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

John Devotionals

First loved

For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

I reallly like this translation.

Most translations read, “For God so loved the world…” and it can be translated that way. But usually, the Greek word for “so” would be read not as “so much,” but as “in this way.”

John uses different words in his letter, but expresses the same idea.

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 4:9-10)

Paul says something similar in Romans 5:8.

But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

The amazing thing is that God didn’t wait for us to turn to him before he showed us his love. Rather, he first turned to us. Not in judgment, but in mercy.

I wonder. How shocked was Nicodemus that Jesus said God demonstrated his love for the world by sending his Son.

It’s possible that his only concept of God sending his Son was to judge the world for its rebellion (Psalm 2).

Had Nicodemus ever considered that the blessed people in Psalm 2:12 could apply to those nations who had once been rebellious but had repented because of God’s love for them shown through his Son? Had the psalmist?

I don’t know. But let’s always remember the most amazing thing about John 3:16. God first loved an unrepentant, rebellious world, and sent his Son to save it.

And that includes us.

Take time to ponder that today. Ponder John 3:16. Ponder 1 John 4:9-10. Ponder Romans 5:8.

Ponder this truth and bathe in it: “God first loved me.”

Tags eternal life, faith, first loved, God, God's love, grace, Jesus, judgment, Mercy

John Devotionals

The one who sees our hearts

Post author By Bruce
Post date February 4, 2025
No Comments on The one who sees our hearts

While he was in Jerusalem during the Passover Festival, many believed in his name when they saw the signs he was doing.

Jesus, however, would not entrust himself to them, since he knew them all and because he did not need anyone to testify about man; for he himself knew what was in man. (John 2:23-25)

[Peter] said, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” (John 21:17)

Jesus, you see my heart. You don’t need anyone to tell you what is there. Because you know me. And so I say with Peter, “You know that I love you.”

You know how imperfect my love is. You know my failings. You know my sin. But you also know I love you.

Still, it’s so easy to deceive myself. So peel off the layers of my own heart. Expose it. Show me the things you see so that you can heal it.

Lord Jesus, I want to be like you. Make me like you.

Tags christianity, faith, God, healing, heart, imperfect love, Jesus, omniscience

John Devotionals

A world that needs light

In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it…

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. (John 1:4-5, 9)

Last week, I was reading the news and it said that 527 students from elementary school to high school committed suicide in Japan last year.

Just one is too many.

John tells us that in Jesus is life, and that he is the light-giver to those walking in darkness.

There are so many people living in that darkness. So many people living without hope.

And they need that light.

In my church, we’ve been talking recently about our Father’s eyes, and the importance of understanding how God sees us.

That understanding brings light to our darkness.

That’s what Jesus did for everyone he touched. Whenever people looked into his eyes, they saw the Father’s eyes. And it brought light into their darkness.

My prayer is that people would see Jesus in me. That when people look into my eyes, my wife, my daughter, my students, my coworkers, everyone I meet, they would see my Father’s eyes.

And that through me, God would bring his light into their darkness.

May we all have our Father’s eyes.

Tags bible, christianity, despair, faith, God, Hope, Jesus, light of the world

Numbers Devotionals

Guarding our hearts against sin

Post author By Bruce
Post date January 30, 2025
No Comments on Guarding our hearts against sin

Let’s be honest. There are things in Numbers that are hard to read. Especially when it comes to God’s judgment.

But according to the apostle Paul, there is a reason God recorded all these things. He wrote this in 1 Corinthians 10.

Now these things took place as examples for us, so that we will not desire evil things as they did.

Don’t become idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and got up to party.

Let us not commit sexual immorality as some of them did, and in a single day twenty-three thousand people died. Let us not test Christ as some of them did and were destroyed by snakes.

And don’t grumble as some of them did,, and were killed by the destroyer.

These things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our instruction, on whom the ends of the ages, have come. (1 Corinthians 10:6-11)

The first event Paul mentions happened in Exodus 32. The rest occured in the chapters we’ve been reading in Numbers, including today’s chapter.

Why did God record all these things?

For our instruction.

What can we learn?

1. God takes sin seriously, especially willful, rebellious sin.

We saw this in chapters 15-17, and we see it again here in verse 6.

While the people are weeping over their sin and God’s judgment, a man brashly brings into his tent a Midianite woman to sleep with her, probably as part of a religious ritual.

2. The wages of sin, particularly willful, rebellious, and unrepentant sin is death.

Because of that we dare not take sin lightly in our lives. Rather we are to flee from it.

And so Paul warns us:

So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall. (1 Corinthians 10:12)

We need to constantly be on our guard against sin.

But the good news is that God is with us to help us stand against sin and be victorious over it.

As Paul says,

No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity.

But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Tags bible, christianity, examples, God, guarding our hearts, Jesus, rebellion, repentance, Sin

Numbers Devotionals

How God sees us

How can I curse someone God has not cursed?

How can I denounce someone the Lord has not denounced? (Numbers 23:8)

As I read those words, I thought about what Paul said to the Roman Christians.

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. (Romans 8:33-34)

Satan would denounce us before the Father for all our sins and failures.

Sometimes, we even denounce ourselves.

But how can we denounce someone our Father has not denounced?

Our Father justifies us by the blood Jesus shed for us on the cross. And Jesus himself stands by the Father’s side and defends us.

God foreknew us. He predestined us to be his children and to be like Jesus. He called us. He justified us. And he glorified us in his sight.

That’s how he sees us. He sees us as our loving Father.

And the good news is, he won’t change his mind. I love Numbers 23:19.

God is not a man, that he might lie, or a son of man, that he might change his mind.

Does he speak and not act, or promise and not fulfill?

God is determined to bless us and he will. (Numbers 23:20)

We may face his discipline at times for our sins, but he will never abandon us.

And because he never changes his mind, nothing can separate us from his love. (Romans 8:38-39)

God is with us. So let’s rejoice in our King. (Numbers 23:21)

And every day, let’s cry out, “What great things God has done for me!” (Numbers 23:23)

Tags Balaam, bible, faith, God, God's blessing, heavenly Father, Jesus, no condemnation

Numbers Devotionals

Only words?

As I was reading Balaam’s story, I couldn’t help but think of Jesus’ rebuke of the Pharisees and scribes:

This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. (Matthew 15:8)

At times, Balaam sounded very pious.

“I can’t possibly go against God’s command, small or great.” (Numbers 22:18)

Bu though he honored God with his lips, his heart was apparently far from God.

Because of his greed, it seems he was trying to find some way circumvent God’s command to him. (2 Peter 2:15-16)

But God saw his heart and made sure Balaam knew that he was not fooled. Only then did Balaam refrain from cursing the Israelites.

But even then, Balaam later found a way to bring trouble on the Israelites. (Numbers 25:1-5, 31:16)

It’s easy on Sunday to sing songs saying, “Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. Yes, yes, Lord. Amen!”

But is it just words?

Or is it our heart?

A heart that is fully given to God, not just on Sunday, but all week, moment to moment, day to day?

Do we wholeheartedly follow him? Or do we try to find ways to get around his commands?

Father, I don’t want to be like Balaam. May my heart be completely yours.

Tags Balaam, bible, circumventing God's commands, faith, honoring God, Jesus, Numbers, wholeheartedness

Numbers Devotionals

Breaking faith with God

Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them. (Numbers 20:12)

I was thinking on those words God spoke to Moses and Aaron this morning.

“You did not believe in me.”

Instead of believing God’s instructions and doing things God’s way, Moses did things his own.

In doing so, he showed the same lack of honor to God that the people had with all their complaining and rebelliousness.

Later Moses paraphrased what God had told him. “You broke faith with me. You betrayed my trust. You were unfaithful and disloyal to me.” (Deuteronomy 32:51)

Here was a man that God had spoken to face to face, as a man does with a friend. (Exodus 33:11).

And Moses had betrayed that trust.

How much did that pain the heart of the Father?

Father, how often am I like Moses? How often do I fail to believe in you? Instead of believing your instructions and doing things your way, I do things my own?

By your grace, you saved me. By your grace, you made me your own and call me “friend.”

I never want to look into your eyes knowing that I have betrayed your trust.

Help me to always honor you as holy in my life. To give you the honor you are so worthy of in everything I say and do. And when other see me, let them see you.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags Aaron, bible, breaking faith, Exodus, faith, God, honoring God, Moses, obedience

Numbers Devotionals

What cannot be forgiven

In these chapters, we see some harsh punishments that God laid on the Israelites.

For a lot of people, including Christians, that’s hard to understand, but it comes down to a truth that God laid out in chapter 15.

There is a huge difference between unintentional sins and willful, and more importantly, unrepentant rebellion.

There were sacrifices that could be made for the former.

There were no sacrifices for the latter.

Where there is unrepentant rebellion, any sacrifices would be totally meaningless. (Numbers 15:22-30)

We see this truth played out in the person who willfully and unrepentantly broke the Sabbath. (Numbers 15:32-36)

We see it also in Korah and his followers. (Numbers 16)

A rebellious heart is an ugly thing.

But when it is combined with a heart that refuses to repent, it becomes unforgivable.

All of us sin. But let us never get to the point where we willfully and unrepentantly rebel against God.

Instead, let us have the heart of David, who certainly knew willful sin, but also knew true repentance as well.

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

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

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

Tags atonement, bible, faith, Jesus, rebellion, repentance, Sin, unforgivable sin

Numbers Devotionals

Lead your heart

Speak to the Israelites and tell them that throughout their generations they are to make tassels for the corners of their garments, and put a blue cord on the tassel at each corner.

These will serve as tassels for you to look at, so that you may remember all the Lord’s commands and obey them and not prostitute yourselves by following your own heart and your own eyes.

This way you will remember and obey all my commands and be holy to your God.

I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God; I am the Lord your God. (Numbers 15:38-41)

Last year at my church, we talked about not following our hearts, but rather leading our hearts to follow God.

That’s not a new idea.

Moses told the Israelites the same thing. “Don’t just follow your hearts, setting them on the things you see, and so prostitute yourself. Lead your hearts to follow God and his ways.”

Why? Because God had first loved them. He had saved them from slavery in Egypt and made them his people.

And so now, they were to be holy to him.

In the same way, God first loved us, setting us free from slavery to Satan’s kingdom.

We are God’s beloved people now, and we are to be holy to him, not prostituting ourselves to sin again.

But how do we lead our hearts?

God gave the Israelites one way.

He told them to make a tassel with a blue cord attached to each corner of their garments. Every time they put on their clothes, they were to remember to lead their hearts to follow God.

We don’t need to do that, but it is good to find ways to remind ourselves whose we are and who we are to follow.

Recently, someone at my church moved into a new apartment, and he showed me a picture of its cornerstone. It says, “The LORD our God is one LORD.” (Deuteronomy 6:4)

Every time he walks into his apartment building, that can be his “tassel.”

My “tassel” is a prayer I pray every morning from Revelation 4:11.

Our Lord and God,
you are worthy to receive
glory and honor and power,
because you have created all things,
and by your will
they exist and were created.

By your will, you created me, and I have breath for another day. Be glorified in my life.

What’s your tassel? If you don’t have one, find one!

Tags bible, christianity, Following God, following your heart, leading your heart, tassels

Numbers Devotionals

Eyes of faith. Eyes of fear.

Post author By Bruce
Post date January 16, 2025
No Comments on Eyes of faith. Eyes of fear.

When Moses sent them to scout out the land of Canaan, he told them, “…Be courageous.” (Numbers 13:17, 20)

Those words really stuck out to me this morning.

One of the things Moses told the twelve scouts before they went out to spy out Canaan was to be courageous.

But only two of them, Joshua and Caleb, came back courageous.

Why? Because they had eyes of faith. They saw how big God is.

The rest of them came back with eyes filled with fear.

Why? They could only see how big the Canaanites were.

How often do we fear the future, how often do we fear where God is leading us because we forget how big he is?

And just as importantly, how good he is.

I happened to be praying through Psalm 16 today, and verses 5-8 seemed particularly appropriate.

Lord, you are my portion and my cup of blessing; you hold my future.

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

I will bless the Lord who counsels me—even at night when my thoughts trouble me.

I always let the Lord guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:5-8)

Tags bible, Caleb, Canaan, faith, Fear, God, Joshua, rebellion

Numbers Devotionals

That I might honor you

Listen to what I say: If there is a prophet among you from the Lord, I make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream.

Not so with my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my household. (Numbers 12:6–7)

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession.

He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was in all God’s household.

For Jesus is considered worthy of more glory than Moses, just as the builder has more honor than the house…

Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s household, as a testimony to what would be said in the future.

But Christ was faithful as a Son over his household. And we are that household. (Hebrews 3:1-6)

Lord Jesus, Moses was faithful in the Father’s household as a servant. As such, he was worthy of glory and honor.

But you were faithful in the Father’s household as a Son. And because of that you are worthy of even more glory and honor than Moses.

So let me honor you in all my words and my actions. You are worthy of my obedience and respect.

Forgive me for the times I fail to honor you in that way.

Thank you for continuing to be my high priest who faithfully intercedes for me despite the times I fail to honor you. Thank you for your awesome grace. In your name I pray, amen.

Tags bible, faith, glory, God, honor, Jesus, Moses

Numbers Devotionals

Riff-raff? Or Spirit filled?

Post author By Bruce
Post date January 14, 2025
No Comments on Riff-raff? Or Spirit filled?

The riffraff among them had a strong craving for other food.

The Israelites wept again and said, “Who will feed us meat? We remember the free fish we ate in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. But now our appetite is gone; there’s nothing to look at but this manna!” (Numbers 11:4-6)

The word translated “riffraff” is an unusual word found only here in the Old Testament.

It possibly referred to some foreigners who had joined the Israelites on their departure from Egypt.

Whoever they were, one thing is clear: they were complainers who influenced others in a bad way and were a burden on Moses.

On the other hand, 70 of the Israelites were filled with God’s Spirit to be a support to Moses. And as Moses told Joshua, he wished all the people were Spirit-filled.

That was a wish God would grant years later at Pentecost. (Acts 2:14-18)

One thing I never want to be in God’s church is riffraff. Someone who’s constantly complaining, who influences others to do the same, burdening the leadership.

I want to be Spirit-filled, being used by God to touch and bless others’ lives, both inside the church and out.

How about you?

God has given you his Spirit.

Are you living a life filled and led by the Spirit?

Or are you living like riffraff?

Tags christianity, God, riffraff, Spirit-filled

Psalms Devotionals 2

Acnowledging God as God

Acknowledge that the Lord is God.
He made us, and we are his,—
his people, the sheep of his pasture. (Psalm 100:3)

Last week, I was preparing a message on the book of Job. And perhaps because of that, when I came across Psalm 100 in my quiet time, it really struck me that this was a song Job could have sung after all his experiences.

Because verse 3 was the main thing that he learned.

God is God. We are not.

He made us. We are his people, his sheep.

And that’s a good thing.

Why?

Because ultimately, he is good, his faithful love is forever, and his faithfulness through all generations. (5)

There’s a lot in this world that we can’t understand. And because of that, it’s easy to start questioning God. To start questioning his goodness. To start questioning his love toward us.

But the key to finding joy in the midst of our trials is acknowledging the Lord as God. That he is wise. That he is powerful. And most importantly, that he is loving to us.

So with those truths firmly in mind, let us shout triumphantly to the Lord. (1)

Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before him with joyful songs. (2)

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. (4)

For the Lord is good, and his faithful love endures forever;
his faithfulness, through all generations. (5)

Tags faith, God, God's goodness, God's love, Jesus, Job, Psalms, trials

Colossians Devotionals

Letting Christ’s word dwell in us

Post author By Bruce
Post date January 8, 2025
No Comments on Letting Christ’s word dwell in us

Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Colossians 3:16)

I’ve always loved the words, “Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you.”

But today I noticed how it was to dwell richly among us. Not just through Bible reading and Sunday messages, though that’s important. But Paul specifically says through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.

And it just made me think how much songs have shaped my Christian life. Not just worship songs. But other Christian songs as well.

Some songs came straight from scripture so that I was singing (and praying) things like Psalm 121, Romans 12:1, Romans 8:14-21, and Matthew 11:28.

Some songs didn’t quote scripture, but were scripture-based.

They taught me what it means that God is my Father. They taught me how God sees me.

They challenged me not to let my heart be hardened, but to keep a soft heart towards God.

They taught me to praise God in the midst of trial.

They taught me that worship is not just singing songs, but that our whole lives are to be praise to God.

Songs are powerful tools to let God’s word richly dwell in you.

Do you listen to music? If so, what kind of music are you listening to? Do you pay attention to what those lyrics are really saying?

If you want to let Christ’s word richly dwell in you, start looking for songs centered on Scripture. Not just “love songs” to God. But songs that communicate God’s truth.

They can be songs from church. They can be songs from Christian artists.

But sing them. Pray them. And let those words encourage, challenge, and admonish you. Pass those words on to others.

And Christ’s word will richly dwell in you.

Tags admonishment, bible, Christ's word, christianity, Colossians, encouragement, faith, God, hymns, Psalms, spiritual songs

Colossians Devotionals

Overflowing with gratitude

Post author By Bruce
Post date January 7, 2025
No Comments on Overflowing with gratitude

So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him…overflowing with gratitude. (Colossians 2:6-7)

For some reason, those last words really grabbed my heart.

“Overflowing with gratitude.”

Does that describe me?

Not living my Christian life out of obligation.

But living my Christian life out of sheer gratitude for what Jesus did for me.

Gratitude will keep me rooted in Jesus. I’ll want to be built up in him. I’ll want my faith in him to be firmly established.

Father, let me never get blasé about my relationship with you. Let my Christian life never become a drudgery. But let me always walk with you each day overflowing with gratitude. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags built up in Christ, drudgery, faith, gratitude, rooted in Christ

Colossians Devotionals

That you might be first

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities— all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and by him all things hold together.

He is also the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. (Colossians 1:15-18)

Lord Jesus, I was created by you. I was created through you. I was created for you. Have first place in my life. You are worthy to be first in my life.

Fill me with the knowledge of your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding so that I may walk worthy of you, fully pleasing to you, bearing fruit in every good work, and growing in my knowledge of you.

Strengthen me with all power so that I may have great endurance and patience, filled with joy and thanksgiving.

Your grace to me is incredible. You have given me an inheritance with your people. You rescued me from the domain of darkness and brought me into your kingdom.

By your death on the cross, you present me before the Father holy, faultless, and blameless.

By your grace, let me remain grounded and steadfast in faith, never shifted from the hope I have through your gospel.

In your name I pray, amen.

Tags bible, Christ’s preeminence, christianity, faith, God, God's love, grace, Hope, inheritance, Jesus

Philippians Devotionals

Working out our salvation

Post author By Bruce
Post date January 2, 2025
No Comments on Working out our salvation

Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling… (Philippians 2:12)

I was thinking today on what it means to work out our salvation.

I think Paul explains his meaning more clearly in chapter 3.

He’s not talking about trying to become righteous by his own efforts to keep the law. His righteousness came by faith in Christ’s work on the cross for him. (Philippians 3:9)

So what does he mean by working out his salvation?

Pursuing his relationship with Jesus. Knowing Christ became his ultimate pursuit in life above all other things.
Becoming more and more like Jesus. Paul wanted to experience Jesus’ resurrection power in his life, becoming like his Lord.

But before he could be raised with Jesus, he had to die with Jesus. Just as Jesus suffered and died to sin once for all time, Paul needed to learn to die to sin once and for all so that he could live for God (Romans 6:10-11).

And by Paul joining in Christ’s sufferings, he showed that he was through with sin, no longer living for himself, but for God’s will. (1 Peter 4:1-2)

That’s what it means to work out our salvation. And it’s an ongoing process. A process that Paul admitted he had not fully completed yet.

