Author: Bruce

I have been in Japan as a missionary since 1995. I'm currently going to a church called Crossroad Nishinomiya, an international church in Nishinomiya, a city right between Kobe and Osaka. Check out their website: www.crossroad-web.com. #crossroadnishinomiya

１９９５年に宣教師として日本に来ました。　今、西宮クロスロード教会という国際の教会に行っています。どうぞ、そのホームページを見てください：　www.crossroad-web.com. #西宮クロスロード教会

Psalms Devotionals 2

If I didn’t believe…

Where would I be if I did not believe I would experience the Lord’s favor in the land of the living? (Psalm 27:13, NET)

That’s essentially how the Hebrew reads.

If I didn’t believe God is truly good and that he deeply loves me, where would I be in this broken world where so much is outside of my control?

I’d despair.

I’d be bitter.

I’d be angry.

I’d be fearful.

I’d find it hard to trust Jesus.

I’d find it difficult to keep following him.

But I do believe.

So I choose to lead my heart and sing with David,

Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart be courageous.
Wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:14, CSB)

Tags anger, broken world, despair, faith, Fear

Psalms Devotionals 2

What motivates us

For your faithful love guides me,
and I live by your truth. (Psalm 26:3, CSB)

Today, I was looking at different translations of this verse. The biggest difference is that the word “truth” can also be translated “faithfulness.”

So the ESV says,

For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
and I walk in your faithfulness. (Psalm 26:3, ESV)

The NIV is a bit freer in its translation.

for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love
and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness. (Psalm 26:3 NIV)

But I love the free translation of the NET.

For I am ever aware of your faithfulness,
and your loyalty continually motivates me. (Psalm 26:3, NET)

It can be scary to think about the searching eyes of God. To think about his refining process which can be painful at times. (Psalm 26:2)

But what motivates me is his faithful love and loyalty to me.

And so I choose open my heart to him today and every day.

How about you?

Do you know God’s faithful love and loyalty to you?

What motivates you?

Tags God's faithful love, grace, motivation

Psalms Devotionals 2

Because He is full of grace and truth

Post author By Bruce
Post date December 17, 2025
No Comments on Because He is full of grace and truth

Make your ways known to me, Lord;
teach me your paths.

Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
I wait for you all day long. (Psalm 25:4-5)

Every time I read this psalm, those words pull at my heart.

I want David’s heart.

A teachable heart.

A trusting heart.

But it struck me today why he could pray that way.

All the Lord’s ways show faithful love and truth… (Psalm 25:10)

David truly believed those words. And he wanted to be like his Lord, full of faithful love and truth.

So do I.

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace (i.e. faithful love) and truth…

Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness, for the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:14, 16-17)

Tags faithful love, grace, truth

Psalms Devotionals 2

Because you’re Immanuel

Even when I go through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger,
for you are with me… (Psalm 23:4)

Jesus, this is a crazy, messed up world.

But because you are Immanuel, I will not fear what this world fears. (Isaiah 8:12)

I will not worry about the things this world worries about. (Matthew 6:25-34)

I will not be consumed with anger the way this world is. (James 1:19-20)

Instead, I choose to trust and wait for you, my good Shepherd. (Isaiah 8:17)

Tags anger, broken world, Immanuel, worry

Psalms Devotionals 2

What we pursue

Some seek chariots, and some seek horses.
But we call upon the name of the LORD our God. (Psalm 20:7, 2017 New Japanese Bible)

I really like the Japanese translation here.

It made me think, “What do I seek? What do I pursue? Especially when it comes to what I feel will give me security?”

In those days, kings sought after chariots or horses for their armies. That’s what gave them their sense of security.

For a lot of us, it’s money that makes us feel secure.

But for David, God was his source of security. That’s why he so earnestly sought after God every day.

That’s the kind of heart I desire: a heart that daily pursues Him.

How about you?

What are you pursuing?

Tags pursuing God, security

Psalms Devotionals 2

Because of who He is

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Yahweh, my rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14, LSB)

Those words are well familiar to me. I’ve read and sung them many times. But today, I was focusing on that last line.

Who is God to me?

God is “Yahweh.” The eternal one. The only God. The incomparably awesome One, God over all creation.

And yet, he is not a God far away. He is Immanuel, God with me. My rock. My foundation. My refuge in the storm.

More, he is my Redeemer. Jesus shed his blood for me on the cross, buying me out of slavery to Satan’s kingdom and graciously bringing me into his kingdom.

That’s who God is to me.

That’s why I love him.

And that’s why I seek to please him, singing with David,

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight…

Who is God to you?

Tags God our Rock, Immanuel, pleasing God, redeemer, Yahweh

Psalms Devotionals 2

God’s humility

You have given me the shield of your salvation;
your right hand upholds me,
and your humility exalts me. (Psalm 18:35)

It’s probably because Christmas is fast approaching that those words resonate with me.

“Your humility exalts me.”

Though by the world’s standards, I’m insignificant, God humbled himself, became a man, and took the form of a servant.

He then went to the cross paying the price for my sin. (Philippians 2:7)

And because of what Christ did there, insignificant little me has now become a child of God.

That’s awesome to ponder.

The Lord lives—blessed be my rock!
The God of my salvation is exalted. (Psalm 18:46)

Tags child of God, Christmas, cross, God's grace

Psalms Devotionals 2

The joy of calling Jesus “Lord”

Post author By Bruce
Post date December 4, 2025
No Comments on The joy of calling Jesus “Lord”

I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have nothing good besides you.” (Psalm 16:2)

I was reflecting on David’s words this morning and thinking that there is a joy to calling Jesus “Lord.”

But we only know that joy if we believe he is good. That he cares about us. And that he deeply loves us.

Without that confidence, calling Jesus “Lord” can be frightening.

David had definitely tasted the joy of calling God “Lord.” You see it throughout this psalm.

I’ve tasted that joy too.

But I want to fill up on that joy more every day.

How about you?

Do you know the joy of calling Jesus “Lord”?

Tags God's goodness, God's love, Jesus is Lord, joy

Psalms Devotionals 2

Father, do I ever act like a fool?

Post author By Bruce
Post date December 2, 2025
No Comments on Father, do I ever act like a fool?

The fool says in his heart, “There’s no God.” (Psalm 14:1)

Father, I do acknowledge you exist.

But are there times I act as if you don’t?

Times I kind of put you to the side?

Times, instead, when I let my fears reign? My worries reign? Or worse, my sinful desires reign?

Are there times when I get so fixated on my own agenda that I lose sight of yours?

Jesus, I don’t want to act like a fool.

Help me to remember that you are Immanuel, God with me.

Give me a heart that seeks you moment to moment, day to day.

Tags fool, God's reign, Immanuel

Psalms Devotionals 2

Keeping perspective

I will sing to the Lord
because he has treated me generously. (Psalm 13:6)

Those words caught my eye this morning.

It’s so easy for me to get caught up in my problems of the day and wonder where God is.

But I want to always remember how generously he has treated me.

While I was yet a sinner, Christ died for me.

When I was going my own way, not seeking him, he sought me out.

If he treated me so generously then, why would I ever think he’d abandon me now that I’m his child?

So that’s what I want to think on more today: just how generous my Father has been to me.

Tags child of God, God's generosity, God's goodness

Psalms Devotionals 2

When this world seems to be falling apart

Post author By Bruce
Post date November 27, 2025
No Comments on When this world seems to be falling apart

When the foundations are destroyed,
what can the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3)

Whenever I look at the news or social media, I often have remind myself to lead my heart.

It’s so easy to see the evil in this world and fret.

But the King is still on his throne. He hasn’t abdicated.

Jesus is watching. And when he returns, he will judge all things. (4-6)

On that day, all will be made right. And I will see his face. (7)

So in the meantime, I choose to set aside my fears, anger, and worry.

And I choose to trust in my good King.

Tags anger, Fear, God our king, trust, worry

1 Samuel Devotionals

Never forget

When the residents of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all their brave men set out, journeyed all night, and retrieved the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons… (1 Samuel 31:11-12)

I suppose it’s easy to forget who the residents of Jabesh-gilead were and why they risked their lives to retrieve the bodies of Saul and his sons.

But back in chapter 11, the first act of Saul was to organize the rescue of their city. They never forgot that.

In the same way, I never want to forget what Jesus did for me, always serving him from a heart of gratitude.

I was reading Psalm 86 this morning, and it really resonated with me after reading this story.

I will praise you with all my heart, Lord my God,
and will honor your name forever.

For your faithful love for me is great,
and you rescue my life from the depths of Sheol. (Psalm 86:12-13)

Tags gratitude, Saul

1 Samuel Devotionals

A warrior, not a wimp

But David found strength in the Lord his God. (1 Samuel 30:6)

It occurred to me this morning that David did what the apostle Paul would talk about hundreds of years later.

Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. (Ephesians 6:10)

When hard times come, I want to be a warrior, not a wimp.

I don’t want to throw pity parties, feeling sorry for myself.

Nor do I want to give into bitterness, frustration, or anger at my situation.

Honestly, though, that’s how I act sometimes.

No longer.

I want to be like David, strengthened by God’s might, strapping on his armor, and fighting back against the Enemy.

Tags David, God's armor, spiritual war, warrior

1 Samuel Devotionals

A God who is to be honored

Post author By Bruce
Post date November 21, 2025
No Comments on A God who is to be honored

I’m in serious trouble,” replied Saul…”God has turned away from me. He doesn’t answer me anymore, either through the prophets or in dreams…”

Samuel answered… “You did not obey the Lord…” (1 Samuel 28:15, 18)

Father, you are not a genie to do my bidding. You are not a God who can be manipulated.

You are a God who is to be honored and obeyed.

Saul never learned that. He closed his ears and, more importantly, his heart to you.

And so in the end, you stopped speaking to him.

Let me never get to that point. Help me to always have a soft heart and open ears to you.

Tags honoring God, obedience, Samuel, Saul

1 Samuel Devotionals

Swept away

Throughout your life, may evil not be found in you.

When the Lord does for my lord all the good he promised you and appoints you ruler over Israel,there will not be remorse or a troubled conscience for my lord because of needless bloodshed or my lord’s revenge. (1 Samuel 25:28, 30-31)

Abigail’s words struck me today.

“Throughout your life, may evil not be found in you.”

That’s my prayer.

I don’t want to have remorse or a troubled conscience because of bad choices I made.

But that can easily happen when I get swept away by my emotions. Especially anger.

That nearly happened to David.

I’ve never gotten close to killing anyone as David did. But I can think of stupid things I’ve said or done because of anger.

I don’t want to be that way.

Father, guard my heart, especially against anger. It’s so easy to get swept away by it. But anger doesn’t bring about the kind of righteous life you desire of me.

Throughout my life, may evil not be found in me. Instead, let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock, my Redeemer, and my good God.

Tags Abigail, anger, David, Wounded conscience

Bible Original

A small thing?

Afterward, David’s conscience bothered him because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe. (1 Samuel 24:5)

It’s amazing to me how bothered David’s conscience was by cutting off the corner of Saul’s robe.

It was such a small thing considering that he could have killed Saul instead.

But even that small thing bothered David.

And it made me wonder: do I respond the same way when my conscience bothers me about “small things.”

It’s easy for me to make excuses because they are so “small.”

But to be a man after God’s own heart means pleasing him in the small things as well as the big.

To give him reign over every small corner of my life, holding nothing back.

That’s my prayer today.

Lord, let your kingdom come, your will be done in every area of my life as it is in heaven.

1 Samuel Devotionals

A beacon of hope

In addition, every man who was desperate, in debt, or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him. (1 Samuel 22:2)

I was thinking today about why all these people without hope gravitated to David.

David had as many problems, if not more, than they did. They were in more danger with him than living on their own.

But there was something in David that gave them hope.

He certainly wasn’t a perfect leader. His decision to lie cost the lives of 85 priests plus their families.

Yet these people saw in David a faith and hope that they didn’t have. And I think it inspired faith and hope in them.

I want to be such a man. To my daughter, my wife, my coworkers, my friends, to everyone around me.

Honestly, I don’t feel like I’ve done such a good job with that this week, but that’s what I desire to be.

Father, let me be a beacon of hope to everyone around me. Draw them to you through me.

Tags beacon of hope, David, faith, leadership

1 Samuel Devotionals

Wounds from a friend

As I read 1 Samuel 19-20, I thought about how Saul must have felt.

He must have really felt betrayed by his own children. Both had sided against him in favor of David. And that wounded Saul.

But they were not the ones who were wrong. He was.

And though Jonathan’s words wounded him, if Saul had only listened, he would have found healing. Instead, he continued down the path that led to his destruction.

I don’t think I’m as bad as Saul. But I can be hard-headed at times.

I don’t want to be that way. I want to be open to the words of faithful friends. Even if they hurt sometimes. (Proverbs 27:5-6)

I especially want to be open to the words of Jesus. Because he is my most faithful friend.

Tags healing, Jonathan, Saul, wounds from a friend

1 Samuel Devotionals Bible Original

Memory Monday: Stop fighting

Post author By Bruce
Post date November 10, 2025
No Comments on Memory Monday: Stop fighting

A blog article I wrote several years ago.

It was a good reminder to me of the joy of submitting to our good King.

Stop fighting!

Psalm 46, 1 Samuel 19

Tags David, following our good King, Jacob, joy

1 Samuel Devotionals

Faith injector

Then all the world will know that Israel has a God, and this whole assembly will know that it is not by sword or by spear that the Lord saves, for the battle is the Lord’s. He will hand you over to us.”　(1 Samuel 17:46-47)

David’s words really hit me this morning.

His heart was that all nations would know the God he served. That as they saw God work through him, they would know how awesome he is.

But he also wanted to inject his own people with faith. They had lost their courage when faced with Goliath and the Philistines. And he wanted to help restore their faith.

That’s what I want. That’s my prayer.

I pray that those around me who don’t know God would see him working in me, and know that I have a God. A God who is powerful. And more importantly, a God who is good.

I pray that as they see God for who he is, that they would want to know him too.

But I also pray that I can inject the Christians around me with faith. That when they’re discouraged, they can see God working in me, and realize “God really is here. There is hope.”

Father, use me to inject faith and hope into those around me.

Tags David, faith, Goliath, Hope

1 Samuel Devotionals

Hollow worship, true worship

Post author By Bruce
Post date November 4, 2025
No Comments on Hollow worship, true worship

Now therefore, please forgive my sin and return with me so I can worship the Lord.”

Samuel replied to Saul, “I will not return with you. Because you rejected the word of the Lord… (1 Samuel 15:25-26)

Come back with me so I can bow in worship to the Lord your God.”

Then Samuel went back, following Saul, and Saul bowed down to the Lord. (1 Samuel 15:30-31)

Father, Saul professed a desire to worship you. But he had little idea what worship meant.

True worship is you having our hearts. All of our hearts.

David realized that:

You do not want a sacrifice, or I would give it;
you are not pleased with a burnt offering.

The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit.
You will not despise a broken and humbled heart, God. (Psalm 51:16-17)

Saul never did figure that out.

Because you didn’t have Saul’s heart, his “worship” meant nothing to you.

Lord, do you have my heart?

Have all of my heart.

Don’t ever let my idea of worship become as shallow as Saul’s.

Tags hollow worship, our hearts, Saul, true worship, worship

1 Samuel Devotionals

Doing what seems good to me?

Post author By Bruce
Post date November 3, 2025
No Comments on Doing what seems good to me?

“Do whatever you want,” the troops replied.

But the priest said, “Let’s approach God here.” (1 Samuel 14:36)

As I read those words, I thought about the message my pastor gave at church yesterday.

He was talking about bringing everything in our lives under God’s good reign. To not just do whatever we want. But to seek God and do what is pleasing to him.

