created my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well. Psalm 139:13-14 HCSB

It was Christmas and all of the packages were under the tree. There was excitement in the air as everyone gathered around to open presents. One package I noted was rather large and wrapped beautifully, and it had my name on it. It was from my grandmother. I tore into the package with great anticipation, excited to see what I had received. How disappointed I was when I discovered that my gift was an afghan my grandmother had knitted for me. As a teenager I did not appreciate the gift of love the blanket represented. She had spent countless hours knitting every stitch to make a special gift just for me. My grandmother went home to be with the Lord thirty-seven years ago, and today as a grown man I still have the beautiful blanket and count it as a cherished possession.

Just as my grandmother devoted hours of time knitting a blanket for me, God takes time to be actively involved in the creation of each individual, giving each a unique look, personality, and special talents and abilities. God’s character is woven into each person from the very moment of conception. He creates each of us in a wonderful and remarkable way.

Challenge: God loves each and every person. When you feel worthless and get down on yourself, remember that you are a creation of God. He loves you so much that He sacrificed His Son so you can have forgiveness of sin and have a relationship with Him. Praise Him for making you just the way you are. Each and every life is extremely valuable in God’s eyes.

Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? Psalm 139:7 HCSB

Recently my wife travelled to Nashville, Tennessee to help with our granddaughter and grandson. She immensely enjoys spending time with our children and our grandchildren. Although I am always glad she is able to be of service, I miss her when she is gone. When I worked for the Missouri Baptist Convention I frequently travelled across the state to lead training conferences which often required spending consecutive nights away from my family. I never enjoyed being away from my wife and children.

It is comforting to know that God is always with us no matter where we go. There is no place we can go that God is not there. God is omnipresent – He is everywhere. No matter what we are experiencing – pain, suffering, illness, or sadness, God is always with us. We are never away from God’s love and comfort.

Challenge: Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Read Romans 8:35-39. Thank God for His matchless love and that He is always there for you no matter what you are going through.

Before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, Lord. You have encircled me: You have placed Your hand on me. Psalm 139:4-5 HCSB

Once there was a movie in which everything a man did was on television for the world to watch. People would tune in to see what was happening and how the main character was reacting to certain situations. We probably can not imagine what it would be like to live without any level of privacy. Surely our words and behavior might be altered if we knew that all of our actions and conversations could be seen and heard by others. We would probably be a lot more careful to be on our best behavior.

The Psalmist says that God knows our words before we even speak them. He knows our thoughts, motives, and feelings. God is everywhere we go and knows everything we do and say. We are constantly in God’s eye and He has His hand upon us. A person of integrity acts and talks the same in private as when he is in public.

Challenge: Conduct yourself in such a way that it would not make any difference if all of your actions and words were on television for everyone to see and hear. Thank God for having His hand upon you and giving you guidance and direction in life.

Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I stand up; You understand my thoughts from far away. Psalm 139:1-2 HCSB

All of us have secrets. Some secrets are detrimental and some are joyous. Perhaps there are events, activities, and thoughts in our lives we would not want anyone to know about because it would be embarrassing and in many cases would adversely affect what others think about us. Such hidden activities may also negatively affect our family and friends if revealed.

There is a new Beth Moore small group Bible study entitled Sacred Secrets. In the promotional trailer Beth offers that we all have secrets in our lives, but God covers our secrets. It is not possible to hide secrets from God; He knows everything. The Psalmist proclaims that God knows when we sit down and when we stand up. He knows and understands our thoughts. Even though others might think differently of us if our secrets were revealed, God never waivers in His love for us. He accepts us and loves us no matter what we have done or thought, regardless of what secrets we may have.

Challenge: God knows you completely. There is nothing God does not know about you. He loves you unconditionally and longs to protect and guide you if you will only turn to Him and trust Him with your life. Thank God for His unconditional love and acceptance.