Overcoming the Fear with Love

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Power of Love

How do we come before the Lord? Do we come boldly, or timidly? Do we come in expectation or in doubt like a mistreated dog or a street beggar? Do we come in fear or with confidence? The answer to these and other similar questions lies in our relationship with the Lord, how well we know His character, and our faith in the promises He has made through His word. But most of all it depends on the strength of our love for Him and our understanding of the depth of His love for us. Those who know Him, love Him, honor His commandments, and follow Jesus our savior, enter into His presence with confidence and great expectation.

The 911 Call of Prayer

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Urgent Prayer

We spoke yesterday regarding the commandments and our need to follow them, but some will argue that in our fallen state (since the Garden of Eden) that we are incapable; is that true? Are we doomed to failure by the failures of Adam and Eve? Well, if that were ever true, then most certainly the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ has solved that inability.

The Law, the Commandments, and Grace

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Faith or Law

The spirit of rebellion against God's Commandments is a rejection of His authority, however, God's grace will provide us with the strength we need to keep them. This was the subject of my devotional reading this morning. But, before we can examine the Commandments properly we have to establish their authenticity, and there is a verse in Romans that does this for us; boldly and without question.

The Conundrum of Prayer and Consecration

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Consecration and Prayer

This morning I read about the relationship between being consecrated (becoming sacred or holy) and prayer. Although it is much like the chicken and the egg, in which we ask which came first, there is no doubt that they go hand in hand. But, reading the bible and attempting to adhere to every commandment without speaking with God is nearly impossible to my way of thinking. As a matter of fact, it would be ignoring a great portion of the bible itself as it deals with prayer, praying, and those who pray. Pastor E.M. Bounds, attempted to explain this conundrum to us in his discussion of prayer and consecration; yet still left us with a bit of the conundrum to consider. In one statement he says...

Our Orneriness and God’s Commandments

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Obstinance in Faith

It pays to be obedient; this was the motivation behind the devotional message I read this morning. As I digested this thought, I couldn't help but contemplate the negative view that our society has of authority and rules. Despite this negative view of some, and the impression that secular laws and rules are made to restrain us, God's commandments were instituted to make us prosperous and keep us healthy. Jesus reiterates the fact that God gives us commandments out of love, and that they are to be obeyed. In return He will provide for us and answers our prayers. In His commandments, God is helping us to live better lives and rewarding us for our efforts.

Our father, Who Art in Heaven

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Father God

We are the children of God and He is our Father. Jesus taught us as much, even when He instructed us in prayer... "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name (Matthew 6:9).” So often we find ourselves inclined to dwell on God as the creator, God the Defender, God the Provider, or one of the other various personality characteristics of God, but underpinning all of those qualities resides the one that is most founded in love... God the Father.

But Lord, That’s Too Hard

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Obeying God’s Commandments

Can we actually obey all of God's commandments? Man has been struggling to answer this question since Adam and Eve were first told not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. And although they failed at keeping that one command God did not abandon them, but clothed them instead, and continued to love and teach them. Later, Moses came down from the mountain with even more commandments… And we all know what happened then; man continued to fail. So are we doomed to lives of failure? Is it any different today than it was then? Not really, but God has made provision for us. Are we ready to receive it?

Loving Obedience

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Obedience in Love

Jesus talks about keeping (being obedient to) His commandments in the book of John. He isn't talking about an obedience based on fear, but an obedience founded in love and a desire to follow Him. When we obey the biblical commandments out of love and not duty, Jesus will manifest Himself in us, and we will experience the love of God; a love like none other.

The World Turned Upside-Down

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Impact of Faith

I read a devotional message titled "The World Turned Upside-Down" and it spoke of those in the faith whose walk with God allowed them to change the world in a mighty way. Of course when I read those words I immediately thought of Jesus who changed the Jewish faith, and all of mankind forever through his fulfillment of prophesy and the law. He removed the stain and hopelessness of sin once and for all, conquered death, and provided an avenue by which all mankind could come before God... sin free, righteous and holy.

The Lost Art of Prayer

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Lost Prayer

The lost art of prayer was the subject of my devotional reading this morning. This has been a matter that has troubled me deeply, and one that I hope we have addressed in some detail over our nearly yearlong journey with Pastor E.M. Bounds each morning. No relationship survives without communication and that is true of ours with God as well. Paul wrote these words to the church of the Thessalonians:

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