by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 9, 2024 | Daily Devotional, Daily Encouragement |
Key Verse:
Hebrews 10:14: “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.”
In Hebrews 10:11-13, we see the futility of the old sacrificial system; the law was perfect but could only condemn and it was impossible to keep. The priests stood daily, offering the same sacrifices repeatedly, which could never take away sins. However, Christ, after offering one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, signifying the completion and perfection of His work.
Supporting Verses: Hebrews 10:11-13: “And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool.”
Sacrifices made by the priests under the Old Covenant were insufficient to remove sins. They were a shadow pointing to the ultimate sacrifice—Jesus Christ. Only Christ Jesus, the sinless Son of God, could be the perfect offering capable of taking away the sins of the world.
2 Corinthians 5:21: “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
This truth makes clear that Jesus’ sacrifice was complete and final. Through His offering, we are perfected forever, not by our own works, but by His finished work on the cross; His shed blood, death, burial and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). This assures us of our salvation and sanctification, encouraging us to rest in His perfect sacrifice (not anything our filthy works can do) and live in the freedom and victory it provides.
Take time to meditate on this amazing grace and live with gratitude, knowing that Jesus’ sacrifice has perfected us forever. Share this truth and walk confidently in the freedom He has given us.
Conclusion: Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient and complete. No other sacrifice is needed, salvation is a free gift to all mankind but must be appropriated by faith alone in the gospel alone. Those who believe are perfected forever by the finished work of the cross. Let’s rest in this truth and live out our faith with joy and confidence, proclaiming His victory and grace to the world.
by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 7, 2024 | Daily Devotional, Daily Encouragement |
Take a look at three powerful principles that can transform our daily lives. As you read, I encourage you to get your Bibles and study the passages in-depth. Allow these scriptures to speak to your heart and strengthen your walk with Christ.
- Let Go of What’s Behind
Philippians 3:13-14 “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Isaiah 43:18-19 “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Letting go of past mistakes, failures, and even successes is essential in our walk with Christ. Clinging to what is behind hinders our progress and growth. God calls us to release the past and embrace the new opportunities He sets before us.
- Be Grateful for What You Have Now
1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Colossians 3:15 “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”
Gratitude is a powerful attitude that transforms our perspective. When we focus on the blessings we currently have, it cultivates contentment and joy. Recognizing God’s provision in our lives helps us appreciate His constant care and presence.
- Look Forward to What’s Ahead
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Romans 8:18 “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Looking forward with hope and anticipation strengthens our faith. God has promised a future filled with His goodness and glory. By trusting in His plans and focusing on the promises ahead, we find the strength to navigate our present circumstances with confidence and assurance.
Conclusion
Letting go of the past, being grateful for the present, and looking forward to the future are keys to living a fulfilling Christian life. As we embrace these principles, we align ourselves with God’s will, experiencing His peace and joy in every season.
Prayer
Father, thank You for guiding us through each season of our lives. Help us to let go of past burdens, cultivate gratitude for Your blessings, and look forward to the future You have prepared for us. Strengthen our faith and fill us with hope as we trust in Your sovereign plans. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 6, 2024 | Daily Devotional, Daily Encouragement |
As believers, it is vital to remember and reflect on the sovereignty of God. This understanding not only uplifts our spirits but also strengthens our faith, knowing that the God we worship is supreme over all things. The Bible clearly declares God’s sovereignty, revealing His omnipotent control over the universe. Let’s explore some powerful verses that affirm His absolute authority and provide us much need encouragement in a world filled with uncertainty and chaos.
God’s Sovereignty in the Old Testament
- Psalm 103:19: “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all.”
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- This verse beautifully depicts the magnitude of God’s reign. His throne is set in the heavens, symbolizing His supreme authority and dominion over all creation. When we acknowledge this, we find comfort in knowing that everything is under His control.
- Daniel 4:35: “All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, ‘What have You done?'”
- This passage from Daniel underscores God’s unstoppable will. No force in heaven or on earth can hinder His plans. Understanding this, we can trust that our lives are part of His divine purpose, and His plans for us are always for good.
- Isaiah 46:10: “Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure.’”
- God’s omniscience and eternal nature are highlighted here. He declares the end from the beginning, ensuring us that His counsel will prevail. Our futures are secure in His hands, filled with His divine promises and purpose.
God’s Sovereignty in the New Testament
- Ephesians 1:11: “In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.”
- Our inheritance in Christ is secured by God’s sovereign will. He orchestrates everything according to His perfect plan. This verse reassures us that our destinies are predestined by a loving and omnipotent God.
- Romans 11:36: “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.”
- All things exist by His power, through His will, and for His glory. This verse encapsulates the essence of God’s sovereignty, reminding us that our lives are meant to glorify Him.
- Colossians 1:16-17: “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.”
- These verses in Colossians affirm that Christ is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. His sovereignty is evident in the creation and maintenance of the universe, emphasizing His ultimate authority over everything.
Conclusion: Our Response to God’s Sovereignty
Reflecting on these powerful scriptures, we see the undeniable sovereignty of God. This is the God who sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die, shed His blood, be buried, and rise again on the third day to save us from our sins. The sovereign God we serve is the One who holds the universe in His hands and orchestrates all events for His glory and our good.
‘And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ‘
Romans 8:28
For believers, this truth is immensely encouraging. It reminds us that no matter what challenges we face, our God is in control. He is the ultimate authority, and His plans are perfect. For unbelievers, these verses serve as a powerful invitation to recognize the one true living God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to accept the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Our God is mighty and Sovereign over all things in the heavens and on earth. This is our mighty God, and we praise Your Holy name because You are worthy.
