Relevant Word

If you believe the Bible is outdated and totally irrelevant to your life in 2024, this 60-day devotion may change your mind. Enjoy.

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5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 

-John 15:5

Consider This: When we abide in something we remain with it. Regardless of circumstances we refuse to abandon it. 

Relevance: Today, our biggest issue is that we abide in the wrong things. We will abide in people, jobs, and desires much longer than we will in God. We repeatedly go over and beyond for a friend or family member even after they have let us down. And we will sacrifice all of our time and energy trying to hang on to a job that will eventually let us go. Yet, when God asks us to sacrifice more for Him and remain more in Him, we suddenly do not have enough time. In this verse, Jesus makes it clear if we stay with Him, He will stay with us. It’s not a conditional relationship. Unfortunately, when we choose to abandon Him and become totally vested into other things, we can do nothing. If we’ve spent the last 10 years abiding in a relationship without abiding in Him, the relationship will fail. If we’ve spent countless hours abiding with an idea, without abiding in Him, the idea will remain in our head and never become anything more. He says when we abide in Him, we bear much fruit. But how can we bear fruit if we’re not connected to the vine? A branch away from the vine for too long certainly perishes. 

Application: As believers, it is time to reconnect to the vine. We must abide in God more than we abide in others. We cannot expect to be fruitful without the nourishment and stability of the Vine. If we must remain with anything or anyone it must be God. No one else can bear fruit but Him. So, if we’re not being fruitful in any areas of our lives, perhaps we have broken ourselves away from the vine. Let’s get back to the Vine while we still have time. 

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

-John 14:6 

Consider This: Growing up most of us have experienced the challenge of a maze. This maze may have been in an amusement park or on a piece of paper. Either way, their concepts were identical. There was only one entry point and one exit point. 

Relevance: Today, some of us are trapped in a spiritual maze of confusion. We’ve created alternatives to Jesus and other “logical” paths into heaven. Yet, with our modern-day philosophies and trending religious additives, we repeatedly find ourselves at a dead end. Which causes us to turn around and try another path with the same disheartening result. What we fail to understand is that finding “the way, the truth, and the life” through a maze is the same way we find the way, the truth, and the life to heaven: Jesus. No matter how many corners we turn or avenues we create, they all lead to one exit point, Jesus. There are no two ways out of a maze, neither are there two ways into heaven. We may feel like we can take an alternate route or go around Jesus, but we quickly realize there are plenty of deceptive paths yet only one true way. 

Application: As believers, let’s save ourselves some time and frustration from the maze of “possibilities” this world tries to give us. Everyone will be granted eternal life, but only those who follow Jesus will get to spend this life inside of heaven.  Jesus offers a map through the maze of life. If we follow it, we’ll end up finding the exit point of earth and the entry point of heaven. If we don’t follow it, we’ll end up trapped in an unpleasant maze for the rest of eternity. 

11“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.

-John 10:11 

Consider This: Let’s be honest, there are not many people we would willingly lay down our lives for. Furthermore, the ones we would give our life up for, already hold significant places in our hearts. For example, some of us wouldn’t mind giving our life for our parents because of what they have provided for us. Others wouldn’t mind laying down their lives for their spouse because of how much their spouse means to them. However, if we were asked to give up our life for someone we have never met before, would we still do it? Probably not. Because we don’t know if this person is a righteous individual or if they are someone who has murdered 10 people, robbed 100 people, or physically assaulted 1,000 people.

Relevance: Today, we are those people. Sure, we may have not murdered, robbed, or physically assaulted anyone, but we assault God multiple times a day each time we sin. Yet, as a Good Shepherd He still gave His life for us. Sheep are stubborn. They have their own desires and minds. Unfortunately, the ideas that enter sheep’s minds are not always the best or the most righteous. Thus, it is the job of the shepherd to correct and steer the sheep in the right direction.

Application: As believers, it is important for us to be shepherds to everything God has entrusted us with. We will never be the Good Shepherd described in this verse, because Christ was perfect. However, are we being Christ-like shepherds in our households, communities, businesses, and churches? Are we trying to guide the people around us in a righteous way? Do we lead them with love? And when the wolves are prowling, are we willing to lay down our lives to protect our spouses, family members, and friends? This verse foretold the level of sacrifice Christ would later demonstrate by lying down His life for all of our sins. He truly was, is, and will always be the Good Shepherd. We just need to ensure we are being obedient sheep to Him and reliable shepherds to others.    

12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

-John 8:12 

Consider This: Flashlights are most needed in darkness. We do not step outdoors at 12 noon and use a flashlight because everything can already be clearly seen without additional light. However, at 12 midnight a flashlight is vital. Nothing has changed in between these 12 hours other than our ability to see. The same is true in this verse. The sinful and dark world around Jesus did not change, but because He provided us Light, our ability to see did. 

