Tag: Bible verse

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Isaiah Devotionals

When death is swallowed up

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

For many, death is a painful thing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So in my pain, I rejoice for them.

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

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

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

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

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

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Matthew Devotionals

A prayer to the Lord of the Harvest

Hopeless people

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.

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Genesis Devotions

Moving forward with God 

Walking down the road 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.

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Genesis Devotions

To obtain God’s blessing

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.

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Genesis Devotions

Praying for the broken

Broken people

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?

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Genesis Devotions

Getting the log out of our eyes

log in 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)

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Genesis Devotions

The One who’ll never abandon us

abandoned and depressed

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.

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Genesis Devotions

Whose agenda?

God's 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)

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Genesis Devotions

In this world, not of it  

Pitching our tent

…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.

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Genesis Devotions

Despising our birthright

Refusing God

“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?

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Mark Devotionals

I still believe in you

Jesus resurrection
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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.”

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Mark Devotionals

A King in name only?

Cross sign
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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.

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Mark Devotionals

Faithfully doing what God has given us to do

faithfulness

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.

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Mark Devotionals

Do I give to you what is yours?

Surrender

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.

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Mark Devotionals

Losing our saltiness?

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.

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Mark Devotionals

Lord, do you sometimes sigh?

Making God sigh

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.

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Mark Devotionals

Rejecting God’s reign in our lives

God as king

“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.

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Mark Devotionals

Why Jesus came

Demoniac
www.LumoProject.com

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.

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Mark Devotionals

Way Back Wednesday — If we truly want to understand God’s Word

Way back Wednesday

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)
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Mark Devotionals

Stubborn and hard-hearted

hardened hearts

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

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Mark Devotionals

The One who takes away our guilt and shame

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.”

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Genesis Devotions

The God who sees, the God who hears

The God who sees

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.

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Genesis Devotions

God will provide

The God who provides

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.

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Genesis Devotions

The God who will make us laugh again

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.

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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)

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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)

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Genesis Devotions

You are the God who sees me

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)

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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.

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.

Categories
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.

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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.

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Acts Devotionals

Ignoring the warning signs

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)

Categories
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.

Categories
Acts Devotionals

Stand by me

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.

Categories
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.

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Acts Devotionals

Our authority as children of God

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)

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Acts Devotionals

Take me back Tuesday — A teachable heart

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
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Acts Devotionals

Another King, another kingdom

crown, king

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?

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Acts Devotionals

Necessary?

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.

Categories
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)

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Acts Devotionals

Appealing to a higher power

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)

Categories
Acts Devotionals

Continuing Your mission

Japan

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.

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Acts Devotionals

Our Lord and his disciple

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?

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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.

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Acts Devotionals

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.

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Acts Devotionals

Noticing the people around us

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.

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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.

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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.

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Luke Devotionals

Foolish and slow to believe

last supper

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.

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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.

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Luke Devotionals

Lord, I want to see!

Jesus healing blind man

[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.

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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)

Categories
Luke Devotionals

When we won’t come in…

prodigal son's brother and father

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)

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Luke Devotionals

A prayer for a nation in bondage

Japanese shrine

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.

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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.

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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)

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Luke Devotionals

Where there is faith

faith over fear

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?

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Luke Devotionals

But the truth is…

John the Baptist

…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)

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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.

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Luke Devotionals

Though we are weak and sinful

Jesus and Peter

“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.”

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Luke Devotionals

Son of God, son of God

Jesus' baptism

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.

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Luke Devotionals

Getting involved with the things of our Father

12-year old Jesus

Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house? (Luke 2:49)

Jesus’ words really struck me this morning. By the time he was 12, he realized how important it was to be in his Father’s house. And I was wondering, how many Christians understand that?

How many think on Sunday mornings, “It’s necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?”

But as I was looking at the footnotes of my Bible today, I was reminded of something. The word “house” is not in the Greek.