That’s what Saul failed to do, and that’s why his reign ultimately collapsed.

It’s so easy for me to just do whatever I want. To spend my money as I please. To spend my time as I please. To do what seems right to me.

But that’s not living under God’s reign.

So the thing I think God is telling me today is that I need to seek him more before making my decisions.

Probably the one area that’s the biggest is my finances. To put all of that under his reign, not just my tithes.

To not just do what seems right to me concerning my money, but to seek out what is pleasing to him.

How about you? What is God telling you today?

Tags finances, God's will, Saul, Seeking God

1 Samuel Devotionals

It pleases you?

For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself. (1 Samuel 12:22, ESV)

How is it, Father, that though I am so unfaithful at times and can fail you so greatly, you still don’t forsake me?

How is it that it still pleases you to make me yours.

That’s amazing to me: it pleases you to make me your child?

So Father, let me always fear you and serve you faithfully with all my heart. Help me to always consider what great things you have done for me. Especially the cross. Help me to never take that for granted.

Thank you for your incredible goodness toward me.

Tags God's child, God's goodness, grace, Mercy

1 Samuel Devotionals

Stifling the Spirit

When Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed his heart, and all the signs came about that day.

When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a group of prophets met him.

Then the Spirit of God came powerfully on him, and he prophesied along with them. (1 Samuel 10:9-10)

The Spirit did some pretty incredible things for Saul.

What impressed me today, though, was how Saul responded: he stifled the Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

He literally went home and hid.

I don’t know why.

Maybe his spiritual experience with the prophets scared him.

Maybe the mocking of the people around him caused him to shrink back.

But whatever the reason, he stifled the Spirit’s work in his life.

I don’t want to be like that.

I want to be like Peter and the apostles in Acts 2 when a similar thing happened to them.

As he did with Saul, the Spirit rushed over and filled them. But unlike Saul, the apostles then went out boldly living for God, doing all that he showed them to do.

Holy Spirit, do I ever stifle you in my life?

When you stir my heart, don’t let me just ignore it. Instead, give me the courage and willingness to fan that spark you lit into flame, following your leading, and doing everything you want me to do.

Tags quenching the Spirit, Saul

1 Samuel Devotionals

Where we place our hope

And who does all Israel desire but you and all your father’s family?” (1 Samuel 9:20)

I was thinking on those words this morning.

Israel was placing their hope in an imperfect king, an imperfect savior.

Why would they do that when they already had a perfect King, a perfect Savior?

But it’s so easy to do. To place our hope in anyone or anything but God.

I don’t want to do that.

Instead, I choose to stay under my good King’s reign, making him the one I desire above all other things.

Now, Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in you. (Psalm 39:7)

Tags Hope, perfect King, perfect Savior, Saul

Psalms Devotionals 2

When you seem far

Lord, why do you stand so far away?
Why do you hide in times of trouble? (Psalm 10:1)

Father, sometimes it seems you stand far away. Sometimes it feels like you’re hiding yourself. Especially when I’m struggling.

But the truth is, you are my good King, and you reign forever and ever. (16)

The truth is, you don’t ignore me when I cry. You bend down and you listen carefully to me. (17)

And the day will come when you will make all things right. (18)

So even though you may feel far at times, help me to not trust my feelings, but you, my good King.

Tags faith, feelings, Good King, trusting God

Psalms Devotionals 2

Unfathomable grace

what is a human being that you remember him,
a son of man that you look after him? (Psalm 8:4)

I was thinking on those words this morning.

We had all fallen into the cesspool of our sin, completely covered with its filth.

Yet Jesus thought so much of us that he made himself lower than the angels, entered the cesspool and rescued us out of that filth.

What’s really amazing, though, is that whenever he looks at us, he doesn’t see that “thing” he had to rescue from out of the cesspool. He doesn’t see in his mind’s eye all the filth that once covered us.

Instead, the only thing he sees is people clothed in his righteousness, crowned with glory and honor.

His grace and love towards us are truly unfathomable!

Tags cesspool ofsin, glory and honor, unfathomable grace

Psalms Devotionals 2

Hoping in our righteous Judge

Post author By Bruce
Post date October 21, 2025
No Comments on Hoping in our righteous Judge

…you have ordained a judgment. (Psalm 7:6)

Those words resonated with me this morning.

There is so much evil and injustice in the world that it’s easy to get angry just reading the news.

But God reminded me again: he isn’t ignoring it all.

He has ordained a judgment.

And on that day, he will judge all righteously.

He knows not only people’s actions, but searches their hearts and minds. And if they refuse to repent, they will eventually face his justice.

So even as I read the news today, I choose to set aside my anger and sing with David.

I will thank the Lord for his righteousness;
I will sing about the name of the Lord Most High. (Psalm 17:7)

Tags evil, Hope, injustice, justice, righteous Judge

Psalms Devotionals 2

Special favor

Realize that the Lord shows the godly special favor. (Psalm 4:3, NET)

Those words really hit me this morning.

God shows me special favor.

He vindicates me, declaring me righteous by his grace. (1)

He hears me when I cry out to him. (3)

And when I look up to him, he isn’t frowning at me in anger or disappointment. He shines the light of his face on me. (6)

So in a world which often cries out, “Who will show us any good?”, I say, “My God will!”

Tags God's favor, God's goodness, vindication

Psalms Devotionals 2

When God seems slow to answer

Post author By Bruce
Post date October 15, 2025
No Comments on When God seems slow to answer

I cry aloud to the Lord,
and he answers me from his holy mountain. (Psalm 3:4)

This past Sunday, I heard a message on Luke 18 and the parable of the unjust judge.

I wonder how much confidence the widow had that the judge would respond to her cries. She had to know that he really didn’t care about her. Yet she had no alternative but to keep crying out to him.

But David had confidence that God cared. That when he cried out, God would answer.

And so though God may have seemed slow at times to answer, he kept praying and didn’t give up.

I was just thinking: When God is “slow” to answer my prayers, how confident am I that he will answer?

I want to have David’s faith.

I cry aloud to the Lord,
and he answers me from his holy mountain. (Psalm 3:4)

Tags David, faith, God's goodness, parable of the unjust judge, prayer

Psalms Devotionals 2

Jesus rules

I have installed my king
on Zion, my holy mountain.”

I will declare the Lord’s decree.
He said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have become your Father. (Psalm 2:6-7)

Those are comforting words to me when I think about this crazy world.

Jesus rules.

The Jewish and Roman rulers who crucified him couldn’t change that fact. (Acts 4:25-28)

Satan most certainly couldn’t. (Revelation 12)

No one and nothing can ever take Jesus off of his throne.

And the day will come when God puts everything under his feet. (Psalm 2:8-9, Hebrews 1:5-13)

So whenever I’m feeling unsettled by all the evil I see on the news, or whenever I’m feeling anxious about things in my own life, I choose to hold on to this one truth:

Jesus rules. And he is good.

Blessed are all who take refuge in him. (Psalm 2:12, ESV)

Tags comfort, God's reign, Jesus rules, peace

Psalms Devotionals 2

Memory Monday: For whom the fruitful tree prospers

Post author By Bruce
Post date October 13, 2025
No Comments on Memory Monday: For whom the fruitful tree prospers

An article I wrote a while back but still resonates with me today.

May we all be fruitful trees, channels of God’s grace to everyone we touch.

For whom the fruitful tree prospers

Psalm 1

Tags blessing, fruitful tree, God's grace, prosper

1 Samuel Devotionals

That you might reign in my life

Post author By Bruce
Post date October 10, 2025
No Comments on That you might reign in my life

But the Lord told him, “Listen to the people and everything they say to you.

They have not rejected you; they have rejected me as their king. (1 Samuel 8:7)

I was wondering today how God felt when he said that.

Angry?

Perhaps.

But thinking about Jesus when Israel rejected his kingship, I think the better answer is sorrow.

Sorrow, not because his feelings are hurt.

But sorrow because he knows where our choice will lead. (Matthew 23:37-39; Luke 19:41-45)

I wonder: Do I understand just how much my King cares for me?

The Israelites didn’t and ultimately rejected his kingship.

I don’t want to be that way.

But again, I ask, “Do I truly understand how much my King cares about me?”

My good King, help me to understand just how long, and wide, and high, and deep is your love for me so that I may willingly and joyfully let you reign in my life…over everything.

Tags God the King, God's reign, submission

1 Samuel Devotionals

Way back Wednesday: Who can stand in the presence of a holy God?

Post author By Bruce
Post date October 8, 2025
No Comments on Way back Wednesday: Who can stand in the presence of a holy God?

The short answer: We can.

Read on…

Who can stand in the presence of a holy God?

1 Samuel 6

Tags Ark of the covenant, grace, Holy God

1 Samuel Devotionals

How great is our God!

After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod, brought it into the temple of Dagon and placed it next to his statue.

When the people of Ashdod got up early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen with his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord. So they took Dagon and returned him to his place.

But when they got up early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen with his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord. This time, Dagon’s head and both of his hands were broken off and lying on the threshold. (1 Samuel 5:1-4)

I always find this story very amusing.

The Philistines thought that the Lord was one of just many gods. In fact, since they had defeated the Israelites, they probably thought that the Lord was inferior to their god Dagon. But they soon learned otherwise.

Whenever I read this story of Dagon falling prostrate before the Lord’s ark, it always reminds me of God’s words in Isaiah 45.

God spoke them hundreds of years after this event, but it’s the very same message that he was communicating to the Philistines that day.

There is no other God but me,
a righteous God and Savior;
there is no one except me.

Turn to me and be saved,
all the ends of the earth.

For I am God,
and there is no other.

By myself I have sworn;
truth has gone from my mouth,
a word that will not be revoked:

Every knee will bow to me,
every tongue will swear allegiance. (Isaiah 45:21-23)

Those are the words I’m reflecting on today. And as I read them, I can’t help but cry out in worship, “How great is our God!”

Tags Dagon, God's greatness, Philistines

1 Samuel Devotionals

The King who reigns

So the people sent men to Shiloh to bring back the ark of the covenant of the Lord of Armies, who is enthroned between the cherubim. (1 Samuel 4:4)

Father, you are not a God that can be manipulated as the Israelites tried to manipulate you.

You are the King who sits on his throne between the cherubim. You reign over all.

And that includes me. You are my King.

So let me always give you the honor that you deserve.

Tags God as King, God reigns, honor and glory

Bible Original

Flashback Friday — Blind and deaf

Post author By Bruce
Post date October 3, 2025
No Comments on Flashback Friday — Blind and deaf

How often does the Lord stand by our side calling us, but we can’t perceive him?

Blind and deaf

1 Samuel 2-3

1 Samuel Devotionals

Our faithful Priest

If one person sins against another, God can intercede for him, but if a person sins against the Lord, who can intercede for him?” (1 Samuel 2:25)

I was thinking on those words this morning.

There is someone who can and does intercede for us when we sin against God.

God raised up Jesus to be our faithful priest forever. (1 Samuel 2:35; Hebrews 2:17-18; 7:23-25)

When I think of all the times I’ve grieved God by my sin, that is an amazing thought.

Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. (Romans 8:34)

Tags faithful priest, grace, Jesus, Mercy

Ruth Devotionals

Redeemed

May the Lord make the woman who is entering your house like Rachel and Leah, who together built the house of Israel…

May your house become like the house of Perez, the son Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring the Lord will give you by this young woman.” (Ruth 4:11-12)

This morning, I was thinking about Rachel, Leah, and Tamar. All three were broken in their own ways. (Genesis 29-30, 38)

And yet, none of them were ultimately remembered that way. They were remembered as blessed women.

Ruth too suffered brokenness in her life, and she is now remembered as blessed.

Not only that, all four women were used to bring our Redeemer into the world. All of them are in Jesus’ family tree.

And so God reminded me this morning, “You are not defined by your brokenness. I have redeemed you. And you are blessed.”

I was nothing before you found me.
You have given life to me.

Heartache, broken pieces,
Ruined lives are why you died on Calvary.

Your touch was what I longed for.
You have given life to me. — Bill and Gloria Gaither

Tags Leah, Rachel, redemption, Ruth, Tamar

Ruth Devotionals

Finding rest

My daughter, shouldn’t I find rest for you… (Ruth 3:1)

I was just thinking on the idea of “rest” in this chapter.

Ruth found rest by trusting Naomi, and even more so by trusting Boaz.

Had Boaz not been the honorable man he was, Ruth could have found herself in real danger. But she trusted that her redeemer was good, and she found rest as a result.

That was in stark contrast to the Israelite people of that time. By not trusting their Redeemer, they repeatedly lost their “rest” (Judges 1:18-19, 2:11-12, 3:30-4:2, 5:31-6:2).

I’m thinking about people right now who have lost their rest because they lost their trust that their Redeemer is good.

I don’t want to be like that.

I choose to be like Ruth, trusting my Redeemer is good and his promise true.

Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

Tags Boaz, God'd goodness, rest, Ruth, trusting God

Ruth Devotionals

But the truth is… (2)

I was pondering Ruth chapters 1 and 2 some more, and thinking about the difference between feelings and reality.

How did Naomi feel in chapter 1?

“The Lord has opposed me. The Almighty has afflicted me.”

But what was the truth?

“The Lord has not withdrawn his kindness from me. He has never stopped loving me.”

I don’t want to simply follow my feelings. That only leads to a pain cycle that’s hard to get out of.

I want to be rooted in God’s love, swinging the sword of his Word and declaring, “But the truth is…”

Tags feelings, God's word, sword of the Spirit, truth

Ruth Devotionals

But the truth is…

Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed of the Lord who has not withdrawn his kindness to the living and to the dead.” (Ruth 2:20, NASB 95)

It’s amazing the difference a chapter can make.

In chapter 1, Naomi was bitter against God saying that he had turned against her. (Ruth 1:13, 20-21)

But now she realizes the truth: despite all the evil in her life, God had never abandoned her. Rather, he still deeply loved her.

Maybe you are feeling like Naomi, caught in the pain cycle of your grief.

You feel God like has turned against you.

You feel like he has abandoned you.

But the truth is, he’s good and he loves you.

And if instead of running from him, you’ll make him your refuge, coming under his wings (12), you will eventually come to see that.

Tags God's goodness, Naomi, pain cycle

Ruth Devotionals

God is good?

“Don’t call me Naomi (meaning “pleasant”).

Call me Mara (meaning “bitter”),” she answered, “for the Almighty has made me very bitter.

I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty.

Why do you call me Naomi, since the Lord has opposed me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?” (Ruth 1:20-21)

I’m thinking of someone right now going through the exact same feelings that Naomi had.

Sometimes it’s hard to see God’s goodness in our lives.

And yet, as I was praying for this person, I got a text from another friend this morning.

He lost his job late last year, and this year has been a real struggle for him on a lot of levels.

Honestly, it got a little discouraging for me praying for him at times as there seemed to be no quick answers.

But this morning he told me he just got rehired by his company.

And God reminded me again that yes, he is good.

So that’s what I’m holding on to as I pray for this other person who is still struggling now. And I’m praying that she will ultimately come to see God’s goodness in all this too.

Tags bitterness, God's goodness, Naomi

1 Thessalonians Devotionals

The God of peace

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

He who calls you is faithful; he will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

I was thinking about the words “God of peace,” today.

Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 4:3,

For this is God’s will: your sanctification…

Now here in chapter 5, Paul prays that God would fully work out that sanctification in our lives.

Sometimes that process includes discipline. And that discipline can be painful at times. But we need not think God is constantly staring at us with an angry face.

He is the God of peace. We are at peace with him.

So that’s the truth I’m soaking myself in today, even as I’m thinking about all the areas God’s working on in my life.

“God is not angry at me. I’m at peace with him.”

