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

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2 Corinthians Devotionals

Imitating our Lord

Now I, Paul, myself, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ… (2 Corinthians 10:1)

“The meekness and gentleness of Christ.”

I was meditating on those words this morning.

It made me think of what Jesus said in Matthew 11.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:29)

Meekness and gentleness so marked our Lord that whenever he broke the pattern, people took notice.

Unfortunately, I see too many Christians where the opposite is true: meekness and gentleness are the last words we would use to describe them.

Can anyone say “social media”?

I wonder. How many more strongholds could we break in people’s lives if the main weapon we wielded was love?

How many more strongholds could we break if we were marked by our Lord’s gentleness and meekness as much as by truth?

Lord, you have dealt with me with such gentleness, meekness, and humility. Help me to deal with others as you have dealt with me.

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2 Corinthians Devotionals

Imitating our Father

The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously.

Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:6-9)

It struck me today that God is the kind of giver he desires us to be.

When it comes to the gospel, he doesn’t sow sparingly. He sows generously so that no good soil will be missed.

Nor is he a God that gives reluctantly. You don’t have to twist his arm to get him to give. He delights to give good gifts to his children, distributing his gifts freely.

He showed all that by giving us the indescribable gift of his Son.

That’s the kind of Giver he is.

That’s the kind of Father he is.

That’s the kind of God he is.

That’s the kind of person I want to be.

He distributed freely;
he gave to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever. (2 Corinthians 9:9)

Father, I want to be like you.

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2 Corinthians Devotionals

Just ticking off boxes?

Now as you excel in everything—in faith, speech, knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us—excel also in this act of grace. (2 Corinthans 8:7)

It’s easy for us to look at scriptures like this and think, “What boxes can I tick off in my life as a Christian?”

Faith? Check.

Speech? Well, I’m still working on watching what I say.

Knowledge? I’ve still got a lot to learn.

Diligence? Yeah, I’m pretty diligent.

Love? I could still grow in that area.

Generosity? I’m okay, but I could do better.

Do you ever think like this?

Certainly there is some benefit to doing this. Knowing the areas where you are strong and where you need to grow is certainly helpful.

But it can also turn very legalistic if we’re not careful.

We become proud of the boxes we can tick off.

We become discouraged about the boxes we can’t.

And we end up forgetting the joy that should motivate everything we do.

As important as verse 7 is, I’d argue that verse 9 is even more important.

Why?

It’s not verse 7 that leads to heart change. It might lead to change of behavior, but not necessarily change of heart.

But verse 9 will change the heart.

So before you think about the implications of verse 7 in your own life, considering which boxes you can and can’t tick off, read verse 9. Marinate in it. Rejoice in it.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)

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2 Corinthians Devotionals

Wayback Wednesday: Beloved

This is a revised version of an article I wrote a while back.

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1, ESV)

Beloved.

That word struck me this morning.

It’s a word that Paul often used to show his affection to the people he wrote to.

But I can’t help but wonder if he was emphasizing to the Corinthians who they were: Beloved by God.

After all, he had just finished telling them,

For we are the temple of the living God, as God said:
I will dwell
and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they will be my people.

Therefore, come out from among them
and be separate, says the Lord;
do not touch any unclean thing,
and I will welcome you.

And I will be a Father to you,
and you will be sons and daughters to me,
says the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:16-18)

All these reflect the special relationship we have with God, and the love that he has for us. And it is immediately after this, that Paul says,

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)

Why are we to be separate from this world?

Why are we to keep ourselves from sin and be holy?

Because we are beloved sons and daughters of God.

Let us never forget the “why” of holiness, the “why” of everything we do.

We are beloved.

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2 Corinthians Devotionals

Our Father’s heart

We have spoken openly to you, Corinthians; our heart has been opened wide. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us.

I speak as to my children; as a proper response, open your heart to us. (2 Corinthians 6:11-13)

I was thinking this morning about how Paul’s heart toward the Corinthians reflects our Father’s heart toward us.

God speaks openly to us, heart opened wide, never withholding his affection from us.

And with great love, he urges us, “Open your heart to me.”

Father, I open my heart to you today, withholding nothing from you.

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2 Corinthians Devotionals

A truth to revel in, a truth to share

That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed the message of reconciliation to us. (2 Corinthians 5:19)

Those are words I have read numerous times. But I was looking at a couple of Japanese translations today and they really struck me.

He reconciled the world to himself, not making them bear the reproach for their violations. (NJB, 2003 version)

He reconciled the world to himself, not making them bear the responsibility for their rebellion. (NJB, 2017 version)

That’s incredible to think about.

The world says, “You mess up, you have to bear the responsibility for that. You have to pay the price. You have to bear the shame.”

But Jesus bore the responsibility for my sin. He bore my shame.

I’m no longer chained to my past. He’s made all things new.

That’s the truth I’m reveling in today. And that’s the truth I want to share with those around me who are burdened by their sin and shame.

Lord, here I am. Send me.

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2 Corinthians Devotionals

Beholding the Lord

but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:16-18)

I was reflecting a lot on these verses today.

The Israelites were afraid simply to look at the glory of God reflected on Moses’ face and so he put a veil over his face.

But Moses wanted to see that glory. He longed to see his Lord’s beauty. And so whenever he went to talk to the Lord, he took off that veil.

I want to see my Lord’s beauty too. And the amazing thing is that Jesus himself takes off the veil and says, “You don’t need that. Look at me. I want you to see me. To know me.”

And something about seeing his beauty changes me. The more I see him, the more I know him, the more I become like him.

I’m not what I used to be. I’m not what I will be.

But all that matters is that my Lord loves me, and I can stand boldy before him, veil off, invited to draw even nearer and to truly know him.

Lord, you’ve removed the veil from my face. You’ve accepted me. You love me. I’m free to draw near. So I draw near. I long to see and know you more.

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2 Corinthians Devotionals

The fragrance of Christ

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in Christ’s triumphal procession and through us spreads the aroma of the knowledge of him in every place.

For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

To some we are an aroma of death leading to death, but to others, an aroma of life leading to life. Who is adequate for these things? (2 Corinthians 2:14-16)

“To God we are the fragrance of Christ.”

Those are amazing words to me.

To God, I am the fragrance of Christ.

Imperfect though I am, inadequate as I may feel, he says to me, “You are the aroma of my Son to me. Spread his fragrance to everyone you meet.”

I still can’t wrap my head around the grace behind those words. But I choose to see myself as my Father sees me.

I choose to embrace his words and to live them out among everyone I encounter.

“I am the fragrance of Christ.”

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2 Corinthians Devotionals

Marked by grace

Indeed, this is our boast: The testimony of our conscience is that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you, with godly sincerity and purity, not by human wisdom but by God’s grace. (2 Corinthians 1:12)

I found that last phrase interesting. I would have expected Paul to say, “not by human wisdom but by God’s wisdom.”

But instead, he says, “not by human wisdom but by God’s grace.”

Why that contrast?

Maybe his point was, “I don’t want you to be impressed by me and the wisdom I have. I want you to be impressed by the grace of God working in me.

“I want you to be touched by how gracious God has been to such a flawed person like me.

“When you see the passion I have for Christ, I want you to see it flowing not from feelings of pressure to win his approval, but flowing from a heart that is at peace knowing he has already accepted me.

“And I want you yourself to come away from me refreshed and rested because of the grace flowing out of me.”

I wonder if people see that in me. A person marked by grace.

Lord, let me be such a man.

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1 Corinthians Devotionals

Refreshing others

Brothers and sisters, you know the household of Stephanas: They are the firstfruits of Achaia and have devoted themselves to serving the saints…

I am delighted to have Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus present, because these men have made up for your absence. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore recognize such people. (1 Corinthians 16:15, 17-18)

“They have refreshed my spirit and yours.”

The Japanese translation says, “They have given rest to my heart and yours.”

In that way, they were very much like their Lord.

Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Stephanas and the others were very devoted and passionate in serving the Lord.

And yet strangely, sometimes people like that leave others feeling tired or even guilty for not being as “devoted” or “passionate”.

The Pharisees often left people feeling that way.

But people came away from Stephanas and the others refreshed and with rested hearts.

That’s the kind of person I want to be.

I don’t want to impress people with my “passion” for God. Rather, as people did with Stephanas and Jesus, I want them to come away from me with refreshed and rested hearts.

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1 Corinthians Devotionals

To be like you

And just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we will also bear the image of the man of heaven. (1 Corinthians 15:49)

Lord Jesus, you became one of us that we might become like you, bearing your image.

That’s my hope.

That even now, in all my struggles with sin, you continue to work in me, purging my sin, and making me more like you.

And your grace to me will not be in vain.

I will be like you.

I look forward to the day when I will perfectly bear your image in every way.

Until that day, by your grace and strength, help me be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in your work.

I’m confident that my work in you is not in vain.

And neither is your work in me.

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1 Corinthians Devotionals

How will I benefit you?

Paul’s talking a lot here about things like prophesy and tongues which I’ve written about in other places.

But today, these words struck me:

How will I benefit you? (1 Corinthians 14:6)

That was Paul’s heart whenever he spoke, either in preaching, or in one-on-one conversations: How can I benefit you?

That’s the kind of heart I want whenever I have the chance to talk with someone.

I don’t want to be “speaking to the air.” (1 Corinthians 14:9)

If I can say just five words that will build someone up, that’s what I want to do. (1 Corinthians 14:19)

Lord, give me Paul’s heart. Give me your heart. Let every word I speak be a blessing to everyone I meet.

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1 Corinthians Devotionals

Enraptured by You

When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things.

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, as I am fully known.

Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love—but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:11-13)

Father, I don’t want to be childish, enraptured by the gifts you give rather than you, the Giver.

You are so patient and kind to me. You’re never irritable with me. You don’t keep records of all my wrongs. You bear with me in all my weaknesses. You believe in me. You hope for my best. Your love for me never fails.

Father, you are so awesome in all your dealings with me. And I look forward to seeing you face to face, knowing you as fully as you know me.

Until then, make me more like you, loving others as you have loved me.

And let me be totally enraptured with you and your love toward me, moment to moment, day to day.

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1 Corinthians Devotionals

Ignorance is bliss? (2)

I do not want you to be unaware.

You know that when you were pagans, you used to be enticed and led astray by mute idols.

Therefore I want you to know… (1 Corinthian 12:1-3)

“I do not want you to be unaware…”

That’s not the first or only time Paul ever used that phrase.

And once again, it struck my heart.

Paul’s saying here, “I don’t want you to be ignorant. You used to be ignorant, and as a result, were led astray. But now I want you to know.”

I want to know too. I don’t want to stay in my ignorance, nor be satisfied with how much I know. I want to know more.

I want to better understand how to discern God’s Spirit from lying spirits.

I want to better comprehend spiritual gifts.

I want to better know the same Spirit, the same Lord, the same God who grants us these gifts and the purposes for which he gave them to us.

I want to better grasp how he sees me as part of his body, how much he values me.

I want to better understand how he sees the other people in his body, how much he values them.

And I want to know the better way. The better way to think of and use my gifts. The better way to live my life for Jesus.

Lord, let me not be ignorant. I want to know.

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1 Corinthians Devotionals

Memory Monday: Because Christ is my Head

(This is a revision of an earlier article I wrote years ago.)

But I want you to know that Christ is the head of every man…

Every man who prays or prophesies with something on his head dishonors his head. (1 Corinthians 11:3-4)

There appear to be some cultural issues in this passage that Paul was dealing with which are a bit difficult to understand in our modern-day context, namely the issue of head coverings for men and women when praying or prophesying.

But as a man, two things are crystal clear to me.

1. Christ is my Head. My Leader. My King. And I am answerable to him.

2. So with every word, with every deed, I am to honor him in my life.

That’s the kind of man I strive to be.

And I hope that’s the kind of husband, father, and leader that my wife and daughter see in me.

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1 Corinthians Devotionals

Imitating our Lord

…not seeking my own benefit, but the benefit of many, so that they may be saved.

Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:33-11:1)

As I read verse 33 today, Paul’s words reminded me of Jesus’ words in Mark.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

In seeking not his own benefit, but the benefit of many so that they may be saved, Paul was imitating his Lord.

I want to do the same.

But I can still see too many times when I am selfish, thinking only of myself rather than others. Seeking my own benefit, rather than what is beneficial, what builds up, and what will lead to the salvation of those around me.

Lord, you gave up everything for me. Get my eyes off of me and return my gaze to you. Let me be so enraptured by who you are and all you’ve done for me, that I can’t help but want to be like you.

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1 Corinthians Devotionals

You alone

For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth—as there are many “gods” and many “lords”— yet for us there is one God, the Father. All things are from him, and we exist for him. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. All things are through him, and we exist through him.
(1 Corinthians 8:5-6)

My God, I was created with you as my ultimate end. To know you. To please you. To love you. To serve you.

This world has many “gods” and “lords” that it seeks. Wealth. Power. Happiness.

But for me, there is one God: You, Father. And I exist for you.

For me, there is one Lord: You, Jesus. And I exist through you.

Every breath I breathe is a gift from you. You not only created me, but you sustain me moment to moment, day to day.

So as I live this life you’ve given me, you are the one my eyes are ultimately toward.

Not myself.

Not anyone or anything else.

But you.

I was created by you and for you.

In you alone is where my life finds its purpose.

And in you alone, do I find my ultimate meaning and fulfillment.

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1 Corinthians Devotionals

When we sin sexually

Flee sexual immorality! Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the person who is sexually immoral sins against his own body. (1 Corinthians 6:18)

We live in a world that is sexually confused in so many ways.

They look at Paul’s words and have no idea what he is saying.

To them, the concept of sexual immorality is almost meaningless. About the only thing most people agree on is that if sex is not consensual, then it’s wrong. Aside from that, just about anything goes. After all, you’re not hurting anyone, right?

