Our Scripture for today is John 10:17-18.

“The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

With those words Jesus revealed his sacrifice. Nobody forced him; he did it on his own accord. Just a little later, when he was arrested and about to be crucified, Peter fought against those who would arrest him and Jesus told him, “Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53). Jesus died willingly for us. This is what makes it a sacrifice.

As God’s children, we too are called to sacrifice.

Consider what it means to sacrifice.

To sacrifice means to pay the price for the good or honor of someone else.

If we sacrifice what we do not need, that is not a sacrifice. When we sacrifice we pay the cost. In 2 Samuel 24:24, we read the story of David going to make a sacrifice. When he arrives, the man offers to give him the things he needed to sacrifice. Look at what David told him. “Then the king said to Araunah, ‘No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God with that which costs me nothing.’”

David could have sacrificed for free. It would have cost him nothing, but he said “No.” If we are only willing when it is convenient or easy, not costly, then we have not learned to sacrifice.

We are called not to convenience but to service, to sacrifice, and to care.

Lonnie Davis

I’ve traveled Highway 45 between Houston and Dallas so many times that I know where things are by the mile markers along the way. Some years later, my son would make that journey and sometimes call me to tell me he was “going to Houston.” I would ask him what mile marker he just passed. Mile marker 178 is Buffalo, Texas, and marker 118 is Huntsville. For me, I was in Houston when I hit mile marker 64.

Highways are not the only mile markers. Our spiritual lives have markers along the way. The presence or absence of these markers tells us where we are on the journey. For example, if we do not see the marker of prayer in our lives, then we are not on the right spiritual track. 

Forgiveness also has mile markers along the way. Jesus said, “If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matt 6:14-15). The presence or absence of my forgiveness of those who hurt me is a marker of God’s forgiveness of me.

Such a thought can be heavy on our hearts. In our desperation to have forgiveness, we may try to fake forgiveness for others. Fake forgiveness is saying we forgive, but not really forgiving. Listed below are four-mile markers for real forgiveness. These markers all involve our prayers for the offending person (we’ll call him Bill). Which of these prayers you pray for Bill is an indication of your forgiveness.

The first prayer of forgiveness:

“Lord, please be with Bill and help him see how much he has hurt and wronged me.”

The second prayer of forgiveness:

“Lord, forgive Bill of his sin.”

The third prayer of forgiveness:

“Lord, bless Bill that the rest of his life will be better.”

The fourth and real prayer of forgiveness: 

“Lord, I thank you for being with Bill. I am so happy that his life is blessed by you. Please continue to bless him.”

You know you have forgiven when you no longer pray for Bill to repent but instead thank God for the blessings He has bestowed on Bill.

If you want to be forgiven, forgive. If you want to know if you have forgiven, pray. The tone of your prayer and the emotion in your heart will tell you where you are in your process of forgiveness.

Lonnie Davis

Our Scripture for today is 2 Peter 3:9.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

God wants everyone to come to repentance. Yes! But what is repentance? If you ask the people who sit in church pews, most will say that repentance means to stop doing wrong. That is only partially true. There are many murderers and thieves in prisons who have stopped killing and stealing. Did they repent? No. They are locked up, so they cannot murder or steal anymore. Repentance means more than just stopping the sin. Let’s look further into the meaning of sin.

In the Bible, the term “repentance” is derived from the Greek word “metanoia,” which means a change of mind or a change in the inner person. In a biblical context, repentance involves several key aspects. Chiefly among them:

1. Repentance Involves Recognition of Sin: 

It begins with an individual recognizing the sin. You will not change what you deny is real.

2. Repentance Involves Sorrow for Sin:

True repentance involves genuine sorrow or remorse for having committed sins and for the separation it has caused from God.

3. Repentance Involves Turning Away from Sin: 

It’s not just about feeling sorry; it involves a decisive turn away from sinful behaviors and attitudes. It means stopping the sin, even if you know that no one will ever know.

