June 8-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
Psalm 37:4, Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Am I enjoying prayer?
I think it is very telling that Wesley did not ask if we are praying or how much time we spend each day in prayer. Wesley understood the deeper connection that is available in prayer. It is not just a practice to use when we are in trouble or have a need that we cannot answer on our own. He is getting at the attitude behind the practice of prayer. Is it merely dutiful or joyful? Do we understand that prayer is our God-given way to enter into a conversation with the Lord who created all, is above all, and rules over all? To fully grasp the nature of this gift should motivate us to do as the psalm says, “take delight in the Lord.” The Lord is for us, not against us. He wants our best more than we want our best. He has powerfully demonstrated His extravagant love by sending His Son so that we might have the richest life possible. If it is not already true for us, what needs to happen for us to discover prayer as a joy-filled conversation with the Lord of lords and King of kings? Maybe, it comes down to the nature of our relationship with God. Because prayer is so intimately linked to a growing connection with Christ, to ask if we enjoy prayer is nothing less than asking if we are enjoying Jesus. If we know who He is, what He has done, and what He has promised us, then we cannot help but delight in the Lord and relish our time in prayer.
Relate it to your life.
The attitude of my prayer life is a direct reflection of the quality of my relationship with Jesus.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, because of who You are, I want to enjoy every moment I am able with You. Amen.
June 9-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
Acts 1:8, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: “When did I last speak to someone else about my faith?”
This question cuts to the chase. There is no dancing around this piercing request for a date and time! What is our answer? Are you happy because you have done so recently? Are you sad because it has been a while, or you cannot remember when the last time was that you did so? When we become Christ followers, we are given His Spirit who promises to empower us to be witnesses. The promise is that we will be a witness. Are we hindering the Holy Spirit from using us or does the Holy Spirit have full reign to use our mouths at any time He sees fit to share the good news we have encountered in Jesus? The truth is that our actions and our mouths are a witness for something. The question we must honestly answer is what we are being a witness about: our work, our activities, our kids, our grandkids, our hobbies, our gym time, or our Lord? How can we become more comfortable in speaking to others about Jesus? Peter gives us two preparations in 1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…” 1. Worship Christ as Lord in your heart. 2. Prepare an answer ahead of time so you will be ready to go when the opportunity affords itself. When we do this, we will find increasing opportunities to speak our faith.
Relate it to your life.
If I take my faith seriously, I understand I have no excuse not to be a vocal witness for my Lord.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me overcome my fear and courageously offer a kind word about You to others. Amen.
June 10-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
1 Chronicles, 29:14, “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”
Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Do I pray about the money I spend?
This question conveys the idea that what we do with money is a spiritual issue. Like any other important decision we make, the choices we make in our expenditures have soul implications. Spending is a matter of stewardship. Are we careful to use what God has entrusted to us for the very best purposes? King David understood and clearly articulated this foundational principle of stewardship as he talked about the tremendous joy of giving to build the temple. As he did, we should recognize God as the owner of all things, and we are His workers. Just as financial advisors must be accountable to those whose wealth they invest, so we must see ourselves in the same light with the wealth God has entrusted to us. We desire to seek His counsel in how He wants His resources to be distributed because we know they are not ours. The intent is not to pray asking God to bless a decision already made, but to pray in order to seek His will in purchasing things beyond our ordinary needs. Are we proactive when we need to make a major purchase to ask God to lead and give us peace in making the best possible buy? Ultimately, we know God’s heart is for us to be generous with His funds in supporting the church and other worthy causes. Wesley famously said, “Earn all you can, save all you can, so that you can give all you can.”
Relate it to your life.
My spending habits reflect the quality of my spiritual life just as any other spiritual practice might do.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me wisdom in all my spending. I want my stewardship to be a blessing to You. Amen.
June 11-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
Psalm 3:5, I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Do I go to bed on time and get up on time?
Wesley challenges us to examine several areas of our lives, even our sleep patterns. He was known to practice disciplined sleep habits as his journals and letters confirm a consistent pattern. He typically rose at 4:00 a.m. and encouraged others to avoid late nights. He wrote, “Be sure to rise early… do not indulge yourself in sleeping too long.” He understood the spiritual value of orderly sleep was to provide the best spiritual and physical wellbeing to accomplish the work of the Lord. Too much or too little sleep was not healthy in accomplishing what God desired for His creation. We are to be good stewards of, not only, our money but our bodies so that we can make the most of the life that we have been given. Sleep is a gift that is to be cherished but not abused. God ordered our world for rest and renewal as well as work and productivity. Studies have shown that we can accomplish more when we have the appropriate rest. In fact, at times, taking a nap may be the most spiritual thing we can do to help our bodies recover. We sleep much better when we have confidence that the Lord is always at work sustaining our lives.