But Paul urges us to flee from sexual immorality. And throughout chapter 6, he clearly defines what exactly sexual immorality is. (1 Corinthians 6:9, 13-16)

He also makes clear in chapter 7 that sex is only to be enjoyed within the context of marriage. After all, he doesn’t tell the single people, “If you’re burning with desire, just sleep with your boyfriend or girlfriend.” He says, “Get married.” (1 Corinthians 7:8-9)

And he encourages married couples to have sex, in part so that they don’t fall into sexual temptation. (1 Corinthians 7:2-5)

But why is sexual sin so bad?

When we sin sexually, not only do we sin against God and the person we sleep with, we sin against ourselves. We dishonor the precious body God created to be his holy temple. (1 Corinthians 6:19)

More, when we involve ourselves in sexual sin, we involve Christ in sexual sin because he dwells within us. (1 Corinthians 6:15-16)

I don’t know about you, but the thought of involving Christ in my sexual sin is abhorrent to me.

And so Paul says,

You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

How about you?

Are you honoring God with your body?

And are you honoring the body he gave to you?

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1 Corinthians Devotionals

Twice yours

However, the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body…

You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6:13, 19–20)

Lord, I was not created for sin, to indulge myself in it.

I was created for you. To serve you. To be your dwelling place.

I am twice yours.

Yours because you created me for yourself.

Twice yours because when I sold myself in slavery to Satan’s kingdom, you bought me back through your blood shed on the cross.

So be Lord in my body, my life, my thoughts, my words, in all I do.

In all that I am, in all that I do, be glorified.

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1 Corinthians Devotionals

Not one word of condemnation

For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. It is the Lord who judges me.

So don’t judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God. (1 Corinthians 4:4-5)

Father, there is a danger in judging myself. There are far too many ways I can deceive myself, justifying anything I do.

But you are the judge. And when I stand before you on judgment day, you will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of my heart.

And yet, I don’t need to fear because I know that you will strengthen me to the end, and on that day, I won’t face one word of condemnation from you. (1 Corinthians 1:8)

So now, I stand before you, assured of your love, and pray as David did.

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

For your faithful love guides me,
and I live by your truth. (Psalm 26:2-3)

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1 Corinthians Devotionals

Acting childish?

For my part, brothers and sisters, I was not able to speak to you as spiritual people but as people of the flesh, as babies in Christ…

For since there is envy and strife among you, are you not worldly and behaving like mere humans? (1 Corinthians 3:1, 3)

Those words kind of hit me this morning.

I am by no means a baby Christian anymore.

But there are still times when I don’t particularly act like a mature one, especially when things annoy me. Or more specifically, when people annoy me.

Such has been the case recently, and so I found myself repenting this morning.

I don’t want to be childish, responding to circumstances as the people of this world do.

I want to be like the Lord I love.

Lord, make me like you. Help me to respond like you in everything.

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1 Corinthians Devotionals

Exploring God’s depths

Now God has revealed these things to us by the Spirit, since the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10)

“The depths of God.”

Those words caught my eye this morning.

How in the world can we possibly fully explore the depths of an infinite God?

To fully know his deepest thoughts. His heart. His plans. His very nature.

Many people think that eternity would be boring.

I think exploring the depths of an eternal God for all eternity would be anything but boring.

The amazing thing is, though, we can start exploring those depths even now.

God has given us access to his depths through his Spirit.

I don’t know about you, but that excites me.

I want to explore all the depths of God.

Not just in eternity.

Right now, moment to moment, day to day.

Lord, I want to know you. Show me yourself. As I read your Word, as I walk with you daily, reveal your depths to me.

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1 Corinthians Devotionals

Free from accusation

He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you will be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; you were called by him into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:8-9)

I really liked the Japanese translation of “you will be blameless.”

It essentially says, “with no area in which you will be accused.” Or perhaps more naturally in English, “free from all accusation.”

There are times when I will hear accusing voices in my head, reminding me of all my sins and shortcomings.

But I refuse to listen to those voices.

My God is faithful. And this faithful God will never give up on me. He will strengthen me to the end until I become like his Son. Now and forever, Jesus is my righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.

And I am free from all accusation!

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Acts Devotionals 2

That God’s word would prevail

the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high esteem.

And many who had become believers came confessing and disclosing their practices, while many of those who had practiced magic collected their books and burned them in front of everyone. So they calculated their value and found it to be fifty thousand pieces of silver.

In this way the word of the Lord spread and prevailed. (Acts 19:17-20)

Having just finished reading 2 Thessalonians, it occurred to me that the Thessalonians’ prayers had great effect.

In addition, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

Being here in Japan, that’s my prayer for this country.

But it’s also my prayer for me.

That I would always hold Jesus in high esteem, never taking him lightly, but always giving him the honor that he is due.

More, I’m praying that his word would spread to every aspect of my life–and prevail.

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2 Thessalonians Devotionals

Being an example…even in our weakness

For you yourselves know how you should imitate us…

…we did it to make ourselves an example to you so that you would imitate us. (2 Thessalonians 3:7, 9)

I read those above passages today, and found myself once again painfully aware of how often I fall short as an example.

And yet, God reminded me today, “Part of being an example is letting people see you work through your flaws. And as you go through that process, to see you walking, not under constant feelings of condemnation, but under grace.”

So I’m praying today that not only would people see that in me, but that I would extend to them the same grace God’s given me as they work through their own shortcomings.

The grace of our Lord Jesus be with us all.

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2 Thessalonians Devotionals

Holding to the truth

This chapter is kind of a scary one when you think about it.

It talks about the man of lawlessness, the Antichrist, the one fighting against the kingship of Jesus.

And it seems that because of him, many in the church will fall away from the truth.

Actually, many have done so already. Many churches and many people who claim to be Christians reject God’s truth concerning sin and instead embrace what he condemns. They actually delight in what God calls unrighteousness.

So when Antichrist comes preaching the things they already believe, they will quickly embrace him, especially when he performs signs and wonders like Jesus did.

But Paul says that when Jesus comes, he will destroy Antichrist with a breath. And all who follow him will perish too. Why?

They perish because they did not accept the love of the truth and so be saved. (2 Thessalonians 2:10)

And so Paul encourages the Thessalonians and us,

So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold to the traditions you were taught, whether by what we said or what we wrote. (2 Thessalonians 2:15)

In short, love the truth. And hold on to it tightly.

Even when it goes against our way of thinking.

Even when it hurts sometimes.

Love it. Embrace it.

More, seek it out. As I mentioned in a recent article, don’t be content with your ignorance.

If you love God’s truth, you will seek to understand it.

And to practice it.

Lord, I choose today and every day to love and embrace your truth.

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1 Thessalonians Devotionals

Because he’s faithful

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)

Those last words really struck me today.

He who calls you is faithful; he will do it.

It reminded me of two other passages.

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me.
LORD, your faithful love endures forever… (Psalm 138:8)

And,

I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)

I look at my life, and I’m nowhere near as faithful as I should be.

And yet, God doesn’t give up on me.

He will fulfill his purpose for me.

That’s what gives me hope, despite my struggles, despite my failures, to keep pressing on to know my Lord and to be like him.

It’s not so much my faithfulness to him that drives me. It’s his faithfulness to me.

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1 Thessalonians Devotionals

Ignorance is bliss?

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant… (1 Thessalonians 4:13, NIV 1984)

Those words really hit me this morning. Probably because next Sunday, I’m giving a message on Jephthah, for whom ignorance of God’s word was definitely not bliss. (Judges 11)

In this case, the Thessalonians’ ignorance led to unnecesary grief over those who had died.

I don’t want to be ignorant about God’s Word.

Sure, there are things we don’t know. We don’t know when Jesus will return. But we do know he is definitely returning. And when he does, he will conquer evil once and for all and make all things new.

We don’t know exactly what the resurrection will look like. But we do know for certain that death is not the end and that we have hope beyond the grave.

I don’t have to know everything. But I want to know everything God is clear on.

I want know all of God’s teaching. I want to know all of his ways.

Most of all I want to know him.

Because I know that in him there’s hope — and life.

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1 Thessalonians Devotionals

To complete what is lacking

…we pray very earnestly night and day to see you face to face and to complete what is lacking in your faith? (1 Thessalonians 3:10)

“To complete what is lacking in your faith.”

It seems Paul is talking here about how because he was forced to flee Thessalonica so suddenly (Acts 17:5-10), he wasn’t able to instruct the Thessalonians as throughly in the faith as he had wanted to.

And as I read that, I especially thought about my daughter and the other young people in my church. I want to help complete what is lacking in their faith, to fill in the gaps they still have as to what they believe and why.

But I also thought about myself. Because I see gaps in my own faith.

Not so much in knowing what I believe, but in living it out.

Too often, for example, I pray with little faith that anything will ever change, whether it’s for someone’s healing, or the salvation of someone I love, or the resolution of their seemingly neverending struggles.

I also struggle getting out of my comfort zones a lot. It’s easy for me to do things when I think things will go well. But to have the faith to step out into things I’m not so sure about, I still struggle with that.

And so I’m praying, “Father, please complete what is still lacking in my faith.”

I’d covet your earnest prayers for me on that too.

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1 Thessalonians Devotionals

Faith, hope, love, joy

We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work produced by faith, your labor motivated by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you…

…and you yourselves became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit. As a result, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. (1 Thessalonians 1:3-4, 6-7)

Lord, let me never be motivated by the need to prove myself strong in the face of adversity or by a mere sense of obligation or duty.

Rather let all I do be motivated by faith that you are a good God, a good King.

May my every work be motivated by the truth that you love and have chosen me. I love you because you first loved me.

And in this broken world, help me to persevere with the hope that you, Jesus, are re-establishing your Kingdom and the day is coming when you will make all things new.

Help me to walk with you moment to moment, day to day, filled with the joy that springs from all these things.

More, let my life be a model of faith, hope, love, and joy to everyone I meet so that they can experience that kind of life too.

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Acts Devotionals 2

The gospel: revisited

A while back, we took a look at the gospel the apostles preached and how the core of it seems to be somewhat different from the gospel that is often preached today.

What is the core? Jesus is Lord of all, the one God has anointed as our rightful King. (Again, “Christ” is not a name. Both “Christ” and “Messiah” are titles which mean, “God’s anointed King.”)

We see this message time and again in these two chapters.

“This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah.” (Acts 17:3)

God now commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has set a day when he is going to judge the world in righteousness by the man he has appointed. He has provided proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.” (Acts 17:30-31)

Paul devoted himself to preaching the word and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah. (Acts 18:5)

For (Apollos) vigorously refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating through the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah. (Acts 18:28)

Everyone knew what the Paul and Apollos were saying, even if they rejected it.

The Jews, in accusing Paul, said this:

They are all acting contrary to Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king—Jesus.” (Acts 17:7)

The gospel proclaims that our King has come and is re-establishing his kingdom. And we are all called to embrace his reign in our lives.

The question is, “Do we believe this is good news?” Is this something we embrace in our lives? And is it something we are so excited about that we can’t help but tell others?

I do believe it is good news. It excites me because I have experienced the joy of coming under his good reign.

How about you? Are you living out the joy of the gospel? Do others see it in you?

What is the gospel you believe and are living out?

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Acts Devotionals 2

A reason to rejoice

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” (Acts 16:30-31)

The episode in Philippi was very interesting to me.

It starts with a demon mocking Paul and Silas, sarcastically telling the people around them: “These men are preaching a way of salvation.”

But the story ends with the jailer asking, “What must I do to be saved?”

In short, Satan can’t stop God’s work, no matter how hard he tries.

Jesus is Lord of all, even over the demons. Our God has the power to break chains and set the prisoners free. He did it for the girl. He did it for the jailer.

No wonder Paul and Silas were worshiping even while in jail.

This good news makes me want to worship too.

Jesus, you are Lord of all, the one that breaks chains and sets the prisoners free. Help me to always remember that, ever worshiping you and proclaiming your good news to everyone I meet.

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Acts Devotionals 2

Speechless

God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the gospel message and believe.

And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he also did to us.

He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith….

God first intervened to take from the Gentiles a people for his name. (Acts 15:7-9, 14)

I was pondering those words this morning.

God loved me before I ever loved him, intervening first in the lives of Cornelius and Peter 2000 years ago, and then more directly in my own life that he might take me to be his own.

He made a choice that by the mouth of a woman whose name and face I don’t even know, I would hear the gospel and believe in Jesus.

And then he bore witness to me by giving me the Holy Spirit. He made no distinction between me and any other Christian. He has fully accepted me. I am his child.

All this leaves me utterly speechless.

How about you?

Does God’s choosing of you leave you just as speechless?

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Galatians Devotionals

Bearing others’ burdens

Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so that you also won’t be tempted.

Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:1-2)

As I read those words today, Jesus’ words in Matthew 11 came to me.

Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Paul is calling us to be like our Lord with those who are burdened and broken by their sin.

Yet honestly, far too often, my first reaction can be like the Pharisees, full of self-righteousness and judgment.

I don’t want to be that way. Like my Lord, I want to reach out to people and invite them to lay down their burden of sin and enter the Kingdom.

Pictures coloured with your pain
Images of silent shame
All the things you thought you had to hide
Broken memories you’ve locked inside

Oh, lay it down
Come lay it down
Come to the kingdom — Mark Gersmehl

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Galatians Devotionals

Faith, hope, love

For we eagerly await through the Spirit, by faith, the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision accomplishes anything; what matters is faith working through love. (Galatians 5:5-6)

Faith working through love.

Is that what defines me?

Not fear of punishment for my failures.

Not worry about never being able to measure up.

But faith that my King loves me and has already accepted me.

Hope that in the midst of my failures, one day I will stand before him, blameless, spotless, free from accusation. (Colossians 1:22)

And a love that pours out of my life as a result, both for him and those around me.

Lord, let my life be marked by faith, hope, and love.

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Galatians Devotionals

Already in

…for through faith you are all sons of God in Christ Jesus.

For those of you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ. There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus…

And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!”

So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then God has made you an heir. (Galatians 3:26-28; 4:6-7)

If there was one message some of the Jewish Christians were giving the Galatian Christians, it was this: You’re not in yet. You’re not accepted yet. There’s more you have to do before God will accept you.