4. Repentance Involves Turning to God:

This aspect emphasizes turning towards God, seeking His forgiveness, and aligning oneself with His will and teachings.

5. Repentance Involves Transformation of Life:

Repentance in the Bible often leads to a transformation in a person’s life, evident in their actions, thoughts, and overall character. A person who repents is a changed person. They are no longer the old people they were.

Repentance is the Prodigal Son coming to himself, hating the sin, deciding to go home, and going home to his father. Repentance is a change of heart that leads to a change of action.

Lonnie Davis

Have you ever caught yourself pondering the nature of sin? What does the Bible mean when it uses the word sin.

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word most commonly translated as “sin” is “חָטָא” (chata), which fundamentally means “to miss the mark” or “to go wrong.” In the New Testament, the Greek word translated as “sin” is “ἁμαρτία” (hamartia), which also carries the meaning of “missing the mark” or “erring.”

So, how would you define sin? In the biblical context, “sin” refers to any thought, word, deed, or omission that goes against God’s will and standards that misses the mark of God’s will. 

Saint Augustine, a heavyweight in the realm of theology, had an intriguing take on sin. He proposed that sin undergoes three stages in our lives. Initially, we find ourselves playfully bargaining with morality, echoing the sentiment, “Lord, make me good, but not yet.” It’s a phase of procrastination where the appeal of immediate pleasures overshadows our quest for righteousness. As we mature, our plea transforms subtly to, “Lord, make me good, but not entirely.” Here lies the human dilemma: craving sanctity but clinging to our earthly desires. Finally, we reach a point of earnest surrender, asking simply, “Lord, make me good.” This progression reflects a journey from self-centeredness to a sincere yearning to follow God.

In today’s world, especially in the realm of politics, the concept of sin is not politically correct. Our politicians, those guardians of public trust, seem to exist in a realm where ‘sin’ is substituted with ‘mistake.’ They ‘misstep’ or ‘miscalculate.’ When caught, the cure is not Jesus, but usually rehab.

The most powerful lesson comes from Jesus Christ. Jesus didn’t shun sinners; he dined with them. He exemplified the challenging art of hating the sin but loving the sinner. In a world quick to cast stones, learning to separate the deed from the doer can pave the way for forgiveness and reconciliation, qualities ever-needed in our times.

As we see these different views of sin, it becomes clear that this concept is far more than a religious or moral construct. It’s a mirror reflecting our struggles, growth, and the ever-present battle between our spiritual aspirations and our baser instincts. 

Yes, we all have sinned (Romans 3:23) and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), but we can get forgiveness for our sins. However, we must remember that our forgiveness comes as we forgive others. (Matthew 6:14-15).

Lonnie Davis

Our Bible word for today is found in Psalm 42:11.

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”

Imagine going to the doctor with an illness. The doctor runs all the tests and then tells you the result. What you want to hear are words of hope. The saddest words you could hear are “no hope.” 

Those who have hope have a reason for joy. Hope is the anchor that holds us steady in life’s tumultuous seas. Hope is an unyielding belief in a future that can be better, brighter, and more fulfilling than the present.

In a world that often seems shrouded in uncertainty and despair, hope is the quiet voice at the end of the day whispering, “Tomorrow will be better.” Hope is not just wishful thinking.

It is not mere optimism. While optimism is the general expectation that good things will happen, hope is more specific. It’s the belief that even in our worst moments, there’s the possibility for change and growth. Hope requires an object or a goal for which we are reaching, whether it’s fighting a sickness or overcoming a challenging life obstacle.

In difficult times, hope can be scarce. Yet, it’s precisely in these difficult moments that hope’s power is most needed. Hope provides the courage to face challenges, the strength to continue when we feel like giving up, and the vision to see beyond the immediate obstacle. It’s a reminder that circumstances can change, that endings can be new beginnings, and that no matter how tough things get, there’s always the potential for good change.