He still fell short. He still hadn’t arrived.

But Jesus in his grace had taken hold of him. And so Paul strove to take full hold of the salvation he had received, working out his salvation with fear and trembling.

I marvel at the fact that this same Jesus that took hold of Paul has taken hold of me. And so like Paul, I’m striving to take full hold of the salvation I have received, working out that salvation with fear and trembling.

I still fall short. I still haven’t arrived. But with full confidence in the grace and love God has given me, I say with Paul,

Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)

Tags becoming Christlike, bible, Christ's righteousness, christianity, faith, grace, Jesus, righteousness, salvation, working out our salvation

Philippians Devotionals

With fear and trembling

Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12)

With fear and trembling.

I was meditating on those words this morning.

What do they mean?

Three times, Paul uses that exact phrase, and each time it’s in the context of obedience to the Lord.

In 2 Corinthians 7:15, the Corinthians received Timothy with fear and trembling because of Jesus who he represented and who they obeyed.

In Ephesians 6:5, Paul told slaves to obey their masters with fear and trembling just as they obeyed Jesus with fear and trembling.

And here in Philippians 2:12, he tells the Philippians that as they have always obeyed, to work out their salvation with fear and trembling.

Of course, Jesus fully accomplished our salvation on the cross, but as we follow and serve him, we more fully experience the benefits of that salvation. And the greatest benefit is a restored relationship with the God who deeply loves us.

So a large part of working out our salvation is learning to walk in that restored relationship with God, moment to moment, day to day.

But why do so with fear and trembling?

Because Jesus has been given the name above all names. Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that he is Lord.

I can’t help but think that Paul was not only thinking of Isaiah 45:23 which he quotes, but Psalm 2.

Psalm 2 is a Messianic psalm in which God essentially does what Paul talks about in Philippians 2: he establishes Jesus as king over all. And all who rage against him and rebel will be destroyed. Such people should be afraid of his wrath.

But on the other hand, all who take refuge in Jesus will find joy. (Psalm 2:12)

And so, the psalmist writes,

Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. (Psalm 2:11, ESV)

Sound familiar? I think that’s what Paul is alluding to when he says work out your salvation with fear and trembling.

We are not Jesus’ equals. Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords. He is worthy of our obedience. And he will judge all those who rebel against him.

Because of that, we dare not take him lightly.

And yet, when we acknowledge his lordship in our lives, we need not live in constant fear of his punishment. Punishment is for his enemies, not us.

Rather with reverential awe, not only that, with gladness and joyful songs, we serve him. (Psalm 2:11 (CSB), Philippians 2:13 NLT, Psalm 100:2)

In our trembling, we rejoice at the grace God has given us. We rejoice that he works in us to will and work according to his good purpose. (Philippians 2:13)

I think another psalmist sums up the meaning of working out our salvation with fear and trembling.

Acknowledge that the LORD is God. He made us, and we are his— his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name.

For the LORD is good, and his faithful love endures forever; his faithfulness, through all generations. (Psalm 100:3-5)

So this year, let us not take our Lord or the salvation he has given us lightly. Rather, let us work out our salvation with fear and trembling. And rejoicing.

Tags bible, faith, fear and trembling, God, Jesus, Jesus is Lord, joy, working out our salvation

Philippians Devotionals

Praying for others. Praying for ourselves.

Post author By Bruce
Post date December 31, 2024
No Comments on Praying for others. Praying for ourselves.

As I was reading Paul’s words today, I started to pray some of his prayers for the Philippians for the people on my prayer list, for my family and small group in particular, but also for my pastor and his wife.

I pray that <name>’s love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that <name> may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to your praise and glory, God.

I believe you started a good work in <name>. Please carry it to completion.

Let <name> live a life worthy of your gospel, and may you be highly honored in <name>’s body. (From Philippians 1:6, 9-11, 20, 27)

As I was praying, though, I realized I needed those prayers too. And so I prayed for myself as well.

Father, I pray that I too will keep growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that I may approve the things that are superior and be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to your praise and glory.

You started a good work in me. Please carry it to completion.

Let me live a life worthy of your gospel, and be highly honored in my body, in my life today. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Tags christianity, faith, Intercession, Jesus, Paul’s prayers, petition, prayer

Ephesians Devotionals

Put all of your armor on

David Padfield/FreeBibleimages.org

Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil…

For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. (Ephesians 6:11, 13)

“The full armor.”

Those are the words God impressed on me this morning.

Put on the full armor. Take up the full armor. Not just part of it. All of it.

Satan schemes against us and uses different strategies to get at us, not just one. And if we don’t put on the full armor every day, we’re vulnerable.

Rephrasing Paul’s words, if you don’t put on the full armor, you can’t stand against the devil’s schemes.

If you don’t take up the full armor, you won’t be able to resist, you won’t be able to take your stand.

So put on truth. The truth of God’s word. Make it foundation of your thinking. Let truthfulness also mark your speech. And put away the masks. Don’t be two-faced, one person at church, another person outside the church.

Put righteousness over your heart. Deal rightly with the people around with you. And when Satan accuses you for your failings, put on Christ’s righteousness which is ours by faith in him.

Put on the gospel of grace on your feet, so that you don’t slip into constant self-condemnation, nor legalism, nor willful sin.

Take up the shield of faith. But don’t just stand alone. Stand together with other Christians.

Make fellowship with them a priority so that your shield becomes part of a mighty turtle shell that protects not only you, but the Christians around you from Satan’s attack.

Receive the helmet of salvation. Welcome it with thanksgiving, knowing that you received it freely by God’s grace.

And swing the sword of God’s word whenever the enemy comes against you with his lies.

How about you? Are you putting it all on every day? Or are you leaving some of it on the floor?

Tags armor of God, bible, breastplate of righteousness, christianity, faith, gospel of peace, Helmet of salvation, Jesus, Satan's attacks, Satan's strategies, shield of faith, spiritual warfare, sword of the Spirit

Ephesians Devotionals

To be like you

But that is not how you came to know Christ, assuming you heard about him and were taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus, to take off, your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on, the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth. (Ephesians 4:20-24)

Father, we were originally made in your image. (Genesis 1:26-27)

But that image has been distorted and corrupted by our sin.

Your image in my life has been distorted and corrupted by my sin.

And yet you loved me, and by your grace you saved me, desiring that I become like your Son. (Ephesians 4:13)

So help me to put on the new self, one created according to your likeness.

May I be characterized by your righteousness. By your truth. By your love. By your grace. By your kindness. By your compassion.

When others see me, let them see you. I want to be like you.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags compassion, God's image, God's likeness, grace, kindness, righteousness, truth

Ephesians Devotionals

Drawn near

At that time you were without Christ, excluded from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world.

But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ…

For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household. (Ephesians 2:12-13, 18-19)

This is perhaps my favorite passage in Ephesians. And it perfectly encapsulates Christmas and why Jesus came.

We were outsiders to God’s family, foreigners to all of God’s promises of blessing to Abraham and his descendants. But now in Jesus, we who were once far away have been brought near.

We see this in Jesus’ own family tree.

Tamar was a Canaanite, a people that God would ultimately order the Israelites to destroy because of their sin. (Matthew 1:3; Genesis 10:15-18, 15:16; Leviticus 18:24-28; Deuteronomy 7:1-4)

Rahab also was a Canaanite and a prostitute as well. (Matthew 1:5)

Ruth was a Moabite, another group that was supposed to have been excluded. (Matthew 1:5 Deuteronomy 23:3-4)

All of them perfectly fit what Paul talked about: excluded from the citizenship of Israel, foreigners to the covenant of promise, without hope and without God in the world.

But they were brought near, fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household.

And so are we.

Meditate on those words this Christmas. Chew on them.

And rejoice.

I know I am.

Tags bible, brought near to God, Christmas, citizenship in heaven, faith, God's family, grace, Jesus, meaning of Christmas

Ephesians Devotionals

Lavished on

Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.

For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him.

He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One. (Ephesians 1:3-6)

I love the translation of verse 6. God has “lavished” his grace on us.

The word translated “lavished” is used only one other time in the New Testament, when Gabriel visited Mary. Gabriel told her,

Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.（Luke 1:28)

He was basically saying to her, “Mary, God has lavished his grace upon you.”

You may think that Mary must have been pretty special for the angel to say that to her.

And yet, God says the same thing to us.

“I have lavished my grace upon you through my Son. I chose you before the foundation of the world to be adopted into my family.”

The words God spoke to Mary are for you. God has lavished his grace on you. And in Jesus, he is Immanuel, “God with us.”

Tags bible, faith, God, grace, Immanuel, Jesus, Lavished on, Mary

2 Thessalonians Devotionals

Be an example? Me?

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)

Those words really hit me this morning. Paul’s words are pretty bold: “You yourselves know how you should imitate us.”

Honestly, I don’t know if I feel that bold.

I see all my flaws. I see all the areas I still need to grow.

Why would people want to imitate me?

But God calls all of us to make disciples. Not just the pastors. Not just the church leaders. All of us. He calls all of us to make ourselves examples to the people in our lives so that they would imitate us.

And I suppose that means them not only seeing our strengths and imitating them, but seeing us working on our flaws as well.

And to see us moment to moment, day by day, walking in God’s grace, not under condemnation for our flaws, but with full confidence as children of God.

Father, I desire to be someone others want to imitate. In a lot of ways, I feel unworthy of that.

But as people watch me, let them see not only my admirable qualities that they want to imitate, let them also see the grace I walk in each day as I’m working on my flaws. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags bible, discipleship, example, faith, flaws, grace, Jesus, model, Sin

Bible Original

Throwback Thursday — Prayers every believer needs

Post author By Bruce
Post date December 19, 2024
No Comments on Throwback Thursday — Prayers every believer needs

A litle something that I wrote a few years ago, but God is really impressing on my heart in recent days.

Prayers that every believer needs

Tags cross, God's love, God's strength, grace, trials

1 Thessalonians Devotionals

God is faithful. He will do it.

Post author By Bruce
Post date December 17, 2024
No Comments on God is faithful. He will do it.

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)

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

Those words rung in my mind this morning.

It brought to mind what Paul wrote in Romans 8:29-30:

For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified.

I wonder. Do we really believe this?

He started this work, choosing us before we were born. Choosing us to become like his Son, our whole spirit, soul, and body sound and blameless before him.

And what he started, he will complete. Because he is faithful.

Do you like what you see in the mirror? Or do you see your sins and failures, the dirt and grime, and grimace?

Our Abba doesn’t grimace. He knew you from the first. And he still chose you. He called you. He justified you, wiping away your entire record of sin.

And whether you can see it or not, he’s in the process of sanctifying you through and through.

This is God’s will: your sanctification, your becoming like Jesus. (1 Thesssalonians 4:3)

And he’s not going to stop until he’s completed the process and he glorifies you, making you completely like his Son.

So put on the breastplate of righteousness. Not your righteousness, but the righteousness of God that comes by faiith. Let confidence in God’s love for you guard your heart. (Ephesians 6:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:8)

And know that the hope of your salvation, of your becoming like Jesus is a certain hope. Wear that hope every day.

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ… (1 Thessalonians 5:9)

And again,

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

Tags faith, God, God's faithfulness, grace, holiness, Jesus, sanctification, Sin

1 Thessalonians Devotionals

Because we have hope

…may the Lord cause you to increase and to abound in love for one another and for all, just as also we do for you, so that your hearts may be established blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Finally therefore, brothers, we ask you and appeal to you in the Lord Jesus that, just as you have received from us how it is necessary for you to live and to please God, just as indeed you are living, that you progress even more…

For this is the will of God, your sanctification. (1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:1, 3, LEB)

Here at Christmastime, we often reflect on the first coming of Jesus. But Jesus is coming again. That is our hope.

In the last three months, two people I know have passed away and gone to be with the Lord.

But as Paul said, we don’t grieve as those in the world who have no hope. When Jesus returns, they will rise and we who are alive will join them in the air to be with Jesus forever.

And on that day, Paul says we will be established blameless in holiness before God. To put it more simply, we will be like Jesus, for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2)

That’s our hope. But in the meantime, Paul and John both encourage us to become more and more like Jesus. (2 Thessalonians 4:1-3, 1 John 3:3)

I love the LEB’s translation of verse 3: You are already seeking to please God, but “progress even more.”

Keep moving forward. That’s God’s will for us. That moment to moment, day to day we become more like Jesus.

Lord Jesus, as I look forward to Christmas, I also look forward to your coming. To seeing you and seeing my friends again.

But until then, help me to keep progressing. Help me to keep on growing. And by your grace, help me to become more like you each day.

Tags 1 Thessalonians, becoming like Jesus, Bible Original, christianity, first advent, God, holiness, Hope, Jesus, second coming

1 Thessalonians Devotionals

Loved and chosen

For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you… (1 Thessalonians 1:4)

Those are the words I was mulling over this morning.

“I am loved by God.”

“He has chosen me.”

Those words never cease to astound me.

God chose to set his love on me?

Why?

I have no answers. But it provides me great comfort.

I don’t have to strive to earn God’s favor. I already have it.

I don’t have to somehow prove myself worthy of his love. He’s already given it to me.

And so despite all the weaknesses and failings I see in me, I can rest, knowing he has accepted me.

Let those words sink into your hearts today.

“I’m loved by God.”

“And he has chosen me.”

Don’t try so hard
God gives you grace and you can’t earn it
Don’t think that you’re not worth it
Because you are

He gave you His love and He’s not leaving
Gave you His Son so you’d believe it
You’re lovely even with your scars
Don’t try so hard — Amy Grant

Tags election, faith, God, God's love, grace, love

Exodus Devotions

The God who pitched his tent among us

Post author By Bruce
Post date December 10, 2024
No Comments on The God who pitched his tent among us

The cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

Moses was unable to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud rested on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. (Exodus 40:34-35)

This being Christmas season, I couldn’t help but think of the story of the shepherds in Luke 2.

In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock.

Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. (Luke 2:8-9)

The same glory that filled the tabernacle now shone around the shepherds.

No wonder the shepherds were terrified.

Even Moses wouldn’t enter the place where God’s glory shone.

And yet the angel said to the shepherds,

Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)

Through Jesus, the shepherds gained access to God that even Moses didn’t have. And so have we.

John tells us,

The Word (i.e. God) became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14)

The word “dwelt” has the idea of “pitching one’s tent.”

In Jesus becoming human, God “pitched his tent” among us, just as God did for the Israelites.

Because he did, John tells us that,

We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14b)

And just as God was Immanuel to the Israelites, “throughout all the stages of their journey,” Jesus is Immanuel to us throughout all the stages of our journey through life, promising,

I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)

Tags Bible Original, Exodus, God, God with us, God's glory, Immanuel, Jesus, tabernacle

Exodus Devotions

Let everything I do…

Everyone whose heart was moved and whose spirit prompted him came and brought an offering to the Lord. (Exodus 35:21)

Moses then said to the Israelites, “Look, the Lord has appointed by name Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.

He has filled him with God’s Spirit, with wisdom, understanding, and ability…” (Exodus 35:30-31)

Father, let everything I do for you be from my heart. Not obligation. Not duty. Not others’ expectations of me. But from a heart that has been touched by your love and grace and is filled with gratitude.

So often I see mixed motives in myself. Help me to give my whole heart to you.

Father, you have appointed me by name.

I’m weak. I often feel inadequate. And yet you appoint me by name.

Fill me with your Spirit. Fill me with wisdom, understanding, and the ability to do what you’re asking of me.

Without you, I can do nothing. With you, I can bear much fruit. And I want to bear much fruit for you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags Filled with the Spirit, motives, serving God

Exodus Devotions

Immanuel

“Now if I have indeed found favor with you, please teach me your ways, and I will know you, so that I may find favor with you. Now consider that this nation is your people.”

And he replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

“If your presence does not go,” Moses responded to him, “don’t make us go up from here.” (Exodus 33:13-15)

I was thinking this morning, “How often do I have Moses’ heart?”

“Father, I don’t even want to leave this house unless you go with me. If I have found favor with you, walk with me. Teach me your ways and I will know you so that I may find favor with you.”

The amazing thing is that God says to us, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and I know you by name. My presence will go with you and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:17, 14)

Ultimately, that’s what Christmas is about.

Jesus is Immanuel, God with us.

He not only walks with us and talks with us as he did with Moses, he reveals his glory to us, and we receive grace upon grace upon grace. (John 1:14, 16-18)

That’s awesome to ponder.

Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace on earth to people he favors! (Luke 2:14)

Tags God, God with us, God's grace, God's presence, Immanuel, inspiration, prayer, worship

Exodus Devotions

The gravity of our sin

The following day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a grave sin.” (Exodus 32:30)

Moses’ words really struck me this morning. “You have committed a grave sin.”

It made me think, “How seriously do I take my sin? Do I ever take it too lightly?”

Paul tells us that the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23)

The Israelites learned that lesson that day, with 3000 dying and more gettting struck by plague.

Our sin is so grave, that Jesus had to go to a cross to “settle our accounts.”

And only when we realize the gravity of our sin can we understand the depth of joy David had when he wrote,

How joyful is the one
whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered!

How joyful is a person whom
the Lord does not charge with iniquity… (Psalm 32:1-2)

Father, help me to never take my sin lightly. And let me never take your awesome grace for granted.

Tags forgiveness, grace, gravity of sin, taking sin lightly

Bible Original

A sanctuary

Jeremy Park, Bible-Scenes.com

They are to make a sanctuary for me so that I may dwell among them. You must make it according to all that I show you—the pattern of the tabernacle as well as the pattern of all its furnishings. (Exodus 25:8-9)

Father, dwell in me. Let my life be your sanctuary. May my life not be built according to my own blueprint, but according to yours.

Father, you are holy, your Word is holy, but so often I am unholy. So always meet me above your mercy seat (Exodus 25:21-22).

Jesus, you are my mercy seat (Romans 3:25, CSB).

By your blood, daily wash away all my sins and make me pure before you.

Father, you are always with me, providing me my daily bread (Exodus 25:23-30).

Jesus you are the bread from heaven that gives me eternal life. (John 6:33-35)

Jesus, you are my light (Exodus 25:31-38, John 8:12). Let me walk by your light each day.

In your name, I pray, Amen.

Tags Bible Original, Exodus, faith, God, Jesus

Exodus Devotions

Old covenant, new covenant

Post author By Bruce
Post date December 2, 2024
No Comments on Old covenant, new covenant

Moses took half the blood and set it in basins; the other half of the blood he splattered on the altar.

He then took the covenant scroll and read it aloud to the people.

They responded, “We will do and obey all that the Lord has commanded.”

Moses took the blood, splattered it on the people, and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you concerning all these words.” (Exodus 24:6-8)

Having taken communion yesterday, it’s hard not to think of Jesus’ words at the last supper.

This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. (1 Corinthians 11:25)

In a lot of ways, the old covenant was a covenant of grace. It brought an undeserving people into a relationship with God.

But in a lot of ways, it was an imperfect covenant.

It was built on promises by the people to obey God’s law, something they could never do perfectly. (Hebrews 8:7-9, 10:1-4)

Morever, even with the blood sprinkled on them, they could not draw near to God. Only Moses, the priests, and the elders could eat and drink in God’s presence.

And even then, only Moses could truly approach God on Sinai.

But the new covenant is not based on our efforts to keep God’s law. It’s not based on any vows we make to “be good.”

It’s based on Jesus’ work on the cross for us and his blood that he shed for us.

A blood that cries out, not for vengeance, as Abel’s did (Genesis 4:10), but a blood that cries out, “Father, forgive them.”

And because of Jesus, all of us can draw near to God, joyfully, boldy, and without fear. (Hebrews 10:19-22)

The writer of Hebrews sums up the difference between the Old and New covenant this way.