More literally, Jesus said, “Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in the <things> of my Father?”

What those things are is not exactly clear. Since his parents were looking for him, it makes sense that “things” means “my Father’s house.”

But in my footnotes, it gives the alternate translations of “be involved in my Father’s interests” or “be among my Father’s people.”

Honestly, I can be self-centered at times, thinking only of myself.

But I want to be like Jesus. I want to be involved in my Father’s interests. I want to value the things my Father values.

Jesus, give me your heart, each day valuing the things the Father values.

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Exodus Devotions

Celebration Sunday!

Road to Emmaus

Okay, it doesn’t quite have the alliteration of Throwback Thursday, but anyway…

Happy Resurrection Sunday! He is risen indeed!

God’s redemption plan is imperturbable.

No matter how badly we sin, no matter how badly we fall, no one is beyond God’s ability to save.

That’s the hope of Easter.

God’s imperturbable plans (Exodus 1)
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Psalms Devotionals 2

Leading our hearts to worship

My soul, bless the Lord,
and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

My soul, bless the Lord,
and do not forget all his benefits. (Psalm 103:1-2)

I was just thinking today, “How often do I lead my heart to bless the Lord?”

How often do I say, “Hey self! Bless the Lord today. Don’t forget all he’s done for you. Don’t forget all his goodness to you.”

That’s important to do when things are going badly, of course. When David got really down, he reminded himself, “Hey self! Why are you so down? Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 42-43)

But it’s also important to do when things are going well. To remember where all your blessings came from (Deuteronomy 6:10-12).

That’s what David does in this psalm. At a guess, he wrote this psalm some time after God had forgiven his sin with Bathsheba and restored his kingdom after his son Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 11-19).

How about you? Do you lead your heart to bless the Lord every day?

Bless the Lord…
his servants who do his will.

Bless the Lord, all his works
in all the places where he rules.

My soul, bless the Lord! (21-22)

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Isaiah Devotionals

Forgiven and forgotten

cross

For the former troubles will be forgotten
and hidden from my sight.

For I will create new heavens and a new earth;
the past events will not be remembered or come to mind. (Isaiah 65:16-17)

Somehow, whenever I’ve read verses 16-17, I’ve always thought about how when we see God face to face in the new heavens and new earth, we will forget all our former troubles, all our sins and mistakes.

I still think we’ll forget all those things.

But I don’t think that’s what God’s saying. He said, “the former troubles will be forgotten and hidden from MY sight.”

And so when he says the past events will not be remembered or come to mind, I think he’s saying, “They will not come to MY mind.”

How much trouble have we brought into this world since Adam and Eve first sinned? How much have we grieved God’s heart?

That’s what we see in this chapter. God recounts all the sin and rebellion of his people, and how much they have grieved him over the years.

And yet, God says, “I will make all things new. And on that day, all your sins, all the times you’ve grieved my heart will be forgotten and hidden from my sight. They will not be remembered or come to my mind.”

All our sins forgiven and forgotten because of what Jesus did for us on the cross.

That’s amazing grace!

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Isaiah Devotionals

The God who “mercies” us

three crosses

In this Easter season, it’s good to think about why Jesus had to die.

This passage is interesting in that on one hand, Isaiah prays that God would rend the heavens and come down, revealing himself to the nations.

At the same time, he recognizes that should God do so, it would mean judgment not only for Israel’s enemies, but for Israel itself, because the people had turned their backs on God.

And so he prays,

Lord, do not be terribly angry
or remember our iniquity forever.

Please look—all of us are your people! (Isaiah 64:9)

That prayer reveals why Jesus had to die. Jesus bore the wrath of God for us on the cross. And it’s because of Jesus and what he did there that our sins are forgiven.

The translation of verse 4 into Greek (which is the translation the early church used) is very interesting.

It says something like, “From eternity, we have not heard, nor have our eyes seen any God except for you, and your works that you do for those waiting for mercy.

