Introduction
At the time of compiling this devotional book I have been meditating over the thoughts covered in these devotions almost every day for many years. My first record of this daily “pondering” list goes back to August of 2003.
These thoughts were the result of my own desire to walk consistently according to the new nature that had been given me in Christ.
I was well versed in the concept that positionally speaking I am dead in Christ and that He now lives in me. But I found that practically speaking, the old man seemed very much alive, often dominating my attitudes.
Many years ago, when I was in college, I heard a preacher say, “We are dead in Christ and dead men have no rights.” These words have stuck with me over the decades and they became quite important to me as I contemplated truly living as though I were dead as the Bible declared.
This thought led me to consider more and more what qualities should be evident in my daily walk if I am truly dead and my life is hidden in Christ with God (See Colossians 3:3).
I started jotting down attitudes that I and others often demonstrate that clearly show that the old man is very much alive and in control (these concepts are expressed in the lessons of days 8–15). As I began writing them down and pondering on them each day, the spiritual lessons, the content of my daily pondering, began to grow. The concepts became so much a part of my daily thinking that they showed up in one form or another in many of my messages at church and other places. I trust that the reader will find at least a small portion of the benefit that I have received as I have meditated on these concepts daily for several years.
Since in its raw form I have gone over the entire content of this devotional book every day for years, each day’s lesson builds on the previous one, thus the reader should faithfully go through these devotions for an entire month. Since the lessons are numbered by day (Day 1, Day 2, etc.) it might be helpful to begin at the beginning of a month. It also might be helpful to go over these lessons again and again till they become established in your heart. (Remember, I go through them daily in their raw form.)
[Appendix A, Pastor Biddison’s raw form, will become available as the study progresses. Read what has opened so far.]
Dedication
This little devotion book is dedicated to my six grandchildren who I love so dearly. My desire for each of them is that they grow to be adults that truly love and serve Jesus Christ.
Micah, you are my firstborn grandchild. I counted on you to set the example for the rest of them. I was reminded again of God’s unconditional love as I held you for the first time. How dear you are to my heart.
Meagan, as my first granddaughter, you too, were in the position to be a godly example for the rest of them, especially the girls. Your love for children (especially babies) is so precious, as is your love for the Lord.
Landry, you complete the three of my grandchildren that carry the name, Biddison. My prayer for you is that you would always be a “Biddison” that shines forth the love of Christ. Though you have no siblings, I enjoy the times you are with your cousins, the other 2 Biddisons and 3 Slimpins. We also love the special times that we have had with just you.
Christy, the one I affectionately called, “my mess”. You have always had a heart for those who may be hurting in some way. You have a special amount of mercy and concern for those who are downtrodden in any way.
Ryan, I have loved those days that we have spent talking about the things of God and the Christian life. I am overwhelmed sometimes about how much you truly understand of the Christian life and how well you can explain some deep spiritual principles.
My dear, sweet, Sarah. What a way to end my list. The girl that brings such joy to everyone. I remember that even when you were an infant, when I looked at you I could not help but smile. You have always brought out that smile in me.
Acknowledgments
I doubt if ever I have had a new thought. There have been times that I believed I had been given some new concept (really a new way to express an old concept) but later I would re-read one of my favorite authors and find that he had expressed the same thing many years ago, and I realized that I had gotten the idea from him in a previous reading of his work.
I say this to say that though I have personally put together this work and it is not deliberately copying someone else’s work, I owe most of my spiritual thoughts to my spiritual heroes, Major Ian Thomas, Andrew Murray, Oswald Chambers, George Mueller, David Brainerd, and a number of others.
While I am making acknowledgments I cannot overlook my dear wife, Jean, who edited this work and my son, Steve Biddison who encouraged me to put the work in book form. (Steve had written a number of devotional books himself.)