For you have not come to what could be touched, to a blazing fire, to darkness, gloom, and storm, to the blast of a trumpet, and the sound of words.

Those who heard it begged that not another word be spoken to them, for they could not bear what was commanded: If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.

The appearance was so terrifying that Moses said, I am trembling with fear.

Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God (the heavenly Jerusalem), to myriads of angels, a festive gathering, to the assembly of the firstborn whose names have been written in heaven, to a Judge, who is God of all, to the spirits of righteous people made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which says better things than the blood of Abel. (Hebrews 12:18-24)

That’s awesome to think about.

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful.

By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:28-29)

Tags Bible Original, God, grace, Jesus, new covenant, old covenant

Exodus Devotions

What we all need

“What you’re doing is not good,” Moses’s father-in-law said to him.

“You will certainly wear out both yourself and these people who are with you, because the task is too heavy for you. You can’t do it alone.” (Exodus 18:17-18)

“You can’t do it alone.”

I found it interesting that Jethro told Moses that not long after the battle against the Amalekites.

Moses literally couldn’t keep his hands up as he was interceding for the Israelites before God, but Aaron and Hur supported him until victory was achieved. (Exodus 17:8-16)

And now Jethro was telling him again, “You can’t do God’s work alone.”

That’s something we all need to remember.

Our leaders may seem like “super-Christians,” but they can’t do their jobs alone.

They certainly need our prayers and encouragement. But they also need us to do our part in ministry as well.

God has given each of us gifts to minister to others. Ministry is not just the job of the leaders. It’s the job of every Christian. (Ephesians 4:11-16)

But beyond that, all of us need support in our Christian lives.

Our personal ministries to our families and those around us can get heavy. Life itself can get heavy.

So let’s not try to live our Christian lives on our own.

Let’s support and encourage each other so that our load will be lightened and we’ll be able to endure. (Exodus 18:22-23)

As Paul put it,

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

Tags Bible Original, encouragment, Exodus, faith, God, Jethro, leaders, Ministry, Moses, pastors, support

Exodus Devotions

Hurting? Or defiant?

He named the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites complained, and because they tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?” (Exodus 17:7)

As I was reading those words, it struck me that there are two ways the Israelites could have been saying those words.

They could have been hurting, and saying, “God, I don’t get it. Are you really with us? We have no water. Unless you do something, we’re going to die. Please help us.”

Or they could have been defiant, saying, “Well, God, are you with us or not? What? Are you just going to let us die out here? What kind of God are you, anyway?”

From the way that Moses responded, it seems that the Israelites were speaking more from defiance.

In fact, he warned them against that kind of attitude later. (Deuteronomy 6:16)

When we go through trials, it’s easy to get tossed around by our emotions. And in our hurt, it’s okay for us to express our doubts, our pain, and our fears.

David did this all the time in the Psalms.

But one thing we must guard against is a defiant attitude. To feel like we are in a position to judge God.

We are not. There is so much he knows that we don’t.

And so when we’re hurting, when we don’t understand, we need to take a humble attitude with God.

Satan would have us question God’s goodness, and he would use our trials to destroy our trust in God.

Don’t let him do it.

Instead let’s remember Peter’s words, clinging to God’s goodness, his faithfulness, and his love toward us.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.

Be sober-minded, be alert.

Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.

Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.

The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while.” (1 Peter 5:6-10)

Tags Bible Original, complaining, defiant attitude, faith, God, humility, trials, trust

Exodus Devotions

Finding God’s rest and peace

Post author By Bruce
Post date November 25, 2024
1 Comment on Finding God’s rest and peace

Yet on the seventh day some of the people went out to gather, but they did not find any.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “How long will you refuse to keep my commands and instructions? Understand that the Lord has given you the Sabbath…” (Exodus 16:27-29)

“The Lord has given you the Sabbath.”

Those words struck me. God wanted to give the Israelites rest. It was a gift to them.

But they couldn’t find that rest as long as they refused to trust and obey him.

It’s so amazing how quickly they forgot God’s goodness. One moment, they’re singing,

Lord, who is like you among the gods?
Who is like you, glorious in holiness,
revered with praises, performing wonders…

With your faithful love, you will lead the people
you have redeemed;
you will guide them to your holy dwelling
with your strength. (Exodus 15:11, 13)

The next moment, they’re complaining and wishing they were back in Egypt.

I don’t want to be like that, crying out, “How great is our God!” on Sunday, but failing to trust and obey him the rest of the week.

Not only does it sadden my Father, but I lose out on the gift of rest and peace he wants to give me.

Father, I want to know your rest and peace. And the thing is, you want me to experience your rest and peace. So help me to trust you and obey.

You are good. You are trustworthy. And you deeply love me.

Help me to always remember that. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags Bible Original, christianity, faith, God, God's peace, God's rest, Jesus, obedience, trust

Exodus Devotions

The One who goes ahead of us

Post author By Bruce
Post date November 21, 2024
1 Comment on The One who goes ahead of us

The Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to lead them on their way during the day and in a pillar of fire to give them light at night, so that they could travel day or night.

The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night never left its place in front of the people. (Exodus 13:21-22)

Father, you are the one that goes before me. Night or day, you never leave your place in front of me.

Lead me by your wisdom. You know me better than I know myself. You know what I can handle and what I can’t. (Exodus 13:17-18)

May I have the faith of Joseph, confident that what you have said, you will do. (Exodus 13:19)

May I have the faith of Moses, following wherever you lead.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags God with us, God's leading, God's faithfulness, pillar of fire

Exodus Devotions

What makes us different

The blood on the houses where you are staying will be a distinguishing mark for you; when I see the blood, I will pass over you.

No plague will be among you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. (Exodus 12:13)

What made the Israelites different from the Egyptians? Why were the Israelites spared God’s judgment and not the Egyptians?

As we’ll see later in Exodus, it wasn’t because the Israelites were somehow morally superior to the Egyptians.

Rather, it was the blood of the sheep or goat that was shed for them.

It’s the same with us.

We deserve God’s judgment as much as anyone.

What distinguishes us and saves us from God’s judgment is not how good or faithful we are.

Rather, it is Jesus’ blood shed on the cross for us.

Perhaps David was thinking of the Israelites using hyssop to brush the blood on their doorposts when he prayed,

Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. (Psalm 51:7)

God told the Israelites to always remember what he did for them that day. (Exodus 12:24-27)

In the same way, let us always remember what Jesus did for us on the cross, and like the Israelites, fall down in worship.

It’s your blood that cleanses me.
It’s your blood that gives me life.
It’s your blood that took my place in redeeming sacrifice.
And washes me whiter than the snow.
My Jesus, God’s precious sacrifice. — Michael Christ

Tags Bible Original, Exodus, God, Jesus, passover, redemption, salvation

Exodus Devotions

Stubborn

How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? (Exodus 10:3)

It’s easy to criticize Pharaoh for his stubbornness.

But how often do we cling to ours?

We know we’re wrong.

But we refuse to humble ourselves.

I know I’m guilty of that at times.

How often does God wonder at my stubborn heart?

How often does he say to me, “How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me?”

Abba, Father, help me to keep a soft, humble heart.

Tags humility, Pharaoh, stubborn heart

Exodus Devotions

Fearing God’s words

Those among Pharaoh’s officials who feared the word of the Lord made their servants and livestock flee to shelters, but those who didn’t take to heart the Lord’s word left their servants and livestock in the field. (Exodus 9:20-21)

Father, do I fear your Word? Do I take it to heart?

Solomon said the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10)

Do I really believe that?

Yours are the words that give me life. (John 6:68)

Forgive me for the times I don’t fear your Word.

It’s one thing to say that I honor your Word.

It’s another thing to let it shape my actions. My heart. My attitudes.

Let your Word do just that: shape my heart, attitudes, and actions.

In Jesus’ name amen.

Tags fear of God, God's word

Exodus Devotions

That the world may know

You must say whatever I command you; then Aaron your brother must declare it to Pharaoh so that he will let the Israelites go from his land…

The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the Israelites from among them. (Exodus 7:2, 5)

Moses and Aaron were to speak God’s words so that Pharaoh and all the Egyptians would know he was the Lord.

As I read those words, it struck me that we too are to speak God’s words to those around us that they might know he is the Lord.

But whereas Moses’ and Aaron’s words were mostly words of judgment, ours is a message of reconciliation.

Paul put it this way,

Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

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.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”

He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:18-21)

So let’s take God’s message of reconciliation to those around us that they may know he is God…and be reconciled to him.

Tags Bible Original, faith, God, God's word, Jesus, judgment, reconciliation

Exodus Devotions

Who am I?

God spoke further to Moses and said to him, “I am Yahweh; and I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name, Yahweh, I was not known to them.” (Exodus 6:2-3, LSB)

Father, you are El Shaddai, God Almighty. You are Yahweh.

You are the God that was with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

You are the God that was with Moses.

And you are with me.

Who am I that you would care about me?

That you would hear my groanings?

That you would save me and redeem me?

That you would take me to be your own?

That you would bring me into your kingdom?

That you would be my God and reveal yourself to me?

That in Jesus you have revealed yourself to me in a way that even Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses didn’t know.

And so I choose to trust you, even in my struggles.

You were faithful then. You are faithful now. And you will be faithful throughout all eternity.

I love you, Abba.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags Bible Original, El Shaddai, faith, faithfulness, God, Jesus, Moses, redemption, worship, Yahweh

Exodus Devotions

Do I believe You?

I wonder.

Did Moses tell the Israelites everything God had said?

Did he tell them that Pharaoh would harden his heart against them?

Or did he only tell them that God would deliver them?

I wonder.

Did Moses himself take God’s warning seriously?

He certainly didn’t seem prepared in his heart when Pharaoh said no and the Israelites got upset with him.

How about us? Do we believe God?

Do we believe Jesus when he says, “In this world you will face suffering?” (John 16:33)

Do we believe Paul when he says hard times will come? (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

Do we believe Peter? (1 Peter 4:12)

More importantly, when we do face trials, do we keep believing God is good, that Jesus has overcome this world, and that God will keep his word and ultimately will deliver us?

The question I’m asking today, that all of us need to ask is, “God, do I believe you?”

Tags faith, God's goodness, Moses, Pharaoh, trials

Exodus Devotions

Though God is patient

Our God is patient. That is true.

But ultimately, there is one thing he will not tolerate: willful disobedience.

We see that twice in this passage.

When God first called Moses to go to Pharaoh, Moses started making all kinds of excuses about why he couldn’t go.

But in the end, those excuses were merely excuses. And when God answered each one, Moses finally said, “I don’t want to go. Send someone else.”

At that, God got upset.

Now, by his grace, God made allowance for Moses’ weaknesses, allowing Aaron to be his spokesman.

But he did not allow Moses to simply walk away from this task he had given him.

Then we have this curious incident where God is about to kill Moses. Why?

Apparently, God had commanded Moses to circumcise his son. It was something God had commanded Abraham and all his descendants to do (Genesis 17:9-14).

And as Israel’s leader, Moses had to set an example for the people.

But for whatever reason, he didn’t. From his wife’s reaction, it’s possible she had been against her son being circumcised.

Again, God is patient and gracious. But never mistake his patience and grace for indifference to our sin.

He does not take willful disobedience lightly.

Neither should we.

Tags Bible Original, disobedience, Exodus, faith, God, God's patience, Moses

Exodus Devotions

Having our Father’s heart

Post author By Bruce
Post date November 6, 2024
No Comments on Having our Father’s heart

Years later, after Moses had grown up, he went out to his own people and observed their forced labor. He saw an Egyptian striking a Hebrew, one of his people…

After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned because of their difficult labor, and they cried out, and their cry for help because of the difficult labor ascended to God.

God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob; and God saw the Israelites, and God knew. (Exodus 2:11, 23-25)

Moses was a flawed man. And yet, I think God saw in Moses a heart similar to his own. A heart that not only saw the groanings and struggles of others, but wanted to help.

Moses saw the suffering of his own people and refused to stand by and do nothing.

His murdering a man was of course wrong, but his desire to help his suffering brothers was not.

He later saw some shepherdesses also being bullied, and despite his failure the time before, he still couldn’t stand idly by.

And when God saw the suffering of his own people, he couldn’t just stand by and watch either. He had compassion on his people and determined to help them.

And so he chose to use a man who had the same kind of heart he had.

God still chooses to use the same kind of people today.

I don’t know about you, but I want to be such a man.

Tags Bible Original, compassion, Exodus, faith, God, God's heart, Moses

Exodus Devotions

Remembered and honored

It’s very interesting to me that the king of Egypt is never named, but two “insignificant” midwives are.

God remembered and honored Shiphrah and Puah for their faithfulness to him, and their names are commemorated in Scripture to this day.

The king of Egypt…not so much.

You may feel like you’re insigificant and unimportant in God’s kingdom.

But if we are faithful, we will be remembered and honored by God just as Shiphrah and Puah were.

It reminds me of what God said through the prophet Malachi.

At that time those who feared the Lord spoke to one another. The Lord took notice and listened.

So a book of remembrance was written before him for those who feared the Lord and had high regard for his name.

“They will be mine,’ says the Lord of Armies, ‘my own possession on the day I am preparing.” (Malachi 3:16-17)

Tags Puah, remembered and honored by God, Shiphrah

Matthew Devotionals

In times of uncertainty

Jesus came near and said to them, “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.

And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Honestly speaking, as I was thinking about all the things going on in the world this morning, it was hard not to feel anxiety.

But Jesus was reminding me today, “Hey, all authority has been given to me by my Abba. I’m still in control and always will be.

“Yes, this world is falling apart and eventually will come to an end. But I will come back and make all things new (2 Peter 3:10-13). So until that time, don’t fret. I will be with you.”

That’s our hope no matter what craziness may happen going forward.

So let’s put aside any fear or anxiety we may have concerning the future and keep faithfully doing the work God’s given us to do: make disciples for his kingdom.

Tags anxiety, Fear, Jesus' reign, making disciples, uncertain times

Matthew Devotionals

This is my blood

Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:27-28)

Just thinking about how much those words must have meant to Peter every time he took communion after Jesus’ resurrection.

He had boasted that he would never fall away, that he would always be faithful to Jesus.

And yet not long after, he falls asleep when Jesus had asked him to watch and pray with him.

When Jesus woke him up, Peter was probably cursing himself, vowing to do better.

But then he falls asleep not only a second time, but also a third.

Then Judas comes to betray Jesus, and Peter attacks a servant, but instead of Jesus’ praise, he receives Jesus’ rebuke.

And then he denies three times that he even knew Jesus. He probably didn’t even realize what he was doing until that rooster crowed. And he weeps bitterly at his failure.

How much did Jesus’ words mean to him every time he took communion? Every time he felt the sting of his failures?

“This is my blood poured out for the sins of many. Poured out for your sins, Peter.”

I can’t count the times I’ve failed Jesus. Broken vows. Done the wrong thing despite my best intentions. Or denied Jesus if not by my words, by my actions.

And yet Jesus says to me, “This is my blood poured out for the sins of many. For your sins, Bruce.”

Remember those words every time you take communion. Remember them, every time you feel the sting of your sin, the bitterness of your failures. And as you remember them, rest in his grace.

This is my blood poured out for you…poured out for the forgiveness of your sins.

Tags communion, forgiveness, guilt, Jesus' blood

Matthew Devotionals

Labor pains

You are going to hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, because these things must take place, but the end is not yet.

For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines, and earthquakes in various places.

All these events are the beginning of labor pains. (Matthew 24:6-8)

As I read Jesus’ words, I thought about Paul’s words in Romans 8.

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now.

Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits—we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:22-23)

It’s natural as look at the problems of this world and in our own lives to groan.

But we have a hope.

Our groans and the groans of creation are not the groans of despair, of death. Our groans are the groans of childbirth, of hope, of life.

Jesus is returning.

He will judge all evil.

He will save his people and make all things new. (Matthew 24:30-31)

That’s our hope.

And our hope is certain because Jesus’ words are certain.

He tells us,

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. (Matthew 24:35)

So whatever you see in this world, whatever you’re personally going through, don’t give in to despair.

Don’t let your love grow cold.

Instead be faithful in all he has given you to do.

And know in the meantime, you’re never alone.

In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us, with inexpressible groanings.

And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:26-28)

Tags faith, God, Holy Spirit, Hope, Jesus, labor pains, last days

Matthew Devotionals

The disciples we’re raising

Post author By Bruce
Post date October 28, 2024
No Comments on The disciples we’re raising

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to make one convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a child of hell as you are! (Matthew 23:15)

The Pharisees and scribes, needless to say, were terrible disciple-makers.

But Jesus’ words made me think, “What kind of disciples am I making? Of my daughter? Of the other people God has placed in my life?”

Do I ever put heavy loads on their shoulders that are hard to carry, and just tell them, “Good luck?”

Or are they people that know mercy as well as justice and faithfulness? (Matthew 23:23)

Do they see that mercy in me?

More importantly, do they know God’s mercy to them? Do they rest in that mercy? Do they rejoice in it?

And do they in turn show mercy to those around them?

Or are they constantly hard on themselves and just as hard on others?

Father, I want my daughter, my wife, and the people around me to see in me someone who is just and faithful.

But I also want them to see someone who is full of mercy. Who walks in your mercy and shows others that same mercy.

Help me to make disciples like that: disciples who know your mercy and show that same mercy to others.

Tags Bible Original, disciples, faith, forgiveness, God's mercy, Jesus, Mercy

Matthew Devotionals

What do you want?

“What do you want?”

That’s the question you essentially see three times in this chapter.

The landowner asked that question of the workers when they negotiated terms for working for him. (Matthew 20:2)

Jesus asked that of James, John, and their mother. (Matthew 20:20-21)

And Jesus asked that of the two blind men. (Matthew 20:31-33)

In the first two cases, people asked for what they thought they deserved. A denarius for a day’s work. To sit in places of power beside Jesus.

But the two blind men didn’t ask for what they thought they deserved. Instead, they asked for mercy. They asked for grace.

I’m sure James and John were disappointed when Jesus didn’t give them what they asked for. (Though they probably weren’t so disappointed when they weren’t the ones crucified on Jesus’ right and left. They truly didn’t know what they were asking).

The workers, ironically, were bitter that they got exactly what they asked for.

But the two blind men found the joy of God’s mercy and grace.

God’s kingdom isn’t about what we deserve. It’s all about God’s mercy and grace toward us.

When we focus on what we “deserve,” we often find ourselves disappointed, angry, or bitter.

But when we seek God’s grace and mercy, we realize just how good he is. Because he’ll always gives them to us in abundance.

What do you want?

Tags Bible Original, grace, Jesus, Mercy, what we deserve

Matthew Devotionals

Get to? Have to?

“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that he who created them in the beginning made them male and female, and he also said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’?

So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate”…

His disciples said to him, “If the relationship of a man with his wife is like this, it’s better not to marry.” (Matthew 19:4-6, 10)

It’s amazing how we Christians think a lot of times. God wants to give us something good. And all we focus on is the “have tos.”

God gives marriage to us as a gift, as a blessing. And all the disciples could think was, “Wait. I have to stay married to my wife all my life?”

Later, Jesus gave a young man the opportunity to follow him. To be his disciple. To find true life.

And all the man could think was, “Wait, I have to give all my possessions to the poor?” (Matthew 19:21-22)

Why do we so quickly think that way?

God says to us, “Don’t you understand how much joy I want to give you? Don’t you understand the good gift I’m giving you?”

Father, you are a good God. Forgive my stupid, hardened heart. Help me to throw away the “have to” mentality and joyfully embrace the good gifts you want to give me.

Tags faith, following Jesus, get to, God's gifts, have to, Jesus, Jesus Christ, joy, obligation

Matthew Devotionals

Can’t forgive? Or not willing?