Relate it to your life.
Since, rest was built into the order of creation, I need to make sure I follow God’s given pattern for my well-being.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for the promise of Your daily provisions so that I can sleep well each night. Amen.
June 12-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 28:19-20, Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Do I disobey God in anything?
This question speaks of the present. Is there anything in my life that is contrary to Jesus’ instruction for how a Christian is to live? It seems to speak of that where we have an ongoing sin that has not been confessed and repented of. Many are confused that the grace of God does not require obedience to the word of Christ. Yet, Jesus said there are two parts to making disciples. They are to be baptized into the faith as the profess their allegiance to Jesus. They are also to be taught to obey everything that Jesus commanded them. God’s grace sets us free from our sin and makes us accountable to be obedient to the teaching of Christ. True grace empowers and motivates us to be like Jesus in every possible way. So, if we find ourselves disobeying God anywhere in our lives, it is time to stop now and confess it, turn away from it, and surrender ourselves anew to the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ who freely forgives all sin. We are given this beautiful promise in John 14:23, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”
Relate it to your life.
Obedience to the Lord’s teaching speaks to the heart of Jesus’ love language.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, may I demonstrate my love for You by living by each word You have spoken. Amen.
June 13-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
1 Timothy 1:18-19, Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.
Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?
Our conscience is God’s warning system to help us stay on the right path. If we wander off that path, the conscience works in convincing and convicting us to bring us back, but if we reject it, the results can be catastrophic. If we want to have the best-working conscience then it needs to be informed by Scripture. My conscience will be less effective if I do not fill my life with the light and love of Christ. Paul told Timothy to fight the battle well by holding on to faith and a good conscience. Our Christian faith walks alongside our conscience to provide protection from error and sin. Paul told Timothy earlier in the chapter his instruction was to command certain people not to teach false doctrine any longer. Paul said, “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (v. 5) The goal of Timothy’s work was to be out love for the people and their spiritual wellbeing. The source of that love included a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith. The conscience works with our hearts and our faith to check and protect us when we are about to go astray. When we insist upon going against God’s built-in warning system, the results will be costly.
Relate it to your life.
A well-informed conscience is God’s way of speaking into and directing our lives for holy living.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, keep warning me through my conscience. Help me to listen and obey. Amen.
Write out the Scripture.
Psalm 37:4, Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Am I enjoying prayer?
I think it is very telling that Wesley did not ask if we are praying or how much time we spend each day in prayer. Wesley understood the deeper connection that is available in prayer. It is not just a practice to use when we are in trouble or have a need that we cannot answer on our own. He is getting at the attitude behind the practice of prayer. Is it merely dutiful or joyful? Do we understand that prayer is our God-given way to enter into a conversation with the Lord who created all, is above all, and rules over all? To fully grasp the nature of this gift should motivate us to do as the psalm says, “take delight in the Lord.” The Lord is for us, not against us. He wants our best more than we want our best. He has powerfully demonstrated His extravagant love by sending His Son so that we might have the richest life possible. If it is not already true for us, what needs to happen for us to discover prayer as a joy-filled conversation with the Lord of lords and King of kings? Maybe, it comes down to the nature of our relationship with God. Because prayer is so intimately linked to a growing connection with Christ, to ask if we enjoy prayer is nothing less than asking if we are enjoying Jesus. If we know who He is, what He has done, and what He has promised us, then we cannot help but delight in the Lord and relish our time in prayer.
Relate it to your life.
The attitude of my prayer life is a direct reflection of the quality of my relationship with Jesus.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, because of who You are, I want to enjoy every moment I am able with You. Amen.
June 9-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
Acts 1:8, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: “When did I last speak to someone else about my faith?”
This question cuts to the chase. There is no dancing around this piercing request for a date and time! What is our answer? Are you happy because you have done so recently? Are you sad because it has been a while, or you cannot remember when the last time was that you did so? When we become Christ followers, we are given His Spirit who promises to empower us to be witnesses. The promise is that we will be a witness. Are we hindering the Holy Spirit from using us or does the Holy Spirit have full reign to use our mouths at any time He sees fit to share the good news we have encountered in Jesus? The truth is that our actions and our mouths are a witness for something. The question we must honestly answer is what we are being a witness about: our work, our activities, our kids, our grandkids, our hobbies, our gym time, or our Lord? How can we become more comfortable in speaking to others about Jesus? Peter gives us two preparations in 1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…” 1. Worship Christ as Lord in your heart. 2. Prepare an answer ahead of time so you will be ready to go when the opportunity affords itself. When we do this, we will find increasing opportunities to speak our faith.
Relate it to your life.
If I take my faith seriously, I understand I have no excuse not to be a vocal witness for my Lord.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me overcome my fear and courageously offer a kind word about You to others. Amen.