Relevance: Today, many of us are stumbling in the dark and tripping over obstacles that may have been seen in advance if we were following God’s Light. Light illuminates and reveals certain things the natural eyes are incapable of seeing. When Jesus says we will never walk in darkness, He is not only referring to physical darkness, but spiritual darkness as well. His Light will allow us to see impure intentions, deceptive spirits, and the tainted hearts of some individuals we encounter. His Light will reveal certain things our eyes could never see on their own. 

Application: As believers, we have been given God’s Light, however sometimes we drift away from Him. When we drift, we can no longer see where we are going or how we are going to get there. So, if we can no longer see beyond our nose, it may be because we have gone too far away from His Light. A light is useless if it is being shined in a place we are not occupying. For example, we could turn on the light in our kitchen, but this light will do nothing for us if we are upstairs in our bedroom. The kitchen light won’t keep us from stumbling in the darkness of our bedroom. It isn’t until we walk closer to the source of light that we begin to see clearly. The kitchen light only benefits us if we’re in the kitchen or very close to the kitchen. Thus, our proximity to God determines how much of our world is illuminated. If we want more light in our lives, we must walk closer to Him.

35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. 

-John 6:35 

Consider This: There are not many hunger pains lingering around a buffet. Why? Because a person may eat as much food as their heart desires and their stomachs can handle. There is an abundance of food all for one price.

Relevance: Today, many of us continue to be hungry and thirsty because we consume empty calories. The food we intake is of no spiritual value to us. Thus, we wander from place to place on this earth trying to get full. But the more we eat the more we hunger. The more we drink, the thirstier we become. Some of us try to fill up on tv and entertainment, yet we are never satisfied. Some fill up on alcohol, yet it never seems to be enough. A few of us may fill up on buying nice clothes and cars, yet our closets and garages still feel bare to us. In this verse, Jesus is offering to fill our spiritual appetites. Because once we are filled spiritually, our physical appetites will be satisfied. A person who is full of Jesus understands the physical things of this world will never satisfy their spiritual appetite. In 2024, many of us are trying to fill a spiritual deficiency with a physical supplement. Which is why there is no contentment, peace, or calmness within. 

Application: As believers, it’s time to go to God’s table for the bread of life. Let’s fill up on scriptures and prayers instead of entertainment and possessions. Let’s fast from the physical pleasures for a moment to indulge in the spiritual food Jesus is offering. We are spiritual beings and can only be filled by the Spirit. There is no substitute or replacement for what Jesus is offering. And much like a buffet, we can have as much Jesus as we like because He’s already paid the price. There is no cost to us for the bread of life, other than believing in Him and trusting in Him. If we have accepted Him into our hearts as our Savior, then He has made room for us at His table. Let us eat and enjoy the bread of life both now and for eternity.  

“And he said, “When you do the duties of a midwife for the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstools, if it is a son, then you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.” But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive.”

– ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬-‭17‬‬

Consider This: Abortion is nothing new, the method has simply changed. In this passage, the midwives were commanded to kill all male children after they were born. In the 21st century abortions occur before a child is born.

 Relevance: Today, as one of the most politically and morally controversial issues of our time, we fail to realize that humans do not have the authority to play the role of God. If God wants a child to be born, they will be born. There was not a midwife in biblical days nor a medical procedure of today that can stop a child from entering this world. If we do not believe this, let’s ask ourselves this question: Do we know someone or heard of someone who survived an abortion? How did this happen? Because God wanted this person to be here, regardless of how their mother felt at the time. As a believer, there is no such thing as “my body, my choice”. Women gave up their choice the moment they gave their life and body to the Lord. Later in this passage, Pharaoh commanded that every boy who is born was to be thrown in the river. Despite this harsh command, Moses was spared and drawn up from the river he was supposed to perish in. God wanted Moses to carry out a specific purpose. Hence, even amidst Pharaoh’s deathly commands, Moses survived. 

Application: We must adjust our thinking and realize only God can give or take away life. Not a doctor, mother, or government. If God wants a child to enter this world, His Spirit can change the heart of any human to ensure the child is born. So, let’s not get carried away with the worldly arguments about abortion. We know there is only One being who is able to give and take away life. And He does not work for a government, clinic, or doctor’s office.

“Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it,” When you have it with you.”

-Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭28

‬‬Consider This: Life is uncertain and our chance to make an impact on others is not guaranteed beyond this current moment. 