Post author By Bruce
Post date October 21, 2024
No Comments on Can’t forgive? Or not willing?

At this, his fellow servant fell down and began begging him, “Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.”

But he wasn’t willing. (Matthew 18:29-30)

“But he was not willing.”

Those words struck me this morning.

Not willing to do what?

Not willing to be patient, certainly.

And most definitely not willing to forgive.

The picture behind verses 29-30 is that the fellow servant repeatedly asked for mercy. And the first servant repeatedly said, “I will not wait. I will not be patient. I will not forgive.”

Is that you?

Lots of people say, “I can’t forgive.”

But how often do they really mean, “I refuse to forgive”?

As God’s kids, that attitude is unacceptable. It’s unacceptable because God has forgiven us so much. To repeatedly say, “I will not forgive, I will not forgive, I will not forgive,” that is sin.

I’m not saying forgiveness is easy. Sometimes it’s downright hard. God understands that.

But there is a vast difference between stubbornly saying, “I refuse to forgive,” and humbly coming before God and saying, “I want to forgive, but I dont know how. Help me.”

Peter tells us,

All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. (1 Peter 5:5-7)

Pride holds on to its hurt. “I’ve been hurt. I deserve to be treated better. He deserves to suffer for what he did to me.”

Humility recognizes that we ourselves have wounded others, that we have sinned against God himself.

Humility also recognizes how much we have needed the mercy of others and more importantly of God. And so we choose to let go of our hurt and forgive.

But again, forgiveness can be hard. The deeper the wound, the harder it is to forgive. But as Peter said, “God cares about you.”

God knows your wounds. And he wants to heal those wounds.

But he also knows that part of that healing can only come as you forgive. And he is willing to help you if you will humble yourself before him saying, “I don’t know how to forgive. But I am willing. Please show me how.”

How about you? Is there someone God is speaking to your heart about today?

Tags Bible Original, faith, forgiveness, God, Jesus

Matthew Devotionals

An amazing thought

After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. He was transfigured in front of them, and his face shone like the sun; his clothes became as white as the light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with him. (Matthew 17:1-3)

Jesus, you personally took Peter, James, and John apart from everyone else to be alone with them. Why? To reveal yourself more fully to them.

Can you truly want to do that with me? That’s an amazing thought.

So like the disciples, I joyfully go off to be alone with you.

Like Elijah, I come to you seeking your face. (I Kings 19:8-9, 11).

And like Moses, I pray, “Show me your glory.” (Exodus 33:18)

Reveal more of yourelf to me, Jesus. I want to know you more.

Tags Jesus' glory, Seeking God

Matthew Devotionals

“Following” Jesus, or truly following Jesus?

Post author By Bruce
Post date October 17, 2024
No Comments on “Following” Jesus, or truly following Jesus?

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. (Matthew 16:24)

It’s not clear in the English, but the first “follow” and the second “follow” are two different words in the Greek. Both are often used in reference to discipleship.

The first “follow” literally has the idea of walking behind someone, going where they go.

The second “follow” has that idea, but includes the idea of responding to his voice and of learning from him as his disciple. (Matthew 4:20; John 10:4, 27)

Lots of people “followed” Jesus in that first sense. Some wanted healing. Some were interested in this new teaching he brought.

But few truly followed him in the second sense.

Even his disciples struggled with it at times. Jesus told them what was “necessary” for God’s plan to be accomplished.

At that point, Peter stopped following Jesus and instead tried to lead him in a different direction. In doing so, however, he actually became a hindrance to Jesus.

It made me think.

“Am I truly following Jesus? Or are there times when I’m trying to pull him in the direction I want to go?”

“Am I following Jesus’ agenda? Or am I trying to get him to follow mine?”

How about you? Are you “following” Jesus, going to church, maybe even reading your Bible and praying from time to time, but ultimately trying to get him to follow you and your plans?

Or are you truly following him, learning from him, and responding to his voice and leading, moment to moment, day to day?

Tags Bible Original, christianity, discipleship, faith, following Jesus, Jesus

Matthew Devotionals

People-pleaser? God-pleaser?

Post author By Bruce
Post date October 16, 2024
No Comments on People-pleaser? God-pleaser?

Then the disciples came up and told him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?”

He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father didn’t plant will be uprooted. Leave them alone! They are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit.” (Matthew 15:12-14)

It seems that the disciples were bothered by the fact that the Pharisees were offended by Jesus’ words.

Jesus, on the other hand, was not so bothered.

The truth is, we can never please everyone. As the saying goes, the one who tries to please everyone ends up pleasing no one.

More importantly, we’ll find it impossible to please God. And so the question is, “Who are we seeking to please?”

Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that we go out of our way to offend people. But there are times we can’t avoid it either.

People will get offended whenever we say or do anything that goes against their way of thinking.

But if we try to please the blind, we’ll follow them right into the pit.

I don’t want to do that.

The thing I want more than anything else is to hear my Abba say, “Well done.”

How about you?

Tags God-pleaser, offending people, people-pleaser, Pharisees

Matthew Devotionals

I must tell Jesus

For some reason, verse 12 really struck me today.

Then [John’s] disciples came, removed the corpse, buried it, and went and reported to Jesus. (Matthew 14:12)

After burying John, his disciples’ first thought was, “We must tell Jesus.”

Why?

I suppose one reason might be to warn Jesus about Herod. (Luke 9:9)

But just as importantly, they knew Jesus cared about John.

I wonder, though. Did they know Jesus cared about them? Not this general, “Jesus loves everybody.” But, “Jesus knows my grief, and he cares about me.”

What about you? Do you know Jesus really cares about you? Again, not this general, “Jesus loves everyone,” but “Jesus really does love me.”

When you go through trials and hard times, is your first response, “I must tell Jesus”?

I must tell Jesus all of my trials;
I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me;
He ever loves and cares for His own.

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
I cannot bear my burdens alone;
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone. — Elisha Hoffman

Tags Bible Original, faith, God's love, Jesus, John the Baptist, suffering, trials

Matthew Devotionals

Hard words?

And whoever doesn’t take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. (Matthew 10:38)

Those are hard words.

When you read them, how did you feel?

Uneasy? Fearful?

Even as a long-time Christian, one of my first thoughts was, “These are hard words. Jesus is asking a lot.”

And when I think of what this might mean practically in my life, of what specifically Jesus might be asking of me, it gets even harder.

And so the question I had to ask myself this morning was, “What do I do with these feelings?”

What do I do?

Remember the truth.

What’s the truth?

My Abba is good and he deeply loves me.

Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent.

But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31)

What is the truth?

If I take up my cross and follow Jesus, I don’t lose my life. I gain it.

Anyone who finds his life will lose it, and anyone who loses his life because of me will find it. (Matthew 10:39)

No, following Jesus isn’t always easy. Sometimes, it’s painful.

But because my Abba is good and he deeply loves me, because he is always faithful in keeping his promises, I have hope. And it is a certain hope.

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.

You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world. (John 16:33)

Tags Abba, Bible Original, christianity, faith, follow Jesus, God's goodness, Jesus, Matthew, Take up cross

Matthew Devotionals

A prayer to the Lord of the Harvest

Post author By Bruce
Post date October 8, 2024
No Comments on A prayer to the Lord of the Harvest

When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd.

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:36-38)

Lord of the Harvest, who are the distressed and dejected around me? Who are those living without hope?

Open my eyes. Help me to see beyond the surface to the need as you did. Give me your compassion. And send me out into the harvest.

May I be a giver of hope to those without hope, proclaiming your forgiveness, salvation, and your love. (Matthew 9:2, 22)

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags Bible verse, forgiveness, Hope, hopeless people, Lord of the Harvest, love, salvation

Matthew Devotionals

When we are “unclean”

Right away a man with leprosy came up and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Reaching out his hand, Jesus touched him, saying, “I am willing; be made clean.” (Matthew 8:2–3)

Leprosy was a terrible disease in Israel. It made people “unclean,” outcasts from society, and as such, they were banned from God’s temple. (Leviticus 13:45-46, Numbers 5:2-3).

In that way, leprosy is a picture of sin. It makes us spiritually unclean and breaks our relationships with God and others.

But the man in this story approached Jesus and said, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”

And in his mercy and grace, Jesus touched him and said, “I am willing. Be clean.”

Often times after we sin, we wonder if God could possibly forgive us, if he could possibly accept us after what we’ve done.

And so we come before him trembling, saying, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Jesus says the same thing to us as he said to that man.

“I am willing. Be clean.”

So, children of God, let us approach his throne with confidence, knowing that we will receive mercy and find grace in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

Tags Bible Original, faith, forgiveness, grace, healing, Jesus, leper, leprosy, Mercy, Sin

Matthew Devotionals

Praying to our Abba

When you pray, don’t babble like the Gentiles, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words…Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven. (Matthew 6:7, 9)

As I read Jesus’ words, I thought about what Solomon said in Ecclesiastes.

Do not be hasty to speak, and do not be impulsive to make a speech before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. (Ecclesiastes 5:2)

Solomon was mostly warning against making foolish vows to God. Sometimes, in our attempts to win his favor, or worse to manipulate God, we make all kinds of promises that we’re unable to keep.

Jesus on the other hand, seemed to be talking about people making flowery but ultimately empty prayers in order to impress God and those hearing their prayers.

In both cases, Jesus and Solomon say the same thing: Let your words be few. Do more listening than speaking.

But when you speak, Jesus gives us a model to follow.

Reflect on who God is and honor him as holy. Worship him. (Matthew 6:9; Revelation 4:8-11)

As you pray, set your heart on his kingdom. Ask him, “What’s important to you, today?” (Matthew 6:10a, 33)

And as you reflect on these things, ask that his will be done in your life, that you can participate in what he’s doing. (Matthew 6:10b)

But as much as he is God in heaven, remember he is also your Abba in heaven. And you are his beloved child. (Matthew 6:9)

So ask him for your needs. (Matthew 6:11, 25-32)

When you fall, don’t fear to approach him. Draw near and seek his forgiveness. (Matthew 6:12a)

Ask for his help concerning your broken relationships, especially when you’re struggling to forgive others. (Matthew 6:12b)

And ask your Abba for his leading and protection. (Matthew 6:13)

We have such an incredible privilege as God’s kids. We get to approach our Abba at any time. So let’s take advantage of that privilege and draw near.

Tags Abba, christianity, faith, God, Jesus, prayer

Matthew Devotionals

Disciple? Or just one of the crowd?

Post author By Bruce
Post date October 2, 2024
No Comments on Disciple? Or just one of the crowd?

When he saw the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. (Matthew 5:1)

For some reason, I’ve always imagined that Jesus went up to the mountain to in order to preach to the crowd.

But actually, it seems he went to escape the crowds. Most times Jesus went up to the mountain, it was usually to pray.

If Matthew 5 and Luke 6 refer to the same event as some Bible scholars think, then that’s why he went this time too.

And after he finished praying, it wasn’t the crowd that came to him at first, though they would apparently come later (Matthew 7:28). It was his disciples.

The crowd had mostly come to Jesus for healing. (Matthew 4:24-25)

But the disciples came to learn from Jesus.

It made me think. “Why do I come to Jesus?”

Is it simply to get something from him? Help? Healing? Blessing?

Or is it to learn from him?

Am I just one of the crowd?

Or Jesus’ disciple?

I want to be a disciple, learning from my Lord.

I want to be like him. Pure in heart. Hungry and thirsty for righteousness. Gentle. A peacemaker. Light and salt to this world.

Not just having superficial righteousness, but true righteousness that comes from the heart.

Loving others as he does. Being perfect as my heavenly Father is perfect.

It made me think of a song I learned long ago, and it’s my prayer today.

Lord, I want to be your disciple,
an example, the way you were to me.

And as I see your humble perfection,
let me be a mirror of your heart.

I want to walk in the image of you,
like a child imitating what his Father would do.

A mirror of your heart. — Chris Christian

Tags Bible Original, crowd, disciple, discipleship, faith, Jesus

Matthew Devotionals

The joy of following Jesus

Post author By Bruce
Post date October 1, 2024
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“Follow me,” [Jesus] told them, “and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father, preparing their nets, and he called them.

Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.” (Matthew 4:19-22)

I wonder. How did Peter, Andrew, James, and John feel when Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people?”

Inadequate? Unqualified? Scared?

Perhaps. But somehow, I think they were mostly filled with overwhelming awe and joy.

“Me? Jesus would choose me?”

And so filled with awe and joy, they immediately dropped their nets, left their family business, and followed Jesus.

They weren’t thinking, “Follow Jesus? I’d have to give up so much!”

They were thinking, “I get to follow Jesus! I get to join in his work! This is awesome!”

Often times, though, when we think about following Jesus, about joining in with his work, we feel uneasy. “I’m inadequate. I’m unqualified.”

Or we feel burdened by the “have tos.”

I know I sometimes feel that way.

But Jesus deeply loves us. And knowing everything about us with all our weaknesses and failings, he still looks at us and says, “Follow me. Come. Join me in my work.”

That’s the joy of following Jesus. It’s an awesome privilege that he gives us.

Following Jesus and joining in his work isn’t about the burden of the “have tos.”

It’s the overwhelming joy of the “get tos.”

How about you? Do you know that joy?

Tags discipleship, faith, following Jesus, God, Jesus, joy

Matthew Devotionals

Memory Monday: Following Jesus’ example

Post author By Bruce
Post date September 30, 2024
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Revisiting a blog from a few years ago, with a few minor revisions.

May we all follow Jesus’ example as we walk with the Father moment to moment, day to day.

Following Jesus’ example

Tags God's love, Jesus' example, Led by the Spirit

Matthew Devotionals

Hostile? Indifferent? Passionate?

Post author By Bruce
Post date September 27, 2024
No Comments on Hostile? Indifferent? Passionate?

Father, when Herod heard your Son was born, he was hostile and wanted to kill him.

The priests and the scribes, on the other hand, were indifferent and simply went home.

But when the wise men learned your Son was born, their hearts’ desire was to seek and worship him.

Father, give me the heart of the wise men, a heart passionate to seek and worship your Son.

Tags Herod, hostility, indifference, Jesus' birth, passion, priests and scribes, wise men

Galatians Devotionals

Bearing the marks of Christ

Post author By Bruce
Post date September 25, 2024
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Those who want to make a good impression in the flesh are the ones who would compel you to be circumcised—but only to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ.

For even the circumcised don’t keep the law themselves, and yet they want you to be circumcised in order to boast about your flesh.

But as for me, I will never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The world has been crucified to me through the cross, and I to the world…

From now on, let no one cause me trouble, because I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.” (Galatians 6:12-14, 17)

I was chewing on those last few words of Paul, “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.”

The word “marks” usually carried the idea of a slave being branded, identifying who their master was.

For the Jews, circumcision was the sign they belonged to God. As a Jew, Paul had received circumcision, but for him, he wasn’t pointing to that as his identifying mark.

Rather, Paul pointed to the scars he bore for faithfully preaching God’s gospel of grace.

Many times, the Jews persecuted him for preaching a salvation based on the cross instead of a salvation based on circumcision and on keeping God’s laws.

He had gone through many other hardships as well for preaching that gospel. (2 Corinthians 11:24-29)

And so he tells those preaching a false gospel to the Galatians, “Stop bothering me and hindering the work that I’ve done among the Galatians. You aren’t true servants of Christ. You’re only preaching circumcision because you want to avoid persecution.

“But my scars, not my circumcision, prove that I truly belong to Christ.”

I can’t help but wonder, though, if he was also trying to tell the Galatian Christians something else.

“Circumcision isn’t what marks you as belonging to God. You already carry the ‘marks’ of Christ which he received on the cross. You have been crucified with Christ and died to the law and its condemnation of you.

“More, you’ve died to the sin that once enslaved you and you’re no longer living for the things of this world. Rather, you live for Jesus who loves you and gave himself up for you. That’s what marks you as a child of God.”

So let us walk each day as children of God, proudly wearing the marks of our crucified Lord whom we love.

I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.

The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

Tags Bible Original, crucified with Christ, faith, galatians-220, marks of Christ, Sin

Galatians Devotionals

Led by the Spirit? Under law?

Post author By Bruce
Post date September 24, 2024
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But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:18)

There are certain ways that a person led by the Spirit and a person under law can look similar.

Superficially, both may look like “good people.”

But there are some marked differences.

People under law live their entire lives trying to gain God’s love and acceptance by keeping the rules.

But because they can never keep them perfectly, they’re constantly afraid of not measuring up. Of constantly letting God down. And of God’s punishment when they fail.

The result? They’re constantly walking on eggshells when they’re around God.

Others do walk confidently before God, but only because they’ve convinced themselves that they are keeping all the rules. They’re blind to all the ways they’ve failed and don’t realize they’re actually under God’s condemnation.

But there is no condemnation for those led by God’s Spirit. Not because of their own ability to please God, but because of what Jesus did for them on the cross.

They no longer strain to gain God’s love and acceptance. Instead, they rest in the truth that God already loves and accepts them.

And with that joy in their hearts, they walk with their Father every day seeking to please him, not out of fear, but in loving response to his love for them.

They’re no longer under the strain of trying to uphold every law by their own efforts, wondering in fear if there’s something they’ve overlooked.

All they’re interested in is taking their next step forward with their Father. And led by the Spirit, they step by step put sin to death in their lives.

More, step by step, the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control grows in their lives and they become more like their Father who loves them.

How are you living your life? Are you living as a beloved child of God led by the Spirit? Or are you living as if you’re under law?

Tags Bible Original, faith, God, Holy Spirit, Led by the Spirit, Spirit-led life, Under law

Galatians Devotionals

Abba, Father

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 4:6-7)

Father.

You are God, and so you could demand that I simply call you “God.”

You are my Lord, and so you could demand that I call you “Lord.”

You are my Creator, and so you could demand that I call you “Creator.”

But you’ve made me your child, sealing my adoption papers with your Spirit.

And your Spirit tells me to cry out, “Abba, Father.”

So though I’ll sometimes call you “God,” or “Lord,” or “Creator,” I’ll choose most times to call you what your Spirit teaches me to say.

“Abba, Father.”

Tags Abba, Father

Galatians Devotionals

Life as a child of God

For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.

The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:19-20)

I love these verses.

Once, I was under God’s law who as my guardian taught me what was right, but could not empower to actually do right. Instead, the law could only condemn me when I failed. (Galatians 3:24)

But the same law that condemned me also pointed me to Jesus. Through the law, I saw my need for Jesus. And once the law led me to Jesus’ cross, I died to the law.

I’m no longer living under the law’s condemnation because Jesus has already paid the price for my sins and failures on the cross.

And with his death, the old me that was hostile and distrustful of God died too.

Now Jesus is living his life in me.

Not a life that’s constantly fearful because I’m never living up to God’s expectations.

But a life grounded in the truth that Jesus loves me and gave himself for me.

Not a life straining to earn God’s acceptance and love by keeping the rules.

But a life that is at rest knowing that he already fully accepts me as his child.

Who says to me as I wake each day, “You are my beloved child. I am well pleased with you.”

So now my greatest desire is to please my Daddy and to live for him each day.

That’s the life of a child of God.

Is that your life?

Tags child of God, grace, law

Galatians Devotionals

Turning away from God

I am amazed that you are so quickly turning away from him who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel… (Galatians 1:6)

When we hear the words “turning away from God,” I think the first thing that comes to mind is going back to a life of sin, like the prodigal son.

Certainly, when people do that, they are turning away from God. But that’s not what Paul is talking about. The danger for the Galatians was not going back to a life of sin. The danger was turning to a life of rules.

In this case, they were being told they needed to get circumcised and follow all the ritual laws given to the Jews which have no connection to true holiness (Colossians 2:20-23).

Those laws were just temporary things meant to point them to Christ and prepare them for his coming (Galatians 3:19-25).

