by George Runyan | Apr 6, 2014 | Devotional, George Runyan
FAST SECRETLY BEFORE YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER
Matthew 6:17-18 – When you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
Fasting is a practice found in many religions. When I was in Pakistan some years ago, I experienced Muslims fasting during Ramadan, one of the most important religious times among Muslims. Fasting would take place from sunrise to sundown. Christians could not eat in front of Muslims during their fasting time. At night, those practicing fasting during the day would gorge themselves at night. This went on for a whole month. To read more – click above
by George Runyan | Apr 5, 2014 | Devotional, George Runyan
BE A GIVER, BUT DO NOT PUBLISH YOUR GIVING HABITS
Matthew 6:2 – So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so they may be seen by men.
Finances, for the most part, have been seen as a private affair. Typically, you do not ask a person “How much do you earn” or “How much money do you give to charity?” In this passage, Jesus is dealing with the “religious heart,” a heart that is more interested in the praise of others than the need before them. Read more . . .
by George Runyan | Apr 4, 2014 | Devotional, George Runyan
April 4 – JESUS LIFTS THE BAR FOR LIFE LIVED IN HIS KINGDOM
Matthew 5:48 – Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
In Matthew 5:21- 47 Jesus deals with relationships on many different levels. The Law forbade murder, but Jesus said, don’t be angry with your brother. If you remember when giving your offering someone has something against you, leave your offering and go get reconciled to your brother. Read through these laws of the kingdom of God and ask the Holy Spirit to help you rise up to the life that our Lord has called us to live. The higher bar is what Jesus calls us to, even the perfection of our heavenly Father. This sounds impossible, but we have the Holy Spirit to help us. Read . . .
by George Runyan | Apr 3, 2014 | Devotional, George Runyan
RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT SURPASSES THAT OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS
Matthew 5:20 – For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
This is a powerful statement by our Lord that draws a line in the sand regarding righteousness. Jesus came to establish righteousness as God intended. The Holy Spirit was sent to produce His righteousness in each one that puts their faith in the work of Christ. Titus reminds us, “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). The “surpassing righteousness” of which Jesus is speaking became established in the work of the cross as He bore our sins. Our Father in heaven accepts the righteousness of Christ on our behalf. A believer is accepted by God as one fully fulfilling the Law of God, and its entire requirement for dealing with the penalty of sin. The Holy Spirit raised Christ from the dead (Romans 8:11), and He is now given as God’s gift to all who trust Christ. He washes us, causing “regeneration” that is, He makes alive what was dead. The Holy Spirit “renews” us to the original purpose of God when He had created man.
by George Runyan | Apr 2, 2014 | Devotional, George Runyan
THE LAW AND PROPHETS ARE FULFILLED IN CHRIST
Matthew 5:17 – Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.
Some teach that the Law has been done away with in the sacrifice of Christ. Some teach that the Old Testament is not relevant because we are now living in New Testament times. “Fulfilled,” does not mean done away, but to accomplish the purpose. The Ten Commandments are eternal truths. That means they cannot be put aside and neglected. It took the righteousness of Christ to fulfill all of the intent of the Law of God. Under the Law, the Sabbath was kept on prescribed days that were sanctified by God. Jesus fulfilled the Sabbath by becoming our Sabbath. Our rest is found in His Work, “For the one who entered His rest has himself also rested from his works as God did from His” (Hebrews 4:10). The writer of Hebrews goes on to say, “Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest …” (Hebrews 4:11).
by George Runyan | Apr 1, 2014 | Devotional, George Runyan
BE A LIGHT TO ALL MEN BY LETTING THEM SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS
Matthew 5:16 – Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
What a clear word from our Lord! “Let your light shine.” We have to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in this matter of letting our light shine. He has placed the light in us, but we must choose to shine. Many times I have heard God’s people say, “I know what I should do,” but then they struggled in doing it. I remember one time I was very angry at an individual. My dad reminded me of my responsibility to forgive. I told my dad, “I know, but right now it feels good to be angry.” Our emotions can snare us and keep us from being the kind of light God has ordained us to be. A few hours later, I chose to forgive that person and be a light of forgiveness.