Hope is Israel coming out of 400 years of slavery.
Hope is Noah building a boat for 600 years, waiting for a flood.
Hope is Abraham going to the mountain with his son, saying God will provide the lamb.
Hope is Joseph in prison believing that things will get better.
Hope is baby Jesus in the manger.

To have hope is to hold onto the promise of a better tomorrow and to trust that even in our darkest hours, things will get better.

Lonnie Davis

“Have you ever received a gift so profound and unexpected that it left you in awe? This is the essence of divine grace. Our journey into understanding this begins with a powerful scripture from Ephesians 2:8-9, which reveals the heart of grace: a gift from God, unearned and undeserved. It reads:

“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.”

The Definition of Grace:

In the New Testament, the concept of “grace” originates from the Greek word “χάρις” (charis). This term is rich with meanings, often found in biblical verses to signify unmerited favor, blessing, or thankfulness and gratitude.

Digging Deeper

Ephesians 2:8-9 is a cornerstone for many Bible students, illustrating that salvation comes through faith. However, it’s crucial not to overlook the opening phrase: “For by grace are you saved.” Our salvation stems not only from faith but firstly from grace. Elements like faith, confession, repentance, baptism, and the blood of Christ are integral to our salvation, but salvation all begins with God’s grace. Understanding the word “Grace” is therefore essential.

At its core, grace means receiving something we haven’t earned and don’t deserve. This concept is familiar in the business world too. For instance, when we need to renew our car registration, we often get a “grace period” – extra time to complete the task. Similarly, loan payments might have a grace period before extra charges apply. This principle extends to other legal areas as well.

When we stand before God, it’s His grace, not justice, that we’ll yearn for. In Genesis 15:6, the Bible tells us that Abraham “believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” Abraham wasn’t completely righteous; through God’s grace, he was deemed as such. Our God is a God of grace. It is not by our good deeds, but by God’s grace, that we will be saved.

Lonnie Davis

Our text for today is Mark 4:40.

“He said to his disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?'”

The disciples were trapped on a boat in a storm, the winds were blowing hard, and the waves were tossing them mercilessly. They were on a huge lake that was responsible for many deaths by storm. They tried to row hard against the wind to save themselves, but nothing helped. Jesus was with them, but he was sleeping while they were rowing and fretting. Eventually they woke Jesus with, “Don’t you care that we are about to die?” Jesus got up and spoke to the winds and the winds calmed. He then turned to them and asked two questions:

Number 1. “Why are you so afraid?”

Number 2. “Do you still have no faith?”

By putting these two questions together, Jesus is telling the disciples that faith is what you do in the storm. Anyone can have faith in fair weather, but real faith shows up when you need it. To help you know more about faith, there are three Bible passages that you ought to keep in mind.

Number 1 –  Hebrews 11:6. “Without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

This passage tells us that faith is necessary to please God. It also tells us that faith is believing that God acts in your life.

Number 2 – Hebrews 11:1. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Here, we learn what faith is. Faith in trusting God even when you see him. 

Number 3 – Romans 10:17. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

This text teaches us how to build up our faith. We build our faith by spending time in the Word of God. If your faith is to grow, then your time in the Bible needs to grow.

To get a better understanding of faith, spent time in those three passages. Hebrew 11:6, 11:1, and Romans 10:17. And, of course, read the great honor roll of faith, which is the entire chapter of Hebrews 11.

Lonnie Davis

Our text for today is Acts 8:30 (NIV)

“Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ Philip asked.”

That is a great question. “Do you understand what you are reading?” The first step in understanding what you read is to know the meaning of the words you are reading. 

One of my college professors told about attending a discussion on the necessity of baptism. The fellow who was taking the position that baptism was necessary used as his proof text Matthew 7:14

In the KJV, it reads, “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life.” He read that and said, “I looked in the dictionary and it defined strait as ‘a small body of water.’ “ Then he continued, “The only small body of water in the Church is the baptistry.” 