Tags God of peace, God's wrath, sanctification

1 Thessalonians Devotionals

God’s will

For this is God’s will, your sanctification… (1 Thessalonians 4:3)

Those words struck me today, probably because this is one of the few places that outright says, “This is God’s will.”

I think a lot of Christians, myself included, say, “I want to know God’s will.”

And we usually think in terms of things like who we should marry or what career path to take.

But God reminded me this morning, “This is my will: your sanctification.”

Paul is primarily talking about sexual purity here, as sexual sin was as big a problem then as it is now.

But sanctification isn’t limited to sexual purity. It’s becoming more like Jesus in everything: in love, in speech, in thoughts, in everything we do.

So today, I’m thinking about certain heart issues God’s been working on in my life.

And as I’m wrestling with them even now, I’m reminding myself of loving Abba’s words to me.

“This is my will: your sanctification.”

Tags God's will, holiness, sanctification, sexual purity

1 Thessalonians Devotionals

Faith, hope, love

We remember your works springing from faith, your toil springing from love, and endurance springing from hope. (1 Thessalonians 1:3)

Faith, hope, and love.

Father, let everything I do spring from these things.

Not from obligation. Not from feelings of having to “gaman”.

But faith. Faith that you are a good God. That you love me. That you know and desire my best.

Love. Love for you. Love for others.

Hope. Knowing that this world’s problems, that my problems…they are but a blink in the face of eternity. A hope that I have because of you, Jesus.

Through you, I am forgiven. God is not punishing me somehow through my problems.

Rather, through you, I have free access to the Father. And just as you were, I am chosen and beloved by him.

Help me to always keep that perspective, moment to moment, day to day.

I wait on you, Jesus. I wait on you.

Tags faith, gaman, Hope, love, obligation

Colossians Devotionals

Guarding our hearts

Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2)

As I mentioned in my last blog post, it’s easy for my heart to get stirred up by all the bad news I see on the internet and SNS.

But God was reminding me to stay alert to my own heart. To be aware of what’s going on there. And to constantly bring it to him in prayer.

And just as importantly, to lead my heart towards thanksgiving, choosing to rejoice in Him.

I was also reading Psalm 17 today, and it really confirmed what God was telling me.

You have tested my heart;
you have examined me at night.

You have tried me and found nothing evil;
I have determined that my mouth will not sin…

I will see your face in righteousness;
when I awake, I will be satisfied with your presence. (Psalm 17:3, 15)

Tags anxiety, guarding our hearts, prayer, thanksgiving

Colossians Devotionals

A prayer in troubled times

Post author By Bruce
Post date September 16, 2025
No Comments on A prayer in troubled times

Father, I look at the news now, I look at social media, and I see so much evil in this world.

It’s so easy to be troubled.

But you have chosen your church, and we are holy and deeply loved in your sight. (Colossians 3:12)

Help us to remember who we are.

And as we do, help us to put away the anger and wrath that marks this world, and to be renewed according to your image. (8, 10)

Help us to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, wrapping it all with your love. (12-14)

And let your peace rule in our hearts. (15)

Let your Word dwell among us richly, as we in all wisdom teach and admonish one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to you with gratitude in our hearts. (16)

And in whatever we do, whether in word or deed, let us do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, ever marked by a grateful heart for all you’ve done for us. (17)

In this troubled world, let us not be ruled by anger or fear, but by your joy, love, and peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags anger, peace, prayer, word of Christ

Colossians Devotionals

Hold on to Jesus

They don’t hold on to the head, from whom the whole body, nourished and held together by its ligaments and tendons, grows with growth from God. (Colossians 2:19)

“They don’t hold on to the head.”

Those words struck me this morning.

I want to hold on to Jesus.

I don’t hold on to Jesus by merely trying to keep a bunch of rules, as if I have somehow need to earn his acceptance. (20-23)

I am already accepted. My certificate of debt was canceled at the cross. (14)

I hold on to Jesus by reminding myself:

He is good
He already loves and accepts me.
He knows and desires my best.

And so with a heart filled with gratitude, I choose to live moment to moment, day to day, believing and following my Lord.

So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude. (Colossians 2:6-7)

Tags cross, disciple, God's love, hold on to Jesus, rules

Colossians Devotionals

Joy, not just “gaman”

We are asking that…you may have great endurance and patience, joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light. (Colossians 1:9, 11-12)

In Japan, we have a word people seem to love, “gaman,” which can roughly be translated “endurance.”

When things are hard, we are often told here to “gaman.”

But what struck me is that Paul didn’t want the Colossian Christians to simply “gaman.”

He wanted them to be filled with the joy of God.

The joy of God is what gives us the strength to stand in the hard times.

Without it, “gaman” eventually becomes an impossible burden.

I don’t want to just “gaman” in this Christian life. I want to live in the joy of all God has done for me.

He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)

Tags "gaman", endurance, joy

Philippians Devotionals

Standing in grace

So then, my dearly loved and longed for brothers and sisters, my joy and crown, in this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. (Philippians 4:1)

Chapter 4 starts in a strange place. Verse 1 really should be in chapter 3 because it wraps up everything Paul was saying.

How do we stand firm in the Lord? What does “in this manner” mean?

I think it means to stand in grace.

Not trying to earn God’s acceptance through our own efforts. Not clinging to our own “report card” of righteousness or our own credentials in order to prove ourselves worthy of him.

But leaving that all behind and simply pursuing our relationship with Jesus. A relationship we already have, because in his grace and love he has taken hold of us and made us his own.

Now out of love, awe, and gratitude for all he’s done for us, we take on his interests, living for him and his kingdom.

More, we do so with the hope and confidence that despite all our sins, struggles, and failings, we will one day see him face to face.

And when we do, we know that we will be like him, for we shall see him as he is. (Philippians 3:20-21, 1 John 3:1-2)

That’s standing in grace.

And that’s how I want to live.

How about you?

Tags Christ's righteousness, God's kingdom, grace, standing firm in the Lord, standing in grace

Philippians Devotionals

Seeking Jesus’ interests

For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests; all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 2:20-21)

As I read those words, I was thinking this morning, “Am I seeking Jesus’ interests?”

It’s so easy for me to get distracted by things that are trivial or stupid. To waste my time on these things.

But I want to have my Lord’s interests.

And for him, that’s the people he’s put in my life.

That was Timothy’s interest, and that was certainly Paul’s.

So my prayer today is the same as yesterday’s.

Father, give me your Son’s heart for your people. I want his interests to be mine.

Tags Jesus' interests, relationships

Philippians Devotionals

Do I have your heart?

For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:8)

Father, do I have the same affection for your people that Jesus has? Would you be able to say of me, “Bruce feels the exact same way for my people as my Son does.”

Father, give me your heart. Give me the heart of your Son toward your people.

Tags affection of Christ, God's heart, God's love, God's people

Ephesians Devotionals

Because we are…

Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children… (Ephesians 5:1)

Father, those words just totally jumped off the page.

We desire to be like you, not because of fear.

Not because we feel we have to somehow earn your approval or your love.

But as people already rooted and grounded in your love.

We are already your beloved children. (1)

We are already saints. (3)

We are already light in you. (8)

We don’t have to strive to become these things.

We already are.

And as such, we joyfully seek to bring a smile to your face each day.

Help us to always remember who we are in you.

We love you because you first loved us.

Tags child of God, joy, light, our identity in Christ, Saints

Ephesians Devotionals

Rooted and established in God’s love

Post author By Bruce
Post date September 2, 2025
No Comments on Rooted and established in God’s love

I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17–19)

Recently, I gave a message on “first love” talking about how vital it is to maintain our first love for Jesus.

But maintaining our first love isn’t first and foremost about anything we do. It’s not about reading our Bible more, or praying more, or serving more.

Rather it’s rooting ourselves in this one truth: God first loved us.

It’s daily coming to a deeper understanding of how long, and wide, and high, and deep his love is for us.

But we can’t root ourselves in things we take for granted. We can’t root ourselves in things we never ponder anymore.

Put another way, it’s easy to read the things Paul has been talking about it in the first three chapters of Ephesians, and just say, “I know, I know I know.”

But here are three thoughts I’m pondering. That I’m trying to grasp more fully in my heart.

God chose me before the world began to be his child. (1:4-5)

I’m forgiven of all the filth in my life. God sees me as holy and blameless in his sight. (1:4, 7)

I’m God’s masterpiece. And he has already planned out things for me to do to serve his kingdom. (2:10)

As I think of these things, and how unworthy I am of them all, I can’t help but say, “Wow.”

I think Paul felt the same way. (3:8)

As you’ve been reading these chapters, have you been saying “I know, I know, I know?” Or have you been taking the time to wonder at these truths?

Tags deeply rooted, first love, God's love

Ephesians Devotionals

What God has prepared

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

Yesterday marked my 30th anniversary of coming to Japan. When I first came here in 1995, I had no idea I would be here this long.

But I found out over the years that God had plans for me here that he planned ahead of time for me to do.

It’s amazing for me to think back on.

But it struck me that there are still more things God has prepared for me to do. I don’t know what they are. But I want to keep my eyes open to the things God has prepared for me and to walk in them.

My prayer is that you would do the same.

Because it’s not just me.

We are Christ’s workmanship.

We were created in Christ Jesus for good works.

God has prepared good works for us that we might walk in them.

And to do so…together.

Tags God's plans, God's workmanship, good works

Judges Devotionals

Self-centered? God-centered?

Post author By Bruce
Post date August 28, 2025
No Comments on Self-centered? God-centered?

As I’ve been reflecting on the life of Samson the past few days, two things stick out to me.

First and foremost, his whole life was self-centered. Even when he did things beneficial to the Israelites, defeating their enemies, it was totally incidental. It wasn’t his desire to deliver his people. It seems his desires were motivated purely by revenge.

Second, his relationship with God was practically non-existent. The only time he interacted with God was to ask him for help.

You never see him building altars. You never see him worshiping. You never see him giving thanks to God for his victories, or for anything else for that matter.

God did use him to bring some measure of relief to the Israelites from the Philistines.

But you never see him leading anyone. The only interaction you see him having with his own people ends with them handing him over to his enemies. (Judges 15:11-13)

He most certainly led no one to follow God.

He, like everyone else at the time, did only what was right in his own eyes. (Judges 14:17; 17:6)

I don’t want to be that way. I want my heart to be God’s, inspiring others to follow him.

How about you?

Tags God-centered, Samson, self-centeredness

Judges Devotionals Psalms Devotionals 2

Living with integrity

Every morning, I read the psalms along with my daily Bible readings.

By chance, Psalm 26 was my psalm for the day. And I couldn’t help but notice the difference between King David’s attitude and Samson’s in Judges 14.

Imagine how different Samson’s life would have been had he prayed and lived David’s words.

Vindicate me, LORD,
because I have lived with integrity
and have trusted in the LORD without wavering.

Test me, LORD, and try me;
examine my heart and mind.

For your faithful love guides me,
and I live by your truth.

I do not sit with the worthless
or associate with hypocrites.
I hate a crowd of evildoers,
and I do not sit with the wicked.

I wash my hands in innocence
and go around your altar, LORD,
raising my voice in thanksgiving
and telling about your wondrous works. (Psalm 26:1-7)

I want to pray and live David’s words.

How about you?

Tags avoiding the wicked, David, integrity, Samson, trusting God

Judges Devotionals

Our true light

…you will conceive and give birth to a son..and he will begin to save Israel from the power of the Philistines. (Judges 13:5)

Samson’s name meant “little sun.” But he was only a dim reflection of the Light that was to come.

Samson began to save his people, but because of his many flaws, he never truly completed the job.

Israel’s true light was yet to come. (John 1:9)

But 2000 years ago, another angel appeared to a man named Joseph and said,

[Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

That’s what I’m thanking God for today. Our Light has come!

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD shines over you. (Isaiah 60:1)

Tags Jesus, light, Samson, savior

Judges Devotionals

Faithless heart

Israel was greatly oppressed, so they cried out to the LORD, saying, “We have sinned against you. We have abandoned our God and worshiped the Baals…Deal with us as you see fit; only rescue us today! ”

So they got rid of the foreign gods among them and worshiped the LORD, and he became weary of Israel’s misery. (Judges 10:9-10, 15-16)

I was wondering today just how sincere the Israelites’ repentance was. At a guess, not very.

And God clearly knew that.

Yet ultimately, he showed them mercy.

The amazing thing is that God hadn’t allowed them to be destroyed long before. But as he would tell them later through the prophet Malachi,

Because I, the LORD, have not changed, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed. (Malachi 3:6)

That’s comforting to me. Though God knows my faithlessness, he remains faithful.

That said, I don’t want to be like the Israelites. I want to be as faithful to God as he is to me.

Father, please cure my faithless heart.

Tags faithless heart, God's faithfulness, Israelites, Mercy

Judges Devotionals

Waiting for justice

In this way, God brought back Abimelech’s evil—the evil that Abimelech had done to his father when he killed his seventy brothers. God also brought back to the men of Shechem all their evil.

So the curse of Jotham son of Jerubbaal came upon them. (Judges 9:56-57)

Judges is a pretty dark book, and we see it here.

But the encouraging thing to me is that God does ultimately bring about justice. Sometimes, he brings it about himself. Sometimes, as in this case, he lets evil consume itself.

But he does bring about justice.

That’s my hope in a pretty dark world with all that’s going on in Ukraine and Gaza.

Even if all the people responsible escape justice here on earth, they will not escape it when they stand before God’s throne.

The question is, do we believe it? Do we believe God is still good, with all that’s happening in the world? Do we believe he will bring about justice?

I choose to believe.

How about you?

Tags God's goodness, justice

Judges Devotionals

When we forget

When Gideon died, the Israelites turned and prostituted themselves by worshiping the Baals and made Baal-berith their god.

The Israelites did not remember the Lord their God who had rescued them from the hand of the enemies around them. (Judges 8:33-34)

Those verses epitomize the problem with the Israelites in the book of Judges: they so quickly forgot God’s grace and mercy to them.

For that matter, they didn’t seem to realize where their blessings came from in the first place, giving credit to Gideon for their salvation. (22)

The result? No heart of love and gratitude to the God who saved them.

It’s so easy to lose our first love for God when we forget the love and grace he has shown us, when we lose our gratitude and joy for all he has done for us.

Father, let me never forget or take for granted the love and grace you have shown me.

Tags forgetfulness, Gideon, God's grace, God's love

Bible Original Judges Devotionals

What’s important

The LORD is with you, valiant warrior.” (Judges 6:12)

Lord, let me not be a spiritual wimp, but a valiant warrior for you.

What’s important is not how strong I am or what my pedigree is.

What’s important is that you’re with me.

And you’re sending me into spiritual battle to set those I love free from the Enemy.

I am not competent in myself to accomplish anything. You make me competent. (2 Corinthians 3:5)

And your strength is made perfect in my weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

So help me to remember what’s important and run to the battle.

Tags Gideon, God's strength, spiritual war, spiritual wimp, valiant warrior

Judges Devotionals

No regrets

There was great searching of heart among the clans of Reuben. Why did you sit among the sheep pens listening to the playing of pipes for the flocks?

There was great searching of heart among the clans of Reuben. Gilead remained beyond the Jordan. Dan, why did you linger at the ships? Asher remained at the seashore and stayed in his harbors. (Judges 5:15-17)

Father, may I have no regrets when I look back upon my life.

Regrets because I just sat, content with my own life, while people around me were being oppressed by the Enemy.

Regrets because I lingered, and remained where I was, while people were in spiritual need.

Give me your heart. A heart that cares. And a heart that will fight the Enemy that is destroying people’s lives.

Give me a heart that is passionate for you and for those for whom your Son died. In Jesus’ name amen.

