#juliandavis

Through Every Generation (#wtsdevo faithfulness)

“If we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.” -2 Timothy 2:13

I am deeply grateful that my God’s faithfulness doesn’t hinge on my faith. He would still be just if He measured our relationship based on what I offered Him. After all, we operate that way down here among the mortals.

One of our greatest flaws as human beings—what most separates us from a holy God is our failure to be perfect. We lie, we cheat, we cut corners and we disappoint. And because we’re humans rubbing elbows with other humans on a daily basis, it can be easy to attach our standards to Him as well. Even accidentally.

He is holy and perfect. Anything short of that is a direct contradiction to His nature. He cannot fail. He can’t be unloving. Even in His judgement He loves us. Also, while He deserves our best effort and perfect faith, we fall majorly short. Our God is still faithful.

All of our human characteristics are mere shadows compared to His. He is the essence and definition of faithfulness. He can never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). The faithfulness of the Lord endures forever (Psalm 117:2).

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Devotional Series: Faithfulness (#wtsdevo faithfulness)

By: Julian Davis \ Personal // Walk the Same

Motivated for Good (#wtsdevo goodness)

“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” - Titus 2:7-‬8‬

I used to have a lead foot. I treated the speed limit as merely a suggestion. Life behind the wheel was full of impatience and anxiety—all brought on by myself. I’d look for patrol cars or to see if traffic ahead of me was slowing down. If not, I put the pedal to the metal.

So I’ve had my share of speeding tickets. And to think it all could have been avoided if I just obeyed the law. I drove not to get caught. My motivation wasn’t to abide by the God-to-man-appointed law. I had a bigger issue than just speeding. It was an integrity problem.

Although now I feel delivered from my racecar driver complex, that integrity struggle has leaked it’s way into other facets of my life. Not long after engaging in the fight for integrity comes good ol’ legalism. And if I’m not careful my motivation can become not getting caught rather than pleasing the Father—bringing Him glory in my conduct at all times.

Am I moved to obey Him simply because of who He is? My only hope is that He grants me Psalm 19 verse 14:

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”

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Devotional Series: Goodness (#wtsdevo goodness)

By: Julian Davis \ Personal // Walk the Same

Kindness over Condemnation (#wtsdevo kindness)

The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) -John 4:9

This is such a sweet parable. Not only was it taboo for a man to confront a woman back then, it was well known that Jews and Samaritans did not associate with one another. A double whammy. So when Jesus approached “the woman at the well” He was overstepping some major boundaries.

Unfortunately, there are still some people groups and locations that are considered off limits. Certain races aren’t welcomed and certain social classes are thought to be best remaining separate. But there is one universal action that could open the door that leads to change. It could loosen the brick that drops the entire wall.

Kindness. And at its finest it’s given undeservingly. This kind of action can’t be mustered up from our will. Granted, we can be really, really nice. We can be compassionate. But kindness—this kindness only comes through the very Spirit of God.

It’s nothing different from the grace He gives us or His eagerness to give us good things. At the very least, He is kind to give us a roadmap with all the directions and detours to avoid destruction. See, kindness meets a need. It bridges the gap. So we offer it freely as it is offered to us.

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Devotional Series: Kindness (#wtsdevo kindness)

By: Julian Davis \ Personal // Walk the Same