The ultimate work of God’s mercy toward us was shown on that cross.

Paul seems to see it that way. Talking about the cross, he paraphrases Isaiah 64:4.

What no eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no human heart has conceived—
God has prepared these things for those who love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)

The cross was no tragic accident. It was God’s plan from eternity past to save us, to “mercy” us.

That’s an awesome thing.

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Isaiah Devotionals

Pray!

I will not keep silent because of Zion,
and I will not keep still because of Jerusalem,
until her righteousness shines like a bright light
and her salvation, like a flaming torch…

Jerusalem,
I have appointed watchmen on your walls;
they will never be silent, day or night.

There is no rest for you,
who remind the Lord.

Do not give him rest
until he establishes and makes Jerusalem
the praise of the earth. (Isaiah 62:1, 6-7)

In verses 1-2, it seems like Messiah is saying that he will not keep silent or keep still, but will keep interceding and working for Jerusalem until her righteousness shines like a bright light and her salvation like a flaming torch.

That was cool to see, because I think that Jesus will not only do that for Jerusalem, but for all his people.

He won’t stop interceding or working on our behalf until our righteousness shines like a bright light and our salvation like a burning torch. (Hebrews 7:22-25)

But it was verses 6-7 that really struck me. Because Messiah assigns people as watchmen.

And he says to us, “There’s no rest for you. Remind the Lord of his promises. Keep praying. Do not let him rest until he establishes and makes Jerusalem the praise of the earth.”

I thought of Japan, and I think Jesus assigns us Christians in Japan as his watchmen for this nation.

And he tells us, “Don’t stop praying, don’t stop interceding for Japan. Remind him of his promises to draw people from every nation to himself.” (John 10:16, 12:32; Revelation 7:9-10)

Pray that God’s kingdom comes to this nation. Pray that he keeps working until Japan’s righteousness in Christ shines like a bright light and Japan’s salvation like a burning torch.

But whatever nation you are in, the same holds true for you.

So let us each pray for the nation we are in:

Father, let your kingdom come in this nation that so desperately needs you.

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Isaiah Devotionals

Blessed

blessing

All who see them will recognize 
that they are a people the LORD has blessed. 

I rejoice greatly in the LORD, 
I exult in my God; 
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation 
and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness…” (Isaiah 61:9-10)

Usually when I read this passage, most of my focus is on the first three verses because Jesus applied them to himself. (Luke 4:18-21)

But today my eyes focused on verses 9-10. And I realized just how blessed I really am.

I see all my flaws, all my failures, all my sins. But by his grace, God has clothed me with his salvation and Christ’s righteousness.

Father, I am blessed.  I rejoice in you, I exult in you, because you have clothed me with the garments of salvation and wrapped me in Christ’s robe of righteousness.

I didn’t have to make those clothes. I didn’t have to buy them. Jesus, you purchased them with your blood and you clothed me. All I can say is, “Thank you.”

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Isaiah Devotionals

Shine!

Just in case you forgot, Isaiah 60 follows chapter 59. 🙂

And in chapter 59, we saw the hope that we have in Christ in this darkened world. That when things were at its worst, when we couldn’t save ourselves, God himself sent Jesus to bring about our salvation.

God, of course, was primarily talking about Israel’s restoration in chapters 59-60, but we see John in Revelation using Isaiah’s words to describe the new heavens and new earth, and particularly the new Jerusalem. (Isaiah 60:3, Revelation 21:24; Isaiah 60:11, Revelation 21:25-26; Isaiah 60:19-20; Revelation 21:4, 23; 22:5)

All of this is the hope we have.

And so the words God spoke concerning Jerusalem and the Jews, he speaks also to us.

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

I just felt God telling me this morning, “Hey, don’t get all down from all the darkness that you see in this world. Don’t get discouraged by all the evil you see, by all the hopelessness and brokenness of the people around you.