When the other guy stood up to answer this argument, he said, “Well, that is a new argument. I don’t know how to answer it, so we’ll just move on to the next point.” Ugh!

They didn’t know the meaning of a Bible word and so they got everything wrong. Of course, they could have just read the passage in a different version and found it reads, “Narrow is the gate that leads to life.” “Strait,” the word in the KJV means “narrow” and not “water.”

Words matter. Knowing what a word means makes the difference between understanding God’s words and misusing God’s word. Beginning tomorrow we are going to look at six common Bible words. You hear them all the time, but may not know exactly what they mean. We will be better Bible readers by knowing these six words.

Here are the six words that we will define:

1. Faith, 2. Grace, 3. Hope, 4. Sin, 5. Repentance, 6. Forgiveness

You use these words and hear them all the time. I trust that by digging deeper into the meaning of these words as used in the Bible, you will be a better Bible student.

Tomorrow we will begin with the word “Faith.”

Lonnie Davis

As Christmas time approaches, let me share a story a friend told me. There was a mother and grandmother of 14 who annually bought Christmas presents for all her children. As she aged and found this task increasingly challenging, she decided to send checks instead, thus allowing them to choose their own gifts. About a week before Christmas, she addressed all the Christmas cards, wrote “This year, I’m going to let you buy your own gifts,” and mailed them. When she returned home from the postoffice and looked at the table, she realized she had forgotten to include the checks with the cards.

This incident is a reminder that sometimes, we need someone else in control.

Our scripture for today is Romans 12:18:

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

I’ve always found this verse remarkable. It acknowledges that there are people who do not wish to live at peace with you. When you encounter them, what should you do? God’s word instructs us to live at peace with them, if it is at all up to us. Sometimes, it’s not in our hands.

This principle isn’t just about dealing with people who are hard to get along with; it’s about how to conduct oneself in all aspects of life. In Proverbs, we are exhorted to the following:

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (3:5-6)

With these words, God offers us the promise of guiding our paths. We don’t need to control everything. We have someone wiser, smarter, and more powerful to guide us.

Lonnie Davis

Our scripture is Proverbs 22:18
“Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors.”

In days gone by, land was not surveyed. It was established by boundary stones. These were large rocks set at the corners of land. In our time, we don’t usually measure land by boundary stones. However, we do set boundaries all the time.

The one set of boundaries that everyone knows about are the 10 Commandments. They started with the “Thou Shalt Not” or “Thou Shall.” With those words from Exodus 20, God set clear boundaries for his people. “Thou shall have no other gods before me.” Actually, there are many other boundaries throughout the Bible. It is urgent that we know that boundaries were not made to make life hard, but to make life possible. You know that is true, because each of us has been tormented by an acquaintance, friend, or loved one who did not know how to respect a boundary.

Each family and each person has boundaries. My family certainly did. In my family, and I am sure in yours, we didn’t steal from one another. We didn’t lie to one another. When I first married Liz, she told me up front that I was not allowed to tease her or pull a prank on her. I’m not saying we were always perfect, but those were rules.
Of course, there were other rules or boundaries that were not so serious: don’t sing at the table, don’t get up from the table until you are excused, clean your plate, etc.

Unfortunately, in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, the concept of setting boundaries often takes a backseat. However, establishing clear and healthy boundaries is crucial for maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life.

All of us have boundaries.
There are emotional boundaries that control who or what we allow to influence our feelings and thoughts. When this boundary is crossed, we suffer emotionally.
There are physical boundaries: Everyone needs their own space, even if it’s just a chair.
We all have to set time boundaries. That one is about allocating time for work, play, and relaxation. This helps us maintain a healthy work-life balance. If you don’t build boundaries around your time, then the urgent things will smother the important things.

Make boundaries. Make boundaries on purpose. Make your boundaries known. They are essential for good relationships.

Lonnie Davis