Tags passionate heart, regrets, spiritual war

Judges Devotionals

Hasn’t the Lord gone before you?

Post author By Bruce
Post date August 12, 2025
No Comments on Hasn’t the Lord gone before you?

Then Deborah said to Barak, “Go! This is the day the Lord has handed Sisera over to you. Hasn’t the Lord gone before you?” (Judges 4:14)

Just thinking on those words today: “Hasn’t the Lord gone before you?”

God never tells me to go somewhere where he’s not leading the way. And the longer I live, the more I see that in my life.

Sometimes taking steps of faith is scary. It was scary for Barak. It’s scary for me.

But as I think on Deborah’s words, my prayer is this:

Father, you have proven to me that you are good. You’ve proven that you always go before me. So help me to keep taking steps of faith forward, following you. And lead on.

Tags Barak, courage, Deborah, faith, God's leading

Mark Devotionals

Because he lives

“Don’t be alarmed,” he told them. “You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here.” (Mark 16:6)

Tomorrow, I’ll be flying out to Hawaii for my mother’s memorial service, and in a few days, we will be placing her remains in the earth.

But the truth is, that won’t really be her buried in the ground. Her spirit is with the Lord now, and the day will come when her ashes will rise and her spirit will be joined to a new body, perfect, immortal, incorruptible.

That’s my hope. Because Jesus lives, my mother lives also. (John 14:19)

And by his grace, so will I.

Many still mourn
And many still weep
For those that they love
Who have fallen asleep

But we have this hope
Though our hearts may still ache
Just one shout from above
And they all will awake

And in the reunion of joy
We will see
Death will be swallowed
In sweet victory — Bob Hartman

Tags death, Hope, Jesus, resurrection

Mark Devotionals

That he might save me…

In the same way, the chief priests with the scribes were mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others, but he cannot save himself!” (Mark 15:31)

Those words always resonate with me. The chief priest and scribes said those words to mock Jesus. But their words were truer than they knew.

In order to save us, Jesus couldn’t save himself. He had to die an excruciating death, taking all our sins on himself. All of God’s wrath toward us was poured out on him.

And because of him, the curtain that separated us from God was torn in two.

I’m so grateful that Jesus chose not to save himself so that he could save us.

Tags amazing love, cross, grace, salvation

Mark Devotionals

What Jesus asks of us

She has done what she could… (Mark 14:8)

I was just thinking on those words.

Mary of Bethany, Lazarus’ sister, couldn’t do much for Jesus.

She couldn’t defend him against his enemies.

She couldn’t stand up for him in his trial.

She could do nothing to prevent his death.

But she did what she could.

She didn’t even realize what she was doing: preparing Jesus’ body for burial.

All she knew was that she loved Jesus and was full of gratitude for what he had done for Lazarus. (John 11-12)

And so she did what she could.

That’s all Jesus asks of us.

Not to do what we can’t.

Not to do what others say we should.

But out of our love for Jesus and our gratitude towards him, to do what we can to serve him.

And ultimately, that’s what I want Jesus to say of me.

“Bruce did what he could.”

Tags anointing Jesus, Mary of Bethany, serving Jesus

Mark Devotionals

God of the living

And as for the dead being raised—haven’t you read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the burning bush, how God said to him: I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob?

He is not the God of the dead but of the living. (Mark 12:26-27)

It’s been about three weeks since my mother passed away. And perhaps that’s why the above verses resonate with me.

God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

And one day, the Father will put all of Jesus’ enemies under his feet, including the final enemy: death. (1 Corinthians 15:26-27)

I will see my mother again.

And so though I’m mourning for her, I’m also joyfully singing Christ’s victory song.

Death has been swallowed up in victory.
Where, death, is your victory?
Where, death, is your sting? (1 Corinthians 15:54-55)

Tags death, Jesus, resurrection

Mark Devotionals

Returning empty-handed?

If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it… (Mark 11:3)

The next day when they went out from Bethany, he was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree with leaves, he went to find out if there was anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves. (Mark 11:12-13)

I don’t know that I’ve ever connected these two verses before. In both cases, the Lord needs something.

But in the first he receives what he asks, and in the second, he doesn’t.

It just made me think. “When the Lord needs something of me, how often does he come away empty-handed?”

Lord Jesus, may you never return empty-handed when approaching me for fruit.

Tags fruit, Jesus

Mark Devotionals

First love

Post author By Bruce
Post date July 29, 2025
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But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first. (Revelation 2:4)

I’ve been thinking about those words the past few days. What is the characteristic of first love? I think the main characteristic is joy.

What sparks first love for God? His mercy and love towards us. (1 John 4:19)

It seems the rich ruler never had that kind of love. He had never experienced his need for mercy, thinking that he was a pretty good person already. (Mark 10:19-20)

And so when Jesus asked him to give up all he had and to follow him, there was no joy. Only gloominess and sorrow. (21-22)

The disciples, on the other hand, did love Jesus, but their motivations were still very mixed, constantly thinking about what was in it for them for following Jesus. (28, 35-37)

But when Bartimaeus followed Jesus, he did so filled with joy. (Luke 18:43)

Why? Because he had asked for mercy and received it.

That’s first love.

Jesus looks at me and loves me. He “mercied” me. (Mark 10:21, 47)

I pray I never forget that or take it for granted.

I pray the same for you.

Because you first loved me,
Jesus, you will always be
You will always be
My first love. — Bob Hartman.

Tags Bartimaeus, disciples, first love, Jesus, rich young ruler

Mark Devotionals

Self-sufficent? God-dependent?

Post author By Bruce
Post date July 28, 2025
No Comments on Self-sufficent? God-dependent?

After he had gone into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

And he told them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer.” (Mark 9:28-29)

I was just thinking about the disciples today. They had failed miserably trying to cast out a demon.

The reason?

Apparently, they were trying to cast the demon out on their own authority. By their own power. And it never occurred to them to pray.

It made me think, though, how often am I that way? How often, instead of relying on God and his power, am I relying on myself?

How often is it my first instinct to pray? Not just when I face problems bigger than me. But all the time.

Father, let me never try to live a self-sufficient life. Help me to always live a you-dependent life.

Tags demon, God-dependent, Jesus' disciples, self-sufficient

Mark Devotionals

Father, what do I cling to?

Post author By Bruce
Post date July 24, 2025
No Comments on Father, what do I cling to?

For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they perform a ritual washing, holding fast to the tradition of the elders…

Having no regard for the command of God, you hold fast to human tradition. (Mark 7:3, 8 NET)

Those words, “hold fast,” really stood out to me.

By holding fast to their traditions, the Pharisees and the Jews dishonored God’s word, and by extension, the One who gave it. They honored God with their lips, but their hearts were far from him, clinging to other things.

Of course, we see the same kinds of problems among people claiming to be Christians today. They look at some of the things God has said, but instead of holding fast to those words, they cling to the values of “modern-day culture.”

And so though they may honor God with their lips, their hearts are actually far from him.

But I was thinking today, “What am I holding fast to? Am I holding fast to Jesus and his Word? Or am I holding fast to other things? A desire for financial security? My pride? Wrong attitudes? Or even sin?”

Jesus, take my whole heart. Let me hold fast to nothing else but you.

Tags God's word, honoring God, Jesus

Mark Devotionals

Come away

Post author By Bruce
Post date July 23, 2025
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[Jesus] said to [his disciples], “Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.” …

He saw them straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Very early in the morning he came toward them… (Mark 6:31, 48)

I was thinking today about what a good shepherd Jesus is.

He doesn’t simply ask us to serve, serve, serve. He’s not merely interested in what we do for him.

He cares about us.

So there are times when he says to us, Hey, stop working a bit. Come away with me and rest a while.”

Not only that, during those times when he sees us “straining at the oars”, when the wind is against us, he doesn’t callously ignore our struggles. He comes out to us and aids us.

I was thinking of verses 51-52.

They were completely astounded, because they had not understood about the loaves. Instead, their hearts were hardened.

Yes, Jesus’ disciples were probably primarily astounded by his power.

But the lesson about the loaves was not simply that Jesus has the power to help us. The lesson about the loaves is that like a good shepherd, Jesus cares about us.

And that’s what touches me most about this passage.

My Shepherd cares for me.

Tags good shepherd, Jesus' compassion, Jesus' love

Mark Devotionals

Listen! Consider!

Listen! Consider the sower who went out to sow. (Mark 4:3)

I was thinking today about the two words that start that verse.

Listen.

Consider.

The word translated “consider” in this translation, is sometimes not translated at all in English Bibles. It really is more of an interjection, meant to get people to pay attention to what was going to be said next.

In the King James version, it’s often translated, “behold.”

But at any rate, those two words, “listen” and “consider” are the main point of Jesus’ first parable.

Listen to his words. Don’t let them slip in one ear and out the other.

But don’t just listen to his words, consider them. Pay close attention to them. Let them get deeply rooted into your heart.

Then when the hard times in your life inevitably come, your faith won’t wither, but thrive.

And finally, let his words shape how you live your life each day. Don’t let anything choke out God’s word in your life, but let them bear fruit.

My church often puts it this way: head, heart, hands.

Is God’s word reaching your head, heart, and hands?

Tags consider, God's word, head-heart-hands, listen, parable of the sower

Mark Devotionals

Father, am I brittle?

And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost as well as the skins. No, new wine is put into fresh wineskins. (Mark 2:22–23)

Father, is it possible that I could be as brittle as that old wineskin? So brittle that I would burst should you try to pour the wine of your Spirit into me in order to touch others?

Brittle because I lack your compassion and mercy for the hurting? (5, 17)

Brittle because I’m too busy judging those around me? (15-16)

Brittle because I’m too often comparing my “spirituality” to that of others? (18)

Father, change me into a new wineskin that you can freely pour your wine into. I don’t want anything you pour to be wasted.

Tags comparisons, compassion, judging, Mercy, new wineskin, old wineskin

Mark Devotionals

I want everything to do with you!

Post author By Bruce
Post date July 16, 2025
No Comments on I want everything to do with you!

What do you have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? (Mark 1:24)

I was thinking of the demon’s words to Jesus, essentially saying to him, “I want nothing to do with you. I don’t trust you, and I certainly don’t love you.”

That’s exactly the kind of attitude Jesus was calling the Jews and us to repent of.

“Your Father loves you. He desires your best and is inviting you into his kingdom as his beloved children. Turn to him! Trust him!”

I do trust him.

And so my heart’s cry is “I want everything to do with you!”

Tags demons, Jesus, repentance, trust

Galatians Devotionals

Let your good Spirit lead me

Post author By Bruce
Post date July 14, 2025
No Comments on Let your good Spirit lead me

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law…

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control….

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:18, 22–23, 25)

I was just thinking today how glad that I don’t simply follow a list of laws, but the Spirit of the living God.

A list of laws has no mercy or compassion for my weakness. It doesn’t care a lick for me.

But the Spirit does.

I must admit, I find it hard to relate to the Spirit in the same way that I do to the Father and Jesus.

Somehow, he seems less personal.

And yet if the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control, doesn’t that describe his character and attitude toward me?

So that’s what I’m thinking on today. And as I do, through all my sorrows and struggles, I’m praying to the Father,

Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground. (Psalm 143:10, ESV)

Tags Being led by the Spirit, fruit of Spirit, God's goodness, Holy Spirit, Under law

Isaiah Devotionals

When death is swallowed up

Post author By Bruce
Post date July 12, 2025
2 Comments on When death is swallowed up

This article was originally written about a year after my father passed back in 2011. My mother joined him in glory yesterday morning.

For many, death is a painful thing.

I still remember standing vigil over my dad in his last days. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life.

The experience of losing my mother has been no less painful.

But there will come a day when death itself will die. And in this chapter, Isaiah talks about the return of our Lord. On that day, Isaiah says,

He will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever.

The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The Lord has spoken. (Isaiah 25:7-8)

And on that day, people will praise God, singing,

Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation. (9)

When my dad died, he had diabetes, was completely blind, was suffering from pneumonia, and had a sore that never quite healed on his leg.

My mother, on the other hand, not only had physical issues, but also battled with depression off and on for much of her life.

But now, all of that is gone. All the sorrow they experienced, all the pain, has been washed away in victory. And now, they are singing the song of salvation, feasting at our Lord’s table.

So in my pain, I rejoice for them.

And I wait in hope for that day when I will see them again.

There are burdens that I carry every day
Sometimes it makes me want to cry…

In the middle of the darkness in my life
I find the strength to carry on
I am holding to a promise Jesus made
And I know it won’t be long ’til we’ll be gone

In a while we’ll be gone
And we won’t have to cry anymore.
All our sorrows left behind

And that’s the day that I am waiting for
And that’s the day that I am longing for
And that’s the day I’m looking for
— Amy Grant

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, death, Hope

Galatians Devotionals

Pleased

Post author By Bruce
Post date July 8, 2025
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But when God, who from my mother’s womb set me apart and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me, so that I could preach him among the Gentiles… (Galatians 1:15-16)

“God was pleased to reveal his Son in me.”

Those are amazing words.

Why would God choose to reveal his Son in me?

Paul must have wondered that.

He had been a blasphemer, a violent man who had persecuted Christ’s church. (1 Timothy 1:13)

God could have chosen “better” people to reveal his Son to the Gentiles, but he chose Paul.

More, he was pleased to do so.

That gives me hope.

God has called all of us to be his temple, his priests in whom he reveals himself to the world.

But when I look at myself, I can see so many flaws, so many “cracks” in the wall. Can you relate?

God could choose so much better people to be his temple, his priest in whom he reveals himself.

Yet God does not just choose to reveal himself in me and you, he delights to do so.

That’s an awesome thought.

Tags God's priests, God's temple, grace

Joshua Devotionals

Forgetting the “therefore”

Post author By Bruce
Post date July 7, 2025
No Comments on Forgetting the “therefore”

Therefore, fear the Lord and worship him in sincerity and truth. (Joshua 24:14)

Therefore.

When I first read verse 14 this morning, I’ll admit my first focus was on worshiping God in sincerity and truth, and thinking about what that meant.

But as I read it again, the word “therefore” leapt to my eye.

What was the “therefore” there for?

Joshua had been reminding the Israelites of God’s goodness and mercy towards them.

And only after having done so, did he then say, “Therefore, fear him, worshiping him in sincerity and truth.”

It reminded me of another “therefore” in the Bible.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. (Romans 12:1)

It’s so easy to start with God’s commands to give our all to him. To put aside the idols and sin in our lives and to serve and worship him with all our heart, soul, and mind.

But let’s not skip over the “therefore.”

Rather, let us always start with these two truths:

Our God is so good to us.

And he has shown us so much mercy and grace.

Tags God's goodness, God's grace, God's mercy, living sacrifice, therefore, worship

Joshua Devotionals

Watch yourselves

So diligently watch yourselves! Love the Lord your God! (Joshua 23:11)

Those words arrested my attention this morning.

“Watch yourselves.”

And not only, “Watch yourselves.”

“Diligently watch yourselves.”

For what purpose?

That our love for God would show in our every thought, action, and deed.

This morning, my heart was a bit out of sorts and my attitude not right.

Part of it was concern about my daughter catching a cold and being forced to miss her semester exams.

Part of it was just some annoyances at work.

But after reading that verse, I’m trying to refocus and remember what’s important: To love God. And to love those he’s put in my life.

It’s so easy to get put off track by our circumstances and our emotions.

But let’s remember Joshua’s words:

“Diligently watch yourselves.”

“Love the Lord your God.”