As Christians, our focus should be on God, not the rules. “What is God doing around me and in me? Where is the Spirit leading?”

Focusing on the rules tends to be very self-focused. “Am I measuring up?”

A life of grace is God-focused. “God is so good! His love and grace are incredible! Where is he going? I want to be where he is! I want to join in with what he’s doing.”

So let’s not turn away from God in order to follow a life of rules. Rather, let’s walk with him joyfully, led by his Spirit, moment to moment, day to day.

Tags grace, legalism

Genesis Devotions

Father, do you ever weep?

Post author By Bruce
Post date September 17, 2024
No Comments on Father, do you ever weep?

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said to one another, “If Joseph is holding a grudge against us, he will certainly repay us for all the suffering we caused him.”

So they sent this message to Joseph, “Before he died your father gave a command: ‘Say this to Joseph: Please forgive your brothers’ transgression and their sin—the suffering they caused you.’

Therefore, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.”

Joseph wept when their message came to him. (Genesis 50:15-17)

Father, do you ever weep?

Do you ever weep when we hold on to guilt in our lives, even after you’ve forgiven us?

Do you ever weep when you see us holding back from you in fear, thinking you still want to punish us?

Do you ever weep when we act as fearful slaves though you call us your beloved children?

Help us to see you as the Father you really are and draw near.

Tags forgiveness, guilt

Genesis Devotions

Remembering whose we are

Joseph said to the people, “Understand today that I have acquired you and your land for Pharaoh.” (Genesis 47:23)

“You have saved our lives,’ they said. ‘We have found favor with our lord and will be Pharaoh’s slaves.” (Genesis 47:25)

Whenever I read those words, I can’t help but think of what Jesus did for us.

Like the Egyptians, we were dying, and Jesus purchased us for himself and his Father, saving our lives. (Revelation 5:9; 1 Peter 1:18-19)

Whenever the Egyptians gave the fifth of their harvest to Pharaoh, it was a time to reflect on Pharaoh’s goodness to them.

In the same way, whenever we give our tithes and offerings to God, it’s a time for us to remember his goodness to us.

But the awesome thing is that Jesus didn’t purchase us to become God’s slaves, but to become God’s children.

As Paul wrote,

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!”

The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ… (Romans 8:15-17)

So with joy each day, let’s remember whose we are and honor him with our lives. As Paul also wrote,

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

Tags Joseph, redemption

Genesis Devotions

“Come near me.”

[Joseph’s brothers] could not answer him because they were terrified in his presence.

Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please, come near me.” (Genesis 45:3-4)

Imagine being in Joseph’s brothers’ shoes.

One moment, they’re talking to this powerful Egyptian ruler through an interpreter. (Genesis 42:23)

The next thing they know, the interpreter and everyone else is sent out of the room.

Then this Egyptian ruler starts speaking to them in Hebrew. And not only does he speak to them in Hebrew, he says, “I am Joseph.”

Now they’re terrified. This is the brother they had sold as a slave all those years before. They were well aware of their guilt and how deserving they were of Joseph’s wrath.

But Joseph says to them, “Please…come near me.”

It’s the same with us and Jesus.

We stand before him with all our sins and failures laid bare, and we see just how deserving we are of God’s wrath.

But Jesus looks at us and says, “Please…come near me. God sent me ahead of you to save you with a great deliverance. The Father has made me Lord of all. (1 Corinthians 15:27)

And now you can draw near. You can dwell near me, walking with me moment to moment, day to day without fear.

I will sustain you through all the struggles and trials of your life.

Now go, tell your family and all those around you about my glory and all you have seen so that they may draw near me too.”

That is awesome to ponder. The Psalm I was praying today is so apropos.

Let the whole earth shout triumphantly to the Lord!

Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

Acknowledge that the Lord is God.
He made us, and we are his,—
his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and bless his name.

For the Lord is good, and his faithful love endures forever;
his faithfulness, through all generations. (Psalm 100)

Tags forgiveness, grace, Joseph

Genesis Devotions

Repentance

Now please let your servant remain here as my lord’s slave, in place of the boy.

Let him go back with his brothers. For how can I go back to my father without the boy?

I could not bear to see the grief that would overwhelm my father. (Genesis 44:33-34)

With those words, Judah showed how much he had changed.

He was the one who had once callously suggested selling Joseph as a slave. (Genesis 37:26-27)

And when he saw the grief his action had caused his father, he ran away. (Genesis 37:33-34; 38:1)

Now his running was at an end. And in the face of the grief he knew his father would feel at losing Benjamin, he offered himself to Joseph as a slave in Benjamin’s place.

Perhaps he thought, “It’s only fair. I once sold my brother as a slave. Now I will live as a slave so that Benjamin can go free. Perhaps by doing that I can atone for what I did to Joseph.”

Repentance is not simply feeling guilty for your sin.

Repentance is not simply regretting the harm you have done to people.

Repentance requires facing what you’ve done, and if you’ve hurt someone, doing what you can to make things right.

That’s what Judah did.

Or at least tried to do.

The truth is, nothing we do can truly atone for our sins. No good work we do can ever truly blot out the stain of our sin.

But the good news is that there is someone who can.

As Judah offered himself in Benjamin’s place, one of his descendants, Jesus, offered himself in our place.

The ironic thing is that Judah, the guilty one, offered himself for Benjamin, the innocent one, that Benjamin might return to their father Jacob.

But Jesus, the innocent one, offered himself for us, the guilty ones, that we might be brought back to God the Father.

As Peter put it,

For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God. (1 Peter 3:18)

Tags repentance

Genesis Devotions

Though I may face troubles in this world

Post author By Bruce
Post date September 4, 2024
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Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh (which means “forget”) and said, “God has made me forget all my hardship and my whole family.”

And the second son he named Ephraim (which means “fruitful”) and said, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” (Genesis 41:51-52)

Jesus, you said that in this world I would see suffering, and I have. (John 16:33)

But as with Joseph, the day will come when all my troubles will be in the past and they will no longer be able to touch me. (Revelation 21:24)

Thank you that my present sufferings cannot compare with my future glory. (Romans 8:18)

Thank you that in the midst of my sufferings, when I don’t know how to pray, your Spirit prays for me. (Romans 8:26)

Thank you that you will work all things for the good of us who love you, whom you’ve called according to your purpose. (Romans 8:28)

That’s my hope. You are my hope.

So as I still remain in this land filled with trouble, I choose to trust you. Fulfill your purpose in me and make me fruitful. In your name I pray. Amen.

Tags bearing fruit, Joseph, troubles

Bible Original

No time for pity parties

When Joseph came to them in the morning, he saw that they looked distraught. So he asked Pharaoh’s officers who were in custody with him in his master’s house, “Why do you look so sad today?” (Genesis 40:6-7)

If there was someone who had an excuse to wallow in self-pity and to think only of himself and his problems, it was Joseph.

But what struck me this morning was that he didn’t do that. Instead, he showed concern for the other prisoners in his cell.

A couple of Sundays ago, my pastor preached about looking around us and seeing the needs of others. But we can’t do that if we’re wallowing in self-pity. If we’re only concerned about ourselves.

I don’t know about you, but I want to be like Joseph, not just focusing on myself, but noticing the needs of others, and letting God use me to touch them.

Genesis Devotions

Holding on to faith in hard times

Post author By Bruce
Post date September 2, 2024
No Comments on Holding on to faith in hard times

I really wish sometimes that we could see what was going on in Joseph’s heart. We do see a hint of it in chapter 40, and a lot more of his heart in chapters 42-45.

But we have no idea what’s going on in Joseph’s heart in chapter 39.

Because of that, it’s easy to think, “Man, Joseph was such a godly man. No matter what he went through, he was so faithful to God. He never wavered.”

But today I was thinking, “Was it really so easy for him? In his first days as a slave in Egypt, did he ever struggle with bitterness towards his brothers? Did he ever ask God, ‘Why?’

“When he was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and he was sitting in his cell, was he ever tempted to be bitter towards God. ‘I did things God’s way, and now look what happened.'”

My guess is yes. He wasn’t perfect. He was human.

But ultimately, he held on to his faith and remained faithful to God.

In that way, he mirrored David. The both experienced mistreatment by others (Psalm 62:3-4).

They both had reasons to be bitter towards others and to God.

But they both chose to keep trusting God. And in the end, God proved himself worthy of that trust.

I was reading Psalm 62 today, and I could just imagine Joseph singing to himself something similar to what David did.

Rest in God alone, my soul,
for my hope comes from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold; I will not be shaken.

My salvation and glory depend on God, my strong rock.
My refuge is in God.

Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts before him.
God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:5-8)

Tags faith, faithfulness, Joseph, trials

Genesis Devotions

Finding God’s healing for your broken life

Post author By Bruce
Post date August 30, 2024
No Comments on Finding God’s healing for your broken life

At that time Judah left his brothers and settled near an Adullamite named Hirah. (Genesis 38:1)

I have read that verse hundreds of times, but today, for the first time, I asked myself a question: “Why?”

Why did Judah leave his family? Why did he leave his responsibilities?

It can be argued that with his three older brothers Reuben, Simeon, and Levi fallen into disfavor with their father Jacob (Genesis 49:3-7), Jacob was counting on Judah to lead the family after he died.

But Judah left. Why?

I don’t know, but I’m guessing that his conscience was deeply bothering him for what he had done to Joseph. And perhaps seeing his mourning father every day was more than Judah could bear. (Genesis 37:26-28, 34-35)

And so he left.

He tried to start a new life.

But he couldn’t escape himself. He couldn’t escape his sinful heart.

And as he faced himself at the end of chapter 38, Judah didn’t like what he saw.

Not only was Joseph whom he had betrayed more righteous than he was, this Canaanite girl Tamar who didn’t even know God was more righteous than he was.

And perhaps at that point, he looked in the mirror and said, “Something has to change. I can’t keep living like this. I have to stop running.”

His first step? Taking responsibility for Tamar and their two sons.

And then somewhere along the line, it seems he returned home a different person.

You see that in his actions in chapters 43-44.

The change probably didn’t happen overnight. But it started with that single step, and he took it. And as God led him, day by day Judah kept taking those steps forward.

In doing so, he found healing in his broken life.

Joseph forgave him. (Genesis 45)

His father forgave him. (Genesis 49:8-12)

And of course, God forgave him.

What do you see in the mirror? Do you like what you see?

Change…and healing starts with a single step. What is God asking you to do?

Tags forgiveness, healing, Judah, Sin, Tamar

Genesis Devotions

When you’re sitting in the pit

Post author By Bruce
Post date August 29, 2024
No Comments on When you’re sitting in the pit

Today, along with reading Genesis 37, by chance, I was also praying Psalm 118.

And as I read it, it struck me that it could have been Joseph’s song as he looked back on the darkest time of his life. (To be clear, this psalm was actually written hundreds of years later.)

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his faithful love endures forever. (Psalm 118:1)

I called to the Lord in distress;
the Lord answered me
and put me in a spacious place,

The Lord is for me; I will not be afraid.
What can a mere mortal do to me?

The Lord is my helper;
therefore, I will look in triumph on those who hate me. (Psalm 118:5-7)

They pushed me hard to make me fall,
but the Lord helped me.

The Lord is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation. (Psalm 118:13-14)

The interesting thing is that Joseph’s life mirrors Jesus’. And a prophesy about Jesus could also be said of Joseph who would later save his brothers who had rejected and betrayed him.

The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. (Psalm 118:22)

All this would have been easy to sing for Joseph looking back. But in that moment, first sitting in that pit, and then being sold into Egypt as a slave, it would have been hard for Joseph to sing any of that.

And yet somehow, he held on to his faith. He kept believing God was good and that his faithful love endures forever. And his actions reflect that throughout the next few chapters. The result? He learned what Paul did.

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

It’s easy to say, “God is good” and believe in his love when things are going well. But when we’re in that pit, can we still say that?

Can we sing with Joseph,

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his faithful love endures forever.

Tags God's goodness, God's love, Joseph, trials

Jude Devotionals

Called, loved, and kept: Our starting point

Post author By Bruce
Post date August 28, 2024
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But you, dear friends, as you build yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting expectantly for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life. (Jude 20-21)

“Build yourself up in your most holy faith.”

“Keep yourselves in the love of God.”

I was pondering those phrases today and what they meant.

And then, as usual, I started to pray one of the Psalms. Since it’s the 29th, I was praying Psalm 29.

Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness
(alternate translation in footnote: “Worship the Lord in holy attire”)

…The God of glory thunders—
the Lord, above the vast water,
the voice of the Lord in power,
the voice of the Lord in splendor…

In his temple all cry, “Glory!”
…the Lord sits enthroned, King forever. (Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10)

As I read that, I couldn’t help but think about the passage from Revelation 4 where the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders worship before God’s throne.

We see the living creatures praising his holiness and the twenty-four elders ascribing to him glory, honor, and power. (Revelation 4:8-11)

And John was watching all this, no doubt trembling, but knowing that by Jesus’ blood, he was accepted and loved by the Father (Revelation 1:5-6).

And then I thought about Jude’s greeting.

To those who are the called, loved by God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ. (Jude 1)

That was Jude’s starting point.

That was John’s starting point.

And that’s our starting point as well.

We are called by the Father, loved by him, and kept by and for Jesus Christ.

That’s our motivation for building ourselves up in our faith, reading his Word and praying, growing in his grace and knowledge.

That’s our motivation for staying in the love of God, trusting and obeying him each day, crying out with the 24 elders, “You are worthy to receive glory and honor from me. You are worthy to reign in my life.”

That’s our motivation for clothing ourselves in holiness, worshiping God not only with our mouths, but with our lives. (Revelation 4:10, Romans 12:1)

That’s far from the attitude of the people Jude warned against. (Jude 8-19)

But as God’s beloved children that’s our attitude. At least it should be.

And it will be if we keep in mind who we are.

Called.

Loved.

Kept by and for Jesus Christ.

And remembering these things, we sing with Jude,

Now to him who is able to protect [me] from stumbling and to make [me] stand in the presence of his glory, without blemish and with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time, now and forever. Amen. (Jude 24-25, personalization of the verse mine)

Tags God's call, God's love, starting point

3 John

That I may walk in Your truth

Post author By Bruce
Post date August 27, 2024
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I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in truth. (3 John 4)

Father, help me to walk in truth. Let your truth define me. How I think. How I act. How I live.

Not imitating the evil ways of this world, but imitating you (11).

Doing all things out of your love (6).

Faithful in the work I do for your people (5).

And supporting the people working for the truth of your gospel (8).

As John rejoiced that Gaius walked in your truth, may you rejoice that I walk in your truth.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags truth, walking in truth

2 John Devotionals

The mark of a true disciple

Post author By Bruce
Post date August 26, 2024
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This is love: that we walk according to his commands…Anyone who does not remain in Christ’s teaching but goes beyond it does not have God. The one who remains in that teaching, this one has both the Father and the Son (6, 9).

As you read John’s letters, you can see that he spent a lot of time reflecting on Jesus’ words because a lot of what John writes is based on Jesus’ words.

And what John writes in this letter reflects what Jesus taught about loving him and truly being his disciple. What did Jesus say?

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

The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him…If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him (John 14:21, 23).

What is the mark of a disciple of Jesus? What shows that we truly love him?

We trust him enough to obey him.

In doing so, we find freedom. But more importantly, our fellowship with God deepens. He reveals more of himself to us, and we understand more deeply his love and goodness toward us.

I can honestly say that I’ve tasted these things in my life, and I have found that God is good. And because of that, I want more of him.

How about you? As you have followed Jesus’ words, have you come to taste the love and goodness of God in your life?

Tags discipleship, God's love, obedience

1 John Devotionals

No fear: Our confidence as God’s children

Post author By Bruce
Post date August 22, 2024
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And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him.

In this, love is made complete with us so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, because as he is, so also are we in this world.

There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears is not complete in love. We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:16-19)

Last Sunday, I gave a message on Revelation 4, and as I read John’s words, I was reminded of that passage.

When the Israelites and later Isaiah entered God’s presence, they were terrified. They thought they were going to die. (Exodus 19:16; 20:18-21; Isaiah 6:5).

But when John entered God’s throne room, though I’m sure he was trembling greatly, he was not crying out “I’m doomed!”

John was as sinful and imperfect as the Israelites and Isaiah were. Why didn’t he fear God’s punishment?

Because John had come to know and believe the love God had for him. God’s love had been made complete in him.

How about you? Can you say with John, “I have come to know and believe the love God has for me?”

Tags Fear, God's throne, Isaiah, John the beloved

1 John Devotionals

When our hearts condemn us: Our hope as God’s children

Post author By Bruce
Post date August 21, 2024
2 Comments on When our hearts condemn us: Our hope as God’s children

Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in action and in truth.

This is how we will know that we belong to the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows all things.” (1 John 3:18–20)

“He knows all things.”

As I read that, I thought about Peter’s words to Jesus in John 21.

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

And Jesus did know, even better than Peter did. He knew that Peter loved him enough that one day he would die for him. (John 21:18-19)

He knew Peter’s weaknesses.

He knew Peter’s sins and failures.

He knew Peter’s future sins as well.

But he also knew that Peter loved him and wanted to be like him.

And that’s what marks a child of God. They want to be like the Lord they love.

As John puts it,

Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when he appears, we will be like him because we will see him as he is.

And everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself just as he is pure. (1 John 3:2-3)

No, we’re not perfectly like Jesus now. But as children of God, we long to be.

We can’t wait for the day when we are made perfect. And because we can’t wait, like a small child learning to walk, we take steps now to become more like Jesus, faltering though those steps may be.

We start walking like Jesus does. (1 John 2:6)

We start loving like Jesus does. (1 John 3:16-18)

And when we stumble, and our hearts start condemning us, our Father picks us up and reassures us, saying, “I know you still love me. Keep walking.”

See what great love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children—and we are! (1 John 3:1)

Tags condemnation, God's child, Hope, love

1 John Devotionals

Loving? Or stumbling around?

Post author By Bruce
Post date August 20, 2024
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The one who says he is in the light but hates his brother or sister is in the darkness until now. The one who loves his brother or sister remains in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. (1 John 2:9-10)

I think it’s often easy for us to skip over these verses because we think to ourselves, “No problem. I don’t hate anyone.”

Maybe we don’t hate them.

But how often do we judge them?

Or how often do we fail to truly forgive them?

I was thinking of four people today. I don’t hate them, but whenever I think about them, I tend to stumble around a lot in my heart. Which probably means I don’t love them as I should.

So this morning, I’ve been praying that God would get my heart right towards them.

How about you? Is there anyone that God is putting on your heart right now?

Tags forgiveness, judging others, love

1 John Devotionals

Walking in the light

If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)

As I read those words this morning, I was thinking about what it means to walk in the light.

Somehow, I’ve always had this impression that whenever we sin, we immediately step out of the light and into the darkness, if only for a brief time until we repent and come back into the light.

But in reflecting on John’s words, I’m not so sure that’s true.

John doesn’t say that the person walking in the light will never sin.

Rather, he says that if we walk in the light, the blood of Jesus will cleanse us whenever we do sin.

I think to walk in the light, then, means to constantly expose every facet of our life to Jesus, both the good and bad. And whenever his light exposes some sin in our hearts, we immediately repent.

We don’t try to hide our sin. We don’t make excuses for it. We repent. And as we do, he is faithful and just and will forgive us.

That’s walking in light. That’s what fellowship with God looks like.

On the other hand, it’s impossible to have fellowship with God if we’re hiding from his light. If like Adam and Eve we try to cover our guilt and our shame. Or if we constantly make excuses for and try to justify our sins.

That’s walking in the darkness.

And so as we think about whether we’re walking in the light or not, the question we need to ask ourselves is not how much we struggle with sin in our lives.