And so Paul makes it crystal clear: You are already in. You are already accepted.

Not based on your “performance.”

But based on the fact that by faith, you have embraced your King.

What broke our relationship with God was that we had rejected him as King.

What repairs it is embracing Jesus as our King. We embrace him because we trust him. We trust that he is good, that he loves us, and knows and desires our best. We believe he proved all that by going to the cross for our sins.

And so as time goes on, our thoughts and actions start to align themselves to that belief.

That’s what it means to live by faith.

Abraham was that way. He failed so many times, mostly because his trust in God would often temporarily slip. (Genesis 15-20)

But he kept coming back to this one truth: God is worthy of my trust.

And as time went on, his every thought and action started to align themselves more and more to that belief. (Genesis 21-24)

That’s why God credited Abraham’s faith with righteousness. That’s why he accepted him, flawed though Abraham was. God knew where Abraham’s faith would lead.

I’m still not the man I ought to be. I probably never will be as long as I live on this earth.

But God accepts me. I’m already in.

Not because of my performance.

But because deep down, I trust him.

And that’s enough for him.

Can you say the same?

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Galatians Devotionals

The King who loved me

I was thinking again this morning about two words we often take for granted when talking about Jesus: “Christ” and “Son of God.”

“Christ” referred to God’s anointed King.

“Son of God”, in addition to being a reference to Jesus’ deity,  was also a term used for God’s anointed King.

And so I looked at verses 20 with fresh eyes today.

I have been crucified with the King, and I no longer live, but the King lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the King, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

Like the insurrectionist (often translated “thief” or “criminal”, but really probably a political rebel) on the cross, I have been crucified with my rightful King.

The rebel no longer lives.

Instead, the King lives in me, sitting on throne of my heart.

Now I live each day by faith in this King, fully believing that he is good, that he loves me, and that he knows and desires my best.

And so with a heart full of love and trust, I choose to follow my good King, no longer living for myself, but for him.

Long live the King!

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Galatians Devotionals

Revealed in me

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… (Galatians 1:15-16)

I was thinking on those words this morning.

God wants to reveal his Son in me.

He wants to use me as a vessel in which others can see just how awesome a God he is. How awesome his grace is. How awesome his love is.

And he is pleased to do it.

He doesn’t do so reluctantly, choosing me because he has no other people to choose from.

For as much I am a cracked vessel, he loves to show his glory even through those cracks.

And so that’s my prayer today.

Lord, reveal yourself in me, that others may see just how awesome you really are.

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Acts Devotionals 2

The God we proclaim

We are people also, just like you, and we are proclaiming good news to you, that you turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them.

In past generations he allowed all the nations to go their own way, although he did not leave himself without a witness, since he did what is good by giving you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons and filling you with food and your hearts with joy.” (Acts 14:15-17)

I’ve really enjoyed reading Acts and taking a closer look at the God, the King, the apostles proclaimed.

The whole reason the apostles could proclaim the gospel so joyfully and call it “good news” was how they saw God.

How did they see him?

As a powerful, awesome God, who created heaven and earth.

As a loving and good God. One who poured out grace on a people who weren’t even seeking him.

And most importantly, as the living God who has now revealed himself. Who calls us to stop seeking worthless things that will ultimately pass away and leave us empty. Who instead calls us to seek him, the source of all life and joy.

That’s the God we proclaim.

And he is why the gospel is such awesome news.

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Acts Devotionals 2

King of the world

And we ourselves proclaim to you the good news of the promise that was made to our ancestors. God has fulfilled this for us, their children, by raising up Jesus, as it is written in the second Psalm:

You are my Son;
today I have become your Father. (Acts 13:32-33)

Jesus, you are King of the world.

You were crucified for our sins, but the Father raised you from the dead, proclaiming you King. (Psalm 2:6-8)

And because you will never again die, you will be King forever.

Lord, let your Kingdom come.

We have messed up this world because of our sin. And we desperately need a Savior.

In your name, there is forgiveness for our sins and healing for our brokenness.

I don’t want to sit on this good news.

So send me as you sent Saul and Barnabas to proclaim this good news to everyone I meet.

Spirit, as you filled your people then, fill me and all your people now with boldness and power to do your work.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

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James Devotionals

Because our Lord is coming

Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.

Brothers and sisters, do not complain about one another, so that you will not be judged. Look, the judge stands at the door! (James 5:8-9)

When we were going through Acts, we saw how Peter had told Cornelius that the apostles were commanded to proclaim that Jesus is appointed to be the judge of the living of the dead.

For me, that’s good news. Because in a world where so much evil seems to go unpunished, justice will ultimately be served.

That’s why James can tell us to be patient and to strengthen our hearts as we suffer in a broken world. We have hope that Jesus will return and will judge all things.

But it struck me that our Lord’s coming should make us think about our own actions. The reason being that our own hearts and attitudes, especially towards each other, will also be judged.

James talked about this earlier. (James 2:12-13)

This is not to say that we need to fear judgment day. Our sins have already been paid for on the cross. (1 John 4:17-18)

But it is to say that we are still accountable to our Lord.

That should make us take a sober look at how we live each day.

And so I pray with David, with full assurance of God’s love but also with the knowledge that I still fall far short,

Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my concerns.

See if there is any offensive way in me;
lead me in the everlasting way. (Psalm 139:23-24)

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James Devotionals

Submitting to God?

Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

As I was reflecting on those words this morning, the thought occurred to me:

In all our thoughts, in our actions, we’re either actively submitting to the Lord or we’re resisting him.

Likewise, in all our thoughts and actions we’re either actively resisting the devil or we’re submitting to him.

There is no neutral ground.

I’d hate to think I’m ever resisting the Lord. But honestly, there are times I do, either in my thoughts or actions.

On the other hand, I’d hate to think I ever submit to the devil. But again, I have to admit there are I times I do.

And so my prayer today:

Lord, forgive me for the times this week that I’ve resisted you and submitted to the Enemy. Give me a heart that is submissive to you, always willing and ready to do your good will.

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James Devotionals

What is the spring within me?

Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening? Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers and sisters, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water. (James 3:11-12)

Lord, what is the spring that is within me?

Saltwater?

Or freshwater?

I would like to think it’s fresh.

But does a freshwater spring produce salt water?

Why then does salt water still sometimes come out of my mouth?

You are the God who turns sources of bitter water into springs of freshwater. (Exodus 15:23-25)

Do the same with my heart, that every word I speak may bring life, not death to everyone who hears.

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James Devotionals

Mercy-givers

Speak and act as those who are to be judged by the law of freedom. For judgment is without mercy to the one who has not shown mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:12-13)

Those words always tend to strike me, but did so even more this morning.

I suppose every church has “difficult people.”

I know my church does.

And as I read this verse, God reminded me that my attitude towards one of them wasn’t great yesterday.

One day I will stand before Christ and be judged.

But I will be judged by the law that sets me free.

As Paul said, the law of the Spirit of life has set me free from the law of sin and death. I’m no longer under a law in which I’m condemned for all my sins and failures. Through the blood of Christ, my sin has been paid for and I have been acquitted. (Romans 8:2)

That’s the law I will be judged by.

And so God was telling me, “Since that is how you will be judged, have that same gracious and merciful attitude even toward that difficult person. As you have been set free, look to set him free.”

Spirit of life, forgive my attitude yesterday. As you have given me life, help me to give others life.

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James Devotionals

Humbly, intently

Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save your souls…

But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who works—this person will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:21, 25)

Father of lights, you don’t change like the shifting shadows. You are good, and every good and perfect gift comes from you—including your Word of life.

Your Word does not bind me up. It sets me free.

So let me not just glance at it and forget it. Rather, let me look at it intently. And as I do, expose my heart. Help me to humbly receive the Word you’ve implanted within me, doubting neither your wisdom or your goodness.

And through your Word, change me from the inside out, making me more like your Son, moment to moment, day to day.

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Acts Devotionals 2

The One who truly reigns

On an appointed day, dressed in royal robes and seated on the throne, Herod delivered a speech to them. The assembled people began to shout, “It’s the voice of a god and not of a man!”

At once an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give the glory to God, and he was eaten by worms and died. (Acts 12:21-23)

I found it interesting that the word translated “throne” here is the word “bema” in Greek, which is the word also used for God’s judgment seat or Christ’s judgment seat. (Romans 14:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10).

What Herod found out that day was that though he sat on his own bema seat, there was a Bema Seat that sat higher than his. And ultimately he was held accountable by his King.

I talked yesterday about not becoming cynical or jaded by this twisted world. It’s easy to become that way when we see all the injustice that’s out there.

But let us remember that everyone, great and small will be held to account in the end.

That’s our hope.

But it should also keep us humble.

We too will be judged. And only by the grace of God will any of us be able to stand on that day.

Humility, gratitude, and hope. Let that be what grounds us each day until our Lord returns.

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Acts Devotionals 2

A good man in a twisted world

for [Barnabas] was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. (Acts 11:24)

I was thinking today about how I would like to leave behind the same kind of legacy that Barnabas did.

A good man. What did the author Luke mean when he called Barnabas a good man?

Luke says he was full of the Spirit. I’m sure Barnabas was full of the wisdom and power of the Spirit in his life.

But I can’t help but think Luke also means that Barnabas was a man full of the fruit of the Spirit. Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

I think that’s a pretty good definition of a good man.

But how could he live that way in such twisted world? How could he not turn cynical or become jaded by all he saw around him?

Because he was also full of faith. Faith that God is good and that he is still in control no matter the circumstances.

How differently would this world see Christianity if they saw more Christians full of the Spirit and that kind of faith.

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Acts Devotionals 2

The gospel: remixed

He sent the message to the Israelites, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. (Acts 10:36)

I think for most of my life, the gospel has been basically presented to me this way:

  1. God loves you.
  2. Your sin separates you from him.
  3. Jesus died for your sin and rose again.
  4. If you put your faith in him, you will be forgiven and your relationship with him will be restored.

Additional aspects such as “heaven” and “God has a plan for your life” are also often mixed in.

I’m not saying that this presentation is wrong. It helped save me, after all.

That said, it’s not exactly the way Peter, Paul, and the rest of the apostles seem to present the gospel throughout Acts.

Rather, as I’ve mentioned several times now as we’ve gone through Acts, the gospel they preached seems to center on this one truth: Jesus Christ is Lord of all.

You see that clearly in the above passage.

Unfortunately, though, this is not so clear in many translations. “He is Lord of all” is treated as a parenthetical statement, as if Peter was saying, “Oh by the way, just to let you know, Jesus is Lord of all.”

But the Greek pretty much reads this way:

The message sent to the sons of Israel proclaiming good news of peace through Jesus Christ: this Jesus is Lord of all.

In short, “Jesus is Lord of all” is not a parenthetical statement. It is the very core of the gospel message.

Peter was probably referring back to Isaiah 52:7.

How lovely on the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who announces peace
And brings good news of happiness,
Who announces salvation,
And says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (NASB 95)

Not convinced?

Follow the flow of Peter’s sermon.

After proclaiming that Jesus is Lord of all, he showed how Jesus demonstrated his Lordship by exercising authority over the demons and reversing the curse of sin by healing people, physically and spiritually.

Peter showed that this is no tyrannical Lord we need to fear. Jesus is a good Lord who does good to his people.

And after the people killed him, God raised him from the dead, appointing him to be…what? Savior? Redeemer?

Both are true. But that’s not what Peter said.

He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be the judge of the living and the dead. (Acts 10:42)

Because Jesus is Lord of all, the inescapable truth is that we are all accountable to him. And the day is coming when he will judge all people and make all things right.

That’s good news, right? This broken world will finally be made whole!

Except for the fact that we’re part of the reason this world is broken.

If Jesus is to make all things right, he needs to judge us.

That would be scary, except for one thing.

All the prophets testify about him that through his name everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins. (Acts 10:43)

And so we come back to the beginning of Peter’s message: the good news of peace through Jesus Christ. He paid the price for our sin on the cross. And now if we embrace him as our King, he will forgive our sins.

So all that is said in the “traditional” formula of the gospel I grew up with is true. I just think it needs to be remixed.

  1. Jesus is Lord of all.
  2. This is great news! Because he is a good Lord. He will judge all people and make all things right.
  3. So repent and embrace your King. And you will find peace and joy under his good reign.

Is that the gospel you’re sharing with others?

More importantly, is that the gospel you’re living and rejoicing in?

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Acts Devotionals 2

Proclaiming Jesus

Immediately he began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues: “He is the Son of God”…

But Saul grew stronger and kept confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah. (Acts 9:20, 22)

It’s easy to just glance over these verses without a second thought.

But as I’ve mentioned before, one thing that we see in Acts is that the heart of the gospel is “Jesus is Lord.”

We see that in Paul’s messages right from the start.

“Jesus is the Son of God,” “Jesus is the Messiah,” were different ways of saying the exact same thing: “Jesus is God’s anointed King.”

The implication?

“It’s time to submit yourself to your good King’s reign.”

So as we tell people about who Jesus is, yes, it’s important to talk about how he is God who became human and dwelt among us. Yes, it’s important to tell people that he’s our Savior.

But the most important thing to tell them is, “He’s your rightful King. Come back under his good reign.”

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Acts Devotionals 2

Even the hardest heart

They yelled at the top of their voices, covered their ears, and together rushed against him. They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. And the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul..

Saul agreed with putting him to death. (Acts 7:57-8:1)

In so many ways, Moses was a picture of Jesus. (Acts 7:37)

Jesus also was beautiful in the eyes of the Father. (Acts 7:20)

When Jesus came, you’d think his people would have understood that God was providing deliverance through him, but they did not. (Acts 7:25)

Instead they rejected their Ruler and Judge. (Acts 7:27)

Though he performed signs and wonders, though he himself was the living oracle of God, they were unwilling to obey him and pushed him aside. (Acts 7:36, 38-39)

But what really struck me today was this: With all the men closing their ears and screaming to drown out Stephen’s words, one man among them eventually became one of the Jesus’ greatest apostles, spreading the good news that “Jesus is Lord” throughout the Roman empire.