Tags guarding our hearts, Loving God, loving others, worries

Joshua Devotionals

Leaving nothing undone

Just as the Lord had commanded his servant Moses, Moses commanded Joshua. That is what Joshua did, leaving nothing undone of all that the Lord had commanded Moses. (Joshua 11:15)

There are several famous verses in the book of Joshua, including chapter 1, verses 5-9, and chapter 24, verse 15.

But this is also one of my favorites. “Joshua left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded.”

I want to be that way too. Especially when it comes to sin.

I don’t want to make excuses for my sins. I don’t want to treat them lightly. I want to wipe them out as thoroughly as Joshua and the Israelites wiped out the Canaanites and their evil from the land. (See Leviticus 18, especially verses 24-25).

Father, help me to do just that. Let me leave nothing undone of all that you command.

Tags Canaanites, Joshua, obedience, Sin

Joshua Devotionals

Judgment day

So Joshua conquered the whole region—the hill country, the Negev, the Judean foothills, and the slopes—with all their kings, leaving no survivors.

He completely destroyed every living being, as the Lord, the God of Israel, had commanded. (Joshua 10:40).

Let’s be honest, words like these are tough to swallow. Why would God command such a thing?

In a word: judgment.

What were the Amorites being judged for?

Their sin.

God goes into great description of that in Leviticus 18, telling the Israelites that the land was “vomiting” out the Amorites for their sin. (Leviticus 18:24-25)

That said, God was patient with them. He waited 400 years for them to repent. (Genesis 15:13-16)

They never did.

And when their sin reached their “full measure,” judgment came, with God instructing Joshua and the Israelites to wipe them out.

I mentioned in my last article that the Bible is not all encouraging and comforting words about God’s love and mercy. It also has hard words about judgment too.

God is patient. He desires all to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

But if like the Amorites, people refuse to repent, judgment will come.

So let us never take our sin lightly. Remember that a day of judgment is coming as it came for the Amorites. And always keep in mind the words of Peter.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed.

Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness as you wait for the day of God and hasten its coming. (2 Peter 3:10-12)

Tags Amorites, bible, christianity, devoted to destruction, faith, God, God's patience, Jesus, Judgment day, Sin

Joshua Devotionals

Whether hard or pleasant

Joshua read aloud all the words of the law—the blessings as well as the curses…There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read. (Joshua 8:34-35)

Those words struck me today.

Joshua didn’t just read the parts of God’s word that he liked. He read the parts that were hard to read too.

Not all places in the Bible are pleasant, talking about God’s love and mercy.

Some places are hard, talking about God’s justice and judgment.

Forgetting that can lead us to treat sin, and more importantly, God, lightly as Achan did (Joshua 7).

But beyond that, whether hard or pleasant to hear, all God’s words are for our good.

So let’s not just read the parts of the Bible we like and which are easy to read. Instead, like Joshua, let’s read all of it, not failing to read a single word.

Tags God's goodness, God's judgment, God's justice, God's mercy, God's word, Joshua, obedience

Joshua Devotionals

Casting crowns

When Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua approached him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”

“Neither,” he replied. “I have now come as commander of the Lord’s army.”

Then Joshua bowed with his face to the ground in homage and asked him, “What does my lord want to say to his servant?” (Joshua 5:13-14)

This chapter has so many awesome things in it.

I love the idea of the rolling away of our past. (9)

I was also thinking about how failing to trust and obey God will lead us to wandering around the desert instead of finding the life God desires for us. (6)

But for some reason, whenever I read this chapter, I always gravitate toward verses 13-14. This is now the fifth article I’m writing on it.

I love how the English translation of the Jewish Bible describes Joshua’s response to the commander of the Lord’s army.

Joshua threw himself face down to the ground and, prostrating himself, said to him, “What does my lord command his servant?” (14, Tanakh)

Here was Joshua, the leader of God’s people. But when the commander of the Lord’s army shows up (who many Bible scholars believe is actually Jesus), he throws himself down before him, and asks, “What do you want of me?”

It reminded me of the response of the 24 elders in Revelation 4.

Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the one seated on the throne, the one who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before the one seated on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever.

They cast their crowns before the throne… (Revelation 4:9-10)

Just as the twenty-four elders cast their crowns before the throne of God, so did Joshua before his commander, submitting to God’s authority in his life.

And that was my response to Jesus today.

Jesus, I cast my crown before you. You are my King. I surrender reign over my life to you. What do you want me to do?

Tags bible, casting crowns, christianity, commander of the Lord's army, faith, God, God's reign, Joshua, submission

Joshua Devotionals

What does this mean to you?

Post author By Bruce
Post date June 24, 2025
No Comments on What does this mean to you?

In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ you should tell them, ‘The water of the Jordan was cut off in front of the ark of the Lord’s covenant. When it crossed the Jordan, the Jordan’s water was cut off.’

Therefore these stones will always be a memorial for the Israelites.” (Joshua 4:6-7)

Last Sunday, my pastor was talking about Abraham’s circumcision, and how it was a constant reminder to Abraham of his relationship with God.

The stones in today’s passage served a similar function. They reminded the Israelites of their relationship with God and all he had done for them.

But getting back to my pastor’s message, he asked, “What things serve as memorials for you?”

I was thinking of my baptism picture today. It’s in a box in my closet right now. I think the glass for the frame is broken, but the picture is intact.

And I was thinking, “What does that picture mean to me? Why is it stuck in that box in the closet?”

That picture actually represents a lot. It represents a turning point for me in my walk with God.

I can’t say I totally understood everything baptism represented that day. But I vividly remember my pastor asking me, “Why do you want to get baptized.”

I answered, “I want to know God better.”

An imperfect answer, to be sure.

But God honored that request. And as I look back, it wasn’t long before he started to make himself more real to me.

Maybe it’s time for me to pull that picture out of the box.

How about you? What are the things that remind you of your relationship with God? Which remind you of all he’s done for you?

What do you need to pull out of the box and put on display?

Tags Baptism, bible, christianity, faith, Jesus, memorials, reminders

Joshua Devotionals

Because we’re on untraveled ground

Post author By Bruce
Post date June 23, 2025
No Comments on Because we’re on untraveled ground

When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God carried by the Levitical priests, you are to break camp and follow it.

But keep a distance of about a thousand yards between yourselves and the ark. Don’t go near it, so that you can see the way to go, for you haven’t traveled this way before…”

Come closer and listen to the words of the Lord your God.” (Joshua 3:3-4, 9)

As I read those words, I couldn’t help but think of some verses I’ve been memorizing over the past week from Psalm 143.

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust.

Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord! I have fled to you for refuge.

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! (Psalm 143:8-10, ESV)

That could have been the song of the Israelites entering Canaan.

But it’s also my prayer now.

The future is all untraveled ground for me. There’s so much I don’t know.

And Satan would lay so many traps for me that I can’t see.

But God knows everything that lies ahead.

And so I want…I need to draw closer. To listen to His words. To learn to do his will. To be led by his Spirit moment to moment, day to day.

What does that look like practically? I’m still trying to figure it out, to be honest. But that’s my prayer.

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust.

Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord! I have fled to you for refuge.

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! (Psalm 143:8-10)

Tags bible, faith, God, God's leading, God's will, Holy Spirit, Jesus, untraveled ground

Acts Devotionals 2

Passionate for the Kingdom

Post author By Bruce
Post date June 18, 2025
No Comments on Passionate for the Kingdom

From dawn to dusk he expounded and testified about the kingdom of God. He tried to persuade them about Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.

Some were persuaded by what he said, but others did not believe. (Acts 28:23-24)

I couldn’t help but see the passion of Paul in those words. A passion to bring people into God’s kingdom.

Some people believed his message. Some didn’t.

But regardless of their response, it didn’t diminish his zeal.

I want that passion.

In these last several chapters of Acts, I’ve been thinking about Paul’s words to the Corinthians.

In particular, his words in 2 Corinthians 5 clearly explain his motivations for all he did in Acts.

Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to him.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people… (Think about Felix in Acts 24:15, 24-25.)

For if we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. (Think about Festus in Acts 26:24).

For the love of Christ compels us, since we have reached this conclusion, that one died for all, and therefore all died.

And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised. (2 Corinthians 5:9-11, 13-15)

Father, give me Paul’s passion for your kingdom: compelled by Christ’s love for me, compelled by my love for him, and compelled by his love for those around me.

Tags Christ's love, God's kingdom, passion

Acts Devotionals 2

A word to sustain the weary

Post author By Bruce
Post date June 17, 2025
No Comments on A word to sustain the weary

The Lord God has given me
the tongue of those who are instructed
to know how to sustain the weary with a word.

He awakens me each morning;
he awakens my ear to listen like those being instructed. (Isaiah 50:4)

I’ve been working on memorizing that verse the last few days, including just before reading today’s passage.

And as I read Acts 27 today, it struck me that Paul could have said those words.

God awakened his ears to listen as a disciple would. (Acts 27:23-24)

And he gave him the tongue of a disciple that could sustain the weary with a word. (Acts 27:25, 33-36)

That’s the kind of man I long to be.

Father, give me the ear of a disciple that hears your voice. And give me the tongue of a disciple that knows how to sustain the weary with a word.

Tags disciple, ears of a disciple, encouraging words, tongue of a disciple

Acts Devotionals 2

Too small?

Post author By Bruce
Post date June 16, 2025
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Why do any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead? (Acts 26:8)

Those words stood out to me today. Not because I don’t believe God can raise the dead. But it made me wonder, “Are there other ways in which I make God too small?”

I was praying for someone today, and the thought occurred to me, “Do I really think this can happen? Or am I just expressing a wish, a hope for something that I don’t think will really happen?”

I don’t want to be that way. My God is big. And I want to see him that way.

It made me think of an old worship song.

I have made you too small in my eyes.
O Lord, forgive me.

And I have believed in a lie
that you were unable to help me.

But now, O Lord, I see my wrong.
Heal my heart and show yourself strong.

And in my eyes and with my song,
O Lord, be magnified.
O Lord, be magnified. — Don Moen

Tags faith, God's greatness, prayer, wishful thinking

Acts Devotionals

I appeal to Jesus!

Paul replied, “I am standing at Caesar’s tribunal…I appeal to Caesar!” (Acts 25:10-11)

The word “tribunal” is translated “judgment seat” in other passages in scripture, such as where they refer to God’s judgment seat (Romans 14:10) or Christ’s judgment seat (2 Corinthians 5:10).

And it made me think.

One day, we will all stand before God’s judgment seat as Paul was standing before Caesar’s. And there, Satan would throw all kinds of serious accusations against us.

But unlike the accusations thrown at Paul, Satan’s accusations would be quite legitimate. We have committed all kinds of sins, making us deserving of death.

Yet as God’s children, we can cry out, “I appeal to Jesus!”

And by Jesus’ blood shed on the cross, God will declare us righteous.

That’s an awesome thought.

So whenever Satan, or even our own consciences, are mercilessly hurling accusations at us, let us cry out boldly and with confidence, “I appeal to Jesus!”

Tags accusations, condemnation, conscience, grace, judgment, judgment seat, Satan

Acts Devotionals

In all good conscience (2)

Post author By Bruce
Post date June 12, 2025
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I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God and men. (Acts 24:16)

This is the second time in two chapters that Paul talks about keeping a clear conscience before God. (Acts 23:1)

Why was that important to him?

I think there were three reasons.

First, he knew there was a resurrection and that he would stand before God’s judgment seat someday. (15)

He once told the Corinthians,

Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to him.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. (2 Corinthians 5:9-10)

But as much as he knew the fear of the Lord, he also knew the love of the Lord, and that also drove him. He said,

For the love of Christ compels us, since we have reached this conclusion, that one died for all, and therefore all died.

And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

But I think a final reason is that he knew keeping a clear conscience had an effect on his testimony.

When Paul talked to Felix about judgment, it scared Felix to death. (Acts 24:25)

I half-wonder if one reason Felix was hoping for a bribe from Paul was to diminish his testimony. After all, if Paul accepted a bribe, how afraid of judgment could Paul really be?

But Paul kept a clean conscience, and his testimony stood.

How important is keeping a clear conscience to us?

Father, help me to always keep a clear conscience before you. For fear of you. For love of you. And for an unstained witness that might draw the people I love to you.

Tags bible, christianity, faith, Felix, good conscience, Jesus, Paul, testimony

Acts Devotionals

In all good conscience

Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience to this day.” (Acts 23:1)

I wish I were able to say what Paul said.

Not with an arrogant or self-righteous attitude, of course.

The truth is, we can be acting in all good conscience and still do some pretty horrific things. Paul knew that as well as anyone. (1 Timothy 1:13-14)

But I never want to violate my conscience, willfully doing what I know is wrong.

And when I realize my sin, I want a soft heart like Paul’s that quickly repents. (Acts 23:5)

So my heart’s prayer is this:

Who perceives his unintentional sins?
Cleanse me from my hidden faults.

Moreover, keep your servant from willful sins;
do not let them rule me.
Then I will be blameless
and cleansed from blatant rebellion.

May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:12-14)

Tags blatant sins, clean conscience, good conscience, repentance, unintentional sins

Acts Devotionals

Why delay?

Post author By Bruce
Post date June 10, 2025
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And now, why are you delaying? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name. (Acts 22:16)

It never struck me until today that Saul seemed to be hesitating to get baptized.

Why? Feelings of guilt for his past, probably. Wondering if God could really love him. Wondering if God could really use someone like him for his kingdom.

Maybe you are like Saul. You’re thinking about getting baptized, but you’re hesitating.

Perhaps it’s because you see all your sins and weaknesses. You see all your doubts.

Perhaps you feel you don’t know enough. Or maybe you wonder if you can “properly” live the Christian life.

Can I encourage you? Don’t hesitate.

None of us had completely cleaned up our lives before getting baptized.

None of us had perfect faith.

None of us knew everything about God and his word.

I’ve been a Christian for over 40 years, and I still can’t say I have accomplished any of these things.

All God wants us to do is to start that journey with him. And it starts with one decision: “Jesus I choose to trust you as my Lord and Savior. I want to follow you.”

If that’s you, don’t hesitate. Ananias’ words are for you.

And now, why are you delaying? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name. (Acts 22:16)

Tags Baptism, hesitation, Saul

Acts Devotionals

Worshiping in ignorance? (2)

Post author By Bruce
Post date June 4, 2025
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[Apollos] had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately about Jesus, although he knew only John’s baptism…

After Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately. (Acts 18:25-26)

It occurred to me as I read this that Apollos was another person who to some degree was worshiping God in ignorance.

He knew about Jesus and apparently was zealous for him, but there were gaps in his knowledge.

But unlike most of the Atheniens, he was hungry to have those gaps filled. He wasn’t content with what he knew.

And by filling those gaps, not only did he come to know God more deeply, God was able to use him more effectively for His kingdom. (Acts 18:27-28)

How about you? You may know Jesus. You may be zealously serving him. But all of us have gaps in our knowledge of him.

Are you content to live with those gaps? Or are you actively seeking to fill those gaps?

Jesus said,

But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth.

Yes, the Father wants such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23-24)

Let’s not be satisfied living with those gaps in our knowledge of God and his Word. Let’s actively seek to fill them.

And as we do, we’ll worship and serve God as he desires: in Spirit…and in truth.

Tags Apollos, God's word, Jesus, teachable, Worshiping in Spirit and truth

Acts Devotionals

Worshiping in ignorance?

I see that you are extremely religious in every respect…you worship in ignorance…(Acts 17:22-23)

I was thinking about those words today. The Atheniens were very religious, but worshiped in ignorance. Their concept of God was so far from the truth, that Paul felt compelled to correct them.

The Samaritans had a similar problem. Jesus said of them,

You Samaritans worship what you do not know. (John 4:22)

Of course there are many people today who have a wrong view of God. But is there a sense in which we Christians also worship in ignorance?