“Get up! Shine in this world! Shine the hope that you have. And as you do, people will come out of their darkness into my light.”

Father, help me to shine today.

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Romans Devotionals

Motivation Monday — Approved. Chosen.

Every once in a while, I’ll think I noticed something new in the Bible only to realize later that I’d noticed it before and actually blogged about it. This was one of those times.

But there were some new thoughts I had on the matter, and so I rewrote this article a bit.

I hope you’re as blessed as I was.

Approved. Chosen. (Romans 16)
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Romans Devotionals

Who are you living for?

love your neighbor

As I was reading today’s passage, two things Paul wrote connected in my mind with things he had said earlier in Romans.

First, Paul wrote in chapter 14,

For none of us lives for himself, and no one dies for himself.

If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord.

Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

Christ died and returned to life for this: that he might be Lord over both the dead and the living. (Romans 14:7-9)

It reminded me of Paul’s words in Romans 11:36-12:1.

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.

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.

The second thing that struck me today is what Paul wrote in verse 15.

For if your brother or sister is hurt by what you eat, you are no longer walking according to love. (Romans 14:15)

(If you want more information, on what that was about, you can check what I’ve written here.)

But anyway, those words made me think of what Paul wrote in chapter 13.

Do not owe anyone anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law…

Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Love, therefore, is the fulfillment of the law. (Romans 13:8, 10)

I guess the question Jesus is asking me is, “Who are you living for?

Are you just living for yourself, only thinking about what you want?

Or are you living for me?

And specifically, are you loving the people I have placed in your life, people that I died for?”

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Romans Devotionals

Because I am yours

For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever. Amen.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. (Romans 11:36-12:1)

Recently, these verses have been the foundation of my daily prayers.

Father, all things are from you, and through you, and to you.

You created all things and all things were created for you and your purposes. I was created for you and your purposes.

So Father, I give myself to you today. Let my whole life to you be worship.

May my words, my thoughts, my actions, be a pleasing fragrance, holy and pleasing to you.

I give myself as a living sacrifice to you.

You deserve anything and everything I can give you.

Thank you for your awesome grace and mercy to me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Romans Devotionals

God’s remnant

I ask, then, has God rejected his people? Absolutely not…

God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.

Or don’t you know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he pleads with God against Israel?

Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars. I am the only one left, and they are trying to take my life!

But what was God’s answer to him?

I have left seven thousand for myself who have not bowed down to Baal.

In the same way, then, there is also at the present time a remnant chosen by grace. (Romans 11:1-5)

In this passage (and for that matter, the last two chapters), Paul is addressing the Jews and their hardness of heart towards the gospel. And he asks here, “Has God then rejected the Jews?”

His answer is unequivocal: No. There has always been and always will be a remnant of those who belong to him, a remnant chosen by his grace.

I think about Japan where I live. It’s easy to look at how few Christians there are here and think, “Has God rejected Japan?”

But I think Paul would answer just as unequivocally: No.

Of course, we can’t apply all Paul’s words concerning the Jews to the Japanese people.

But I do believe that in each city of Japan (and in each country throughout the world), there is a remnant of people whom God has known before time began and chosen to be his own.

All that’s needed is for us to bring the gospel to them. (Romans 10:13-15)

So let’s not get discouraged when we see the numbers of people who don’t know Christ in Japan or whatever country you may be in.

Instead, let’s pray. Then let’s go out to those God has put in our lives, sharing the gospel with them.

And by his grace we will find that remnant.

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Romans Devotionals

Words to make your heart sing

One memory always comes to mind whenever I read this passage.

Back when I was a high school student, one day I was just thinking on Paul’s words as I walked from the bus stop to my school.

My heart was singing that day.

And as I read it today, my soul sang just as loudly if not more loudly than it did all those years ago.

No condemnation.

Pardoned.

No spirit of fear.

Child of God.

The Holy Spirit in me crying out, “Abba, Father!”

Hope.