The question is, “Am I exposing all of me to Jesus? Or are there areas that I’m still trying to hide from him?”

Father, I choose to step out into the light and walk in it. To hide nothing from you, not even the sins I’m ashamed of.

Let your light shine on me. Show me the areas that need to change.

I don’t want to just stand in the light, basking in your grace. I want to walk in the light.

So show me my next step. And as I keep moving forward, step by step, make me more like you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags repentance, Sin, walking in the light

2 Peter Devotionals

Seeing sin for what it is: vomit and mud

Post author By Bruce
Post date August 15, 2024
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It has happened to them according to the true proverb: A dog returns to its own vomit, and, “A washed sow returns to wallowing in the mud.” (2 Peter 2:22-23)

Father, help me to see my sin for what it is: vomit and mud.

How often, though, do I get pulled back to it because I don’t see it as vomit and mud?

I don’t want to return to and eat my own vomit. I don’t want to go back to wallowing in the mud.

I want to be clean in your sight. So when the tides of my flesh, my instincts, feelings, and desires start pulling me back to that vomit and mud, help me to go against the tide and follow you.

Jesus, clothe me in your righteousness and holiness. I want to know the freedom and joy that is in you. In your name, I pray. Amen

Tags Sin, vomit

2 Peter Devotionals

Embracing our Father’s Promises

Post author By Bruce
Post date August 14, 2024
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His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by (alternate translation: “to”) his own glory and goodness. (2 Peter 1:3)

I was thinking about that alternate translation this morning. We are called to God’s glory and goodness.

Put another way, we are called to be like our Father. To take on his character in our lives. To shine his light to those around us.

And so Peter says,

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. (2 Peter 1:5-7)

And yet, while there is effort required on our part, God doesn’t just leave us our own and say, “Just do it.”

Rather, Peter tells us,

By these (his glory and goodness), he has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire. 2 Peter 1:)

What promises?

Probably his greatest promises are that his Spirit is actually living in us, leading us and empowering us, interceding for us. (John 16:13-15, Romans 8:11-14, 26-27).

But we also have his promise that no matter how much we may struggle, our efforts will not ultimately be in vain. Because as John tells us,

We know that when he appears, we will be like him because we will see him as he is. (1 John 3:2)

That’s what keeps me going whenever I see all the ways I fall short.

I don’t have to do this on my own.

My efforts will not be in vain. I will be like Jesus someday.

And until that day, I stand in grace. (Romans 5:1-2)

Father, thank you for making me your child. Thank you for your great and precious promises to me. I stand on those promises. Help me to become more like you each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags God's child, imitating our Father

1 Peter Devotionals

Living for God’s Will: Our New Paradigm

Post author By Bruce
Post date August 12, 2024
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For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit…

Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same understanding—because the one who suffers in the flesh is finished with sin—in order to live the remaining time in the flesh no longer for human desires, but for God’s will. (1 Peter 3:18, 4:1-2)

Yesterday at church, my pastor was talking about changing our paradigms.

I suppose one of our greatest paradigms is who or what we’re living for. And Peter makes it clear. Our contract with sin is broken. Jesus died so that we might be freed from the power and penalty of sin.

Because of this, our paradigm is no longer to “follow your heart,” to simply follow our instincts, feelings, and desires which would lead us into sin.

Our paradigm is to live for the God who loved us enough to send his Son for us.

And so Peter tells us to be alert and sober-minded, seeking God’s will, wisdom, and strength, moment to moment, day to day. (1 Peter 4:7)

But we aren’t to do this alone. We are to do it in community.

When we are alone, we sometimes let our guard down and end up falling into sin. But through the love of our brothers and sisters, we can find healing and restoration.

That’s why Peter tells us,

Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)

I can’t help but think Peter was thinking about his own experience.

When he fell because he had let down his guard (Mark 14:37, 66-72), it was the love of Jesus that restored him.

So let’s take on our Lord’s paradigm, not living for our own will, but for the will of our Father who loves us deeply. And let us do so…together.

Tags new paradigm, paradigm shift

1 Peter Devotionals

Living stones, living sacrifices

Post author By Bruce
Post date August 8, 2024
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As you come to him, a living stone—rejected by people but chosen and honored by God—you yourselves, as living stones, a spiritual house, are being built to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:4-5)

As I was reading those words this morning, I was wondering if Peter had in mind Paul’s letter to the Romans. We do know that Peter read Paul’s letters (2 Peter 3:15-16)

And a lot of the things he says mirrors what Paul said in Romans 12:1.

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

Peter talks about us being living stones, a holy priesthood offering sacrifices acceptable to God.

Paul talks about us being living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

Paul says we offer ourselves to God in view of God’s mercies.

Peter talks in detail about those mercies. He tells us,

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises, of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (9-10)

And so my prayer this morning was this:

Father, I have tasted that you are good. You’ve shown such incredible mercy to me. You’ve called me out of darkness, made me your own, and brought me into your marvelous light.

Once I had not received mercy. Now I’m overflowing with your mercy. I was like a sheep going astray. But now by your grace I have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of my soul.

So I offer my life to you today. Help me declare your praises to those still trapped in darkness. And let my life, my every word, thought, and action be worship, holy and acceptable to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags living sacrifices, living stones

1 Peter Devotionals

Remember who you are

Father, help me to always remember who I am.

You chose me to be your child according to your foreknowledge before time began.

By your Spirit, you are changing me day by day to be more like Jesus.

You sprinkle me daily with his blood, cleansing me from my sins.

And now you call me to submit to his good reign in my life.

Through Jesus, I have an inheritance, imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for me.

And though I sometimes go through trials, you guard me by your power for the salvation that will be revealed when Jesus returns.

You do this because the faith I have is more precious to you than gold refined by fire.

So Father, let me always have a right mindset as I face each day.

Let me be clothed with your armor, prepared for action.

Let me not just go with the flow of my flesh, my instincts, feelings, and desires, but as your beloved child, let me be holy as you are holy.

Help me remember this world is not my home.

And with that in mind, help me to live a life pleasing to you each day, loving you and those you have put in my life.

Thank you for making me your child.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags our identity in Christ

Genesis Devotions

Moving forward with God

So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you and purify yourselves and change your garments. Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, so that I may make there an altar to the God who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.” (2-3)

After the disastrous events in chapter 34, we see God’s grace immediately at work. Despite the horrendous things Jacob’s sons had done, God let Jacob know he was still with him and told him to go back to Bethel where he had first appeared to Jacob.

And so Jacob told his family to put away their foreign gods, purify themselves (certainly needed after what Simeon and Levi had done), change their clothes, and to go where God was leading them.

And there, God reaffirmed his promises to Jacob, again giving him the name, “Israel,” which either means “He struggles with God,” or “God fights.”

The latter meaning seems more appropriate here. Jacob was no longer fighting against God. Rather, he had submitted himself to God’s reign in his life. And now, God was fighting for him, protecting him and his family (5).

All this was encouraging to me. No matter how badly we may fall, God doesn’t give up on us. Rather, he calls us to keep moving forward with him.

How do we do that? We put our sins behind us, burying them as Jacob buried the idols, come to the cleansing blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7), and clothe ourselves once more with Jesus Christ and his righteousness (Romans 13:14).

And whenever Satan accuses us, always keep in mind that God is fighting for us. (Romans 8:31-34)

So let’s keep moving forward with God, walking each day in his grace.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, walking with God

Genesis Devotions

To obtain God’s blessing

But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” (26)

All his life, Jacob strove to get God’s blessing.

He conned his father and brother to try to obtain it. (Genesis 26-27)

He later tried to bargain with God in order to obtain it. (Genesis 28:20-22)

Now he tried to wrestle God for it.

But what he had failed to realize is that God simply wanted to give it to him.

All Jacob had to do was rest in God’s goodness and faithfulness to him. A goodness and faithfulness that God shows to all his children despite our unworthiness. (10)

How much joy would we know if we truly understood that truth?

No striving to receive God’s blessing. Just resting in it.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, God's blessing

Genesis Devotions

Praying for the broken

Yesterday, I was talking with my sister about one of our cousins.

Apparently, our cousin was telling my sister about what a terrible father our uncle was. That when she was born, my uncle wouldn’t come to the hospital because he had wanted a boy.

And he would actually tell her, “I wish you had been a boy.”

She has carried that hurt with her for over 50 years.

Reading today’s passage reminded me that broken people are nothing new. Leah was broken. Rachel was broken. Jacob was broken.

Yet God sees, hears, and remembers us. And he wants to bring healing.

He wants to break us out of our pain cycle and bring us into his peace cycle in which his truth and his love reigns in our hearts. Because that’s really the only way that healing can happen.

And so I’m praying for my cousin today. I’m praying that she would find God.

I’m praying that by his grace, he would take away the disgrace and pain of her past. And I’m praying that in him, she would find peace.

Who are the broken people God wants you to pray for?

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, broken people, healing

Genesis Devotions

Getting the log out of our eyes

Post author By Bruce
Post date July 29, 2024
No Comments on Getting the log out of our eyes

When morning came, there was Leah! So he said to Laban, “What have you done to me? Wasn’t it for Rachel that I worked for you? Why have you deceived me?” (Genesis 29:25)

I was just thinking this morning, “How much would Esau have laughed to hear those words coming out of Jacob’s mouth.”

Did Jacob himself later see the irony of what he had said?

But then I thought about myself.

I was thinking this past week about someone who really annoys me. And yet, do I ever do the same things that he does? And even if I don’t, what faults do I have that I’m blind too?

As I thought about that, Jesus’ words came to mind.

Why do you look at the splinter in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the beam of wood in your own eye?

Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the splinter out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a beam of wood in your own eye?

Hypocrite! First take the beam of wood out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the splinter out of your brother’s eye. (Matthew 7:3-5)

So once again, I was praying, “Father, search me and know my heart…see if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23，24)

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, judgmentalism, logs in eyes]

Genesis Devotions

The One who’ll never abandon us

Post author By Bruce
Post date July 26, 2024
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Look, I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.

I will bring you back to this land, for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you. (Genesis 28:15)

Considering how badly Jacob had messed up, God’s promise to him was truly amazing.

But it did remind me that God says the same thing of us.

No matter how badly we may mess up, he never abandons us. He continues to be with us and watch over us.

His Spirit works in us daily to make us more like Jesus. And he will not leave us until he has done everything he has promised us, we are complete, and we see him face to face.

As Paul put it,

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 don’t know about you, but that gives me hope.

Let’s walk each day in that hope.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, God's grace, Jacob

Genesis Devotions

Whose agenda?

As I read today’s passage, I wondered, “Whose agenda was Isaac following?”

Did he know what God had told Rebekah about Jacob and Esau? (Genesis 25:23)

Surely he knew that Esau had sold his birthright to Jacob.

And yet he seemed determined to bless Esau over Jacob.

Whose agenda was Jacob following?

He might have argued, “Of course, I’m following God’s agenda. He promised that Esau would serve me.”

But I was thinking about King David.

He could have made the same argument. God had promised to make him king. And yet, though David twice had opportunities to kill Saul, he refused to do so.

Instead he waited on God and his timing.

I was praying through Psalm 25 today, and David’s words show his attitude.

Lord, I appeal to you. My God, I trust in you…
No one who waits for you will be disgraced;
those who act treacherously without cause
will be disgraced. (Psalm 25:1, 3)

Because Jacob refused to wait for God and his timing and acted treacherously against his father and Esau, he was disgraced.

He had to run for his life and never saw his mother again. Esau eventually forgave him, but that was after years of heartache and fear.

And yet, there was grace for Jacob. David’s prayer could have been Jacob’s.

Do not remember the sins of my youth or my acts of rebellion;
in keeping with your faithful love,
remember me because of your goodness, Lord. (Psalm 25:7)

And that’s exactly what God would do for Jacob.

But all this made me think: Whose agenda am I following? My own? Or God’s?

And so I was praying David’s prayer this morning.

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)

Tags agenda, Bible Original, Bible verse, God's plans

Genesis Devotions

In this world, not of it

…stay in this land as an alien, and I will be with you and bless you…

From there (Isaac) went up to Beersheba.

And the LORD appeared to him the same night and said, “I am the God of Abraham your father.

Fear not, for I am with you and will bless you and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham’s sake.”

So he built an altar there and called upon the name of the LORD and pitched his tent there. (3, 23-25)

Father, I am living in this world, but I do not belong to it. I’m just residing here for a short time.

So don’t let me get too attached to the temporary things in this world.

Instead, let me desire you above all else, always pitching my tent wherever you are.

Tags aliens, Bible Original, Bible verse, Isaac

Genesis Devotions

Despising our birthright

“Look,” said Esau, “I’m about to die, so what good is a birthright to me?”

…So Esau despised his birthright.” (32, 34)

As Isaac’s firstborn son, Esau had a birthright. These included special privileges such as a double-portion of the inheritance and leadership in the family after Isaac died.

But most importantly, it included the covenant blessings promised to Abraham and Isaac, not the least of which was a relationship with God.

But in an instant, Esau lost that birthright. He lost it because he despised his birthright, and instead followed his “flesh.”

This past Sunday, I gave a message in church talking about the “flesh,” and defined it this way: the instincts, desires, and feelings within us that pull us away from God.

In this case, Esau followed his desire for food, and threw away his birthright as a result.

It made me wonder, how often do we as Christians despise our birthright as children of God in order to follow after our flesh?

We have so many blessings from that birthright, among them a new relationship with God, a new identity as his children, freedom from our past, and access to his grace and power.

Yet do we truly value these things? Or do we ever despise them to follow our flesh?

For example, part of our blessing as God’s children is a spiritual family.

But is that blessing so important to you that you prioritize church on Sunday?

Or do you take church lightly, skipping it whenever there’s something else you really want to do that day?

Or do we ever indulge in our sins, saying, “I’ll just ask God for forgiveness later,” taking lightly the price Jesus paid for us on the cross?

There are so many ways that we despise our spiritual birthright in order to follow our flesh.

I don’t want to be that way.

I want to go against the flow of my flesh and embrace my birthright as a child of God.

How about you?

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, birthright, Esau, flesh

Mark Devotionals

I still believe in you

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But go, tell his disciples and Peter, “He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there just as he told you.” (Mark 16:7)

Two words caught my eye today. Two words so ordinary you could easily miss them.

“…and Peter…”

The angel didn’t just say, “Tell his disciples.” He said, “Tell his disciples…and Peter.”

Somehow, I don’t think the angel threw that in on his own.

I get the feeling Jesus specifically told him, “Hey, tell Peter that I mean him too. He’s probably still beating himself for denying me. But tell him, ‘I still believe in you.'”

And if Peter still had any doubts, Jesus alleviated them by appearing to him personally (Luke 24:34, 1 Corinthians 15:5), and then having another private chat with him later (John 21).

That’s encouraging to me. No matter how badly I mess up, Jesus still calls me by name and says, “I believe in you.”

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, failure, Peter

Mark Devotionals

A King in name only?

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They dressed him in a purple robe, twisted together a crown of thorns, and put it on him. And they began to salute him, “Hail, king of the Jews!”

They were hitting him on the head with a stick and spitting on him. Getting down on their knees, they were paying him homage. (Mark 15:17-19)

Lord, the soldiers called you king. Pilate also pronounced you “King of the Jews.”

But ultimately, they were empty words. They beat and crucified you.

Do I ever treat you as a king in name only?

How often do I sing worship songs calling you my King?

Let those words never be empty homage.

You are not a King in name only.

You are King of all kings.

And you’re worthy of my honor and obedience.

Let me honor you not only with my words, but with my trust and obedience each day.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, Jesus our King

Mark Devotionals

Faithfully doing what God has given us to do

Post author By Bruce
Post date July 16, 2024
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Watch! Be alert! For you don’t know when the time is coming.

It is like a man on a journey, who left his house, gave authority to his servants, gave each one his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to be alert.

Therefore be alert, since you don’t know when the master of the house is coming… (Mark 13:33-35)

The master “gave authority to his servants, gave each one his work.”

Those words caught my attention. Jesus will return to this earth someday. But in the meantime, he has given each of us work to do. More, he’s given us the authority to do so.

We don’t have to wait for someone to give us permission to do the work he’s assigned to us. All we need to do is be faithful and do it.

Recently, I’ve been thinking about myself. I try to be faithful with what God’s entrusted me. But I have noticed times when I lack confidence. When I fear failure. And because of that, I sometimes hesitate in doing the things God’s asking me to do.

That’s what I need to push past. That’s where I’m seeking to grow. I want to boldly do whatever God asks of me with no fear.

How about you? What work has God given you? Who has he put in your life to touch? And are you being faithful?

Lord, as I wait for your return, let me be faithful in what you’ve given me to do.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, faithfulness, The Lord's return

Mark Devotionals

Do I give to you what is yours?

Post author By Bruce
Post date July 15, 2024
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Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Mark 12:17)

“Which command is the most important of all?”
Jesus answered, “,,,

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:28-30)

Summoning his disciples, he said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.

For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had—all she had to live on.” (Mrk 12:43-44)

Father, do I give to you all that is rightfully yours? Is all I am yours? Do I truly love you with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind, and all my strength?

I am not my own. I was bought with a price, the blood of your own Son. (1 Corinthians 6:19－20)

So let me honor you with my body, my possessions, with all I am, as the widow did.

If there’s anything I’m still withholding from you, show me what that is, Father.

You are worthy of my all.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, Giving to God, honoring God

Mark Devotionals

Losing our saltiness?

There’s a lot to think about in this passage, but it was Jesus’ last words of this chapter that really hit home today.

Salt is good, but if the salt should lose its flavor, how can you season it? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another. (Mark 9:50)

Jesus has called us to be the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). To flavor the world with God’s love and grace.

But the church can lose its saltiness if we can’t even love each other.

Pride, bitterness, unforgiveness, and selfishness all cause us to lose our saltiness. You see the disciples struggling with these issues in this chapter and in its companion passage in Matthew 18.

But truth be told, so do I. Just thinking about yesterday, pride and selfishness were definite issues. And so as I read Jesus’ words, I had to repent.

How about you? What relationship issues, especially with your brothers and sisters in Christ, are causing you to lose your flavor?

Jesus said,

Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:34-35)

Let’s remember Jesus’ command to us and love each other. In doing so, we will keep our saltiness, flavoring this world with God’s love and grace.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, God's grace, God's love, saltiness

Mark Devotionals

Lord, do you sometimes sigh?

Post author By Bruce
Post date July 9, 2024
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The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, demanding of him a sign from heaven to test him.

Sighing deeply in his spirit, he said, “Why does this generation demand a sign?” (Mark 8:11-12)

Aware of this, [Jesus] said to [his disciples], “Why are you discussing the fact you have no bread?

Don’t you understand or comprehend? Do you have hardened hearts? Do you have eyes and not see; do you have ears and not hear? And do you not remember…

Don’t you understand yet?” (Mark 8:17-18, 21)

How often, Jesus, do you sigh deeply at my stubbornness, at my unbelief?

How often do you sigh deeply at my hardened heart, at my eyes that don’t see and ears that don’t hear? At my failure to remember. At my lack of understanding?

And yet, somehow, you’ve never given up on me.

As with the blind man, you keep touching my eyes until I can see. You keep touching my ears until I can hear. You keep touching my mind until I can understand. And you keep touching my heart until it softens.

Thank you for your incredible grace.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, grace, hardened hearts, spiritual blindness, spiritual deafness

Mark Devotionals

Rejecting God’s reign in our lives

Post author By Bruce
Post date July 8, 2024
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“This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me.

They worship me in vain,
teaching as doctrines human commands.”

Abandoning the command of God, you hold on to human tradition. (Mark 7:6-8)

Whenever I read these words, they always hit me. Today, I was thinking about what things we hold on to as Christians. Would Jesus say these things to us? To me?