Which tells me that even the hardest heart can be changed by the power of God’s love.

So as I think of one such man right now, that’s what I’m praying for. That the love of God, his family, and the Christians around him can break through his hardened heart like the dawn and bring salvation.

Who is God putting on your heart now?

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Acts Devotionals 2

Wayback Wednesday: Regaining focus

This is a revision of an earlier blog article.

The Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, “It would not be right for us to give up preaching the word of God to wait on tables.

Brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:2-4)

Obviously, the apostles were dropping the ball in terms of making sure all the widows were getting fed.

But what was their answer? To be more faithful in fulfilling those duties?

That certainly would have been one option.

But to be faithful in doing those duties would have been problematic. Why? Because those duties, important as they were, were not what God had called the apostles to do.

They were called to preach the word and to pray. For the apostles, to faithfully serve the widows would have meant not being faithful in preaching the word and praying. After all, a person has only so many hours in a day.

And that’s why they delegated the ministry of feeding the widows to the deacons. By doing so, the apostles could focus on what God wanted them to do.

It is so easy to get caught up in doing things, even good and necessary things, and yet neglect to be faithful in doing what God has called you to do.

So recently, I took some time to reflect. “What do I need be doing? What has God asked of me? And what has he not?”

And after praying on it, there was one ministry I decided to step back from.

We are called to do what God has asked us to do. No more, no less.

To do less is disobedience.

To do more, especially over an extended period of time, can lead to dropped balls, and even worse, to burnout.

And God doesn’t want us burning out. He wants us to burn brightly.

What is God asking you to do?

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Acts Devotionals 2

Following our King

“The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had murdered by hanging him on a tree. God exalted this man to his right hand as ruler and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 5:30-31)

Every day in the temple and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah (i.e., “God’s anointed King”). (Acts 5:42).

I mentioned yesterday that the heart of the gospel is “Jesus is Lord.”

We see that again in the apostles’ defense before the Sanhedrin and in their daily messages to the people.

But I was thinking about how easy it is for me to follow something else, to let something else reign in my heart.

I don’t think I struggle with jealousy as the priests and Saduccees did. But I do see times I let pride reign in my heart. Times when I know I’m wrong and am slow to admit it.

And I can definitely say there are times that I’m like Ananias and Sapphira, craving the praise and approval of others and struggling with the love of money.

But I don’t want those things reigning in my heart.

I want to yield my heart to my King and let him reign.

More, I want to be sharing with those around me the joy of life under his good reign. (Acts 5:20)

How about you?

Lord Jesus, reign in my heart.

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Acts Devotionals 2

The heart of the gospel

With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus… (Acts 4:33)

At my church, we’ve recently been rethinking what the message of the gospel is.

And as we have, some passages that have always puzzled me have started to become crystal clear.

For example, why is it that in passages like the above, the death of Jesus on the cross for our sins is skipped? That would seem to be a crucial part of the gospel message.

Certainly, Jesus dying for our sins is true and important. But it seems whenever the cross is mentioned in Acts, the apostles focused instead on how the people rejected their rightful King. (Acts 2:23, 36; 3:14-15; 4:10-12, 25-28; 5:30-31)

Then there’s this famous passage:

If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)

Again, the cross is completely skipped over in favor of the resurrection? Why?

I think it’s because of what the resurrection means. Paul tells us in at the beginning of Romans,

[Jesus] was appointed to be the powerful Son of God according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection of the dead. (Romans 1:4)

We often think of the term “Son of God” in terms of Jesus’ deity. But in Jewish thought, kings were considered “sons of God.” By his resurrection from the dead, Jesus was appointed the ultimate “Son of God”, King of kings and Lord of lords.

So when Paul says, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved,” he’s really saying the same thing twice: Salvation comes as we confess Jesus as Lord, believing that God appointed him as our rightful King through his resurrection from the dead.

We see all this in the first gospel message in Acts where Peter said,

God has raised this Jesus; we are all witnesses of this. Therefore, since he has been exalted to the right hand of God…

Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” (Acts 2:32-33, 36)

Keep in mind, that “Messiah” and “Christ” both mean God’s anointed King.

What am I trying to say?

The heart of the gospel is not, “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life,” true though those words may be.

The heart of the gospel is not, “Jesus died for your sins to save you so that you could go to heaven,” though through Jesus’ death, we now do have the promise of eternal life in his Kingdom.

The heart of the gospel is “Jesus is Lord — your rightful Lord.”

So when we call people to repent, we’re not simply saying, “Tell God you’re sorry for your sins.”

We’re saying, “Come back under his good reign. Be saved from this corrupt generation that has rejected its rightful King.” (Acts 2:23, 36-40; 3:13-15, 19-20)

As we go through this book, look for that theme. Because it will come up time and again, especially in the gospel messages the apostles preached.

For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—
the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:12-13, NIV)

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Acts Devotionals 2

Not a heavy thing

Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out, that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send Jesus, who has been appointed for you as the Messiah…

You must listen to everything he tells you...

God raised up his servant and sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your evil ways.” (Acts 3:19-20, 22, 26)

Jesus, you have been appointed as our Messiah, our King.

And as our King, we owe you our obedience—in everything.

Yet I choose to believe this is not a heavy thing.

Because in doing so, I am refreshed and find blessing in you.

You are my King.

And I delight in obeying you.

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John Devotionals

You know that I love you

Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you. (John 21:17)

Lord, you know that I love you.

Yet you also know that my love for you is far from perfect.

Sometimes I might be so enthusiastic for you that I’d jump into the ocean to go and greet you.

But other times…

Is it possible I could even deny you?

Lord, how does a love so perfect and pure accept a love so imperfect and so impure?

But Lord, you know all things.

You know that I love you.

And yet somehow, for now, that’s enough for you.

You loved me before I ever loved you.

Now by your faithfulness, perfect my love just as you did with Peter’s.

In the meantime, stumbling, faltering steps of a child though I may often take, I follow you, my good Lord.

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John Devotionals

My Father, my God

But go to my brothers and tell them that I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” (John 20:17)

“My Father.”

“My God.”

It’s easy for me to take those words for granted.

But to be able to say them is a privilege that Jesus bought for us with his own blood.

The curtain that separated us from the Father has been torn open.

We don’t have to say, “Jesus, please talk to your Father for us.”

We can come directly to God, and say, “My Father. My God.”

I think that’s what I’m going to do today as I pray.

Come before him, and take a few minutes to simply revel in the privilege of saying, “My Father. My God.”

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Bible Original John Devotionals

Here is your King!

Then he told the Jews, “Here is your king!”

They shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!”

Pilate said to them, “Should I crucify your king?”

“We have no king but Caesar!” the chief priests answered. (John 19:14-15)

Probably one of the great ironies of history is a Roman governor proclaiming to the chief priests that Jesus was their King and them shouting back that they had no king but Caesar.

Ultimately, that is the sin of this world.

God proclaims, “My Son is your rightful King.”

But the world shouts, “No. We have no king but _________!”

Most times, that blank is filled with “ourselves.”

How about you?

How does it make you feel to hear, “My Son is your rightful King. King of your life. King of your relationships. King of your finances. King of everything”?

Is your first reaction “Yes!”?

Or is it “No way!”?

Is your reaction joy?

Or is it fear?

A lot of it will depend on how you see your King.

Do you see him as a good King who loves you and knows and desires your best?

Or do you have serious doubts about him?

How do you see your King?

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John Devotionals

Flashback Friday: Whose truth?

(This is a slightly revised version of an article I wrote a few years back.)

Back in John 10:26-27, Jesus said to the Jews,

But you don’t believe because you are not of my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me.

We see Jesus saying something similar to Pilate in chapter 18.

Everyone who is of the truth, listens to my voice. (John 18:37)

We live in a world that is becoming increasingly hostile to the truth. A world of people who, like Pilate, ask, “What is truth?”

“Your truth” has become the catchphrase of this generation.

Everyone gets to determine their own “truth” and no one has the right to contradict them.

But when Jesus prayed to the Father, he prayed,

Your word is truth. (John 17:17)

Do we believe that?

Christ’s sheep listen to his voice and follow him. If we don’t do those things, we don’t truly belong to him and the truth is not in us.

When the Bible contradicts what you believe, do you change your thinking to match God’s? Or do you try to change the Bible to match your thinking?

Can you say with Jesus, “Father, your Word is truth”?

Or are you still clinging to your own “truth”?

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John Devotionals

Because you yourself love me

For the Father himself loves you… (John 16:27)

Father, thank you for your love.

It’s not that Jesus loves me but you keep your distance.

You yourself love me.

It’s not that you are like King Saul, hostile to me, and Jesus, like Jonathan, has to plead to you on my behalf. (1 Samuel 19)

You yourself love me.

And it’s not that when I have a need, I have to go through Jesus to get to you. I can go directly to you.

Because you yourself love me.

That’s such an incredible thought to ponder.

You yourself love me.

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John Devotionals

I’ll be the branch. You be the vine.

I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. (John 15:5)

There’s a song I’ve been listening to of late based on this chapter.

It says,

I’ll be the branch.
You be the vine. — Mark Gersmehl

I’m reflecting on that today.

“I’ll be the branch. You be the vine.”

What does that mean?

I think it means, “You be the Lord. I’ll just be me, fully trusting and following you.

As Peter once told Jesus, “Yours are the words that bring life.” (John 6:68)

So I let his words remain in me. I no longer fight them or argue with them.

Instead, I let them wash and transform me, knowing that as I do, I’ll see even more clearly just how good and life-giving those words are, and how much my Father truly loves me.

And filled with his love, I will bear much fruit.

I don’t know about you, but I long to know more and more every day the joy that comes with being the branch and letting Jesus be the vine.

I feel so free
When you are my Lord,
And I am just me. — Mark Gersmehl

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John Devotionals

Though we are unfaithful

“Lord,” Peter asked, “why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”

Jesus replied, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly I tell you, a rooster will not crow until you have denied me three times. Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. (John 13:37-14:1)

The problem with chapter and verse numbers is that we sometimes disconnect related thoughts.

Why was Jesus telling his disciples not to let their hearts be troubled? Why was he telling them to trust him?

To reassure them of his faithfulness to them despite their faithlessness to him.

To let them know that though he would leave for a while, he was not abandoning them. He was definitely coming back for them.

Peter would utterly fail Jesus. But Jesus didn’t abandon him. He came chasing after him and restored him. (Mark 16:7, Luke 24:34, John 21)

But he did this not just for Peter. He did it for all of the disciples. (Luke 24:36-49)

It’s easy to get discouraged when we see how much we fail.

But Jesus doesn’t encourage us by saying, “Believe in yourself.”

He encourages us saying, “Believe in me. I will never abandon you no matter how badly or how often you fall.”

if we are faithless, he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny himself. (2 Timothy 2:13)

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John Devotionals

Flashback Friday: Having our Lord’s foundation

(This is a slightly revised version of an article I wrote a few years ago.)

Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God. (John 13:3)

In today’s passage, we see Jesus doing the lowly job of washing his disciples’ feet.

That included Peter, who Jesus knew would deny him.

That included Judas, who Jesus knew would betray him.

And that included the other ten disciples, who Jesus knew would run away when he was arrested.

That is incredible humility and love. How was it possible for Jesus to possess that kind of humility and love?

  1. Jesus knew his position with the Father. That he was beloved. And that the Father had given him all authority.
  2. Jesus knew where he came from. That it was the Father who had sent him to save the world.
  3. Jesus knew where he was going. That though he would die on a cross, he would return to the Father’s side.

We all want to be like Jesus. To love as he did. To forgive as he did. To serve as he did. But do we have the foundation that he had?

Do we know our position with the Father? That we are beloved? That we have received the right to be children of God? (John 1:12, 1 John 3:1-2)

Do we know where we came from? That we were specially created by him? (Psalm 139)

That God himself sends us out to be his ambassadors? (2 Corinthians 5:18-21)

Do we know where we’re going? That because Jesus rose from the dead, we too have the hope of resurrection and eternal life. (John 14:2-3)

And though we may have many troubles and sorrows in this life, do we know that Jesus has overcome the world, and that we will go to be with him someday? (John 16:33)

Take the time to read these passages. Meditate on them.

And remember your foundations.

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John Devotionals

The fragrance of love

Then Mary took a pound of perfume, pure and expensive nard, anointed Jesus’s feet, and wiped his feet with her hair. So the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
(John 12:3)

Those words always resonate with me.

In a very tangible way, the house was filled with the fragrance of Mary’s love for Jesus.

Unfortunately, it was quickly spoiled by the stench of Judas’ hypocritical love for the poor.

Honestly speaking, I wasn’t in the best of moods this morning. I’m not sure what “fragrance” I was giving off to God or others.

I don’t want to be giving off the stench of Judas.

I want to be a sweet-smelling aroma to my Lord and everyone who encounters me.

Lord, let my love for you be like a pleasing fragrance to you and everyone around me.

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John Devotionals

“Remove the stone”

Remove the stone,” Jesus said.

Martha, the dead man’s sister, told him, “Lord, there is already a stench because he has been dead four days.”

Jesus said to her, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”

So they removed the stone. (John 11:39-41)

“Didn’t I tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”

I was thinking on those words today.

Sometimes we are reluctant to remove the heavy stones in our lives. The stones that cover up the dead things in our hearts.

Hurt. Disappointment. Bitterness. Unforgiveness. Other sins we struggle with.

But we will never see God’s glory in our lives if we do not choose to believe him.

And of course, belief implies obedience. If we truly believe, we will obey our good King.

We can make a lot of excuses for disobedience.

“It can’t be helped. It’s just how things are. That’s just how I am.”

But we will never see God’s glory or his work in our lives if we choose that path.

We need to choose to remove the stone and expose all our dead things to God.

And step by step, by his grace and with his help, we need to start cleaning them out.