Put another way, “What gaps still exist in our understanding of God? And how much have our experiences colored our perception of God?”

Many of us know in our heads, for example, that God is our Father.

But how much is that image distorted in our minds because of our own relationships with our earthly fathers?

Or we say that God is a good king. But how much do we struggle with that concept because we’ve seen leaders inside and outside the church abuse their power?

I think I have a pretty healthy image of God. But I have to wonder, are there still some gaps in there?

Gaps that sometimes make me hesitate to obey him?

Gaps that sometimes make me hesitant to trust him?

Gaps that make me seek the praise of others because I fail to see how God sees me?

I see all these issues in my life. Could it be because there is still a sense in which I’m worshiping in ignorance?

So this is my prayer today:

Father, help me to truly know you more. Fill in those gaps, so that I can see you as you truly are.

Tags ignorance, religiosity, worship

Acts Devotionals

That chains may be broken

Post author By Bruce
Post date June 2, 2025
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Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the jail were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains came loose. (Acts 16:26)

As I read those words, I thought about all the people in my life that need to have their chains broken, who need to be set free.

One is bound by chains of hurt, anger, and bitterness.

Another is bound by chains of anxiety and confusion.

Others I know are bound by low self-worth, of not feeling “good enough.”

Others are bound by their own sin.

Satan has wrapped his chains around so many around me, including chains I’m unaware of.

God was reminding me today, “I want break those chains.”

Just as he broke Lydia’s chains. The demon-possessed girl’s chains. The prisoners’ chains. The jailer’s chains.

And so I’m praying for the people in my life whom Satan has enchained. And I’m praying that God shows me how to be that intersection point between heaven and earth for them.

Are there chains that need to be broken in the lives of people you know? Are there chains that need to be broken in your own life?

The Spirit of the Lord God is on me…

He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives
and freedom to the prisoners… (Isaiah 61:1)

Tags chains, chians, freedom, intersection point, prayer, prisoners, Satan

Acts Devotionals

Grace giver?

It’s very interesting to me that for how hard Paul fought for the idea of salvation by grace for the Gentiles, when it came to his personal relationships, he failed to show grace to Mark.

Mark had failed Paul and Barnabas by abandoning them on their previous missionary journey.

Why Mark left is unclear, but whatever the reason, Paul was unwilling to give him a second chance.

It made me think: how often am I like Paul, failing to show grace to those who disappoint me, with those who fail to “measure up” to my standards? I can think of too many times.

I want to be a grace giver…especially in my personal relationships with my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Are you a grace giver?

Perhaps the thing we all need to remember about our brothers and sisters in Christ when they disappoint us is this:

God knows their heart. And despite their weaknesses and failings, the Holy Spirit bears witness to them just he does with us, telling them, ‘You are God’s child.’

He makes no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. (Acts 15:8-9)

So though they fail us, let’s show them the same grace God has poured out on them…and us.

Tags child of God, grace, grace giver, measuring up, second chances

Acts Devotionals

Fervent?

Post author By Bruce
Post date May 27, 2025
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So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was praying fervently to God for him. (Acts 12:5)

I was thinking today about how even after God didn’t answer the Christians’ prayer for James, they prayed for Peter when Herod imprisoned him. Not only that, they prayed fervently.

It made me think, “How fervent am I in my prayers when God seems slow to answer? Or when God has said no to other prayers?”

I’m thinking of two friends now, both of whom I’ve been praying for a long time. And for whatever reason, God doesn’t seem to be answering.

Sometimes I’m fervent in my prayers for them. But many times I’m not.

Of course, fervency in prayer doesn’t necessarily mean that God will say yes to my requests. Nor does it necessarily show how great my faith is. (The church sure didn’t seem to have much. See verses 15-16).

But fervency does say, “God, this is important to me. And I believe you hear me. And I believe you care. So I’m putting my trust in you and laying this in your hands.”

That’s the attitude I want to have as I pray for my friends today.

How about you? Are you praying with fervency?

Tags fervent prayer, God's love, James, Peter, prayer

Acts Devotionals

Do I ever sound like a Pharisee?

Post author By Bruce
Post date May 26, 2025
No Comments on Do I ever sound like a Pharisee?

When Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.” (Acts 11:2-3)

I wonder if it had ever struck those men of the circumcision party how much they sounded like the Pharisees criticizing Jesus in that moment. (Luke 5:30; 15:2)

I’m sure they had heard the stories of Jesus eating with the “sinners” and how the Pharisees had criticized him for it.

I’m sure every time they heard those stories, they said, “I would never be like the Pharisees.”

But when they confronted Peter, did it ever occur to them that they were doing essentially the same thing that the Pharisees had?

It made me think of myself. Do I ever sound like a Pharisee? And even if I don’t, what sinful attitudes am I blind to in my life?

Are there characters in the Bible of whom I think, “I would never be like them,” and yet in my own way, I am?

I don’t have an answer to that question right now.

But for now, my prayer is, “Father, reveal to me my own heart. Show me where I am blind. Show me the sinful attitudes in me that I am not seeing. And please make me like you.”

Tags Christlikeness, circumcision party, Pharisees, sinful attitudes

Flashback Friday

Flashback Friday: Being God’s intersection point (4)

Post author By Bruce
Post date May 23, 2025
No Comments on Flashback Friday: Being God’s intersection point (4)

I’m bringing this one back because it kind of fits in with the theme of this week. I did add a few new lines to it, so call it a slightly revised version of what I wrote earlier. May we all truly believe we can be God’s intersection point in this world. And not only believe it, but actually live as God’s chosen instrument to those around us.

God’s chosen instrument

Tags Flashback Friday, God's intersection point, Saul

Acts Devotionals

Three questions

When Philip ran up to it, he heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you’re reading?” (Acts 8:30)

Phillip’s question is very striking.

Imagine you’re having your daily devotions, reading God’s word. Phillip walks up to you and asks, “Do you understand what you’re reading?”

How would you answer?

It’s perfectly okay to answer, “No.”

But do we care enough to seek understanding of the parts we don’t understand?

The Ethiopian eunuch did, inviting Phillip to sit with him, and humbly asking him to explain what he was reading.

Perhaps the most important question, though, is, “What do I do with what I do understand?”

Through Phillip’s teaching, the eunuch came to understand, “I need to put my faith in Jesus. And the first step is to get baptized.”

So immediately, he asked Phillip to baptize him.

Jesus said,

Therefore take care how you listen. For whoever has, more will be given to him… (Luke 8:18)

Put another way, if we not only seek understanding, but also act on what we do know, Jesus will enlighten his word to us even further.

That’s what happened with the eunuch.

How about us? Sure, there may be many things that we don’t understand in the Bible. And yes, it’s important to seek understanding.

But what do we do with what we do understand? Are we saying yes to Jesus and obeying him?

So here’s the challenge. The next time you read your Bible, ask yourself these three questions:

Do I understand what I’m reading?
Do I care enough to seek understanding?
What am I doing with what I do understand?

Tags bible, eunuch, obedience, Phillip, understanding

Acts Devotionals

Being God’s intersection point (3)

Post author By Bruce
Post date May 19, 2025
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Whenever I read Acts 6, the words that describe Stephen always strike me.

“Full of the Holy Spirit.”

“Full of wisdom.”

“Full of faith.”

“Full of grace.”

“Full of power.”

And it made me think, if I truly want to be God’s intersection point to those around me, I need all those things.

But it made me ask, “Why was he that way?”

Among other things, I’m guessing that he like the other Christians were “devoted to the Word and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42)

Those two things were at the core of the 12 apostles’ ministry. (Acts 6:4)

By knowing God’s word well, Stephen grew in wisdom.

By devoting himself to prayer, he formed a strong connection with the Holy Spirit who filled him with grace, power, and faith.

And so I’m thinking, I probably need to spend a little more time in both. Maybe much more time.

Obviously, I have work obligations, family obligations, and other things.

But I think God is saying to me, “Just a little more time. Give me just a little more time. A little less time on the computer. A little less time on Youtube. A little less time on podcasts. And a little more time with me.”

What’s God saying to you?

Tags faith, God's intersection point, grace, power, wisdom

Acts Devotionals

Being God’s intersection point (2)

Post author By Bruce
Post date May 15, 2025
No Comments on Being God’s intersection point (2)

When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)

As you may have noticed, the phrase “God’s intersection point” has been spinning through my head this week.

In other words, we are to be a people where heaven and earth intersect and those around us can encounter God.

I saw that again in the verse above.

I don’t want to simply be known as a nice guy.

I want to be known as someone who has been with Jesus.

I want to be someone who is so filled with the Spirit’s love and power, that I can’t help but tell others about all I have seen and heard, touching them with God’s love.

Father, make me such a person. I’m not satisfied with just being a “nice guy.”

May everyone I meet understand that I have been with you. And through me, may they be drawn to and encounter you.

Tags being with Jesus, encountering God, God's intersection point, nice guy

Acts Devotionals

Being God’s intersection point

Post author By Bruce
Post date May 14, 2025
No Comments on Being God’s intersection point

But Peter said, “I don’t have silver or gold, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” (Acts 3:6)

Last Sunday, my pastor was talking about how Eden was God’s first intersection point between heaven and earth: a place where Adam and Eve could encounter God.

Then the tabernacle and the temple became God’s intersection point where his people could encounter him.

Then Jesus came, and he became the intersection point between God and and humanity. When people met Jesus, they literally encountered God face to face.

But now the Holy Spirit dwells in us, and we are God’s intersection point.

At least we should be.

Peter and John were for that lame man. Through them, that man encountered God and so did thousands more after hearing Peter speak.

In the same way, I want to be God’s intersection point for those around me. I want to be like Peter and John, noticing the people God brings to me and touching them with God’s love.

It may be praying for their healing.

Or giving them a word of encouragement.

Or sharing my faith in Jesus.

But that’s my prayer: “Father, make me your intersection point so that others may encounter you in me.”

Tags Eden, encountering God, intersection point, Jesus, tabernacle, temple

Acts Devotionals

Your Kingdom come

They all were continually united in prayer… (Acts 1:14)

I was thinking about what the apostles and the rest of the Christians were praying about in that room. Were they merely praying for their personal needs?

Considering that Jesus had just given them a crash course on the Kingdom and had told them to wait for the Holy Spirit, I kind of doubt it. My guess is that two prayers dominated:

“Let your Kingdom come.”

“Send your Holy Spirit.”

And so that’s what I’m praying today.

Father, let your Kingdom come among us, your people.

Let your church be the intersection between heaven and earth. A place where your will is done as it is in heaven. A place where our chains of sin are broken, our broken lives are healed, and our relationship with you is restored.

But not only that, fill us with your Holy Spirit. As you filled Jesus, fill us so that we can be effective witnesses for you.

As you’ve brought the Kingdom into our lives, help us to bring your Kingdom into the lives of everyone we touch.

Through us, break chains, heal lives, and bring people into a close relationship with you.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags God's kingdom, God's will, Holy Spirit

Luke Devotionals

No condemnation

Just thinking today on Jesus’ words to the criminal:

Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43)

In short, Jesus was telling him, “No condemnation.”

“Yes, you’re on a cross and you will soon die. But know that when you stand before the Father’s judgment seat: no condemnation.”

Despite his pain, how much joy washed over that criminal in that moment? How much peace?

Like the criminal, you may still be suffering some of the consequences of your sin, even after you’ve repented. And you may be wondering if perhaps God is still punishing your for your sin.

If that’s you, remember the criminal and Jesus’ words to you: “Yes, you may facing pain because of your sin right now. But be at peace. In the Father’s eyes, there is now no condemnation for you.”

How joyful is the one
whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered!

How joyful is a person whom
the Lord does not charge with iniquity… (Psalm 32:1-2)

Tags forgiveness, grace, no condemnation, peace

Luke Devotionals

Weighed down?

But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life… (Luke 21:34, ESV)

The words “weighed down” really struck a chord with me this morning.

I look at the news every day, and it’s easy to get weighed down by all that’s going on in the world.

Some people deal with it by trying to escape, whether by drinking or drugs, or by throwing themselves into their work or hobbies.

Others “deal” with it by moaning and groaning on social media.

But how often do we do what Jesus commanded? What Jesus himself practiced?

How often do we take time with our Father and pray? (Luke 21:36-37)

By doing so, we not only gain strength to stand, but we also gain perspective.

The Kingdom of God is near. This world and it’s problems won’t last forever. All Jesus has said will come to pass.

And by remembering that, we’re able to straighten up and raise our heads, knowing our redemption is near. (28)

Is your heart weighed down by all that’s going on in the world? How often are you taking all this to your Father?

Tags anxiety, burdens, prayer, weighed down, worry

Luke Devotionals

Father, what belongs to you?

Post author By Bruce
Post date May 5, 2025
No Comments on Father, what belongs to you?

“Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?”

“Caesar’s,” they said.

“Well then,” he told them, “give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Luke 20:24-25)

Father, what belongs to you? Just ten percent of my salary?

No, all I have, all I am, belongs to you.

You have engraved your image, your name on me. (Genesis 1:26-27; Revelation 3:12)

I am yours.

So let me never question your authority or the authority of your Son as the chief priests and scribes did. (Luke 20:2)

Instead, with a humble and grateful heart, may I always give you the fruit you seek from me, never sending you away empty-handed. (Luke 20:11)

Tags Caesar, fruit, God's image, God's name, Jesus' authority

Luke Devotionals

When we welcome our King

If you knew this day what would bring peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes…you did not recognize the time when God visited you.” (Luke 19:42, 44)

Just thinking on those words. By welcoming our King, we find peace. (38)

Zacchaeus found peace as he opened his door to his King.

Put that in contrast with the Pharisees and other Jews that Jesus wept over as he entered Jerusalem.

Jesus, how much do I miss out on your peace because I fail to open my door wide open to you, letting you reign in my life?

How often do I miss out on your peace because I don’t even recognize you when you’re standing right in front of me?

Tags peace, Pharisees, Welcoming our King, Zacchaeus

Luke Devotionals

Faith to keep praying?

Now he told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not give up…

So he called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Then those in front told him to keep quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Luke 18:1, 38-39)

I don’t think I’ve ever connected those three verses before. Jesus starts this chapter by telling his disciples to pray and not give up. The blind man then exemplifies what that means.

Even when it seemed like Jesus wasn’t hearing him, even when others told him to give it up, he kept crying for mercy. And he got it.

But unlike the unjust judge in the story, Jesus didn’t answer the blind man because he got sick and tired of his cries. He responded because he is a merciful Savior.

I wonder. When God seems slow to answer my cries, am I quick to give up? Do I start questioning his goodness and love? Or do I keep believing that he truly is good and that he loves me?

When Jesus returns, will he find faith in me? (Luke 18:8)

Will he find faith in you?

Tags blind man, not giving up, prayer, unjust judge, widow

Luke Devotionals

Reign in me

When he was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with something observable; no one will say, ‘See here!’ or ‘There!’

For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Luke 17:20-21)

Father, your kingdom is wherever you are reigning in the hearts of people.

The Pharisees couldn’t see the kingdom in their midst because you were not reigning even in their own hearts. (Luke 16:14-15)

Are you reigning in mine?

If I truly want to see your kingdom come in the lives of those around me, it starts with you establishing your reign in my life.

Reign in me, my good King.

Tags God's kingdom, God's reign

Luke Devotionals

Approachable?

All the tax collectors and sinners were approaching to listen to him. (Luke 15:1)

For some reason, those words hit me this morning. And it made me wonder: “How approachable am I to those who don’t know Jesus?”

I’ll be honest. I’m not a people person. I like people, but no one would ever call me an extrovert. And for me, meeting new people is never easy. I’ve gotten better at it, but I don’t know if I’ll ever be natural at it.