May these words encourage and strengthen your faith, knowing that our sovereign God reigns supreme over all. Let us worship and praise Him for His infinite power, love, and grace. Amen.
by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 5, 2024 | Daily Devotional, Daily Encouragement |
Key Verses:
Romans 7:15: “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.”
Galatians 5:17: “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against (battles) the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”
The instant we believe the gospel by faith alone, God saves us. We are immediately delivered from the kingdom of darkness and placed into the kingdom of His Son (Colossians 1:13). We are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13) and baptized into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). Our sin nature dies, nailed to His cross, and we receive a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:21). We become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) and will be with Jesus for eternity, unchangeable by any power (Colossians 3:3; John 10:27-29). However, in our daily lives, we still have our mortal, corruptible bodies and minds influenced by a corrupt world ruled by Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 5:19). Peter describes the devil as a roaring lion seeking to devour believers (1 Peter 5:8-9). Scripture makes it clear that, as believers, we face a continuous battle between our new and old natures. Though the war is won through Christ’s finished work on the cross, the nature that wins the daily battle is the one we feed the most.
The Illustration
The following is an illustration first given by Billy Graham in a book he wrote in 1978.
An Eskimo fisherman came to town every Saturday afternoon. He always brought his two dogs with him. One was white and the other was black. He had taught them to fight on command. Every Saturday afternoon in the town square, the people would gather, and these two dogs would fight, and the fisherman would take bets. On one Saturday, the black dog would win; another Saturday, the white dog would win, but the fisherman always won! His friend began to ask him how he did it. He said, “I starve one and feed the other. The one I feed always wins because he is stronger.” This story about the two dogs tells us something about the inner warfare that comes into the life of a person who is born again. We have two natures within us, both struggling for mastery. Which one will dominate us? It depends on which one we feed.” (Billy Graham, The Holy Spirit, Dallas: Word Publishing, 1988, pp. 92-93).
The Ongoing Battle
As believers, we are in a constant battle between these two natures. Romans 7:15 vividly captures this struggle: we often find ourselves doing what we hate and failing to do what we desire in the Spirit. This conflict is described further in Galatians 5:17, highlighting the opposition between the flesh and the Spirit: “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against (battles) the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”
This battle will continue until we pass from this life or are caught up with the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18) when we will be transformed in the twinkling of an eye into our new and glorious bodies (1 Corinthians 15:52). Until that time, the one who wins this daily battle is the one we feed the most. We can choose to study our Bible, fellowship with other believers, and pray, or we can choose to conform our minds and bodies to this evil world. For instance, we can choose to participate in Bible study and fellowship with other believers on a Friday night or go to an ungodly nightclub or bar. God gives us the freedom to choose how we will live for Him.
Feeding the Spirit
Feeding the white dog (our new nature) involves immersing ourselves in God’s Word (study), prayer, and fellowship with other believers. It’s about allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. When we feed our Spirit, we align ourselves with God’s will and grow in the knowledge of Christ.
The War is Won
While the daily battle is ongoing, the ultimate war is already won. The finished work of the cross has secured our victory. In experience, however, we must continuously fight against our flesh, the world, and spiritual forces of evil. But take heart, because Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33). God is faithful even when it seems like He’s just forgotten about you and left you alone to fight a losing battle. NEVER! The Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
Conclusion
Remember, the power of the gospel—the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus—has broken the power of sin and death. Though we may struggle daily, we are not alone. Feed the white dog, nurture your Spirit, and walk in the victory Christ has already secured.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the victory we have in Jesus. Help us to feed our Spirit daily with Your word and rely on Your strength in our battles. Guide us by Your Holy Spirit to walk in the newness of life. Amen.
Daily Power-Up:
Take a few minutes to meditate on these verses and believe in God’s promises. Rest in what He is saying.
Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
John 16:33: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Reading and meditating on God’s Word daily will give you the power you need to stand firm in the faith and walk in His truth in this dark world.
by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 4, 2024 | Daily Devotional, Daily Encouragement |
Key Verse: Lamentations 3:22-23 “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
Thank God for His incredible love for us!
As you read this, you might be facing the most unbearable and painful time in your life. You probably think, “How does this help me? I’m suffering right now. How can any verse make me feel better?” Beloved, I’ve been there, and I’m there now, every day. What it comes down to is faith. We have to take God at His word that He will do what He says… and God will comfort us and give us peace, no matter how whatever it is we are going through turns out. Philippians 4:6-7 is key here:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
So when we take what God says by faith, He will give us peace! It’s about our faith in His word above all else. Read Philippians 4:6-7, slowly and carefully We may lose it all, our spouse may not make it, we may have a child that is going in the wrong direction in every way, we may be facing an insurmountable financial situation with no hope of getting out, or we may be going through a breakup or divorce that has caused unbearable pain. Or, He will give us all; our spouse will make it, our troubled child will change for the better, God will provide what we need to pay our bills, God will mend our relationship. The bottom line is that no matter what happens, God will answer and will give us peace that surpasses ALL understanding (because we can’t), will guard (comfort) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Amazing!
God’s mercies are new every morning, and His faithfulness is great. This truth is a source of comfort and encouragement, especially when we face challenges and struggles. The power of the gospel assures us that we are not consumed by our past failures or present difficulties. Each day is an opportunity to experience God’s new mercies and to move forward in His strength. His love and faithfulness sustains us and empowers us to live victoriously. Let’s start each day with the assurance of God’s new mercies and faithfulness.
‘But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), ‘
Ephesians 2:4-5
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your new mercies every morning. Help me to live in the assurance of Your faithfulness and compassion. Empower me to share Your hope and renewal with others. Amen.
Daily Power-up: Take a few minutes to meditate on these verses and believe what God is says. Have faith. Rest in His promises.
- Old Testament: Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
- Gospels: John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
- Paul’s Letters: Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”