Lord, I believe you are the Christ, my good King. So I expose my heart and all that is in it to you. Help me to trust you…and obey.

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John Devotionals

Following our Shepherd’s voice

[The shepherd] calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice…

I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. (John 10:3-4, 16)

In a lot of ways, John 10 echoes chapter 8. In chapter 8, Jesus says those who are truly from God listen to and obey him.

You see the same theme here. The main characteristic of Jesus’ sheep is that they listen to and obey him.

A sheep is sometimes dumb and will wander away from its shepherd. But ultimately it still recognizes and delights in its shepherd’s voice. And when the shepherd calls, it comes running.

The blind man that was healed in chapter 9 was one of Jesus’ sheep. When Jesus called, he delighted in his Shepherd and followed. (John 9:35-38)

The disabled man in chapter 5, on the other hand, I have doubts about. Though Jesus healed him, we see no signs that he delighted in and followed his Shepherd. Rather, to save his own neck, he reported Jesus to the religious leaders. (John 5:14-16)

That said, none of us are perfect sheep.

All of us sometimes fail and stray from our Shepherd.

How then do we know if we are truly his sheep?

It shows in our foundational attitude toward our Shepherd: We trust him, delighting in his voice, and following wherever he leads.

Is that your heart?

Whose sheep are you?

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John Devotionals

To be light

Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus answered.

“This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him. We must do the works of him who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:3-5)

When bad things happen in our lives, it’s easy to think that God must be punishing us.

Yesterday at my church, the message was about the life of Joseph in Genesis. Looking at his circumstances, it would have been easy for him to think, “Is God punishing me for some reason? Why is this happening?”

But God wasn’t punishing Joseph. He allowed bad things to happen that his works might be displayed in Joseph. And so wherever he was, Joseph did the works God had prepared for him to do. In doing so, he became light, not only to his brothers who had betrayed him, but to all of Egypt.

I’m praying God does the same in me.

Like Jesus, as long as I am in this world, I’m to be the light of the world. (Matthew 5:14)

And as with Jesus, he’s prepared things for me to do. So I need to be doing them. (Ephesians 2:10)

The same can be said of you.

So let us all be praying every day,

Lord, let your work be displayed in me. In my life be glorified.

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John Devotionals

If He is your God

…you say, ‘He is our God’—he is the one who glorifies me.

You do not know him… (John 8:54-55)

I was looking at a comment a friend made on social media this morning. She says she’s a Christian, but of late, she has occasionally said things contradictory to God’s teaching that make me wonder.

The Pharisees and religious leaders were much the same way. They claimed to know God, but Jesus said they did not truly know him.

Why?

Because they didn’t listen to him.

Earlier he told them,

If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? The one who is from God listens to God’s words. This is why you don’t listen, because you are not from God. (John 8:46-47)

The word “listens” has the idea of not just physically hearing something, but also following it. Of obeying it.

The question is, what do we do with God’s words. With Jesus’ words?

We can’t claim to belong to God if we pick and choose what we like from his Word while discarding the rest.

If we truly belong to God, we will listen, embrace, and obey. And in doing so, we find freedom.

And life.

The question is, “Will we trust our good King?”

I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life…

If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:12, 31-32)

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John Devotionals

“Come to me”

If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. (John 7:37)

I was thinking on that verse this morning.

“Come to me.”

When I’m tired and need refreshing, where do I go?

Honestly speaking, I often go to Youtube. Or perhaps a book. Or a computer game.

But how often do I go to Jesus?

Sometimes I do.

Going out for walks with Him.

Playing the guitar and worshiping.

But too often, that’s number 3 or 4 on the list.

“Come to me.”

That must have been much easier for the disciples when Jesus was physically present on earth.

And yet, it was something Jesus often did with his Father.

Drawing near in prayer. Taking the time to listen. Taking time to receive the Father’s love.

I could definitely use more of that.

Lord, teach me what it means to come to you and to be refreshed in your presence. May I be able to say of you, “All my springs—all of them—are in you.” (Psalm 87:7)

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John Devotionals

Living Bread, Living Water

Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God, and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would ask him, and he would give you living water.”

…whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up in him for eternal life.” (John 4:10, 14)

“I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “No one who comes to me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in me will ever be thirsty again….

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread he will live forever.
(John 6:35, 51)

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. (John 7:37-39)

Jesus, you are the Living Bread from heaven. Let me feed on you.

Your words bring me eternal life. Not just life that leads to heaven, but life here on earth.

So let me feed on every word you speak, believing them, letting them go from my head to my heart to my hands. Let them nourish my soul, encouraging me and transforming my way of thinking moment to moment, day to day.

Let me also feed daily on your love and grace. The love and grace you showed at the cross where you gave your life for the life of the world. And not only for the world, but for me.

More, constantly pour out the Living Water of your Spirit into my soul that I might never thirst again. Let him dwell in me, watering me, guiding me, and empowering me to do your work.

Jesus, be my Living Bread.

Spirit, be my Living Water.

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John Devotionals

That I might never thirst

Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up in him for eternal life.” (John 4:13-14)

I was thinking on those words today.

What is a well for? Just for decoration? No, it is meant to be drunk from. Not just once. Constantly.

God has given me the Living Water of his Spirit. (John 7:38-39)

I don’t need to go anywhere to obtain him. He is dwelling right here within me. And I’m meant to be drinking in his fellowship, his love, and his power, moment to moment, day to day.

And all this is not just for “life in heaven someday”.

It’s so I can experience true life now. Eternal life starts now.

But if I’m not constantly drinking of the Spirit, if I’m seeking to be satisfied by other “wells”, I will get thirsty again.

I don’t want to be that way.

So as I prayed last week, I pray to the Holy Spirit again.

More love,
More power,
More of you in my life. — Jude Del Hierro

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John Devotionals

Born of the Spirit

Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born of water and the wind, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5, Alternate translation).

I can’t say for certain, but I’m kind of thinking now that this is what Jesus was saying.

In both the Old Testament and New, “wind”, “breath”, and “Spirit” are all translated from the same Hebrew and Greek words.

So I think it’s possible Jesus was using “wind” and “water” in verse 5 as metaphors for the same thing: The Holy Spirit.

In short, “Unless someone is born of the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of heaven.”

And in fact, Jesus does shorten things to “born of the Spirit” twice in verses 6 and 8.

But I was thinking today about why wind and water are metaphors for the Spirit.

In the Old Testament, you see water used for cleansing, for making dry, arid land fruitful, and for bringing life. (Isaiah 44:3-4, Ezekiel 36:25, 47:8-9)

You also see the wind coming and breathing life into people. (Ezekiel 37:9-10)

And you see God’s “breath” dwelling in his people, his “wind” causing people to follow his ways. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

And so today, I was praying in this way.

Holy Spirit, breathe your life into me. I have no life in me apart from you.

Wash me clean of all my sins and inpurities. Water the dry, arid land in me and make me fruitful. And let your rivers of living water pour out from me giving life to everyone I touch.

You go where you please. Take me along with you. Show me where you’re going. Show me your ways. I don’t know where you’re leading me, but lead on.

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John Devotionals

Cleaning out God’s temple

After making a whip out of cords, he drove everyone out of the temple with their sheep and oxen. He also poured out the money changers’ coins and overturned the tables. He told those who were selling doves, “Get these things out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!”

And his disciples remembered that it is written: Zeal for your house will consume me. (John 2:15-17)

As I read that this morning, the thought occurred to me, “What attitudes does Jesus want to overturn in my heart? What sins does he want to drive out?”

It didn’t take long for God to speak to me on that.

My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Jesus calls me his Father’s house. And zeal for that house consumes him.

And so as I thought about the sins and wrong attitudes in my heart, I was praying,

“Lord, give me the same zeal for your temple that you have. Help me to overturn these wrong attitudes and drive out these sins in my life.”

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Acts Devotionals 2 Bible Original

No second-class

They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit… (Acts 2:3-4)

Those words arrested my heart this morning.

The Holy Spirit rested on each one in that upper room. Not just the 12 apostles. But each one. Men, women, young, and old.

There were no second or third-class among them.

All had access to God’s presence, his wisdom, and his power.

So do I.

So do you.

I don’t want to take that for granted.

I want to take full advantage of what God has given me.

And so I’m praying an old song today:

More love,
More power,
More of you in my life. — Jude Del Hierro

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Acts Devotionals 2

Devoted to prayer

All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer… (Acts 1:14, ESV)

I was thinking on those words this morning. They were devoting themselves to prayer. Not just praying casually. Devoting themselves to it.

What were they praying about? I suppose they could’ve been praying about personal needs or personal spiritual growth.

But I get the feeling there were two things they were specifically focusing on.

“Let your Kingdom come.”

“Send your Holy Spirit. Fill us with power to help bring about your Kingdom.”

I strongly doubt they knew exactly what they were praying for, how exactly God would answer their prayer.

They probably had little idea precisely how the Kingdom would sweep across the Roman Empire.

They probably had little idea on what it meant to be filled with and empowered with the Spirit.

But they devoted themselves to praying for those things.

And God answered in ways beyond they could have imagined.

I want to pray as they did.

Lord, let your Kingdom come.

Fill me with your Spirit. Empower me to do your Kingdom work in everyone I touch today.

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Bible Original Luke Devotionals

An opportunity to bear witness

But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you. They will hand you over to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name.

This will give you an opportunity to bear witness. (Luke 21:12-13)

Verse 13 really struck me this morning.

Thankfully, I’ve never had to face persecution. But God reminded me this morning that whenever I face trials or hard times, to not just look at them as trials or hard times.

Because if I keep a trusting heart in my Father in the midst of my struggles, other people just might notice, giving me the opportunity to bear witness for Jesus.

I was thinking this morning of a chance I missed a while back because of a pity party I was throwing.

I don’t want to miss the next chance God gives me.

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Luke Devotionals

Living to God

He is not the God of the dead but of the living, because all are living to him. (Luke 20:38)

Those words struck me this morning, perhaps because of the older version of the NIV’s rendering of Romans 14:8-9.

If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. (Romans 14:8–9, NIVUK84)

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are not simply living their own independent lives before the Lord in heaven. They are living for him, serving him even now.

Unlike the tenant farmers in Jesus’ parable, they are giving him what is rightfully his, the fruit he is worthy of receiving. His image is engraved on them, and the words, “Holy to the Lord” are inscribed on their hearts.

I want to be like them, not just in heaven or his Kingdom to come, but right here, right now.

Lord, every moment, every day, let my life be yours.

Categories
Luke Devotionals

Like a little child

So running ahead, [Zacchaeus] climbed up a sycamore tree to see Jesus, since he was about to pass that way. (Luke 19:4)

I was thinking this morning about how embarrassed I would be to climb a tree like a little kid at my age.

And yet, Zacchaeus threw away his dignity and became like a little child.

I think I need more of Zacchaeus’ heart. There are times when I’m too self-conscious, worrying about what others think of me.

But when it comes to my relationship with Jesus, I want to throw that attitude out and focus on only three things: seeing, knowing, and pleasing him.

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Luke Devotionals

Heart of a little child

Jesus, however, invited them: “Let the little children come to me, and don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:16-17)

I was thinking this morning on what it meant to receive the Kingdom of God as a little child.

When a little child receives a gift, what’s their response? Indifference? Cynicism or doubt about the goodness of the gift or the giver?

No, they gladly receive the gift with joy!

Contrast that with the rich ruler. He walked away sorrowfully from the Kingdom Jesus was offering.

Why? He couldn’t believe that the Kingdom was so much better than any of his riches.

And though he had called Jesus “good”, he couldn’t trust him enough to follow and obey him.

Even Peter apparently wrestled with this. Instead of rejoicing about how good the Kingdom was, he focused more on what he had given up, seeking assurances from Jesus that it was indeed worth it.

We can’t enter the Kingdom if we’re constantly harboring doubts about how good it is, and more importantly, how good our King is.

To be clear, I’m not talking about the occasional doubts that arise in everyone. I’m talking about our fundamental heart attitude toward our King and his Kingdom.

The heart of a little child is not indifferent to the Kingdom or doubtful of its worth.

Nor is the heart of a little child cynical about its King.

Instead, it joyfully embraces both.

How about you? Do you have the heart of a little child?

How do you see your King and his Kingdom?

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Luke Devotionals

Justifying myself?

And he told them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts. (Luke 16:15)

As I read Jesus’ words this morning, God reminded me how easy it is for me at times to justify what I do instead of repenting when he shows me things in my heart that aren’t right.

Even if I might convince other people that I’m right or even convince myself, Jesus knows my heart.

Jesus, help me to simply say to you, “Yes, Lord” not “Yeah, but”.

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Luke Devotionals

If we want to enter the Kingdom

The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things and scoffing at him.

And he told them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly admired by people is revolting in God’s sight.

“The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then, the good news of the kingdom of God has been proclaimed, and everyone is urgently invited to enter it.

But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter in the law to drop out.” (Luke 16:14-17)

I’ve always found this passage a little hard to put together.

But it strikes me that Jesus was basically saying this: God does urgently invite everyone to enter the Kingdom. That’s his heart toward us.

But at the same time, there’s one requirement: embrace our King and his values.

That’s what the Pharisees failed to do. They instead scoffed at their King and his values. Values coming from the Law and Prophets that they claimed to follow.

They scoffed at how Jesus saw money.

They certainly didn’t value marriage as Jesus did, often getting divorced so they could marry someone else. (Luke 16:18)

Nor did they value mercy, justice, and the love of God as Jesus did. (Matthew 12:7; Luke 11:42)

Instead they valued what was revolting in God’s sight.

And in the end, they crucified their King.

As a result, they found themselves outside the Kingdom they claimed they wanted to enter.

How about you?

Do you embrace your King?

And do you embrace his values?

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Luke Devotionals

Valuing what God values

I have read Jesus’ three parables in Luke 15 hundreds of times, but today a thought I’d never had before popped into my head.

We know how the elder son responded to the father’s joy at regaining his son.

