Devotional Archives for Time With God, with John North

The birth of Jesus Christ marked the beginning of a new era in human history, as God sent forth his Son to redeem those under the law and offer adoption as sons. Through this act, believers are no longer slaves but sons, with access to the Spirit of God's Son, who cries out "Abba! Father!" in our hearts.

Jesus called two brothers, Simon Peter and Andrew, to follow him and become fishers of men, marking the beginning of a journey that would change their lives forever. By embracing this call, individuals can discover their own purpose in life, shifting from personal gain to serving others and fulfilling God's mission for the world.

Jesus' encounter with a woman caught in sin reveals God's desire to redeem and restore lives, offering a mountain of grace that surpasses human hurt. By returning to Jesus Christ as the leader of their life, individuals can experience spiritual growth and become like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season.

Jesus teaches that true discipleship requires self-awareness and a willingness to accept the challenges of following Him, warning against the dangers of underestimating the cost of one's commitment. By considering the practical implications of their goals and values, believers can make informed decisions about how far they are willing to go in pursuing God's will.

Paul's letter to the Corinthians emphasizes the importance of discipline in achieving spiritual goals, citing his own practice of disciplining his body as a means to benefit his preaching ministry; by adopting similar disciplines such as fasting and self-control, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to their faith. By learning to discipline themselves, believers can make a lasting impact for eternity, as God's message is clear: self-discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments.

Jesus teaches that spiritual growth requires a deep, daily connection with Him, likening believers to branches dependent on the vine for life and fruitfulness. By abandoning distractions and focusing on their relationship with Christ, individuals can bear much fruit and accomplish God's spiritual goals in their lives.

Paul's journey in Philippians 3:12-14 reveals the importance of aligning one's goals with God's will, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from pursuing a purpose that flows from His plan for us. By forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, we can press on toward our ultimate goal, which is to be reunited with Christ in eternity.

When life's plans don't go as expected, it's essential to shift focus from our own goals to God's purposes. By embracing His plans, even when they differ from ours, we can discover a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment in living out what He made us for.

God's discipline is not meant to punish, but to guide and bring His children back to Him through repentance and submission. By enduring painful times, believers can ultimately yield a peaceful fruit of righteousness and a deeper relationship with God.

God's grace is greater than all your sin, but many struggle to accept this truth due to feelings of guilt and shame. By acknowledging and bringing all their sins together, believers can discover the overwhelming power of God's grace that stands in stark contrast to their own transgressions.