The Spirit interceding for me when my prayers are all messed up.

God hearing those prayers and working all things for my good.

God is for me, not against me.

I’m foreknown by God.

Predestined to be made like Jesus.

Called.

Justified.

Glorified.

Not accused. Justified.

Not condemned. Defended.

And nothing, nothing can separate me from God’s love!

Is your heart singing yet?

Think on those words.

Meditate on them.

Is your heart singing?

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Romans Devotionals

That I may belong to you

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you also were put to death in relation to the law through the body of Christ so that you may belong to another.

You belong to him who was raised from the dead in order that we may bear fruit for God. (Romans 7:4)

Jesus, I don’t belong to Satan, though I was once a slave in his kingdom.

Nor do I belong to myself, simply following the desires of my sinful heart.

I belong to another now. I belong to you.

I don’t live just to make myself happy. I live to bear fruit for you. I live for you.

Thank you for your awesome love toward me. Let me bear fruit for you today as I walk with you. Amen.

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Romans Devotionals

The newness of life

empty grave and grave clothes

Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4)

I like the translation “newness of life” here.

I don’t want to walk around in the tomb surrounded by the stench of sin and death. I want to breathe in the fresh air of righteousness and life.

I don’t want to be walking around clothed with the decaying clothes of sin. I want to wear the new clothes of Christ’s righteousness.

Imagine Jesus raising Lazarus and saying, “Come out,” only for Lazarus to answer, “No, thank you. I like walking around in this tomb in my grave clothes.”

I don’t want to do that.

Rather, breathing in the fresh air and wearing my new clothes, I want to present myself to God as a weapon, an instrument he can use to battle Satan who has enslaved so many people.

Like Isaiah, I want to stand before God and present myself to him, saying, “Here am I, send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)

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Romans Devotionals

Peace

rainbow

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)

A lot of times when we read these longer sentences, the main point can get lost. But let’s not lose sight of Paul’s main point. What is it?

Therefore…we have peace with God.

Let those words sink in.

“I have peace with God.

I used to be his enemy. But now I have been reconciled to him. I have peace with him.”

“So when trials come, it’s not God’s way of punishing me for my mistakes.

“I have peace with him. I stand in his grace.

“And he pours out his love on me daily.”

So don’t get discouraged when trials hit.

Don’t think God is punishing you.

Jesus already took your punishment on the cross.

You have peace with God now.

Let’s hold on to that truth, especially during the hard times.

It’s our hope.

God and his faithful love toward us is our hope.

And ultimately, that hope won’t disappoint us.

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Romans Devotionals

God’s faithfulness, Christ’s faithfulness

This past Sunday, I gave a message at church about how we come to God, not on the basis of our faithfulness to him, but his faithfulness to us.

And that’s what Paul talks about here. He starts by talking about God’s faithfulness to the Jews. He said,

What then? If some were unfaithful, will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness?

Absolutely not! Let God be true, even though everyone is a liar. (Romans 3:3-4)

But then Paul goes on to talk about how all of us, Jew and non-Jew are unfaithful to him (Romand 3:9-18).

And yet, God shows his faithfulness to us. How?

But now apart from the law the righteousness of God (although it is attested by the law and the prophets) has been disclosed—namely, the righteousness of God through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ for all who believe… (Romans 3:21-22, NET)

I really like this translation. Normally, verse 22 is translated “through faith in Jesus Christ.”

But it can also be translated as above, “through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ.”

For all of us who put our faith in Jesus, he proves to be a faithful God and Savior.

He proved it in that though we were unfaithful to him, he didn’t give up on us. Instead he went to the cross, taking the Father’s anger upon himself, paying the price for our sin by his blood shed on that cross.

I don’t know about you, but that kind of faithfulness makes me stand in wonder. It’s what keeps me from getting discouraged when I fail him.

Though I am unfaithful to him, he is faithful to me (2 Timothy 2:13).