But can people see the love of Jesus in me? Can they sense I care about them? Can they approach me knowing that I’m not looking down on them or condemning them?

I hope so. But then again, I can look at myself and see times I wasn’t so approachable.

Jesus was approachable. That’s why “sinners” were attracted to him. No one, on the other hand, ever accused the Pharisees of being approachable.

We are called to spread God’s Kingdom, to invite people to come under his good reign. But that will never happen if we are not approachable as Jesus was.

So the thing I’m praying today is, “Lord show me how to be more approachable, like you were.”

How about you? Are you approachable?

Tags approachable, Jesus, Pharisees, sinners, tax collectors

Bible Original

Tagging along? Or following?

Post author By Bruce
Post date April 25, 2025
No Comments on Tagging along? Or following?

Now great crowds were traveling with him. So he turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, and even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:25-27)

Jesus’ words are very hard here, but I think he wanted to know, “Are you truly following me? Or are you just tagging along? Are you truly interested in joining my kingdom or not?”

That was one of the points of his parable earlier. People initially showed interest in a man’s banquet (symbolizing God’s Kingdom), but ultimately, they valued other things more. (16-20)

What’s the main difference between a disciple and one who simply tags along? Disciples love Jesus so much that they value him and his kingdom over everything else: their families, their possessions, even their very lives.

Jesus, of course, isn’t literally asking us to hate our families or to sell everything we have. But he is asking us, “What am I worth to you? Do I have top priority in your life?”

Jesus loved us so much that he gave up everything for us. Will we value him as much? Do we believe that if we do, that he is good, and we will ultimately find life, not lose it?

Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

O the wonderful cross
Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live.

–Isaac Watts, Chris Tomlin

Tags discipleship, following Jesus, priorities

Luke Devotionals

Ready…whenever

Be ready for service and have your lamps lit. You are to be like people waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once. (Luke 12:35-36)

Jesus is talking here about being ready for his second coming. But it strikes me that I need to be ready to serve whenever Jesus knocks on my door.

At any time, Jesus may suddenly knock on my door and say “I need you for something. There’s someone I need you to touch.” When that happens, am I ready to respond?

That’s not easy for me. It’s too easy for me to think about my life as my own. But my life is his. I’m his servant. So I need to be ready for his knock whenever it comes.

How about you? Are you ready?

Blessed will be those servants the master finds alert when he comes. (37)

Tags Jesus as Lord, readiness, servant, service

Luke Devotionals

Honored as holy?

Father, your name be honored as holy. (Luke 11:2)

Father, what does it mean to honor you as holy?

It means to treat you as one who is worthy of the highest honor.

As one who is worthy to receive my very best in everything. Not second or third best. And certainly not the leftovers.

As one who is in fact, worthy to receive all of me.

All my love.

All my trust.

All my obedience.

All my life.

But how often do I treat your name as unholy? Or just plain common?

I don’t give you the honor that’s due you.

I prioritize other things over you. I give you my second or third best. Or even the leftovers.

I seek my plans ahead of yours.

Or I indulge in activities I know are displeasing to you.

Father, let your name be honored in this world. In Japan. In America. In all nations. Let all people give you the full honor due you.

But first, let your name be honored in me.

Tags Honoring God as holy, surrender, worship

Luke Devotionals

Open mouths

She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said. (Luke 10:39)

Reading about Mary’s heart always touches me. But by chance, I was praying through Psalm 81 today, and came upon these words.

I am the Lord your God…Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. (Psalm 81:10)

Martha was too busy to receive Jesus’ words. (40-41)

The expert in the law tried to find ways to escape them. (29)

But Mary had a mouth open wide to Jesus’ words. And Jesus filled it.

I don’t know about you, but I want what Mary had. A mouth wide open to the words of Jesus. And more importantly, a heart that’s receptive to them.

How sweet your word is to my taste—
sweeter than honey in my mouth. (Psalm 119:103)

Tags Humble hearts, Jesus' words, Martha, Mary of Bethany, open hearts, soft hearts

Luke Devotionals

Following Jesus

If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. (Luke 9:23)

I was thinking on Jesus’ words today. If I were to paraphrase them, I’d put them this way:

If you truly want to be my disciple (and all Christians are Jesus’ disciples):

Stop living for self. Get rid of the “my life” attitude.
Rather, live in daily surrender to the Father, offering your whole life to him, obeying him in everything. (Philippians 2:8)
Walk with me moment to moment, day to day. Learn from me. And just as importantly, join in what I’m doing: inviting people to come under my Father’s good reign.

One word that really struck me in all this was “daily.” The Christian life isn’t a once a week thing. It’s daily.

And not only did Jesus call us to live as his disciple, so does the Father.

This is my Son, the Chosen One; listen to him! (Luke 9:35)

And so my prayer:

Lord Jesus, my good King, help me live as your disciple, daily following you.

Tags discipleship, following Jesus

Bible Original Luke Devotionals

Authority

Post author By Bruce
Post date April 16, 2025
No Comments on Authority

Jesus, you are my King, But do I fully acknowledge your authority in my life?

The centurion recognized the authority of your Word. (Luke 7:7-8).

Do I?

Your word has the power to raise the dead. (Luke 7:14-15)

And one day, by your word, all the dead will be raised, and you will judge them. Including me. (John 5:25-29)

What will you say to me on that day? Will you be amazed at the faith I had? Will you rejoice that I so totally trusted and obeyed you?

Or will you say, “Why did you call me Lord, Lord, and not do what I said?” (Luke 6:46)

Lord, I do believe in you. But increase my faith and help me to obey you in all things.

Tags Christ's authority, God's word, judgment, obedience, resurrection

Luke Devotionals

Digging deep

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things I say?

I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. (Luke 6:46-48)

Father, let me be one who digs deep. Who doesn’t just skim over your words, but thinks on them and meditates on them. Who seeks to understand them. Who seeks to really know what you’re telling me.

Let your words be the foundation of my life.

Jesus, don’t let be be like those who call you “Lord, Lord,” but don’t do what you say.

You are my King. And I believe you are a good King. So give me ears to hear and a heart to obey you.

Tags God's word, Jesus, king, Lord, obedience

Luke Devotionals

More than willing

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’s knees and said, “Go away from me, because I’m a sinful man, Lord! (Luke 5:8)

I found Peter’s words above interesting. He spoke almost like a leper.

Lepers were required by God’s law to say to anyone who came near them, “Go away from me. I’m unclean.” (Leviticus 13:45-46)

But in Luke 5, a leper actually drew near to Jesus and said, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Jesus was willing and cleansed the leper of his disease.

More significantly, by his grace, he cleansed Peter and the paralytic of their sins.

And in Matthew’s case, Jesus was not only willing, he actually went chasing after Matthew.

In the same way, Jesus chased after us. Though we had gone our own way, treating Jesus like a zero, he went to the cross for us, paying the price for our rebellion.

Now when we come to him asking for mercy, as with the leper, Jesus says to us, “I am willing. Be clean.”

Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

Tags forgiveness and mercy, grace, leper, Mercy, Peter, Sin

Luke Devotionals

An open ear, a soft heart

Post author By Bruce
Post date April 10, 2025
No Comments on An open ear, a soft heart

I don’t know this for sure, but I’ve felt for a long time that when Jesus prayed at his baptism, he probably prayed Psalm 40:6-8.

You…open my ears to listen…Then I said, “See, I have come; in the scroll it is written about me. I delight to do your will, my God…”

Why do I think he prayed that? Because the writer of Hebrews has Jesus praying that psalm. (Hebrews 10:5-7)

But whether he prayed that or not at his baptism, I think we can safely say that Jesus had open ears and a soft heart to God.

Those were things Herod didn’t have, especially when confronted with his sin. (Luke 3:19-20)

The people John baptized, on the other hand, came with open ears and a soft heart. And we see it in their response.

“What should we do?” (Luke 3:10, 12, 14)

That’s the question of open ears and a soft heart.

That’s the heart Jesus had.

That’s the kind of heart I want.

Is it the kind of heart you have?

Whenever we read or hear God’s word, let that be our response to him.

“What should I do? I delight to do your will.”

Tags Baptism, Jesus, obedience, open ears, Soft heart

Luke Devotionals

True peace

Post author By Bruce
Post date April 9, 2025
No Comments on True peace

Suddenly a vast, heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:13-14, NET)

As I read those words, I was thinking about my pastor’s message last Sunday. He talked about how the peace Jesus came to bring is different from the peace people often seek.

With a vast heavenly army appearing, the shepherds might have thought that they came to wipe out Roman oppression.

A scarier thought might have been that the angels came to wipe out the shepherds themselves. God’s glory tends to reveal to us our own sinfulness.

But instead, this army proclaims peace, not just to the shepherds, not just to the Jews, but to all people. (Luke 2:10)

But again, what kind of peace?

Peace with God.

A peace where he breaks into our lives and says, “You don’t have to be afraid of me anymore because of your sin. My Son came to pay the price for your sin.

“And now, my favor is on you. Just as it was on Elizabeth (Luke 1:25). Just like it was on Mary (Luke 1:28-30). My favor rests on you.”

That’s something to treasure in your heart and meditate on. (Luke 2:19)

Tags Elizabeth, Jesus, Mary, peace, reconciliation, shepherds

Deuteronomy Devotionals

To hear your voice

Indeed he loves the people.

All your holy ones are in your hand,
and they assemble at your feet.
Each receives your words. (Deuteronomy 33:3)

Father, your words are not meaningless babble. They are my very life. So let me take each one to heart. (Deuteronomy 32:46-47)

Let your teaching fall like rain on my ears and heart. Let your word settle like dew, like gentle rain on new grass, and showers on tender plants. (Deuteronomy 32:2)

I believe that you truly do love me, and I am in your hands. So I come to you now and sit at your feet. I receive your words to me today.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags God's love, God's word, humility

Deuteronomy Devotionals

Who are you following?

I can no longer act as your leader…The LORD your God is the one who will cross ahead of you. (Deuteronomy 31:2-3)

Who is your faith dependent on? Your pastor? Your friends? Other people in the church?

There’s going to come a time when they can no longer be there for you. What happens then?

My hope is that you would set your eyes fully on God and follow him. That you would be strong and courageous and follow wherever he leads.

More importantly, that’s what God desires for you.

So let’s start learning how to do that now.

To feed ourselves spiritually.

To pray.

To listen to God’s voice.

To fear God.

And to obey him.

How about you? Are you learning those things now?

Tags Following God, leaders, Moses, strong and courageous

Deuteronomy Devotionals

Choose life!

I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse.

Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, love the Lord your God, obey him, and remain faithful (literally, “cling”) to him.

For he is your life… (Deuteronomy 30:19–20)

I’ve been thinking about our relationship with God lately, and I got the image of a cut flower and a potted flower.

Both are beautiful.

But one is already dead because it’s cut off from its source of life. It’s cursed, so to speak, because it’s cut off from its roots.

It’s the same with us and God.

Cut off from him, we are cursed and already dead.

But if we are connected to him, drawing life from him daily, we flourish.

How then do we remain connected to him?

When Paul quotes this passage in Romans 10, he points us to Jesus, admonishing us to trust in him and make him our Lord. (Romans 10:6-13).

So let’s choose life.

Choose Jesus, loving him, obeying him as our Lord, and clinging to him each day.

Tags blessing, curse, cut flower, death, life, obedience, potted flower

Deuteronomy Devotionals

Abhorrent to God. Abhorrent to us?

Post author By Bruce
Post date March 31, 2025
2 Comments on Abhorrent to God. Abhorrent to us?

You saw their abhorrent images and idols made of wood, stone, silver, and gold, which were among them. (Deuteronomy 29:17)

Being in Japan, it’s easy for me to “get used to” all the idols and altars that are around.

But it struck me today that God never “gets used to” them, anymore than he did in Moses’ day. These things were and are abhorrent to him.

But then my next thought was, “What other things do I take for granted that God finds abhorrent?”

My first thought went to the kinds of things showing on Amazon Prime.

Not all of it is bad, of course. But there are definitely things there that would have been abhorrent to us 10-20 years ago.

Nowadays, though, it’s easy to take the attitude of “that’s the way the world is now.”

But God’s attitude never changes. These things are still abhorrent to him. And they should be to us.

And so my prayer today was, “Father, let me never become insensitive to what you find abhorrent. Help me to see things as you do.”

Tags detestable things, holiness, Things God hates

Deuteronomy Devotionals

Listen to him!

The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers.

You must listen to him. (Deuteronomy 18:15)

According to Peter, Moses was pointing to Jesus. (Acts 3:19-26)

Perhaps Peter was also remembering the Father’s own words to him, James, and John:

This is my beloved Son; listen to him! (Mark 9:7)

Honestly speaking, learning to listen to Jesus better is something I’m still working on.

But as Jesus’ disciples, we are not to simply go with the flow of the world.

That’s something Moses specifically warned the Israelites against. (Deuteronomy 18:9-14)

Rather, we are to listen to and follow Jesus.

As you live your life each day, as you make your decisions, who are you listening to?

Tags following Jesus, going against the flow of the world, obedience

Deuteronomy Devotionals

Purging the evil within us

Post author By Bruce
Post date March 26, 2025
No Comments on Purging the evil within us

You must purge the evil from you. (Deuteronomy 17:7)

Twice God repeats these words to the Israelites, first in respect to idolatry and second to arrogant sin.

For the Israelites, that meant death to those who committed these sins. In the New Testament church, it meant excommunication. (1 Corinthians 5:13)

But as I read those words, God reminded me that I need to purge the sin that’s within me as well. To put it to death, as Paul said. (Colossians 3:5-10)

I can’t take my sin lightly. I can’t arrogantly ignore God or those who would correct me.

With God’s help, and the help of God’s people, I need to purge my sin.

And so my prayer for the day:

Father, let me never take my sin lightly. Help me to purge it.

Let your Word be that cleansing fire in my life. Through your Word, let me learn to fear you and obey you in everything.

Let me never turn back to Egypt, to my old way of life.

That way is death. But your ways are life. You are life. And you are good.

So help me to love and honor you in all I do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags arrogance, humility, purging evil, repentance, Sin

Deuteronomy Devotionals

To be like you

Father, you are not hardhearted or tightfisted toward me. (Deuteronomy 15:7)

Nor do you have a stingy heart toward me. (10)

Instead you open your hand willingly, giving generously to me. (11, 14)

More, 2000 years ago on a cross, you proclaimed the release of debts and forgave all my sins. (Deuteronomy 15:2; Colossians 2:13-14)

So Father, let me be like you to those around me. Open-handed, generous, forgiving people for any wrong they have done to me.

I’ve got so far to go. But I want to be like you.

Help me to be like you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags child of God, forgiveness, generosity, imitating God

Deuteronomy Devotionals

Because we are God’s children

Post author By Bruce
Post date March 21, 2025
2 Comments on Because we are God’s children

You are sons of the Lord your God…you are a holy people belonging to the Lord your God.

The Lord has chosen you to be his own possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth. (Deuteronomy 14:1-2)

Those are amazing words to reflect on. They were spoken to Israel, but they are now also spoken to us. (1 Peter 2:9-10)

The question is, how do we respond?

We are to be holy as God is holy.

For the Jews, that meant, among other things, rejecting pagan religious rituals (1, 21) and following a special diet (3-21).

Perhaps that diet was God’s way of daily reminding them they were not to merely live on physical food, but on every word he spoke. (Deuteronomy 8:3)

We are no longer bound by that diet (Mark 7:14-19), but it is still God’s desire that we be holy. To imitate him.

That means watching not what goes into our mouths, but what’s in our hearts. (Mark 7:20-23)

But what is our motivation for being holy? To impress God? To prove we’re worthy of his acceptance?