“Abandoning the command of God, you hold to society’s values and way of thinking.”

“Abandoning the command of God, you hold to your own opinions.”

“Abandoning the command of God, you ‘follow your heart.'”

“Abandoning the command of God, you hold on to your sin and excuses.”

If we reject God’s reign in our lives, our worship is in vain.

We may be honoring God with our lips, but our hearts are far from him.

Father, let my heart truly be yours, every moment, every day. Reign in my heart. Be King of my thoughts, King of my decisions, King of my actions, King of my heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, God's rule, God's commands

Mark Devotionals

Why Jesus came

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The Son of God was revealed for this purpose: to destroy the devil’s works. (1 John 3:8)

I thought of this verse as I read Mark 5 today.

Through Satan’s work in the garden of Eden, deceiving Adam and Eve and leading them into sin, all kinds of evil came into this world. And to this day, Satan is actively working to destroy people.

But Jesus came to destroy the devil’s works.

We see him doing that in Mark 5, setting the demon-possessed man free, healing the woman who had suffered from a menstrual problem for 12 years, and raising a dead girl back to life.

He’s still doing the same thing today. Setting people who are oppressed by the devil free, bringing healing to them physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and bringing the spiritually dead back to life.

And the day will come when he will destroy death completely.

But I don’t want to just rejoice in all this. As Jesus’ disciple, I want to join in his work, touching all the hurting and broken people around me with God’s love. I want to be part of what he’s doing. How about you?

Lord Jesus, show me how I can join in your work today. Use me to destroy the devil’s work in the lives of those around me.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, devil's work, Jesus' work

Mark Devotionals

Way Back Wednesday — If we truly want to understand God’s Word

Post author By Bruce
Post date July 3, 2024
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This is a little something that I wrote a few years ago for those who say they want to understand their Bibles better. If that’s you, read on…

If we truly want to understand God’s word (Mark 4)

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, understanding God's Word

Mark Devotionals

Stubborn and hard-hearted

Post author By Bruce
Post date July 2, 2024
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After looking around at them with anger, he was grieved at the hardness of their hearts… (Mark 3:5)

Those words hit me hard today.

And it just made me wonder, “How often does Jesus grieve at the hardness of my heart?

“How often does he grieve because I’m too stubborn to change my mind, even when I know I’m wrong?

“How often does he grieve because I forget how much he truly cares for the people he’s placed around me?

“How often does he grieve because my heart is so hard, I can’t see what God is trying to do to touch those people?”

What can be done
For an old heart like mine?

Soften it up
With oil and wine

The oil is You, Your Spirit of love
Please wash me anew in the wine of Your blood — Keith Green

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, heart-hearted, stubborn

Mark Devotionals

The One who takes away our guilt and shame

Post author By Bruce
Post date July 1, 2024
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Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:5)

I’d never thought of this before, but how many people had been telling this paralytic, “It’s your fault you’re this way. God must be punishing you for some sin in your life.”

It was a very common way of thinking in those days. (John 9:1-2, Luke 13:1-4)

How long had this man carried this burden of guilt and shame? How often had he loathed himself for his sin every time he saw his paralyzed body?

Whether or not his condition was directly connected to his sin, I don’t know. But his sin and the shame that came from it were very real.

But then this man heard about Jesus. He heard his teaching. And it sparked faith in both him and his friends. I don’t think this was just faith that Jesus could heal him. I think he took Jesus’ message to heart.

The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news! (Mark 1:15)

And when Jesus saw his faith, he said, “Your sins are forgiven.”

In an instant, all the man’s guilt and shame were gone.

How about you? Are you burdened by your guilt and shame?

Jesus is the one who takes away our guilt and shame.

And when we come to him with a heart of faith and repentance, he looks at us and says to us the same thing he told that man. “My child. Your sins are forgiven.”

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, forgiveness, guilt, shame

Genesis Devotions

The God who sees, the God who hears

Post author By Bruce
Post date June 28, 2024
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In Genesis 16, Hagar called God, “El Roi, ” meaning, “the God who sees me,” and she named the place where God met her, “Beer-lahai-roi”, meaning, “Well of the Living One who sees me.”

Years later, we now see Isaac returning from Beer-lahai-roi. His mother had died not long before, and his heart was apparently still aching and lonely. Some translations say in verse 63 that Isaac was taking a walk in the field, but the meaning of the word translated “taking a walk” is apparently a bit obscure in Hebrew. Other translations put it, “he was meditating” or “he was praying.”

Perhaps he was praying, “God do you really see me? Do you really know my hurt?”

God did.

God knows our hearts and hears even the silent prayers of our hearts, as Abraham’s servant found out. (45-48)

And by God’s grace, he met Isaac’s need. I love verse 67.

And Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah and took Rebekah to be his wife. Isaac loved her, and he was comforted after his mother’s death.

A God who hears us. A God who sees us and our deepest needs.

That’s the kind of God we have.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, El Roi, The God who sees

Genesis Devotions

God will provide

Then he said, “Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from me”…And Abraham named that place The Lord Will Provide, so today it is said, “It will be provided on the Lord’s mountain.” (12-14)

This story always touches me whenever I read it, but today I noticed something for the first time. I wonder if Paul was thinking about this passage when he wrote these words:

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? (Romans 8:31-32)

Two thousand years ago on the hill called Calvary, God provided for our salvation, not sparing his own Son in order to do so.

How can I not trust that he’ll provide everything else that I need?

Father, you are Yahweh-yireh, the Lord who sees me, the Lord who provides. You proved that on Calvary. Help me to never forget that truth. Help me to never forget who you are.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, God provides, Yahweh-Yireh

Genesis Devotions

The God who will make us laugh again

Post author By Bruce
Post date June 25, 2024
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The Lord came to (or “visited“) Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised.

Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age,at the appointed time God had told him…

Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears will laugh with me.” (Genesis 21:1-2, 6)

In this broken world, our lives can be painful.

It was for Sarah who for years longed to have a child but couldn’t.

But in his timing, God “visited” her and blessed her with a child, and she found laughter.

I’m thinking of two people right now. One who is broken by his sin. Another who is broken because of family issues. And so I’m praying for them.

“Father, as you visited Sarah, visit them. Bring them healing. And in your timing, make them laugh again.”

Who are the broken people in your life? Pray for them. And as you can, touch them with God’s love.

Maybe you’re the one who’s broken right now.

Don’t lose hope.

God still loves you. He forgives. He heals. And he always keeps his promises to us.

So keep following and waiting on him. In his timing, you will find laughter again.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, brokenness, laughter, Sarah

Genesis Devotions

Unintentional sins?

[Abimelech] said, “…I did this with a clear conscience and clean hands.”

Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience. I have also kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I have not let you touch her.” (4-6)

It’s hard to fault Abimelech for taking Sarah as his wife. Abraham lied to him, after all.

But knowingly or not, he still sinned by taking Abraham’s wife, and it was only by God’s grace that he was kept from greater sin by actually sleeping with her.

It made me think of Paul’s words to the Corinthians.

For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. It is the Lord who judges me. (1 Corinthians 4:4)

We’re not always aware of our own sin. That’s why it’s good to sometimes pray David’s prayer in Psalm 19. Honestly, I really ought to do it more. In fact, I think I’ll do it today.

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

Moreover, keep your servant from willful sins;
do not let them rule me.

Then I will be blameless
and cleansed from blatant rebellion. (Psalm 19:12-13)

Tags Abimelech, Abraham, Bible Original, Bible verse, unintentional sins

Genesis Devotions

Fearful words?

I am God Almighty. Live in my presence and be blameless. (Genesis 17:1)

I don’t know about you, but those words arrested my attention.

“I am God Almighty. Creator of all. Ruler of this universe.

“Live in my presence. Don’t stray from me, going your own way. Walk with me, moment to moment, day to day.

“Be blameless before me. Don’t simply indulge in your sin. As I am holy, you also be holy. Imitate me in everything. My character, my values, my heart.”

Think about those words for a minute.

Honestly speaking, for me, those words would be pretty overwhelming were it not for one thing:

He is our Father who loves us.

And just as he made a covenant with Abraham, he’s made a covenant with us.

Not a covenant based on our performance, but on what Jesus did for us on the cross.

And because of that, we can always come boldly before his throne even when we fall short, knowing that he will accept us. (Hebrews 4:16; 10:19)

So let’s walk with our God moment to moment, day to day, blameless before him. And when Satan would accuse us, let us cling to these truths:

For [God] chose us in [Jesus], before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him.

He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding. (Ephesians 1:4-8)

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, fear of God, grace, walking with God

Genesis Devotions

You are the God who sees me

Post author By Bruce
Post date June 18, 2024
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To the outcast on her knees, you were the God who really sees. — Michael Card

Father, you are El Roi. You are “the God who sees me.”

You are Lahai Roi. You are “the Living One who sees me.”

But you are not a God that just observes me from afar.

You know my name.

You hear me and my cries of affliction.

And you are the One who searches me out and finds me.

Though the Lord is exalted,
he takes note of the humble…

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me.
Lord, your faithful love endures forever…” (Psalm 138:6, 8)

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, El Roi, Hagar, Lahai Roi

Genesis Devotions

I am your shield

Do not be afraid, Abram.
I am your shield… (1)

Thinking about God’s words to Abram…and to us.

I am your shield.

Not your money. Not your possessions. Not your strength. Not your wisdom or knowledge. Not anything or anyone else. I am your shield.

I am your shield.

It’s not that I used to be your shield but that you need to fend for yourself now. I am your shield.

I am your shield.

I care about you. I’m thinking about you. My hand is on you. I am your shield.

I am your shield.

When the Enemy comes against you, when the world comes against you, I will protect you. I will always be faithful to you. My faithfulness is your shield (Psalm 91:4).

Father, you are my shield. Help me to believe and trust in you as Abram did.

Tags Abram, Bible Original, Bible verse, shield

Genesis Devotions

To be a blessing

and all the peoples on earth
will be blessed through you. (Genesis 12:3)

I was thinking about those words this morning. God ultimately fulfilled his promise to Abraham through Jesus, Abraham’s descendant.

Through Jesus, we all have been blessed. (Galatians 3:7-14)

But the thing that struck me today is that we, God’s people, are part of that fulfillment too.

That is, as spiritual descendants of Abraham through Jesus, we are meant to be God’s blessing to this whole earth.

God wants to bless this world through us. And as we touch those around us, God is continuing to fulfill his promise to Abraham through us.

That’s an awesome thing to ponder.

Father, continue to fulfill your promise to Abraham through me. As I interact with the people around me today, let me be your blessing to them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags Abraham, Bible Original, Bible verse, blessing

Acts Devotionals

They will listen

Therefore, let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen. (Acts 28:28)

Father, sometimes this nation seems like the Jews. People seeing without perceiving, hearing without understanding, closing their eyes to your truth, having ears hard of hearing, and hearts hardened towards you.

But you have sent your salvation to this land.

“They will listen,” you said.

And so I pray for this nation.

Open their eyes, open their ears, soften their hearts.

Use me to touch my family, my coworkers, my friends, everyone around me and bring them to you. Let them turn to you so that you may heal them.

I will not lose hope. Instead, I cling to your promise: “They will listen.”

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, prayer for the nation

Acts Devotionals

Ignoring the warning signs

Post author By Bruce
Post date June 10, 2024
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Sailing slowly for many days, with difficulty we arrived off Cnidus…With still more difficulty we sailed along the coast…By now much time had passed, and the voyage was already dangerous. (Acts 27:7-9)

As I read today’s passage, I was thinking about how often we ignore the warning signs in our lives.

Paul certainly noticed them (10).

The captain, centurion, and the owner of the ship, however, chose to ignore them, and it nearly cost them their lives.

I’ve certainly been guilty of ignoring warning signs. Years ago, I saw numerous signs that the English conversation school I was working for was in deep trouble. And I ignored them to my grief.

Part of being a warrior for Christ is to constantly be alert.

We face many dangers in our lives, both physical and spiritual. And so we need to be alert to our circumstances and alert to our Enemy.

But most importantly we need to be alert to our Captain. Because if we’re paying attention to him and what he’s saying, it will save us a lot of grief.

How about you? Are there any dangers signs you’ve been ignoring? In your marriage? In your relationships? In your heart? In your attitudes?

“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)

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse

Acts Devotionals

I have a hope

I have a hope in God, which these men themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection, both of the righteous and the unrighteous.

I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God and men. (Acts 24:15-16)

Father, I have a hope.

A hope that death is not the end. That there will be a resurrection.

I have a hope, Father.

A hope that there will be a day of judgment. A day when every evil deed will be judged by you.

I have a hope, Father.

That on judgment day, I need not fear. That for me there is no condemnation because of the blood of Jesus.

I have a hope.

And so I strive to keep a clear conscience before you and and the people around you, not out of fear, but out of love and gratitude toward you.

Let my life be holy and acceptable to you today, a sweet smelling incense.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, Hope, judgment, Mercy, resurrection

Acts Devotionals

Stand by me

Post author By Bruce
Post date June 4, 2024
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A few months ago, in one of the junior high school English classes that I teach, we had a lesson about the song “Stand by Me.”

I suppose that’s why that song popped up in my head as I read these words:

The following night, the Lord stood by him and said, “Have courage!” (Acts 23:11)

Of course, there’s no way Paul was singing, “Stand by me” that night. But some of the lyrics in that song are based on Psalm 46, and it’s possible that Paul was singing those words that night.

God is our refuge and strength,
a helper who is always found
in times of trouble.

Therefore we will not be afraid,
though the earth trembles
and the mountains topple
into the depths of the seas
though its water roars and foams
and the mountains quake with its turmoil. (Psalm 46:1-3)

So to borrow Ben E. King’s words,

Lord, I won’t be afraid.
No, I won’t be afraid.
Just as long as you stand by me.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, Fear, refuge, Stand by me

Acts Devotionals

This same God

And he said, ‘The God of our ancestors has appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear the words from his mouth, since you will be a witness for him to all people of what you have seen and heard. (Acts 22:14-15)

How stunned must Saul have been to hear Ananias’ words?

This God that I’ve read about, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, of David, of all the prophets and great heroes of the Bible, he has chosen me?

He wants the same kind of relationship with me that he wanted with all those guys?

I don’t know if that’s the first thing Saul was thinking. Certainly there were other things that he was still processing, namely, just how wrong he had been about Jesus.

But it’s what I felt this morning. This same God that I’ve read about, who had these special relationships with all these people, wants that same relationship with me.

He’s chosen me to know his will. To see his Son. To hear words from his mouth.

And he wants to use me, flawed as I am, imperfect as I am, to be his witness.

That’s an amazing privilege to ponder. A privilege not just for the pastors, or missionaries, or the “elite” Christians. But a privilege for every single one of us who are his children by faith in Jesus.

Take some time to ponder that privilege today. And ask yourself, “Do I truly believe it? Do I truly believe it’s for me?”

Father, be more to me than just words on a page, a God who worked in the lives of other people who lived long ago.

I want to know you as they did. To see you. To hear your voice. To be used for you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse

Acts Devotionals

Our authority as children of God

Post author By Bruce
Post date May 29, 2024
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The evil spirit answered them, “I know Jesus, and I recognize Paul—but who are you?” (Acts 19:15)

I found the evil spirit’s words interesting.

They certainly recognized Jesus and his authority over them. But they also were aware of Paul and the fact that through his relationship with Jesus, through his status as a child of God, Paul had authority over them too.

The question is, do we realize the authority that we have as children of God?

If we stand our ground, the Enemy has to back down. He has no power over us except what we let him have.

That’s why Paul tells us to stand our ground in Ephesians. (Ephesians 6:13-14)

That’s why James tells us to resist the devil in his letter. (James 4:7)

So remember the authority you have, child of God.

As John tells us,

You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

Tags authority, Bible Original, Bible verse, children of God, spiritual warfare

Acts Devotionals

Take me back Tuesday — A teachable heart

Post author By Bruce
Post date May 28, 2024
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This is an article that I wrote some time ago, but which definitely maintains its relevance today. May we always maintain teachable hearts.

Acts 18:24-28 –A teachable heart

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, teachable heart

Acts Devotionals

Another King, another kingdom

Post author By Bruce
Post date May 27, 2024
2 Comments on Another King, another kingdom

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

Those words struck me today. And they reminded me that that’s our message to this world. There is another King. He is Lord of all because he is Creator of all. And as such, we owe our love and allegiance to him.

In a lot of ways, repentance is all about recognizing Jesus for who he is. Sin is rejecting his reign in our life. Repentance is submitting to his reign.

Yet many people fear that. The people who heard what Paul and Silas were saying were certainly troubled by their message. (8)

And so we need to communicate that this is truly good news we’re bringing. Our King is good. Our King deeply loves us. And there is joy, there is life in surrendering to him.

I’ve seen enough in my life to believe it. I’ve experienced the joy of surrender in my life. I want to experience it more.

My prayer is that all his people will too.

This world needs good news. The people we love need good news. But if we don’t really believe it’s good news, how can they?

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, king, kingdom

Acts Devotionals

Necessary?

Post author By Bruce
Post date May 22, 2024
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After they had preached the gospel in that town and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch, strengthening the disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faith and by telling them, “It is necessary to go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:21-22)

Necessary.

It is necessary to go through many hardships to enter the kingdom?

I was thinking on those words today.

Why necessary?

Well, what Paul is not saying is that we somehow earn admittance into God’s kingdom by suffering hardship.

But it is necessary in the sense that it’s unavoidable. It’s unavoidable because we live in a world broken by sin. And it’s unavoidable because we have an enemy in Satan who is hostile to us.

But it’s also necessary in that God is putting us through a refining process.

He’s teaching us what’s truly important, and unlike what many people in this world think, an easy life is not. Nor is living for yourself and indulging in your sin.

Trusting and following God is what’s truly important. Because his way leads to true life.

Peter understood that truth. He said,

Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same understanding—because the one who suffers in the flesh is finished with sin— in order to live the remaining time in the flesh no longer for human desires, but for God’s will. (1 Peter 4:1-2)

Paul understood that truth. He not only taught it to the new believers. We see in this chapter that he lived it. He modeled it.

So as Peter said,

Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you.

Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:12-13)

That’s the heart of a warrior of God.

I love the words of John Newton in the song “Amazing Grace.”

We don’t sing it so often at my church, unfortunately. I wish we did.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come;
‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, grace, suffering, trials

Acts Devotionals

Abiding in God’s grace

“Therefore, let it be known to you, brothers and sisters, that through this man forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you.

Everyone who believes is justified through him from everything that you could not be justified from through the law of Moses…”

After the synagogue had been dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who were speaking with them and urging them to continue in the grace of God. (Acts 13:38-39, 43)

“Continue in the grace of God.”

“Abide in the grace of God.”

For a lot of Christians, they seem to think that their relationship with God is based around their efforts to please him.

That’s how many Jews thought, and that’s why they tried so hard to keep God’s law.

But they were never able to keep it perfectly. They kept falling short. And with that came feelings of guilt, of not measuring up, of having to do better to be accepted by God.

Does any of this sound familiar? Do those thoughts ever go through your head?

But the message Paul and Barnabas gave was, “If you put your faith in Jesus, God considers you righteous in his sight. Not based on your efforts. Not based on your faithfulness to him. But based on what Jesus did for you on the cross and his faithfulness to you.”

That’s our hope.

Though we are often unfaithful to God, he is always faithful to us.

And his faithfulness is our shield that extinguishes the arrows that Satan shoots at us saying, “You’re not good enough. You don’t measure up.”

Paul and Barnabas didn’t tell the new believers, “Work harder if you want God to accept you.”

They told them, “You’ve already received God’s grace. Abide in it. Rest in it. And in that grace, keep moving forward with Jesus.”

Perhaps they even quoted the words of Jesus.

