by Jamie Pantastico | Aug 28, 2024 | Daily Devotional, Daily Encouragement |
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)
The opening verse of the Bible introduces us to God’s incredible power as the Creator of all things. But this creation wasn’t just a random act of power—it was an intentional work by the Word of God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” ‘He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made (John 1:2-3)’.
This “Word” is Jesus Christ, the One who was with God from the beginning and through whom all things were made. Paul reinforces this truth in 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.”
Jesus Christ is not only the Creator but also the Sustainer of the entire universe. The One who spoke the world into existence is the same Jesus who loves you, sustains you, and promises you eternal life with Him in glory. What an amazing truth!
Take comfort and encouragement today knowing that the same Jesus who holds the stars in place is holding you. He loved you so much that He gave Himself for you on the cross. “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
No matter what you face, the Creator of the universe is on your side. Rest in His love, rely on His sustaining power, and rejoice in the eternal life He has promised you. Praise God!
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.”
by Jamie Pantastico | Mar 25, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
‘Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.’
Colossians 3:12-17
Friends, we need doctrine more than ever, all the time. We must be in Paul’s letters, examining, studying his epistles as he is the apostle to the Gentiles. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another… Colossians 3:16.
In Colossians 3:12-17, Paul provides a powerful blueprint for living a life that reflects the transformative power of Christ’s love. He urges believers to clothe themselves with virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and above all, love—the bond of perfection (Colossians 3:12-14).
As children of God, we are called to emulate Christ in our interactions with others, extending grace and forgiveness as He has done for us. In a world marked by strife and division, our conduct should stand as a beacon of Christ’s love, drawing others to Him through our words and deeds.
Moreover, Paul emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, encouraging us to bear with one another and to forgive as Christ forgave us. This unity is not merely a superficial harmony but a deep-seated bond rooted in our shared identity in Christ.
Central to Paul’s exhortation is the supremacy of Christ’s peace ruling in our hearts (Colossians 3:15). When we allow His peace to reign within us, it transcends our circumstances and empowers us to approach life with gratitude and thanksgiving.
Furthermore, Paul underscores the significance of God’s Word dwelling richly in us, guiding our thoughts, words, and actions (Colossians 3:16). As we meditate on His Word and sing praises to His name, we are filled with a profound sense of gratitude and reverence for all that He has done for us.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Word, which illuminates our path and guides us in righteousness. Clothe us, O Lord, with Your virtues of compassion, kindness, humility, and love, that we may reflect Your image to the world. May Your peace rule in our hearts, and may Your Word dwell richly within us, shaping us into vessels of honor for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bible Study:
Colossians 3:12-17
by Jamie Pantastico | Mar 3, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
Beloved, in the midst of the darkest times in our lives—be it the pain of physical ailments, the heartache of losing a loved one, the weight of past mistakes, or any seemingly insurmountable circumstance—let us fix our eyes on Jesus Christ and His eternal promises. Romans 8:18 reminds us, “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.”
I understand that as you read this, you might not feel immediately encouraged, especially when you’re in the midst of a trial like the recent loss of a loved one, enduring significant physical pain, or grappling with the mental anguish of past mistakes. The future, no matter what we read or hear, may not seem to provide hope during these challenging moments. The thoughts of a future heaven, as glorious as it promises to be, may not factor into the current struggles. However, this is where our faith becomes crucial. We must trust God, taking Him at His word, and have faith that He will comfort us because He has promised to do so. We rely on His assurance and commit to trusting in His comforting presence despite the difficulties we face in the here and now. For us, as believers eternity with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is our greatest hope.
No matter the depth of our current challenges, they pale in comparison to the glory awaiting us. As we navigate through the shadows of hardship, let our hearts be anchored in the assurance that a surpassing glory is promised for those who believe the gospel.
1 Corinthians 2:9 echoes this truth, “But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.'”
The unimaginable blessings God has in store for His children surpass our comprehension. Even as we my be living our day to day lives in a constant struggle let’s walk in faith, let us anticipate with joy the unveiling of the glorious future He has prepared for us.
Beloved, press on with unwavering hope, for the sufferings of today cannot diminish the eternal glory awaiting you. Fix your eyes on the promises of God, study His word, and let the anticipation of His incomprehensible blessings fill your heart with enduring joy. Amen.