No, we are already accepted. We are already his children, his treasured possession.

Why then?

Because we want to be like our Daddy.

Is that your heart?

Tags accepted by God, child of God, holiness, motives

Deuteronomy Devotionals

Worshiping God’s way

Probably the most important point God is teaching the Israelites in Deuteronomy 12 is that the Israelites were not just to worship however they wanted. They were to worship God’s way.

We are not under the same covenant that the Israelites were. But even under the new covenant, we can’t simply worship the way we want.

According to Jesus, we are to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24).

That doesn’t mean merely performing religious rituals or singing worship songs.

To worship in spirit means that God has our whole hearts. Our whole lives, everything we say and do, becomes worship to him. (Romans 12:1)

To worship in spirit also requires worshiping in truth.

For our lives to be pleasing to him, to be worship to him, we must live by his truth.

We cannot make up our own truth, accepting or discarding God’s word as we like. That would be worshiping our way, not God’s. And God won’t accept that kind of “worship.”

That kind of “worship” is not pleasing to him.

How about you? Are you worshiping God’s way?

Are you worshiping in spirit and in truth?

Tags religious rituals, spirit and truth, worship

Deuteronomy Devotionals

Circumcising our hearts

Yet the Lord had his heart set on your ancestors and loved them.

He chose their descendants after them—he chose you out of all the peoples, as it is today.

Therefore, circumcise your hearts and don’t be stiff-necked any longer. (Deuteronomy 10:15-16)

“Circumcise your hearts.” What does that mean?

Circumcision was a ritual that the Israelites performed on the men to show that they belonged to God. And yet, for many of them, they were not circumcised in heart.

In other words, their hearts did not truly belong to God.

Instead, they clung to their old patterns of thinking and patterns of life. Patterns that hindered their walk with God.

I recently gave a message in church about how Abram (later renamed “Abraham”) had that exact same problem. And he had to learn to cut these patterns out of his life so that his whole heart could belong to God. (Genesis 12)

God has set his heart on us and loved us just as he did with Abram.

Do we really believe that?

If so, what parts of your life are keeping you from completely trusting him and following him?

With God’s help and the help of his people, let’s cut out those areas of our life so that we can truly love him with all our heart and soul, walking in a way pleasing to him. (12)

Tags circumcision, Old patterns of life, our hearts, renewal of our minds

Deuteronomy Devotionals

What we bring into our homes

Post author By Bruce
Post date March 12, 2025
2 Comments on What we bring into our homes

Do not bring any detestable thing into your house, or you will be set apart for destruction like it.

You are to abhor and detest it utterly because it is set apart for destruction. (Deuteronomy 7:26)

Those words really resonated with me this morning.

How often do I bring detestable things into my home?

For me, the thing I need to be most careful about “bringing in” is what I watch on the internet. Or what kinds of things I read. Or what podcasts I listen to.

God brought to mind a podcast I was listening to just yesterday. It was mostly fine, but there was about a five-minute stretch of coarse joking.

I wasn’t entertained at all, but for some reason, I didn’t shut it off either. Probably because it never occurred to me how much God detested it.

I think next time, I’ll either have to skip forward or shut it off altogether. Because anything God detests, I need to too. These are things are set apart for destruction.

We are a holy people, belonging to the Lord. God has chosen us to be his special possession. (6)

So with grateful hearts, let us live that way, and not “bring into our homes” anything God detests.

Tags detestable things, God's people, God's possession, holiness

Deuteronomy Devotionals

Brought out to be led in

[The LORD] brought us from there in order to lead us in… (Deuteronomy 6:23)

I was just meditating on those words this morning.

Just as God brought the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, God has brought us out of slavery to sin in Satan’s kingdom.

But God doesn’t want us to just wander around out on our own. He wants to lead us into his own kingdom so we can find true life and peace with him.

But for that to happen, we need to leave Egypt behind.

In other words, we need to leave our old thoughts and patterns of life behind. We need to embrace God’s way of thinking, letting it touch our heads, hearts, and hands. (Deuteronomy 6:6, 8)

So today, I’ve been thinking about the old patterns I need to let go of and the new ones I need to embrace.

What is God speaking to your heart about?

He brought us out.

Now let’s allow him to lead us into new life.

Tags God's leading, Old patterns of life, renewal of our minds, slavery to sin

Deuteronomy Devotionals

All of me

Post author By Bruce
Post date March 10, 2025
No Comments on All of me

Be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you are not to turn aside to the right or the left.

Follow the whole instruction the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live, prosper, and have a long life in the land you will possess (Deuteronomy 5:32–33)

Father, your words are life.

So help me not to turn aside to the right or to the left of what you say.

Help me to leave behind my old way of thinking and follow your whole instruction. Not just a part of your instructions, nor all parts but one. But all.

Give me a heart to fear you. To honor you.

I want to give you all of me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags fearing God, God's commandments, honoring God

Bible Original

God fights for you

Don’t be afraid of them, for the Lord your God fights for you. (Deuteronomy 3:22)

“The Lord your God fights for you.”

Somehow those words just rung in my heart this morning.

When the Enemy is against, us, God doesn’t just stand by. He fights for us.

When trials and hardship come, God is not blissfully unaware. He fights for us.

But he also calls us to do the same for each other.

We may be at a place of rest like the Reubenites, Gadites, and people of Manasseh. But when our brothers and sisters in Christ are struggling, we can’t just say it’s none of our affair. We need to stand by them and fight for them like our God does. We need to show them the love God has shown us. That’s what it means to stand together with our shield of faith. (Ephesians 6:16)

So in our struggles, let’s stand together and fight, with the confidence that God is fighting for us too.

Deuteronomy Devotionals

How we see God

The Lord brought us out of the land of Egypt to hand us over to the Amorites in order to destroy us, because he hates us. (Deuteronomy 1:27)

The Israelites’ attitude really struck me today.

How we see God has a huge impact on how we relate to him.

The Israelites were convinced that God hated them.

Somehow they had forgotten that God had fought for them. That he had carried them through the wilderness. That he had led and protected them day and night. (Deuteronomy 1:30-33)

As a result, they refused to enter the good land God was giving them. Instead, they wanted to go back to slavery in Egypt. (Numbers 14:3-4)

It’s easy to say “God is good” and “God loves me.”

But do we really believe it? What do our actions show? Do we believe these truths enough to trust and obey him in everything?

The question I’m asking, that we must all ask is, “God, what do I really think about you?”

Tags Canaan, Israelites, Moses, obeying God, trusting God

John Devotionals

Walking in grace

[Jesus] told him, “Follow me.” (John 21:19)

John 21 has many similarities to Luke 5:1-11.

One that really struck me this morning was that in both stories, Peter recognized his own failings and sinfulness. And each time, Jesus still said, “Follow me.”

Peter started his faith journey walking in grace. Three years later, he was still walking in that grace. And he would continue to do so until the day he met Jesus face to face once more.

We too are on a journey. Like Peter’s, our journey starts by grace. And it continues each day by grace.

We’re not perfect. Our love for Jesus isn’t perfect either. But despite that, Jesus still says, “Follow me.”

So let’s not get discouraged by our own sins, weaknesses, and failings. Let’s simply keep our eyes on him and follow.

Tags faith journey, grace, Jesus

John Devotionals

Peace be with you

Peace be with you. (John 20:19)

That was a pretty common greeting in those days and still is among Jews.

But was that all it was? Considering Jesus said it twice, I’m kind of thinking not.

The disciples were in hiding, afraid of the future. And even Jesus appeared to them, how much angst did they have because they had failed him.

But Jesus said, “Peace be with you. I’m here. And despite your failings, I accept you.”

He then sent them out to bring his peace to people without it.

But it’s hard to bring peace into people’s lives if we don’t have God’s Spirit of peace living in us. And so he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

Jesus wants to send you out too.

But do you have peace yourself? Or are you constantly worried about the future? Are you constantly worrying about what God thinks of you?

Remember: Jesus looks at you, and says, “Peace be with you.”

Jesus has already given you his Spirit. Not a spirit of fear, but one that cries out with us, “Abba, Father.”

We have peace with God now. (Romans 5:1, 5; 8:15)

So rest in his peace. And let’s take that peace out to those living without it.

Tags acceptance, Fear, forgiveness, Jesus, peace

Bible Original

“I am”

When Moses asked God’s name, God answered. “I am,” meaning, “I am the eternal one. There is no other God besides me.” (Exodus 3:14)

When “I am” was translated into Greek, it came out “eigo eimi.” It’s interesting to me then that when Jesus said, “eigo eimi” to the soldiers, they fell to the ground. (John 18:6)

But when Peter was asked if he was Jesus’ disciple, he said, “I am not.” (John 18:17, 25)

Peter was the one who fell. Why? Because he still didn’t fully grasp who Jesus was.

How about us? Do we truly grasp who Jesus really is? And just as importantly, his great love for us?

If we don’t, like Peter, it will be easy for us to fall.

By chance, I was reading Psalm 146 today in my prayer time. If you have time, read it.

Think about who Jesus is.

And remember his great love for you.

John Devotionals

He prays for us

I pray for them. (John 17:9)

For some reason, those words stood out to me this morning.

Jesus prayed for his disciples.

Jesus prayed for us. (John 17:20)

And even now, he continues to do so. (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25)

He prays for our protection. (John 17:15)

He prays that we would know and live by God’s truth. (John 17:17)

He prays that we would know him and the Father more intimately. And he prays that as our relationship with God deepens, that our relationship with one another would also deepen. (John 17:21-23, 26)

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. How much more intimately does Jesus pray for those he loves?

We often say, “Jesus loves me.”

But today, let’s consider this truth. Let it ring in your soul: “Jesus prays for me.”

Tags God the Father, Intercession, Jesus

Bible Original

Lead me on

I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. (John 16:12-13)

Lord Jesus, how many things do you refrain from telling me because I am not yet able to bear it?

The sins in my life that I am yet blind to. Sins that would overwhelm me with guilt if I saw them all now.

The things that will happen in my future. Good things I would try to force into reality if I knew about them now.

And hard things I would fret about if I knew they were coming.

Yet, in your timing, by your Spirit, you will lead me into all truth.

Lead me on, Holy Spirit.

Tags future, God's leading, Holy Spirit, trials

John Devotionals

Do I trust you?

Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. (John 14:1)

As I was thinking on Jesus’ words today, I asked myself, “When my heart is troubled, how often is it because I’m not trusting God?”

Trusting that he is for me.

Trusting that he is with me.

Trusting that he is in control even though my circumstances, and even this world seem out of control.

Trusting that he will never leave me an orphan. That he will always come to me when I cry out.

That nothing, not even death can separate me from his love. That when I leave this life, he will take me to be where he is.

When we find ourselves losing our peace, maybe that’s the question we all need to ask: Lord, do I trust you?

Tags anxiety, Fear, God, Jesus, peace, trust

John Devotionals

Our right to draw near

I was thinking this morning about our right to draw near to Jesus. How often do we take that for granted?

In today’s passage, there were some Greek men that didn’t feel they had that privilege, probably because they were Gentiles, outsiders to the Jewish community, and Jesus was a famous rabbi.

But Jesus was lifted up on a cross so that all of us could draw near to him. (John 12:32)

It made me think of an old hymn.

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear.
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.

O what peace we often forfeit.
O what needless pain we bear.
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

— Joseph Medlicott Scriven

Tags access, drawing near to God, Jesus, prayer

John Devotionals

But what does God really think about me?

Post author By Bruce
Post date February 17, 2025
No Comments on But what does God really think about me?

Now Jesus loved Martha, her sister, and Lazarus. So when he heard that he was sick, he stayed two more days in the place where he was. (John 11:5-6)

Many people, including Christians, often have this nagging doubt in the back of our minds in which we ask, “But what does God really think about me?”

When Jesus delayed in coming and Lazarus died, I’m sure that Mary and Martha were thinking the same thing about Jesus.

“Does Jesus really love us? Why didn’t he come? Why didn’t he heal Lazarus.”

But what was the truth? What did Jesus really think about them?

He loved them.

When we’re going through struggles and God seems to be silent, it’s easy to start questioning what he really thinks of us.

But let us always remember: He is for us. And he deeply, deeply loves us. (Romans 8:31-32)

And nothing, not even the sting of death can separate us from his love. (Romans 8:38-39, John 11:25)

The only question is, “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26)

Tags God's love, Lazarus, Mary and Martha

John Devotionals

That everything I do would be pleasing to you

Post author By Bruce
Post date February 12, 2025
No Comments on That everything I do would be pleasing to you

There were many words that hit my heart this morning. Perhaps none more so than verse 29 when Jesus said, “I always do what pleases the Father.”

I wish I could say that.

But there were other words too.

If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:31-32)

Truly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in the household forever, but a son does remain forever. So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free. (34-36)

…my teaching makes no progress among you. (37, NET)

The one who is from God listens to God’s words. (47)

I honor my Father and you dishonor me. (49)

And so my prayer for the day.

Lord Jesus, I want to be like you. I wish I could say with you that all I do pleases the Father. But that is not so. There are many things I do that are displeasing to him.

Forgive me. Help me to never dishonor the Father or you by my words or my actions.

Instead, let there always be room in my heart for your Word. Let it progress in my heart. Help me to understand it better. Not only that, help me to obey it better.

Help me to be like Abraham, listening to the truth of your Word, believing and accepting the truth, and following the truth.

Jesus, thank you for your grace. Because of you, I am no longer a slave to sin. By your blood shed on the cross, you have set me free. Thank you for making me a child of God.

Tags bible, child of God, Christ's disciple, christianity, God, honoring God, Jesus, pleasing God

John Devotionals

Rivers of living water

On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me, and drink. The one who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.”

He said this about the Spirit. Those who believed in Jesus were going to receive the Spirit, for the Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet been glorified. (John 7:37-39)

Somehow, whenever I read this passage, my very first thought is how when I come to Jesus, his Spirit quenches my spiritual thirst.

But what God reminded me today was that he doesn’t simply give me his Spirit to quench my thirst. He wants his rivers of living water to flow out from me so that those dying of spiritual thirst around me may also find life.

So this was my prayer today.

Holy Spirit, I have received you and you have quenched my thirst. But I pray that you would be like a river flowing out from me so that those thirsting around me might also drink and find life too.

Tags bible, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, living water, spiritual thirst

John Devotionals

Three questions

So when Jesus looked up and noticed a huge crowd coming toward him, he asked Philip, “Where will we buy bread so that these people can eat?”

He asked this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. (John 6:5-6)

I was thinking this morning what it meant that Jesus was testing Phillip.

What was he asking Phillip?

I’m not sure, but I imagine he was asking, “Do you know who I am yet? Do you know what I’m capable of doing? How much do you trust me?”

If that’s what Jesus was asking, Phillip failed the test on all three counts.

All he could see was the disciples’ inadequacy in meeting the needs of the crowd.

But Jesus already knew what he was going to do. And in his grace, he used what little Phillip and the disciples had to feed thousands.

Sometimes, I am like Phillip. Jesus sees people around me he wants to minister to. He already knows what he’s going to do. But he turns to me and asks, “Do you know who I am yet? Do you know what I’m capable of? How much do you trust me?”

But instead of seeing who Jesus is and what he can do, all I can see is my own weaknesses and inadequacies.

The truth is, my weaknesses and inadequacies are irrelevant. What’s important is who Jesus is. What he can do.

The only question is will I trust him and do what he asks.

Because Jesus is more than able to take what little I have to touch those around me with his love.

So maybe I need to think on those questions more.

“Do you know who I am yet?”

“Do you know what I’m capable of doing?”

“Do you trust me?”

Tags bible, faith, gospel, Jesus, Jesus' love, Jesus' power, Ministry, weaknesses