But how did the neighbors respond? Were they equally happy? I suppose if they knew the son well and liked him, their joy, if not quite matching the father’s, would still be great.

But what about the shepherd’s neighbors? Or the woman’s neighbors? I find it hard to believe they would really care that much.

Out of politeness, they might say, “Oh, that’s great.” Or “Oh, I’m happy for you.”

But do you really think they would give it a second thought? Not likely.

Why not?

Probably because they wouldn’t attach the same value to the lost sheep or coin that the shepherd or woman did.

The elder son certainly didn’t attach the same value to his brother that their father did.

In the same way, the Pharisees did not attach the same value to the “sinners” and tax collectors that Jesus did. They saw them as worthless, irredeemable.

But Jesus placed the highest value on them. That’s why he actively sought them out. And that’s why he all heaven rejoices when one repents.

The question is, “Do we value people as Jesus does?”

We’re living in a world where we are increasingly devaluing others. And we show it in our actions, words, and attitudes toward them.

I know I’m guilty of that at times.

But Jesus valued them enough to die for them.

Can we value them any less?

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Luke Devotionals

Our King’s heart

“ ‘Master,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, and there’s still room.’

“Then the master told the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges and make them come in, so that my house may be filled.’ ” (Luke 14:22-23)

God spoke to my heart this morning as I read this. “Bruce, I want my house, my kingdom to be filled. I don’t want any empty seats. So go out. Urge people to come in. Don’t leave them outside where they are lost and dying. Bring them in!”

Lord, give me your passion. For you. For your Kingdom. And for the people that you love and died for.

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Bible Original Luke Devotionals

Avoiding God’s searchlight?

Lord,” Peter asked, “are you telling this parable to us or to everyone?” (Luke 12:41)

I found Peter’s words very jarring.

Here’s Jesus talking about the necessity of being faithful and always ready for his return, and Peter asks this asinine question.

I don’t know if he was trying to deflect the impact of Jesus’ words off of himself and on to others or not, but it does seem to have been his habit. (John 21:21)

Yet I often find myself doing the same kind of thing when hearing messages on Sunday or reading God’s word. Instead of letting God’s searchlight touch my own heart, I think, “I hope so-and-so is listening.” Or “So-and-so needs to hear that.”

I don’t want to be that way. I want to let God’s searchlight shine on my heart, knowing that he doesn’t want to scorch me, but to purge the hypocrisy and other sinful attitudes from my heart so that I can be more like the One I love.

Father, I welcome your searchlight in my life. Search me and know my heart.

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Luke Devotionals

Wayback Wednesday: What a disciple looks like

What is a disciple anyway? Click, and read on…

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Luke Devotionals

Something to prove?

The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)

I was thinking this morning about why Martha was so worried and upset in her service to the Lord.

And the thought came to me: could it be that she failed to realize Jesus had already accepted her? Was she stressed because she felt she had to prove something to him?

How often are we worried and upset in our service, because we fail to realize that Jesus has already accepted us.

How often do we forget that as much as he is interested in our faithful service to him, he is much more interested in us?

Can we relax in his presence as Mary did, knowing he already accepts us? Or do we feel like we have to prove something to him?

Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30)

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Luke Devotionals

To be like you

[Jesus] welcomed them, spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. (Luke 9:11)

I was thinking on those words today.

Is that what Jesus’ church does?

Is it what his people do?

Most importantly, is it what I do?

Do I welcome people, or do I keep them at a distance? Worse, do I ever push some away?

Do I speak to them about God’s Kingdom?

Namely, do I tell them our good King has come? Do I help them to see him as he is? Do I tell them what he is doing in this broken world? Am I inviting them to turn from how they’ve been seeing their King and to embrace him and his Kingdom?

And do I help bring his healing to their broken lives?

Lord, help me to be like you, bringing your Kingdom into people’s lives.

Categories
Luke Devotionals

Where is your faith?

He said to them, “Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:25)

“Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” (Luke 8:48)

“Don’t be afraid. Only believe, and she will be saved.” (Luke 8:50)

Lord, this world is a mess. You warned us that it would be. (Matthew 24:6-13)

But you tell me the same thing that you told that girl’s parents, “Don’t be afraid. Just believe. And you will see my salvation.”

Lord, I believe.

You are Lord of the wind and waves.

You are Lord over the demons.

You are Lord over sickness.

You are Lord over death.

And despite all that’s going on in this world, you are Lord of all the nations and its rulers.

So today, I choose to sing,

Indeed, God is my salvation;
I will trust him and not be afraid,
for the Lord, the Lord himself,
is my strength and my song.
He has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2)

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Luke Devotionals

“Your sins are forgiven”

Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” (Luke 7:48)

I wonder. How often do I feel the weight of those words?

The woman certainly did.

I, on the other hand, probably take them too lightly. Maybe because I take my sins too lightly.

If I felt the weight of those words, how much more gratitude would I have to the Lord?

How much more would I love him?

And how much more would I show grace to those around me?

Lord, let the weight of your words sink deep into my heart. “Your sins are forgiven.”

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Luke Devotionals

“I have forgiven you”

Then [Jesus] said to her, “Your sins are forgiven. (Luke 7:48)

I was thinking on those words this morning..

Put another way, Jesus was telling that woman, “I have forgiven your sins.”

The Pharisees certainly interpreted Jesus’ words that way. And Jesus did nothing to disabuse them of that interpretation.

“I have forgiven your sins.”

Some people, like the Pharisees, will never let us forget our past sins.

So often, we can’t even forgive ourselves.

Can we believe Jesus when he says, “I have forgiven your sins”?

Regardless of whether we feel it’s true or not, that’s what he tells us.

So let his words sink in. Let them shape you.

“<Your name>, I have forgiven you.”

Categories
Luke Devotionals

That I may answer your call

It is not those who are healthy who need a doctor, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Luke 5:31-32)

Jesus, as you called Peter, as you called Matthew, you call me.

That’s amazing to me. That with my past sinful life, that even with my current struggles with sin, you’d still want to call me. But you do.

You simply call me to repent. To leave behind my old sinful, self-sufficient life. And to follow you. To embrace your call into the kingdom.

Not just to enjoy it. But to be an active part of it, bringing others out of the kingdom of darkness and into your marvelous light. Just as you called Peter to do. And as Matthew seemed to do right from the start.

You don’t want to be a new patch on my old life.

Nor can I hold on to my old life and expect you to pour something new into it.

You want to make me completely new.

So make me completely new.

And show me what that means.

Renew me, step by step, from glory to glory, moment to moment, day to day.

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Luke Devotionals

Filled, led, empowered, anointed, and sent out

Then Jesus left the Jordan, full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit… (Luke 4:1)

Then Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit… (Luke 4:14)

The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me
to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to set free the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. (Luke 4:18-19)

Honestly, I started the day a little angry. That’s the problem with starting it with social media and the news, I suppose.

And so after repenting of letting the anger of man (James 1:20) take me, I opened my Bible to today’s passage and saw the above words.

“Filled by the Spirit.”

“Led by the Spirit.”

“Empowered by the Spirit.”

“Anointed and sent out by the Spirit.”

That’s what Jesus was.

And that’s what I want to be.

Why?

Because we’re in a broken world in desperate need of good news.

The King has come.

His Kingdom has already started.

The year of the Lord’s favor has begun.

So I’m praying,

“Father, let me not be filled with anger or fear, but by your Spirit. Use me to bring your hope to everyone around me.”

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Luke Devotionals

Repentance

God’s word came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the vicinity of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins… (Luke 3:2-3)

Repentance.

That’s one of those words I like to call “Christianese.”

It’s a word we often use inside the church, but not so much outside it.

But what does it really mean? What was John preaching?

He was telling people to prepare the way for the Lord in their hearts.

In short, to embrace God as King and to come under his good reign in their lives.

So often we think of repentance merely in terms of what John calls the “fruit of repentance.”

But God’s primary concern is not instant behavior modification. He wants hearts that are soft towards him. That truly love and trust him.

And from that kind of heart flows the fruit of repentance: a different way of thinking, a different way of acting, moment to moment, day to day.

The good news is that as harsh as the consequences are for maintaining a hard heart toward our King, he so freely forgives when we soften our hearts to him and embrace him as our King. (Isaiah 55:6-7)

Just think about the thief on the cross. (Luke 23:39-43)

God doesn’t require us to mope around in misery for 30 days to prove our repentance.

He doesn’t require us to make a bunch of promises that ultimately prove impossible for us to keep.

All he requires is that we embrace him as King in our lives. To believe that he is good, that he knows and desires our best, and that he deeply loves us.

That’s repentance: changing how we see our King and embracing him.

A changed life that is pleasing to him flows from that.

So I ask what I did in the last article: How do you see your Lord?

Do you love him?

Do you trust him?

Do you embrace your good King’s reign in your life?

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Luke Devotionals

A good Lord?

Now, Master,
you can dismiss your servant in peace,
as you promised.

For my eyes have seen your salvation.
You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples—
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and glory to your people Israel. (Luke 2:29-32)

I was thinking on that word, “Master” today.

The underlying Greek word for “Master” gives us our modern English word “despot.”

But back then, it had none of the negative connotations that the word has now.

That being said, it did have the idea of someone who has the right and power to command.

But I think it’s clear that Simon didn’t see this as a bad thing. This “Master” was a good Lord who prepared salvation, not just for the Jews, but for all people.

The shepherds took it the same way. When they heard that the Christ, a new King had been born, they rushed to see him. And after seeing him, they rejoiced, telling everyone they could about him.

The Jews, on the other hand, did not see Caesar Augustus as a good “master.” There was no rejoicing at his reign. There definitely was no joy at being forced to register for tax purposes.

The question for us is how do we see our Lord?

Does it make us uneasy to see him as King, not in name only, but in truth?

Do we balk at the idea that he has the right and power to command?

Unless we truly believe he is a good Lord, a good King, we will never joyfully submit to and follow him.

Instead, it becomes a burden. Something to try to escape. Even something to fear.

How do you see your Lord?

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Luke Devotionals

A prepared people

And he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.” (Luke 1:17)

I was thinking this morning on what the words, “a prepared people” mean.

It strikes me that a prepared people is a people whose hearts are soft to God.

I think Mary was a perfect example of a “prepared people.”

Like Abraham, she believed her Lord’s words. She believed that he is good and that he would do all he promised. (Luke 1:45)

And because of that, she was quick to “yes” to her Lord. (Luke 1:38)

I want to be like Mary. I want to be a “prepared people”, fully trusting my Lord and quick to say yes to him.

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Psalms Devotionals 2

Finding peace of mind

Lead me to the high rock that is so difficult for me to reach. (Psalm 61:2, New Japanese Translation)

That translation really struck me.

The translation I’m used to reading is,

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (ESV, NIV, NASB)

But what the Japanese translation brings out is that the rock is not just higher than I am, but it seems impossible for me to reach.

In David’s case, this “rock” represented not just physical safety, but peace of mind. In his words, his heart was “without strength” or “faint.”

I know that feeling.

Peace of mind in this messed up world can be hard to find at times.

And so I’m praying with David today,

Lead me to that high rock that is so difficult for me to reach.
You have been a refuge for me,
a strong tower in the face of the enemy.

I will dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge under the shelter of your wings. (Psalm 61:2–4.)

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Psalms Devotionals 2

Flashback Friday: Made to see hard things

This was something I wrote back during the Covid-19 pandemic, but which still rings true today.

Suffering and hard times are a part of life. But those times are never in vain for those who love God and who are called according to his purpose.

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Psalms Devotionals 2

But I…

And they return at evening, snarling like dogs
and prowling around the city.

They scavenge for food;
they growl if they are not satisfied.

But I will sing of your strength
and will joyfully proclaim
your faithful love in the morning. (Psalm 59:14-16)

Again, I wonder at David’s ability to lead his heart, even with Saul’s “dogs” seeking to take his life.

I’m sure they growled with dissatisfaction at being unable to kill him. (1 Samuel 19:11-15)

David had every reason to growl himself. Treated unfairly. Forced to live on the run. Wondering when God would keep his promises to make him king.

Yet in contrast to the “dogs,” he said, “But I…”

“But I choose to sing of your strength, Lord.”

“But I will joyfully proclaim your faithful love in the morning.”

I don’t want to be a “growling dog” no matter my circumstances. No matter what evil I see in this world.

I want to continue leading my heart to worship and trust my Lord.

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Psalms Devotionals 2

Words to ponder

Do you really speak righteously, you mighty ones?
Do you judge people fairly? (Psalm 58:1)

God was talking to Israel’s leaders and judges here, but those words really jumped out at me this morning.

It was as if God was saying to me, “Do you really speak righteously, Bruce? Do you judge people fairly?”

I’d like to think that all my words express God’s righteous character.

I’d like to think that I judge people fairly. That I don’t swiftly judge people without all the information.

But considering how strongly those words jumped out at me this morning, I wonder.

Search me, God, and know my heart…

See if there is any offensive way in me;
lead me in the everlasting way. (Psalm 139:23-24)

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Psalms Devotionals 2

God will fulfill his purpose for me

I call to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me. (Psalm 57:2)

I was thinking on those words this morning. Here was David, hiding from Saul in a cave. And yet he still trusted God would keep his promises and fulfill his purpose for David by making him king.

And ultimately, God did.

Not because David was always such a faithful guy.

But because that’s the kind of God he is.

As David put it,

For your faithful love is as high as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches the clouds. (Psalm 57:10)

That gives me hope.

I sometimes wonder how much of a difference I make in the lives around me.

But God will fulfill his purpose for me.

Not because of how faithful I am.

But because of how faithful he is.

That’s an amazing thing to ponder.

I will praise you, Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.

For your faithful love is as high as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches the clouds.

God, be exalted above the heavens;
let your glory be over the whole earth. (Psalm 57:9-11)

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Psalms Devotionals 2

Choosing to trust, choosing to worship

It always amazes me how David led his heart.