So when I fall, he doesn’t say, “I’m disappointed in you, you let me down.”

Nor does he say, “Renew your broken vows to be faithful to me.”

Instead, he says to us what he said to Peter, “Do you love me? Yes? Good. Follow me.” (John 21:15-19)

Thank you Father, thank you Jesus for your incredible faithfulness to me.

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Romans Devotionals

That you may be glorified

For though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or show gratitude.

Instead, their thinking became worthless, and their senseless hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:21)

Father, let those words never be said of me. I was created by you and for you. So in my life, be glorified.

Be glorified in my speech, my thoughts, and in my actions. Let my whole life be worship to you.

As I live each day, let my heart overflow with gratitude to you, transforming the way I think and act. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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James Devotionals

Undivided heart

Therefore, submit to God…Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. (James 4:7-8)

Father, what does it mean to submit to you? At least part of it seems to mean that I submit all my desires to you.

Be Lord of my desires. Let my desires conform to yours. Help me to desire the things you desire. To make your priorities my priorities.

Father be my desire above all other things. May my greatest desire be to draw near to you each day.

I don’t want to be a double-minded man with a divided heart. Give me an undivided heart that seeks you above all else. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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James Devotionals

A perfect man

For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. (James 3:2, ESV)

The above words really struck me this morning, because while the word above translated “man” can refer to both men and women (and in this context probably does), it most often refers specifically to men.

And being a man, it particularly struck home with me. I don’t think many men think of their tongues as the thing keeping them from being “perfect.”

I certainly don’t.

But James says here that it is the one thing that often prevents us from being the men we ought to be.

It certainly prevents us from the husbands we ought to be. It prevents us from being the fathers we ought to be. For those who are single, it prevents us from being the boyfriend we ought to be.

How much damage do we do to our wives, our sons and daughters, and to our girlfriends by the things that come out of our mouths?

Men, I don’t know about you, but I want to be like my Lord. I want my words to heal, not burn. I want my words to be marked by the gentleness that comes from wisdom.

Lord Jesus, let me be the perfect man, controlling my tongue. Lord Jesus, let me be like you.

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James Devotionals

Mature and complete

fruit

Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4)

“Mature and complete.”

Those words resonated with me this morning. That’s what my Father wants me to be: mature and complete, lacking nothing. I suppose all fathers want their children to be that way.

I’d like to think myself mature and complete. But I was thinking just last week about an area of my life where I have yet to mature.

And I can hardly say that I’m “lacking nothing” as a Christian.

Not only in character, but definitely in wisdom.

And so James’ next words resonated with me too.

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly (ESV: “without reproach”) —and it will be given to him. (5)

Honestly, as a father, I’m not always as patient as I should be. When my daughter isn’t as mature or complete as I’d like, I often get frustrated. And yet, God is not that way with me.

Rather, when I come to him in my weakness and imperfections, he gives me what I need, generously and without reprimand. That’s pretty awesome to think about.

Father, I want to be mature and complete. I know you want that for me too. You know where I’m lacking.

So where I’m lacking, help me to grow. I want to be like you in everything. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Isaiah Devotionals

Our hope in a darkened world

darkened world

As I read Isaiah’s words, it reminded me of how little this world has changed.

Just looking at the news this week, I see all the violence and bloodshed, all the injustice that’s in this world.

We live in a world where truth has stumbled in the public square, where people have rejected God’s truth and are trying to create their own.

But again, these are not new problems. Isaiah was talking about this kind of thing thousands of years ago. And sometimes it’s easy to feel like Isaiah.

We hope for light, but there is darkness;
for brightness, but we live in the night. (Isaiah 59:9)

But I love Isaiah’s words in verses 15-16.

The Lord saw that there was no justice,
and he was offended.

He saw that there was no man—
he was amazed that there was no one interceding;
so his own arm brought salvation,
and his own righteousness supported him. (15-16)

Of course, Isaiah is talking about Jesus. And by going to the cross, he paid the price for our sin which had separated us from God, and brought us salvation.

