New Year's Resolution #5: Spiritually In-Tune

New Years’ Resolutions

Spiritually in Tune

Galatians 5:16-25

Question: Have you ever listened to a radio station that was not fully in tune?

Intro: Static becomes a big part of listening to radio stations that are not fully in tune. The sound cuts in and out and you can’t get the full message. As a result, you miss out on the full message and can’t understand what is fully going on. At some point, you either keep guessing at what is being said or you move on to another channel that provides a clearer message. In the spiritual sense, when we are not fully in tune with God and His Holy Spirit, we will look to messages that do not reflect the truth of what God is trying to do.

Galatians 5:16-25: 16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

War Against Yourself

Sometimes we can be our own harshest critic. We have times where we judge our looks, our intelligence, our popularity, or anything else to that matter. We compare ourselves to others and try to fix problems on our own strength and merit. However, God knew this would be happen and gave us a great gift, but we many times forget to utilize this gift. 

Pinocchio had a guide in his life. This guide was to help him get out of his own way. The Holy Spirit is our guide to help us to stop sinning and to start doing good works for God. The guidance of the Holy Spirit is there to help us to understand what God desires us to do. But much like Pinocchio, we have a tendency to listen to outside forces more so than our own little guide. 

Our flesh and the Holy Spirit are like oil and water. Once saved, the Spirit is there to challenge us to do the will of God and not our own. If we are in this new life, the flesh will war against the Spirit. What God wants for you and what you naturally want are not the same. Your old life and your new life will never mix.

If you are not careful, your own selfishness will lead to no longer being in the inheritance of God. Like many trusts and wills established by fathers in society, there are requirements for the children to meet in order to receive said inheritance. The requirements for receiving life in God are to not to live selfishly and put God first. When selfish desires lead us, we are not focused on our relationship with God and doing things for Him. The Spirit is our guide to remove us from selfish, sinful desires and lead us to selflessness.

Lawlessness

Most people say that anarchy is a state of complete chaos in which everything goes. However, lawless behavior is supposed to be achieved by the fact that we are not under any obligation to follow own rules, but the desire to abide by natural law (life, liberty, and property). As we grow in our Christian walk, our desires are driven to live without laws because we desire to live as Christ lived this life. 

When we live our life according to the Spirit, we become more apt to positively reflect the will of God. No one likes bad fruit, so when we live according to the Spirit, we only produce good fruit. A Spirit led life reflects a life that is not bound by law. For in the Fruit of the Spirit there is no need for law.

We cannot live a life truly led by the Spirit until we are willing to nail our sins to the cross. Remember, that sin and God do not mix, such as oil and water cannot mix. As hard you may try to, you cannot live in sin and be complete in the will of God. We must develop a willingness to commit our attention to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Once we no longer are choosing to live in accordance to worldly ways, we should start to see a difference. Our new spirit-driven life will reflect the actions of Christ and people will be drawn to us just like people were drawn to Christ.

New Year’s Resolution: Start Living a Life Driven by the Holy Spirit, not ourself.

Blessings,

Nicholas Engleman

As always, I am free to discuss a life with Christ or any questions you may have about this devotional. My email is nengleman902@gmail.com, or by phone at 417-808-1049

New Years' Resolution #4-By the Letter of Christ

 New Year’s Resolutions

By the Letter of Christ

Galatians 3:19-29

Question: Have you ever met someone who always does things by the book?

Intro: I am, by definition, a rule follower. If there are rules, I will follow them and I try to know the rules well-enough to find loopholes. I was made to be a lawyer (But I realized lawyers don’t have souls, so not going to do that). But most people don’t like rules. From the time we are young to our teenage years to even adulthood, we are always looking to find ways around the rules. We cannot even watch a Chiefs’ game without somehow the rules being enforced becoming the topic of conversation for the week. But in reality, rules are here to try and place perfection on people that are, well, imperfect. This can lead to frustration and a carefree attitude that eventually moves away from following rules all together.

Galatians 3:19-29: 19 Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sings. But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised. God gave his law through angels to Moses, who we the mediator between God and the people. 20 Now a mediator is helpful if more than one party must reach an agreement. But God, who is one, did not use a mediator when he gave his promise to Abraham. 21 Is there a conflict, then, between God's law and God's promises? Absolutely not! If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it. 22 But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God's promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ. 23 Before the way of faith in Christi was available to us, we were under the guard by the law. We were kept in the protective custody, so to speak, until the way of faith was revealed. 24 Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. 25 And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian. 26 For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. 28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And not that you belong to Christ, you are true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God's promise to Abraham belongs to you.

Law Abiding Citizen 

This movie is insane, and probably not an appropriate reference for a Christian devotional, but the premise is relatable to this lesson. A man angered by the system, takes actions into his own hands because the laws of this world failed him and his family. Laws did not provide the justice and restitution they should have provided to him and his loved ones. Like our legal system, the Mosaic Covenant and law was regulated by imperfect men trying to ensure perfect standards. But, thank you Lord for Christ.