And yet he declares,

This I know: God is for me. (Psalm 56:9)

Not only that, he chooses to praise God. He chooses to trust him. (verses 3-4, 10-11)

I want to lead my heart as David did. Always choosing to trust him. Always choosing to praise him.

And choosing to hold to the truth:

This I know: God is for me. (Psalm 56:9)

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Psalms Devotionals 2

To set you before me

…they do not set God before themselves. Selah

Behold, God is my helper;
the Lord is the upholder of my life. (Psalm 54:3-4, ESV)

Father, so many people don’t set you before them. They have no regard for you. They never even give you a thought during the day.

But help me to always set you before me, moment to moment, day to day.

To guide me, my every thought and action in every situation.

To guard my heart and emotions.

To keep your priorities, your kingdom in mind.

And to always keep a heart of gratitude.

For you are my God, and you are good.

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Psalms Devotionals 2

When we see evil

Why boast about evil, you hero!
God’s faithful love is constant. (Psalm 52:1)

Those words sounded discordant, somehow. How do they fit together?

I suppose it could be a warning to Doeg, whose words to Saul led to 85 priests and their families being butchered (1 Samuel 22:18-19). A warning that God’s faithful love toward his people is constant and will see justice done.

But maybe in an evil world, David was simply reminding himself, “God’s faithful love is constant.”

That can be easy to forget sometimes.

And when we forget, our faith can start to shake in the face of the evil we see.

But David said,

But I am like a flourishing olive tree
in the house of God;
I trust in God’s faithful love forever and ever.

I will praise you forever for what you have done.
In the presence of your faithful people,
I will put my hope in your name, for it is good. (Psalm 52:8-9)

Choosing to trust God.

Choosing to praise him.

Choosing to hope in him.

That’s what I choose to do.

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Psalms Devotionals 2

Memory Monday: If you are willing

The amazing thing about God’s grace is how willing he is to forgive and cleanse us.

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Psalms Devotionals 2

Listening to our Lord

Hear this, all you peoples;
listen, all who inhabit the world,
both low and high,
rich and poor together.

My mouth speaks wisdom;
my heart’s meditation brings understanding. (Psalm 49:1-3)

I was thinking this morning that those could be our Lord’s words to us.

He is the one who paid on the cross a ransom we could not pay, the one who will redeem us from the grave. (Psalm 49:7-9, 15)

But where are my priorities? What am I putting my trust in?

Money? Or his words?

Do I seek to understand and practice his words as much as I pursue financial security?

I know what my heart says. But what do my actions say?

Lord, let me treasure your words more than my daily food. (Job 23:12)

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Psalms Devotionals 2

Contemplating God’s faithful love

God, within your temple,
we contemplate your faithful love. (Psalm 48:9)

I took those words to heart this morning.

I was thinking of all the people God has brought into my life.

I was thinking of all the events, both good and bad, that God has led me through.

And all that brought to mind an old song I used to sing at my church back in Hawaii.

All I need is your love in my life.
Your faithfulness will comfort me.
’cause while my life may change, your promises hold true.
I grow strong trusting in you. — Mark Souza

I have seen God’s faithful love in my life. And so I sing with David,

This God, our God forever and ever—
he will always lead us. (Psalm 48:14)

I’m praying that I can pass that confidence on to my daughter and to all the next generation.

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Psalms Devotionals 2

Take me back Tuesday: Praising our King

When we worship God, we regain our perspective and remember, “He is the King! He is in control.”

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Psalms Devotionals 2

Be still

Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth! (Psalm 46:10, ESV)

I was thinking on those words this morning.

They could be a command to the nations to stop all their wars, all their fighting. Many interpreters take it that way.

But as I was thinking on it this morning, it seems to be God’s word to us, his people, who are troubled by all that’s going on in this world.

God’s telling us that he is still in control. That the day is coming when all war and conflict will cease. When at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow and tongue confess that he is Lord.

And so he tells us, “Cease your fears. Quiet your anxieties. Trust me.”

It reminds me of Jesus calming the storm with a word, saying, “Peace, be still.” And then asking his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

So today, I choose to put away fear and anxiety and to know he is God.

I choose to sing with the psalmist, “God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore I will not fear. He is with me.” (Psalm 46:1-2, 11)

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Psalms Devotionals 2

You!

God, you, you alone are my King… (Psalm 44:4, from the New Japanese Bible Translation, 2017)

I really love that translation, and it brings out the Hebrew much better than the English does.

“God, YOU are my King.”

Or, “God, You ALONE are my King.”

At a time when God seemed far away, when it seemed that God had abandoned him, the psalmist said, “God, YOU are my King.”

When the psalmist couldn’t understand why God would allow such defeat in his life, he still proclaimed, “God, YOU are my King.”

That’s my heart cry today: “God, YOU! Yes, YOU are my King!”

Father, YOU are my King.

So though you sometimes seem far away, I will continue to call on you.

Though sometimes things are hard, and it seems you have abandoned me, I will continue to trust you.

And though sometimes I don’t understand why you allow the things you do, I will continue to boast in and praise your name.

You are my King. You are my God. And you are good.

And so I cry out with Paul,

If God is for us, who is against us? He did not even spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything?

 Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies.

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.

Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

Because of you
we are being put to death all day long;
we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered. (Psalm 44:22)

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31-39)

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Psalms Devotionals 2

Lead your heart

It always impresses me how in these two psalms, the psalmist doesn’t simply follow his heart and emotions. He leads them to trust and hope in God.

On one hand, he says, “I am deeply depressed.”

His immediate response? “Therefore I remember you. (Psalm 42:6)

And you see that kind of pattern throughout these two psalms.

No less than three times, he says,

Why, my soul, are you so dejected?
Why are you in such turmoil?

Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him,
my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42:5, 11; 43:5)

Looking at this messed up world these days, it’s so easy to simply follow my emotions and get all worried and upset.

I don’t want to do that. I want to lead my heart and emotions to trust and follow God.

But for that, I need his help. And so I’m praying,

Send your light and your truth; let them lead me. (Psalm 43:3)

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2 Samuel Devotionals

Bringing others to the King’s table

I was thinking today about David’s kindness to Mephibosheth.

Mephibosheth was hiding and living in fear of death because usually when there was a new king, he would kill all his potential rivals, especially from a former king’s family.

But David instead showed kindness to Mephibosheth, restoring his life and bringing him to his table.

And that’s what Jesus did for us. We deserved death for our sins. But our King redeemed us, restoring our lives and bringing us to his table.

But I don’t want to just revel in his goodness to me. Like David, I want to bring other people to the King’s table too.

Lord, you’ve been so good to me. Show me today who I can bring to your table.

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2 Samuel Devotionals

Pondering God’s goodness

Then King David went in, sat in the Lord’s presence, and said,

Who am I, Lord God, and what is my house that you have brought me this far? (2 Samuel 7:18)

I was thinking this morning, “How often do I take the time to sit before the Lord and ponder his goodness to me?”

I think about how I became a Christian, all the people and circumstances he used.

I think about how he brought me to Japan and blessed me here.

I think about all trials he’s brought me through over the years.

All that and more makes me ask, “Who am I Lord, that you have brought me this far?”

How much would my life change if I pondered that more?

Lord, let your goodness toward me be the ground of all I do.

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2 Samuel Devotionals

Because I bear your name

The ark bears the Name, the name of the Lord of Armies who is enthroned between the cherubim. (2 Samuel 6:2)

David was dancing (or “whirling”) with all his might before the Lord wearing a linen ephod. (2 Samuel 6:14)

Father, as the ark once bore your name, I bear your name. I represent you to the people around me.

So help me to always remember who you are: the great King, enthroned between the cherubim.

You are worthy of my honor and full obedience, even in the “small” things. (1 Chronicles 15:11-15)

And yet you are a King that is so good to me, choosing me to be your own.

So let me be fully and completely yours, with a heart ever whirling and dancing with your joy.

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2 Samuel Devotionals

Man of the Lord? Man of shame?

When Saul’s son Ish-bosheth heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he gave up, and all Israel was dismayed. (2 Samuel 4:1)

It’s interesting to me that the name Ish-bosheth means “man of shame”.

His name was originally “Esh-baal” which means “man of the Lord. (1 Chronicles 8:33)

But this “man of the Lord” became a “man of shame” because like his father Saul, he didn’t put his trust in God. And so when his world collapsed, instead of seeking God and his will, he simply gave up.

I was wondering this morning, “Had his brother Jonathan lived, what would have happened? What would he have done?”

He had told David, “You will be king of Israel and I will be second to you.” (1 Samuel 23:17)

Would he have so easily ceded the throne to David? I kind of think he would have. Because Jonathan was a man who trusted the Lord and desired to follow his will. He truly was a man of God.

That’s what I want to be.

Lord, let me be your man, trusting you, and following your will, moment to moment, day to day.

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2 Samuel Devotionals

When God’s will is clear

Some time later, David inquired of the Lord: “Should I go to one of the towns of Judah?”

The Lord answered him, “Go.”

Then David asked, “Where should I go?”

“To Hebron,” the Lord replied. (2 Samuel 2:1)

I was wishing this morning that I could get clear answers like David did that day.

But then I wondered what I would do even if I got those answers.

It seems that everyone knew David was supposed to become king when Saul died. From Saul to Jonathan to Abigail to Abner to all the people of Israel, they all knew. (1 Samuel 23:17; 25:30; 2 Samuel 3:18; 5:2)

And yet, when Saul died, Abner and the people of Israel were slow to accept David as king.

I don’t want to be that way, rejecting what God is already clear on in his Word. If I do that, can I really expect him to speak to me on other things?

Father, help me to be submissive and obedient to the things you’re already clear on so that I may hear your voice on other things.

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Matthew Devotionals 2

As we look upon our King

All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:18-20)

“All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.”

I was thinking on those words this morning. What was Jesus saying?

“I am the King.”

And because he is, we are to obey him in everything and teach others to do the same.

But how do we see this King?

As a King that abuses his power? A King to be fearful of?

I find it interesting that after the women left the tomb, they were filled with joy, but also with fear. Fearful of what, I’m not sure.

But then Jesus appeared, and what was the first thing he told them?

“Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 28:10)

And after he left, their fear was gone and all that remained was pure joy.

Because this King, while worthy of all our honor and obedience, is also a good King. And he loves us greatly.

I happened to read Psalm 47 this morning, and it so captured what our attitude should be as we look upon our King. Is it yours?

Clap your hands, all you peoples;
shout to God with a jubilant cry.

For the Lord, the Most High, is awe-inspiring,
a great King over the whole earth. (Psalm 47:1-2)

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Matthew Devotionals 2

Your blood on me

All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” (Matthew 27:25)

Jesus, your blood is on me, my responsibility. It is because of my sin that you died.

But Jesus, your blood is on me, sprinkling me clean of a guilty conscience. (Hebrews 9:19-22; 10:19-22)

Because of the cross, the temple curtain that separated me from the Father is torn in two. Now I have free access to him. I can draw near to him–and you–without fear.

Thank you, Jesus, that your blood is on me.

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Matthew Devotionals 2

Because he took the cup

Again, a second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” (Matthew 26:42)

I was thinking of the meaning of Passover as I read Jesus’ prayer this morning.

When God judged Egypt, his wrath “passed over” the Israelites.

But Jesus recognized that the cup of God’s judgment and wrath could not simply pass over him as it did the Israelites.

Why not?

He was innocent. He never sinned. Why couldn’t it pass over him?

Because if it had, we would have all had to drink it instead. We are sinners, deserving of God’s judgment and wrath.

The whole reason God’s judgment and wrath passes over us is that Jesus drank them in undiluted on the cross.

That’s an amazing thing to ponder.

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Matthew Devotionals 2

Throwback Thursday: Loving our brothers and sisters

One of tests of a true follower of Jesus is this: do we love our brothers and sisters?

If we don’t, there is something wrong.

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Matthew Devotionals 2

What really matters

As Jesus left and was going out of the temple, his disciples came up and called his attention to its buildings.

He replied to them, “Do you see all these things? Truly I tell you, not one stone will be left here on another that will not be thrown down.” (Matthew 24:1-2)

I was thinking this morning about how proud the Jews were of their temple, of how beautiful it was.

And yet it would be torn down for one important reason: they had rejected their Lord. (Matthew 23:29-39)

It made me think: What foundation are my “accomplishments” built on? The things I am proud of, are they built on the foundation of Christ? That he is my Lord? Is he the one I love and am trying to please?

Jesus, let all I do be built on this foundation: You are Lord. My life is yours and I love you. Let me be that faithful servant, every day doing what you’ve told me to do.

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Matthew Devotionals 2

His

Whose image and inscription is this?” he asked them.

“Caesar’s,” they said to him.

Then he said to them, “Give, then, to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:20-21)

It occurred to me as I read Jesus’ words that he asks the same question of us whenever we look at ourselves in the mirror.

“Whose image is this? Whose name is inscribed on you?”

The answer? God’s.

When he created us, he imprinted his image on us and inscribed on our hearts, “Holy to the Lord.”

In short, we are his.

As the Psalmist put it,

He made us, and we are his… (Psalm 100:3)

And so we are to give to God what is God’s. All our heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30)

And we are to give him the fruit he desires: justice, mercy, faithfulness. (Matthew 23:23)

I was reflecting today on how often I fail in doing those things. Like the Pharisees and scribes, I often say but don’t do.

I don’t want to be that way.

God has imprinted his image on me, inscribing his wonderful name on my heart.

Leaning completely on his grace, I want to live up to that.

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Matthew Devotionals 2

Joyfully following? Or seeking what “I deserve”?

He said to them, ‘You also go into my vineyard, and I’ll give you whatever is right.’

So off they went. (Matthew 20:4)

I was wondering today: Did the landowner say the same thing to the first workers he hired? Did they reject that offer and insist on getting paid “what they deserved”?