Relevance: Today, so many of us speak with the future in mind that we minimize the present. However, the present is the only time promised. Hence, if someone comes to us with a physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual need today, we should not ask them to wait until tomorrow. Especially if we have the means to help them today. The food in our pantry may be just enough to sustain our neighbor for another day. Our encouraging words could keep a relative from attempting suicide tonight. And the prayer we speak over our coworker’s terminal illness could heal them from the sickness that was going to end their life this evening. We wouldn’t tell a loved one who is bleeding profusely today to come back tomorrow for assistance. Because chances are they will not survive until tomorrow. The same is true about anyone who needs our immediate help. If we have the ability to help them now, then we must do so. 

Application: As believers, let us learn to look past ourselves to see the needs of others. The small inconvenience or time it takes to help one of our brothers or sisters in Christ will be well spent. In fact, our kindness and compassion may be the reason they are encouraged about tomorrow. Most importantly, we must never pass up the opportunity to witness to our neighbor. Every opportunity we have to help someone there is also a chance to witness to them. And by giving them the Word today, it just may save their soul tomorrow. How would we feel if someone came up to our door and asked us about Jesus, and we told them to “come back and I will tell you about Him tomorrow”, but they are tragically killed 3 hours later? This would bother us for the rest of our lives because there was one soul we had a chance to save, but we were too busy and too confident that we’d have tomorrow to tell them. Never put off anything until tomorrow, if we can do it today. 

26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

-Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭26‬‬

Consider This: A newborn baby does not know how to speak. Their only form of communication is crying. They cannot tell their parents, “Dad I’m hungry” or “Mom I need to be changed” or “Grandma I am sleepy”. None of these words are capable of escaping their mouths, yet the adults around them know only a few things could possibly be wrong. The baby has not said a word but is totally understood.

Relevance: Today, we are also like babies to our Heavenly Father. Sometimes we do not know why we feel a certain way or how we should pray or what we should pray. We just know that we are in discomfort and want relief. Fortunately, because God made us and knows everything about us, His Spirit can guide, comfort, and intercede for us. He is a universal language translator who can communicate with anyone and everyone. 

Application: As believers, we can no longer use the excuse of not knowing what to pray or how to pray. When a newborn is hungry, they do not stop crying if the adult changes their diaper. They will not stop crying if the adult tries to put them to sleep. The baby will keep crying until they receive food. They aren’t discouraged that the adult cannot understand them. They just keep crying until their needs are met. Likewise, when we do not know what to pray, we have the Spirit who can intercede on our behalf. And unlike humans, The Spirit does not have to troubleshoot or take a calculated guess on what it is troubling us. The Spirit knows from the beginning what our weaknesses are and what we are struggling with. All we have to do is trust that The Spirit can and will intercede on our behalf.

“I will praise You with my whole heart; Before the gods I will sing praises to You.”

-‭‭Psalms‬ ‭138‬:‭1‬ ‭

Consider This: When we commit to a person whole heartedly, we do not have anything left to offer others. Likewise, when we commit to God with our whole hearts, we should not have any time to entertain other ‘gods’.

Relevance: Today, many of us may not worship the gods of the Old Testament or of Greek mythology. We may not kneel to baal, dagon, or marduk. We may not craft a god made of wood, gold, or precious stones. But we do have other gods that interfere with us being able to praise God with our whole heart. In the 21st century, we have made our money, careers, social status, spouses, relationships, houses, cars, clothes, cell phones, and celebrities our gods. We will shower social media with tons of praise for our favorite musicians, entertainers, and athletes all while silently praising God in our hearts on Sunday mornings. 

Application: As believers, our praise to God must be demonstrated in front of every false and mini god we have created for ourselves. Let’s start praising God wholeheartedly seven days a week instead of just 2 hours on Sunday. When we do, we suddenly realize how little time and energy we have to glorify anything or anyone below heaven.

5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 

-Colossians 4:5

Consider This: All of us are on the clock. We have a certain amount of time before our earthly life expires. Within these moments are chances to win outsiders (nonbelievers) into the body of Christ. However, in order to do this, we must always walk in wisdom toward outsiders. We may only get one time to demonstrate to a person the influence and wisdom of Christ. If we do not “redeem the time” we may never have the opportunity again.

Relevance: Today, many of us send nonbelievers mixed messages. If the ones who are on the outside observe us constantly displaying anger, deception, drunkenness, promiscuity, greed, and selfishness, how will they ever witness the true walk of a believer? We cannot curse out people in the name of Christ, lie to others in the name of the Lord, or gossip for God’s glory. Cursing, lying, and gossiping are not synonymous with God. They are opposite and go completely against Him. Yet, this is the message we send nonbelievers anytime we are blatantly sinning with no remorse or repentance.

Application: As believers, we must constantly walk in wisdom. We do not have the opportunity to take a few days or weeks off from walking in wisdom. Because the few days we take off may be a confirmation for an outsider to keep walking down a path of unrighteousness. We are not perfect, and we will always struggle with sin, but this should never discourage us from trying our best to display righteousness and walk in a godly manner every day of our lives.