Laws are tough to follow and God understood that. He understood that man could not keep his laws, because his laws mean righteousness and that doesn’t exist in man in of himself. Laws are for perfect people. When we live according to the law, it is important to remember that the law was established for perfect people. Laws are meant to keep people in check, and reality is law creates a perfection that cannot be obtained.

But the law was only meant to exist until the law could be fulfilled. This is where Jesus comes into the picture for us. It is through Christ that the law was fulfilled and the atonement for the breaking of those laws was established. We are no longer bound by the law established through Moses, but bound by the blood of the atonement of Jesus Christ.

Living Vicariously 

Parents have a tendency to live vicariously through their own children. When their child succeeds, it is like they are succeeding. There is a difference in taking pride in our own child’s accomplishments and acting as if their accomplishments are your own. While you have spent time and energy investing in your child, it is their own accomplishment, not their parents’ one. Remember that now as Jesus lives through us in how the world will see him, we must live through the death and resurrection of Christ.

First, Jesus’ death on the cross meant many things for us. One of those things is the representation of dying to the old ways of the flesh. As part of accepting Christ we must crucify ourselves spiritually to the cross, dying to our old ways of our sinful nature. Without dying to ourselves, the Word of God tells us that there is no longer a covering of sins. (Yikes!)

So this means that the work of Christ should be evident in your life. Faith, grace, mercy, compassion, and strength should all show through us as a reflection of Him. Jesus loved us enough to die for us, so we in turn should use his love to reach others. Every person should have the opportunity to know the real Christ. Our lives now must be a reflection of Christ and if we live through this reflection we are no longer under the obligation of the rules. Following Christ is about living as he did, and not being so tied to laws and rules we forget to have mercy. If we live in the Fruit of Spirit, as Paul writes, for in these things there is no law.

New Year’s Resolution: Examine how Christ lived and died, and do likewise!

Blessings,

Nicholas Engleman

If you have any questions about the devotional or about Jesus, please feel free to contact me at nengleman902@gmail.com or 417-808-104.

In this Together-New Year's Resolution #3

New Year’s Resolutions

We’re All in This Together

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

Question: Have you ever done a group project by yourself?

Intro: I am a control freak when it comes to class group projects. I could care less about the other kids, I just wanted to make sure that I received a good grade. The first time I ran into a problem with that mindset was in college. A kid wanted to do it all and we just decided to let him do the game. He stayed up all night the night before the project and we got an A-. What would we have got if we had worked equally together?

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11:  "9 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. 10 Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." 

Unity

Unity is a strong thing. Most aspects of living this life require some aspect of unity. Whether on a team, or at work, rarely does a person go at it alone. In the military unity is essential to win the battle. If one person does his own thing, it can mean the downfall of everyone. 

God’s Plan Includes Life 

The life of an Israelite was based on the fear of not living up to God’s plan. By the blood of Jesus, God reveals that He has a plan for us that includes life. We are not subject to God’s wrath if we recognize Jesus.

Jesus Brought us Salvation

Jesus saved us from facing the wrath of God because of man’s sin. If we choose Christ, we won’t have to endure wrath. However, we are not able to accomplish salvation on our own but through the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Many times an individual only comes to the recognition of this gift through the connection into the Body of Christ, or the church.

Life For Jesus Requires Unity 

Paul tells the people of Thessalonica that life is not meant to be lived alone. In all we do for Christ, there is strength in our togetherness. We can accomplish great things when we work together rather than separately. While salvation is a personal matter, the work is more about continuity among believers. This unity is centered on that all live under the blood of Christ and serve in His love.

Speak Life

I love the Toby Mac song, Speak Life. The words we speak can either bring life or death, encouragement or discouragement. Sometimes we speak before we think and it is probably wise to remember James 1:19-20. Our tongue can be our biggest friend or greatest enemy. If we are not careful, what we say can be detrimental to the growth and development of others.

Encourage One Another

I like that the word so is used here, and another translation uses the word therefore. These words reference an “and then” statement, as in we should do this because we are in the body of Christ. Encouraging people in our walk is a must, because this walk is hard. Life in itself will discourage and beat up individuals. We as the body of Christ are called to lift one another up, to carry each other's burdens. We must be careful not to add to the list of burdens.

Build and Strengthen 

Have you ever seen someone perk up when you say something nice to them? When we speak encouragement into people’s lives they are strengthened. Sometimes we are so quick to speak hurtful words, that we forget Jesus was not fast to speak. He always looked to be a voice for those who had no voice. He encouraged those who had nothing else left but shame and hurt. We must learn to not add to the pile, but look to lift and strengthen.