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)

Tags abiding in grace, Bible Original, Bible verse

Acts Devotionals

Appealing to a higher power

Post author By Bruce
Post date May 20, 2024
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So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was praying fervently to God for him. (Acts 12:5)

On the one hand, Peter was arrested and kept in prison by the power of Herod.

But the church appealed to a higher power.

I think that’s always worth remembering.

We often face powers stronger than we are. Powers that are antagonistic to us.

They may be demonic powers. They may be earthly powers.

But no matter what powers may confront us, we have the right as children of God to appeal to a higher power.

Let’s take advantage of that right, praying as fervently as the church did for Peter. And remember that however God may answer our prayers, he is faithful.

He was faithful to Peter, delivering him from Herod’s hand.

But he was also faithful to James. While Herod killed James’ body, he could not destroy James’ soul. (Matthew 10:28-31)

And in his faithfulness, God led James home.

The one who lives under the protection of the Most High
dwells in the shadow of the Almighty…

He will cover you with his feathers;
you will take refuge under his wings.

His faithfulness will be a protective shield. (Psalm 91:1, 4)

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, God's faithfulness, prayer

Acts Devotionals

Continuing Your mission

You know the events that took place throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how he went about doing good and healing all who were under the tyranny of the devil, because God was with him. (Acts 10:37-38)

Lord Jesus, I want to follow in your footsteps, continuing your mission. There are still so many who are hurting around me because they are living under the tyranny of the devil. They need to be set free.

Help me to preach the gospel you commanded: that the Father has appointed you as the judge of the living and the dead. But through your name and faith in you, they can know forgiveness, not just on judgment day, but right now.

Anoint me with your Spirit and your power. I want to do what you did, every day doing good to the people around me and bringing spiritual healing to all those living under Satan’s tyranny.

But not just me, let your whole church be a force in this land.

In your name I pray, amen.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, Christ's mission

Acts Devotionals

Our Lord and his disciple

Post author By Bruce
Post date May 15, 2024
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There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.”

“Here I am, Lord,” he replied. (Acts 9:10)

One of the amazing things to me is that though Jesus has millions of disciples, he knows each one by name. We are not just nameless faces to him. He knows and calls us by name.

Ananias was far from a famous Christian. This is the only time we ever hear his name in the Bible, except for when Paul talks about him in his testimony in chapter 22.

But Jesus knew Ananias and called him by name.

But the other thing that strikes me is Ananias’ attitude toward his Lord.

Jesus called him, and he immediately answered, “Here I am.” He was always available to his Lord.

And though he didn’t always understand his Lord’s orders, he ultimately said, “Yes, Lord.”

That’s the kind of disciple I want to be, available to my Lord, and saying, “Yes, Lord” to whatever he asks of me.

How about you?

Tags Ananias, Bible Original, Bible verse, Christ's disciple

Acts Devotionals

Beautiful in God’s sight

At this time Moses was born, and he was beautiful in God’s sight. (Acts 7:20)

“He was beautiful in God’s sight.”

The word translated “beautiful” is only used twice in the New Testament, and is only used of Moses.

It comes from the Greek translation of Exodus where Moses’ parents saw him as “beautiful.” (Exodus 2:2)

Most parents would see their own children as beautiful, but it strikes me that Luke says that God saw Moses that way too.

But I doubt God was simply looking at Moses’ outer appearance.

I think he was looking at Moses through the eyes of his love and grace.

He knew everything about Moses.

He knew all about Moses’ weaknesses and resulting lack of confidence. (Exodus 4:10)

He knew about Moses’ temper.

He knew that Moses would even murder a man. (Exodus 2:12)

And yet, he said, “This is a beautiful child.”

It’s always been amazing to me that God sees me with all my weaknesses, failings, and sin, and he still says, “I choose you. You are beautiful in my sight.”

Those are the eyes of grace.

Those are the eyes of our Father.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, Eyes of grace, Eyes of love, Moses

Acts Devotionals

Submitting to our (good) Master

Post author By Bruce
Post date May 9, 2024
No Comments on Submitting to our (good) Master

When they heard this, they raised their voices together to God and said, “Master, you are the one who made the heaven, the earth, and the sea, and everything in them. (Acts 4:24)

“Master.”

That’s not a word that’s often used of God in the New Testament. “Lord” is the more typical term the early Christians used.

The word translated “Master,” though, emphasizes more of God’s right and power to command.

That’s a truth that many people refuse to accept and fight against.

People fought against that in David’s time, they fought against it in Peter’s time, and they fight it in ours. (25-27)

But Peter and the rest of the Christians recognized God as their Master. And because of that, they willingly submitted to him. (19-20)

Why?

Because they recognized he’s a good God.

Interestingly enough, the word translated “Master” is where our English word “despot” comes from.”

But far from being a tyrannical leader, God is our loving Creator and Father.

God, you are my Master. A good Master. A loving Master. And though this world seems to be going mad at times, I believe you are in control. And you desire my best.

You are worthy of my trust. You are worthy of my obedience.

So Master, I submit to you. I surrender all to you. I love you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, Lord, submission, trust

Acts Devotionals

Noticing the people around us

Post author By Bruce
Post date May 8, 2024
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Good News Productions International and College Press Publishing

Peter, along with John, looked straight at him… (Acts 3:4)

Those words arrested my attention today.

Peter and John could have easily passed that lame man and said, “You know, we’re on our way to worship God. Plus, we have nothing to give this man. We don’t have any silver or gold on us. Let’s just go on our way.”

But instead, they stopped. They looked at the man. And then they gave what they had.

That’s something that God’s still working on me about. To notice those around me. To stop and notice their needs. And not to be so quick to say, “I have nothing to give.”

I think God wants to use me much more than I realize.

I think God wants to use all of us much more than we realize.

Father, help me to notice the people you put in my path. And as you’ve freely given to me, let me freely give, touching them with your love.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, Noticing people, touching people

Acts Devotionals

Marked by joy

You have revealed the paths of life to me; you will fill me with gladness in your presence. (Acts 2:28)

David’s words that Peter quoted really struck me today.

Can we say with that same confidence that David had, “You have revealed the paths of life to me; I have no doubt that you will fill me with gladness in your presence”?

If we believe this, the Christian life becomes a joy.

Devoting ourselves to the Word, to prayer, and spending time with other Christians won’t be mere duties to us. But they’ll be things that actually fill us with joy.

And people around us will notice. (46-47)

Father, you have revealed the paths of life to me through your Son. You will fill me with gladness in your presence.

May my life be so marked by joy that those around me notice and are attracted to you.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, joy, obligation

Acts Devotionals

Until he returns

Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven?

This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven. (Acts 1:11)

Some time ago, I wrote a short article in my blog on this passage. You can read it here.

As I was reading this passage again today, the angel’s words struck me again in much the same way as it did back then. Here was my prayer for the day.

Jesus, in this broken world, that’s my hope: That one day you will return. That you will make all things new.

But until that time, you’ve given me a job to do.

So fill me with your Spirit. And help me to be faithful in the things you’ve called me to do until you return.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, Hope, Jesus' return

Luke Devotionals

Foolish and slow to believe

Post author By Bruce
Post date May 2, 2024
No Comments on Foolish and slow to believe

He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! (Luke 24:25)

Jesus, how often am I like those two disciples, foolish and slow to believe, not only the prophets, but you?

How often do I get down and discouraged because I’m foolish and slow to believe?

How often do I fail to see what you’re trying to do in my life and in the world around me because I’m foolish and slow to believe?

How often do I fail to trust you and make stupid decisions because I’m foolish and slow to believe?

Forgive me.

Jesus, open my eyes. Give me understanding. And may your words ever burn within my heart, giving me hope, life, peace, and joy.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, foolish, slow to believe

Luke Devotionals

When we fall

Simon, Simon, look out. Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.

And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers. (Luke 22:31-32)

Peter ended up failing pretty miserably by the end of this chapter, denying that he knew Jesus right in front of His eyes.

But then again, all of us fall flat on our faces sooner or later. All of us fail Jesus. How do we come back from that?

The best thing we can do is remember Jesus’ words. Remember that he’s praying for you.

He hasn’t given up on you. He’s interceding for you even now. So return to him.

And if you see others who have stumbled along the way, strengthen them. Tell them, “I understand. I’ve failed too. But he’s forgiven me. And he’ll forgive you too. Let’s go back to Jesus together.”

One of Satan’s greatest lies is, “You’re the only one. You’re the only one who has failed like this.”

But the truth is, all of us, even the best of Christians fall.

And the truth is, Jesus hasn’t given up on us. He’s praying for us and he’s just waiting for us to come back.

Let us always remind and strengthen each other with those truths.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, forgiveness, Peter, stumbling

Luke Devotionals

Lord, I want to see!

[The disciples] understood none of these things [Jesus was saying]. The meaning of the saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said. (Luke 18:34)

[Jesus] asked [the blind man], “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Lord,” he said, “I want to see.” (40-41)

Jesus, how often am I like the disciples? You want to say something to me that’s important, that I need to hear. And yet the meaning of your words are hidden from me and I don’t grasp what you’re trying to say to me.

Jesus, I don’t want to be blind. I want to see. Open the eyes of my heart so that I can grasp what you’re trying to tell me.

Remove anything in my heart that would prevent me from understanding and receiving what you want to say to me.

Remove the pride of the Pharisee in me.

Remove the unwillingness of the ruler in me to surrender all to you.

Lord, there is joy in surrender. There is joy in following you. The blind man discovered that.

Let me discover that joy too.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, pride, spiritual blindness, surrender

Luke Devotionals

Watch yourself!

He said to his disciples, “Offenses will certainly come, but woe to the one through whom they come!

It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to stumble.

Be on your guard. If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and comes back to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” (Luke 17:1-4)

“Be on your guard.” Or more literally, “Watch yourselves (NIV)”, “pay attention to yourselves (ESV).”

I wonder if those words were meant more for verses 1-2 or 3-4? It’s not really clear. (Did you know that New Testament verse divisions weren’t invented until 1555?!)

Frankly, it could be used for both.

Verses 1-2 are always sobering for me. And so this was my prayer this morning:

“Father, I don’t want to be a stumbling block for people. Don’t let me cause my wife or daughter to stumble. Don’t let me cause my students or fellow teachers to stumble. And don’t let me cause my brothers and sisters at church to stumble.”

But another thing we need to guard against is bitterness when someone hurts us. We are not to hold anger in our hearts.

Rather we are to confront the person who hurt us. Not simply to vent our anger out on them. But with the purpose of reconciliation.

But as much as we are to forgive when people repent, we are to forgive even when they don’t. Not for their sake, but for our own.

If we don’t forgive, bitterness will consume us. And so in that sense, we need to watch ourselves too.

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)

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, forgiveness, stumbling block

Luke Devotionals

When we won’t come in…

Then he became angry and didn’t want to go in. So his father came out… (Luke 15:28)

Those words really struck me when I read them.

Most times when we read the story of the prodigal son, we focus on the younger son.

But it wasn’t only the younger son that the father cared for. He also cared for the older.

And when his older son was acting bitter and stupid and refused to come into the house, his father went out to him.

How often are we like that older son? Sometimes, because of our circumstances, or because of how we feel God is treating us, we become bitter and stupid, refusing to come into his presence.

But when we won’t come in, God goes out to us.

It’s the grace that he showed when he first saved us. And it’s the grace he extends to us even now.

The psalmist Asaph himself experienced that grace. He wrote,

When I became embittered
and my innermost being was wounded,
I was stupid and didn’t understand;
I was an unthinking animal toward you.

Yet I am always with you;
you hold my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me up in glory. (Psalm 73:21-24)

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, God's grace, older brother, prodigal son

Luke Devotionals

A prayer for a nation in bondage

Post author By Bruce
Post date April 17, 2024
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Satan has bound this woman, a daughter of Abraham, for eighteen years—shouldn’t (literal translation: is it not necessary that) she be untied from this bondage on the Sabbath day? (Luke 13:16)

(This was my prayer as I thought about Japan where I now live. I would ask you to join me in interceding for this nation, but by all means, modify this prayer as you pray for your own.)

Father, I pray for this nation. It has been bound by Satan, not just for 18 years, but for thousands. Is it not necessary that it be loosed from this bondage?

Give me Jesus’ compassion and heart for those who are bound by Satan.

Like that mustard seed, let your kingdom grow and spread in Japan so that people might know the true rest that can only be found in you.

Like that yeast, let your kingdom permeate each part of this society, completely transforming it.

Father, let your kingdom come.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, God's kingdom, Japan, spiritual bondage

Luke Devotionals

Guarding our hearts

He began to say to his disciples first, “Be on your guard against the leaven, of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” (Luke 12:1)

Watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions. (15)

As I was reading those words, I was thinking about what hypocrisy or greed may be in my heart. I’m still thinking about that, but another thought came to me.

Jesus is very concerned about our hearts and what’s going on in there. And so he says twice in this chapter, “Guard yourselves; guard your hearts.”

How do we do that, that though?

It strikes me that one way is to watch carefully what kind of “dialogues” we’re holding in our hearts.

In fact, the word translated “thought” in verse 17 is where our word “dialogue” comes from.

The man in Jesus’ parable was thinking in his heart. He was having a dialogue with himself in his heart. And it exposed the greed that was there.

Do you want to know what is going on in your heart? What dialogues are going on in there?

Not only with yourself, but what fictional dialogues do you hold with others in your heart? You know what I’m talking about. How often do you have arguments with others in your heart?

All these dialogues expose what’s there in our hearts. And so Jesus tells us to be on our guard about where those dialogues are going and where they are leading us to.

Father, help me to guard my heart. Against hypocrisy. Against greed. Against anything that would damage my relationship with you and the people around me.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, guarding our hearts, internal dialogue

Luke Devotionals

Just one finger

If I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.　(Luke 11:20)

As we think about spiritual warfare, and specifically the Enemy we battle, we sometimes lose sight of an important truth.

God is much more powerful than Satan. Satan is not God’s equal.

God is the Creator. Satan is merely a creature.

And God needs but his little finger to overcome Satan.

So as we face spiritual battles in our lives, let us go with confidence in the one who dwells in us. For as John wrote,

You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, Satan, spiritual warfare

Luke Devotionals

Where there is faith

But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be saved. (Luke 8:50)

Thinking on those words today.

The disciples feared during the storm because of their lack of faith.

Because their lack of faith, the people in Gerasene were so afraid of Jesus, they asked him to leave.

On the other hand, the woman with the bleeding problem feared how Jesus might respond to her. And yet, by her faith, she was accepted by Jesus and healed.

And by not fearing, but rather believing in Jesus, Jairus saw his daughter raised to life.

Where there is faith, there is no need for fear.

Not the storms. Not the demons. Not our health problems. Not death. And certainly not Jesus.

Rather, there is forgiveness (7:50). There is salvation. There is acceptance. There is peace. There is life.

That’s an awesome truth, isn’t it?

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, faith, Fear, Jairus

Luke Devotionals

But the truth is…

…blessed is the one who isn’t offended by me. (Luke 7:23)

One thing I’ve been thinking about lately is spiritual warfare. It’s what we’re going to be talking about the next few Sundays in my church, for that matter.

And in thinking about our Enemy, it strikes me that one of his biggest weapons is deceit, lies. Jesus in fact calls him the “father of lies.” (John 8:44)

Satan was certainly wielding that weapon against John the Baptist.

“Your life was a waste. Here you are in prison, and what did you really accomplish? You proclaimed this Jesus as Messiah, but is he really? He certainly isn’t doing anything to free Israel from the Romans. And he’s doing nothing to free you from Herod. You’re still here, aren’t you?”

Lies mixed with truth can be a very effective weapon.

And so John sent messengers to Jesus saying, “Are you really the one we’re looking for? Or shall we wait for another?”

Jesus’ answer? He starts healing people left and right. Casting out demons. Preaching the gospel.

Then he essentially says to John, “You’re disappointed in me. I’m not what you expected because I’m not doing anything about the Romans.

“But the truth is, I am the Messiah, and I’m doing everything Scripture said I would.

“So don’t lose heart thinking your work was in vain. Hold on to the truth. I am the truth. Blessed is the person who doesn’t stumble because of me.”

When Satan attacks us with his lies, when we’re struggling in our Christian walk and we’re feeling disappointed by Jesus, doubting his goodness toward us, let us break out of our cycle of pain and doubt and declare, “I may feel this way, but the truth is Jesus is good. He is who he says he is. And he loves me.”

But above all, remember that Jesus himself is the truth.

And the truth is, if we put our trust in him, we will never be put to shame. (Romans 10:11, 1 Peter 2:6)

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, spiritual warfare, truth

Luke Devotionals

Watch and pray

During those days he went out to the mountain to pray and spent all night in prayer to God. (Luke 6:12)

In the last three chapters of Luke, three times I’ve noticed Jesus going off alone to pray (4:42; 5:16).

Chapter 5 makes clear that this was a regular practice of his.

I was thinking this morning how much I need to follow his example.

I have a Father who loves me and wants to touch those around me. How alert am I to what the Father is doing around me?

I have an Enemy who hates me and wants to destroy me and those I love. How alert am I to what Satan is scheming?

Jesus commands us to watch and pray. (Matthew 26:41)

Paul tells us to do the same (Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2) as does Peter (1 Peter 4:7).

But am I doing that?

Father, let me not be spiritually oblivious. Teach me to watch and pray as Jesus did.

Tags Bible Original, Bible verse, pray, watch

Luke Devotionals

Though we are weak and sinful

Post author By Bruce
Post date April 5, 2024
No Comments on Though we are weak and sinful

“Go away from me, because I’m a sinful man, Lord!”…”Don’t be afraid,” Jesus told Simon. “From now on you will be catching people.” (Luke 5:8, 10)

There are many similarities between this story and John 21, namely, the miraculous catch of fish.

But it’s the feeling of Simon and Jesus’ response in both stories that really struck me.

Simon sees his own sinfulness and says, “Jesus, I’m not worthy to be with you.”

And Jesus tells him, “Hey, don’t be afraid. I see your sinfulness, but I still want to be with you and use you for my work.”

Fast forward to after the resurrection. More than ever, Simon sees his own weakness and sinfulness. After all, he had denied Jesus three times, just hours after he had promised to be faithful to Jesus.

And though he doesn’t say, “Go away from me, I’m a sinful man,” there are probably even stronger feelings of unworthiness in Peter. “Can Jesus still use me? Does he even want to use me?”

And yet Jesus reassures him.

“Do you love me? Yes? Good. Feed my lambs.”

“Do you love me? Yes? Good. Take care of my sheep.”

“Do you love me? Yes? Good. Feed my sheep.”

Then he told Peter, “Follow me.”

That’s awesome to me. Jesus sees my weaknesses. He sees my sin.

But while I would cry out, “Depart from me, I’m a sinful man. I’m unworthy of you,” he says, “Don’t be afraid. I’ve accepted you despite your weaknesses, despite your failures. Now follow me. And join me in touching others with the grace and love I’ve given you.”

Tags acceptance, Bible Original, Bible verse, following Jesus

Luke Devotionals

Son of God, son of God

Jesus also was baptized. As he was praying, heaven opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in a physical appearance like a dove.

And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.” (Luke 3:21-22)

…Adam, son of God. (38)

Jesus, you are God’s Son in whom the Father is well pleased.

Father, you once said that of Adam, but then he rebelled. He sinned. And through him sin and death came into this world.

But through you, Jesus, forgiveness and life came into this world. (Romans 5:12-21)

Father, may Japan, may this whole world see your salvation. (Luke 3:6)

Give me the heart and passion of John who called people to repentance, who called people to look to you, Jesus.

Jesus, give me your heart for the people you came to save. Give me your heart.

Tags Adam, Bible Original, Bible verse, salvation, Son of God