Peter seemed to have that mindset. (Matthew 19:27)

So did James and John. (Matthew 20:21)

But the two blind men tasted Jesus’ goodness and joyfully followed him, never thinking to ask for “what they deserved.” (Matthew 20:35)

Many “landowners” would have cheated their workers with the kind of “deal” the landowner made with the latter workers he hired. (Matthew 20:4-7)

But this landowner was generous and good. (Actually, the word translated “generous” in verse 15 is usually translated “good.”)

So the question I’m asking myself today is this: What kind of God do I think I’m serving?

Do I truly believe he is generous and will give far more than I could ask or imagine?

And having tasted of his goodness, will I joyfully follow him as the healed blind men did?

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Matthew Devotionals 2

Heart of a child

He told them, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of the hardness of your hearts, but it was not like that from the beginning. (Matthew 19:8)

Father, let me never make decisions merely based on “what is permitted.”

Especially when because of the hardness of my heart, I’m rejecting what you say is best.

Help me to have the heart of a child—a soft heart, a trusting heart—not asking “What is permitted,” but “What does my good, good Father desire?”

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Matthew Devotionals 2

Our gentle King

While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased. Listen to him!”

When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown and were terrified.

Jesus came up, touched them, and said, “Get up; don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 17:5-7)

I was thinking about how terrified Peter must have been when he heard the Father’s voice, especially since he had been arguing with Jesus not long before. (Matthew 16:22)

And the Father made it clear: “This is my Son. He’s highly favored in my sight. Don’t argue with him. Listen.”

Even so, Jesus came to them afterward with such gentleness.

Lord Jesus, you are holy and awesome, worthy of my obedience. And yet, you are so gentle with me. Thank you. I love and delight in you. And I will listen to what you say.

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Matthew Devotionals 2

Flashback Friday: Little faith, great faith

May Jesus say of us, “How great is your faith!”

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Matthew Devotionals 2

Nullifying your Word?

In this way, you have nullified the word of God because of your tradition. (Matthew 15:6)

Jesus, you are my Lord.

May I never nullify your Word in my life for anything or anyone.

Not for sin.

Not for my feelings, desires, or pursuits.

Not for any human traditions or ideologies, cultural, religious, or political.

May I never seek to transform your words.

Rather, let your words transform me.

For again, you are my Lord. And you are good.

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Matthew Devotionals 2

When we don’t understand God’s word

When anyone hears the word about the kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. (Matthew 13:19)

His disciples approached him and said, “Explain to us… (Matthew 13:36)

When we see something in God’s word that we don’t understand, what do we do?

Do we simply say, “I don’t understand,” and never give it another thought, allowing Satan to easily snatch it away so that it never bears fruit in our lives?

Or are we like Jesus’ disciples, caring enough to humbly ask, “Explain to us…”?

Lord, give me the heart of a disciple, seeking understanding, bearing fruit.

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Matthew Devotionals 2

More than watching our words

Either make the tree good and its fruit will be good, or make the tree bad and its fruit will be bad; for a tree is known by its fruit…

For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. (Matthew 12:33-34)

One thing I try to be conscious of is the words that come out of my mouth. I want to be careful about what I say.

But it struck me today that more than being careful about my words, I need to really search my heart. Is my heart spiritually healthy?

If my heart is spiritually healthy, my words will be healthy and life-giving.

But if there are rotten things in my heart, rotten things will come out.

And so I’m praying today, “Lord, search my heart. You know it well. Root out any rotten things lingering there.”

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Matthew Devotionals 2

Responding to our Shepherd’s call

Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

That is our good Shepherd’s call to us.

When, like John the Baptist, we’re spiritually weary.

When we’re feeling discouraged because God seems far or he isn’t doing what we had expected.

When we’re feeling overburdened by our trials.

By chance, the psalm I was meditating on before I opened to Matthew 11 was Psalm 143. And it seems to me to be the perfect response to our Shepherd’s call.

May it be your response as well.

Let me experience
your faithful love in the morning,
for I trust in you.

Reveal to me the way I should go
because I appeal to you.

Rescue me from my enemies, Lord;
I come to you for protection.

Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God.

May your gracious Spirit
lead me on level ground. (Psalm 143:8-10)

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Matthew Devotionals 2

Embracing the new

Then John’s disciples came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” (John 9:14)

I was thinking about John’s disciples this morning. Why were they still John’s disciples?

John was in prison. His ministry was done.

On the other hand, Jesus, the one John pointed to had started his ministry. Yet they still clung to John and his ways, rather than following after Jesus and his ways.

God was doing something new. (Matthew 3:11)

But John’s disciples weren’t ready for it. Like the old cloth and wineskins, they were too inflexible to handle something new.

Some wouldn’t be ready until years after Jesus died and was resurrected. (Acts 19:1-7)

I don’t want to be that way. But I do see that tendency in me. I like the old. I like what’s comfortable. I don’t quickly embrace the new.

Would Jesus admonish me as he did John’s disciples?

Jesus, let me have a soft heart to the new things you’re doing.

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Matthew Devotionals 2

Say the word

For I too am a man under authority… (Matthew 8:9)

Jesus, the centurion recognized your authority.

The disciples recognized your authority but were still learning just how far that authority extends. (Matthew 8:27)

The demons and the people of the Gadarenes, on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with your authority. (Matthew 8:29, 34)

But you are a good King. I welcome your authority in my life.

So say the word…

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Matthew Devotionals 2

Do I treat your words as pearls?

Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8)

As I was reading those words this morning, I was thinking of James’ words in his letter.

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)

It made me think. When I seek God’s leading and wisdom, do I always see his words as good and perfect gifts? As words that give life? (James 1:17-18)

Or do I sometimes treat them as stones or snakes? (Matthew 7:9-10)

Do I believe my Father is good and his words are pearls to be treasured and obeyed?

Or do I ever trample them like a pig? (Matthew 7:6)

I don’t want to be double-minded, asking God for wisdom, and then questioning the goodness of his words. (James 1:6-7)

Even if I don’t always understand the “whys” of what he tells me, I want to trust my good King and obey him.

My good King, help me to trust you in everything, building my life on your life-giving words.

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Matthew Devotionals 2

King of my heart

But I tell you, don’t take an oath at all: either by heaven, because it is God’s throne; or by the earth, because it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King. (Matthew 5:34-35)

“The great King.”

For some reason, those words resonated with me this morning.

Jesus is the great King.

But do I treat him as such, moment to moment, day to day?

Or do I ever treat him lightly?

Do I ever try to find ways around what he’s telling me, as the Pharisees and teachers of the law did when it came to things like marriage, being truthful, loving people, among other things?

Lately, God has been pointing out to me that I’ve been spending too much time on my hobbies.

I haven’t been totally ignoring him, but I haven’t exactly been completely obeying him either.

It’s a “small” thing.

But Jesus is a great King. And I don’t want to treat him lightly.

How about you?

Lord Jesus, be King of my heart, in everything.

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Matthew Devotionals 2

That I might be light

The people who live in darkness
have seen a great light,
and for those living in the land of the shadow of death,
a light has dawned. (Matthew 4:16)

Jesus, you are the light of the world. But you’ve called me to be light to this world too.

This world is ruled by fear and anger right now. I can understand their fear and anger.

But I can’t be light if I’m ruled by fear and anger like they are. So let the first thing that people see in me not be fear or anger, but joy.

Joy in knowing that the King has come.

Joy that his Kingdom has started.

And joy that I am now part of that kingdom.

Help me to live like a child of the Kingdom. Living by every word that comes from your mouth. Trusting you completely. And serving you joyfully, fishing for others that they may know your joy too.

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Matthew Devotionals 2

More than repentance

I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is more powerful than I…

He himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Matthew 3:11)

I was thinking on those words this morning.

God, of course, wants our repentance.

But he doesn’t want us to stop there. He desires to do something more in us.

He desires to purge us with his refining fire and fill us with the power and presence of his Spirit. (Malachi 3:2-3; Acts 1:8)

This world is so broken.

And there are still broken parts in me.

But cracked vessel that I am, I believe God can and will use me to touch this broken world.

That’s what I’m praying for today.

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Matthew Devotionals 2

Memory Monday: Receiving our King

Is Jesus truly your King?

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Matthew Devotionals 2

Submitted

When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. (Matthew 1:24)

This morning, I was thinking on Joseph’s response to the Lord’s command．

No questions. No objections. No hesitation.

Instead, a fully submitted heart.

It reminded me of what David told Solomon. “Be strong. Be a man. Do what the Lord tells you.” (1 Kings 2:2-3)

In other words, a true man submits fully to his Lord.

Joseph was such a man.

I want to be such a man too.

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Psalms Devotionals 2

Because the Lord delights in me

By this I know that you delight in me:
my enemy does not shout in triumph over me. (Psalm 41:11)

I was reflecting on those words this morning.

“The Lord delights in me.”

He delights in me?

How do I know?

Though Satan accuses me, attacks me, tries to destroy me, he will not ultimately shout in triumph over me.

Through Jesus and his blood shed on the cross for me, I have the victory!

And so I sing with David,

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.

Amen and amen. (Psalm 41:13)

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Psalms Devotionals 2

Because He has turned his ear to me

I don’t think I’ve ever seen the connection between Psalm 39 and 40 as clearly as I did today.

In Psalm 39, David pleaded,

Hear my prayer, Lord,
and listen to my cry for help;
do not be silent at my tears. (Psalm 39:12)

Now in Psalm 40, David sings,

I waited patiently for the Lord,
and he turned to me and heard my cry for help.

He brought me up from a desolate pit,
out of the muddy clay,
and set my feet on a rock,
making my steps secure.

He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God. (Psalm 40:1-3)

But the other thing that struck me was David’s response.

You do not delight in sacrifice and offering;
you open my ears to listen.
You do not ask for a whole burnt offering or a sin offering.

Then I said, “See, I have come;
in the scroll it is written about me.

I delight to do your will, my God,
and your instruction is deep within me.” (Psalm 40:6-8)

Because the Lord had graciously turned his ear to David, David turned his ear to the Lord.

Because of all the Lord had done for him (Psalm 40:1-5), he delighted to follow God and do his will. God’s words were his joy.

That was David’s heart.

That was Jesus’ heart. (Hebrews 10:5-7)

And that’s the kind of heart I want to have.

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Psalms Devotionals 2

Our heart in God’s discipline

David’s heart hits me in this psalm.

It’s clear he was being disciplined for something. It’s very possible this happened after his sin in 1 Chronicles 21.

But he didn’t complain about God’s discipline or walk away from him.

Instead, he asked for a heart of wisdom that knows what’s truly important in our short lives. (Psalm 39:4-6)

He remembered that we’re just passing through this broken world. And he wanted to walk in it with his Lord, even if it meant going through his discipline at times. (12)

That’s the kind of heart I desire in this coming year: a heart of wisdom that keeps perspective, walking humbly with my God.

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Psalms Devotionals 2

Leading my heart

Happy New Year everyone!

It’s a time for resolutions for many. I generally don’t make them, but looking at today’s psalm, I see ways that by God’s grace I want to lead my heart this year.

I will choose not to be ruled by anger when I see things on the news and social media. (Psalm 37:1, 7-8)

I’m sure I will get angry at times, and that’s okay. But I will not let anger or fear dominate my thinking.

Instead, I will choose to trust God, be silent before him, and wait expectantly for him to act in his timing, not mine. (7)

In the meantime, I will do the good he has asked of me, serving my good King. (3)

May we all lead our hearts in that way this year, being God’s light to darkened world.

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Psalms Devotionals 2

Take me back Tuesday: At all times

I wrote this back in the first year of COVID in 2020.

God got us through then. He’ll get us through whatever we’re going through now.

At all times
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Psalms Devotionals 2

Choosing joy

We wait for the LORD;
he is our help and shield.

For our hearts rejoice in him
because we trust in his holy name. (Psalm 33:20-21)

Yesterday, I was reading these words by Dietrich Bonhoeffer:

How are we supposed to be able to help those who are without joy and courage, if we ourselves are not borne by courage and joy?

That’s something God has been reminding me of this past month and reinforced to me again through Bonhoeffer’s words and today’s psalm.

I want to be God’s conduit of joy and courage to a joyless and fearful world.

And so despite all the “stuff” I see in this world and in my own life, this day—and every day—I choose with David to rejoice in the Lord and trust him.

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Psalms Devotionals 2

Immanuel

I will instruct you and show you the way to go;
with my eye on you, I will give counsel. (Psalm 32:8)

I was thinking on those words this morning.

It’s part of what Immanuel is all about.

God has his eye on me. Not an accusing eye. Not a suspicious eye, constantly doubtful of me. But a loving eye that desires to guide me on the right path.

The question, though, is not whether or not God is with me. The question is if I’m with God.

Or am I like that stubborn horse or mule that must be controlled by bit or bridle? (9)

This coming year, I want to be that trusting child, with an open heart and open ears to my loving Father.

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Psalms Devotionals 2

God’s favor

For his anger endureth but a moment;
in his favour is life. (Psalm 30:5, KJV)

The word translated here “life” can also mean “lifetime,” but the King James really struck a chord with me this morning.

When God shows his favor to us, we find life.

And 2000 years ago in Bethlehem, God extended his favor to us.

As John put it,

God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him.

Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 5:9)

By God’s love and grace, we have become his favored ones.

That’s an awesome thought.

So let’s sing with the angels:

Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace on earth to people he favors! (Luke 2:14)

Merry Christmas, everyone!

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Psalms Devotionals 2

Heard

Blessed be the Lord,
for he has heard the sound of my pleading. (Psalm 28:6)

This being Christmas season, I was reading about Zechariah in Luke 1 this weekend.

David’s words reminded me of what Gabriel told Zechariah.

Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. (Luke 1:13)

Honestly, it can be discouraging when God doesn’t seem to be answering my prayers.

But God was reminding me this weekend and today, “I’m not ignoring you. I have heard you. Even when I say no, I have heard you. And I care.”

So I sing with David,

The Lord is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.

Therefore my heart celebrates,
and I give thanks to him with my song. (Psalm 28:7)

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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)

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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?

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Psalms Devotionals 2

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)

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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)

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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?