The Rule, Not the Exception

This is the expectation of the follower in Christ. Christ was a source of encouragement, and we must follow suit. Paul wrote many times to greet one another with a hug and a kiss. This is to showcase that believers are companions, a brotherhood, a family. Paul understood that believers bring life into each other because the light of Christ is in them. As Jesus spoke life, we must follow suit and do the same. This should be viewed as the expectation, not an exception.

New Year’s Resolution #3: Build better relationships with other Christ followers.

Maybe you are reading this today and you feel that God is angry with you or that you could never be in a place where He would forgive you nor where the church would accept you. Jesus is the great equalizer for you, because he brought you salvation. Let Him give you life today. 

Secondly, how do you treat people in your life? Are you harsh in your tone and speak discouraging words? Or, are you like Jesus that sees past people’s imperfections and loves and encourages them? It is important we know when we can work to hold someone accountable and when we need to reflect the love and light of Christ.

Blessings,

Nicholas Engleman

As always if you have any questions about this devotional or are interested in starting a life with Christ, please feel free to contact me at nengleman902@gmail.com, or by phone at 417-808-1049.

 

Time to Grow Up-New Year's Resolution Part Two

New Year’s Resolutions

Time to Grow Up

Hebrews 5:11-14

Question: Have you ever been told to act your age?

Introduction: Acting one’s age for men is hard, especially when they are around a group of friends. In this group, there is no brain to be found and that usually means dumb decisions are to follow. When we begin to mature, our actions change and that usually means taking more responsibility and doing things on our own. At some point, we must decide what is best for our future and that may mean moving beyond tasks and relationships that hold us back. Part of spiritual growth is personal examination and understanding what we must remove in order to reach our full potential in Christ.

Hebrews 5:11-14: 11 There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. 12 You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. 13 For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. 14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.

Dragging Your Feet

My wife can be the slowest walker on the planet. At times it is like she isn’t even trying to keep pace. The only time that she doesn’t drag her feet is when it is cold outside. Spiritual growth can and is associated with our own willingness to commit to a transformed lifestyle. Too many times we choose to drag our feet in our development with Christ. A first step is developing the ability to listen to God’s Word and to put it into action. The writer of Hebrews challenges believers to stop being dull and commit beyond being basic.

Basic fundamentals are vital to developing into a high level performer. However, at some point you have to move beyond those basic concepts. You can no longer just live in the basics if you desire to move into a deeper life with Christ. Furthermore, you cannot remain a baby. Failure to launch is not okay. To be honest, we need to develop a baby bird mentality with believers. We must be willing to be pushed out of the nest to begin to fly and push others out as well. Leaders must develop and nurture volunteers. Church goers must develop a willingness to serve and lead in spots that will stretch themselves and force them to rely on God more in their own personal lives. This is not meant to be a belittling message but a message to encourage you to move into a deeper understanding of your purpose in God’s will and design.

You are What You Eat 

If this were true I would probably be a chalupa or quesadilla from Taco Bell. I hate to admit how much I like Taco Bell. If I had a choice of where I was going to eat out for a quick lunch, it would be Taco Bell. In the area of fitness, most personal trainers will tell you that the body you want has more to do with your habits in the kitchen more so than your habits in the gym. Taco Bell may be a reason I have not received the results I want from the gym fully, or Mountain Dew, or gummy bears, or cheesecake…Anyway, we have to move beyond simple diets if we want to truly grow spiritually.

Too many times “Christians” rely on being fed the Word from a pastor or teacher. The author here reflects this is like being a baby and only consuming milk. While listening to sound biblical teaching is good, it cannot be the only thing we rely on for our own personal growth. An issue that many Christians have is they rely on the teaching of one man or woman and do not study the Word on their own. We disqualify ourselves because we did not go to college for Theology, we do not understand the Greek or Hebrew, and we discredit the work of the Holy Spirit to speak to us in our own quiet time. 

A major step in our own spiritual growth is the ability to become self-reliant. At some point, you have to stop being fed by others and do something for yourself. Becoming self-reliant means dedication and hard work. Too many Christians struggle with studying God’s word by themselves because it is time consuming and difficult to understand. However, there are so many tools to help us study deeper. From study bibles to concordances, we can learn to study God’s Word in real and practical ways.

Time For You to Step Up 

My question for you is this; are you willing to step up and do the work for yourself? If you desire a deeper relationship with God, it cannot be just on your pastor or small group leader to get you there. While they can be a valuable resource for your growth, they are not with you daily. Jesus told his disciples it was good for him to leave so that the Holy Spirit could come to be your Advocate and source to point you back to everything He has taught. As we read and study on our own, ask the Holy Spirit to speak and direct you in a deeper understanding of God’s Word and its application into your life.

Resolution: Read and study God’s Word Every Day and ask the Holy Spirit to direct you.

God Bless,

Nicholas Engleman

If you have any questions about Jesus or this devotional, please reach out to me through email at nengleman902@gmail or by phone at 417-808-1049.