June 10-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
1 Chronicles, 29:14, “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”
Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Do I pray about the money I spend?
This question conveys the idea that what we do with money is a spiritual issue. Like any other important decision we make, the choices we make in our expenditures have soul implications. Spending is a matter of stewardship. Are we careful to use what God has entrusted to us for the very best purposes? King David understood and clearly articulated this foundational principle of stewardship as he talked about the tremendous joy of giving to build the temple. As he did, we should recognize God as the owner of all things, and we are His workers. Just as financial advisors must be accountable to those whose wealth they invest, so we must see ourselves in the same light with the wealth God has entrusted to us. We desire to seek His counsel in how He wants His resources to be distributed because we know they are not ours. The intent is not to pray asking God to bless a decision already made, but to pray in order to seek His will in purchasing things beyond our ordinary needs. Are we proactive when we need to make a major purchase to ask God to lead and give us peace in making the best possible buy? Ultimately, we know God’s heart is for us to be generous with His funds in supporting the church and other worthy causes. Wesley famously said, “Earn all you can, save all you can, so that you can give all you can.”
Relate it to your life.
My spending habits reflect the quality of my spiritual life just as any other spiritual practice might do.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, give me wisdom in all my spending. I want my stewardship to be a blessing to You. Amen.
June 11-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
Psalm 3:5, I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Do I go to bed on time and get up on time?
Wesley challenges us to examine several areas of our lives, even our sleep patterns. He was known to practice disciplined sleep habits as his journals and letters confirm a consistent pattern. He typically rose at 4:00 a.m. and encouraged others to avoid late nights. He wrote, “Be sure to rise early… do not indulge yourself in sleeping too long.” He understood the spiritual value of orderly sleep was to provide the best spiritual and physical wellbeing to accomplish the work of the Lord. Too much or too little sleep was not healthy in accomplishing what God desired for His creation. We are to be good stewards of, not only, our money but our bodies so that we can make the most of the life that we have been given. Sleep is a gift that is to be cherished but not abused. God ordered our world for rest and renewal as well as work and productivity. Studies have shown that we can accomplish more when we have the appropriate rest. In fact, at times, taking a nap may be the most spiritual thing we can do to help our bodies recover. We sleep much better when we have confidence that the Lord is always at work sustaining our lives.
Relate it to your life.
Since, rest was built into the order of creation, I need to make sure I follow God’s given pattern for my well-being.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for the promise of Your daily provisions so that I can sleep well each night. Amen.
June 12-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 28:19-20, Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Do I disobey God in anything?
This question speaks of the present. Is there anything in my life that is contrary to Jesus’ instruction for how a Christian is to live? It seems to speak of that where we have an ongoing sin that has not been confessed and repented of. Many are confused that the grace of God does not require obedience to the word of Christ. Yet, Jesus said there are two parts to making disciples. They are to be baptized into the faith as the profess their allegiance to Jesus. They are also to be taught to obey everything that Jesus commanded them. God’s grace sets us free from our sin and makes us accountable to be obedient to the teaching of Christ. True grace empowers and motivates us to be like Jesus in every possible way. So, if we find ourselves disobeying God anywhere in our lives, it is time to stop now and confess it, turn away from it, and surrender ourselves anew to the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ who freely forgives all sin. We are given this beautiful promise in John 14:23, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”
Relate it to your life.
Obedience to the Lord’s teaching speaks to the heart of Jesus’ love language.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, may I demonstrate my love for You by living by each word You have spoken. Amen.
June 13-Questions for Gracious Self-Examination by John Wesley
Write out the Scripture.
1 Timothy 1:18-19, Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.
Observe what it is saying.
Wesley’s Question: Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?
Our conscience is God’s warning system to help us stay on the right path. If we wander off that path, the conscience works in convincing and convicting us to bring us back, but if we reject it, the results can be catastrophic. If we want to have the best-working conscience then it needs to be informed by Scripture. My conscience will be less effective if I do not fill my life with the light and love of Christ. Paul told Timothy to fight the battle well by holding on to faith and a good conscience. Our Christian faith walks alongside our conscience to provide protection from error and sin. Paul told Timothy earlier in the chapter his instruction was to command certain people not to teach false doctrine any longer. Paul said, “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (v. 5) The goal of Timothy’s work was to be out love for the people and their spiritual wellbeing. The source of that love included a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith. The conscience works with our hearts and our faith to check and protect us when we are about to go astray. When we insist upon going against God’s built-in warning system, the results will be costly.
Relate it to your life.
A well-informed conscience is God’s way of speaking into and directing our lives for holy living.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, keep warning me through my conscience. Help me to listen and obey. Amen.
Posted in Daily Devotionals