But more, we see in this passage that Jesus will come again and he will bring justice. And this world will be made whole. (17-20)

That’s our hope.

So as we face this darkened world, let us put on the armor of God, his helmet of salvation and his breastplate of righteousness, guarding our hearts and minds from discouragement and any spiritual attack Satan would bring against us.

And let’s go out wearing the shoes of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15), bringing the hope of our salvation to those around us who are without hope.

As Isaiah said,

How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of the herald,
who proclaims peace,
who brings news of good things,
who proclaims salvation,
who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7)

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Isaiah Devotionals

To be a father like You

Me and my daughter

For the High and Exalted One,
who lives forever, whose name is holy, says this:

“I live in a high and holy place,
and with the oppressed and lowly of spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly
and revive the heart of the oppressed.

For I will not accuse you forever,
and I will not always be angry;
for then the spirit would grow weak before me,
even the breath, which I have made.” (Isaiah 57:15-16)

Father, thank you that you are not a God who is distant and uncaring, but a God who is near and full of compassion.

Thank you that you are a Father that is not always accusing, not always angry.

Rather, you see my weaknesses, and have mercy on me.

Let me be such a father to my daughter. Let her see what kind of Father you are as she looks at me.

I want to be like you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Isaiah Devotionals

Slinging stones

slinging stones

Last Sunday, I was listening to a message on David and Goliath. And one of the things my pastor was talking about was David slinging his stone that the world might know the God that Israel followed. (1 Samuel 17:40, 46)

And that stone skillfully slung accomplished the purpose God intended, not only defeating Goliath, but letting the Israelites, the Philistines, and all the other nations know that he is God.

As I read today’s passage, I thought about that message. And one stone I want to sling skillfully is the stone of his Word, namely, the gospel.

I want to encourage the people around me to stop seeking things that can’t satisfy and to seek God who alone can fill the hole in their hearts.

I want to urge them to turn from the sins that are destroying them.

And I want to tell them the good news that it is never too late for them. That our God freely pardons all who come to him in repentance.

God promises that his word, like David’s stone, will never return to him empty, but will accomplish all that he desires.

Father, help me know your word well and sling it skillfully that those around me may know you are God and find life.

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Isaiah Devotionals

How can you be so good to me?

cross

Jesus, you came to this earth, and you became just like us. There was nothing in your appearance that people would desire you. You were just an ordinary looking man.

You understood rejection. You experienced illness.

And then you were pierced. You were crushed. By the time you were crucified, your appearance was so disfigured, you did not even look like a man anymore (Isaiah 52:14).

And all that because of me. You were pierced and struck for my rebellion. Crushed for my iniqutiies.

The whole reason I have peace with the Father was because you took my punishment for me. And by your wounds, my brokenness caused by my sin is healed.

I was like a sheep gone astray. I had turned to my own way. But like a good shepherd, you went chasing after me. And you took the punishment I deserved on yourself.

No one forced you to do this. You willingly submitted yourself to death. You bore my sin.

And you intercede for me even now: “Father, forgive him, for he doesn’t know what he’s doing.”

Jesus, you carried my iniquities on the cross, and because you did so, I now stand justified before the Father.

You saw anguish and death. But you rose from the grave, and now you see me and all those you died for and are satisfied.

Jesus, I stand in awe of your grace. How can you be so good to me?

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Isaiah Devotionals

A prayer

prayer

Pay attention to me, my people,
and listen to me, my nation;
for instruction will come from me…

Listen to me, you who know righteousness,
the people in whose heart is my instruction… (Isaiah 51:4, 7)

Father, direct my heart to you. May I be alert, paying attention to you, and listening to you in my prayers.

I want to hear the instruction that comes from you. To have your instruction in my heart.

And as I pray, let me not merely say, “Your will be done.” But remind me of what you have said in your Word so that I can truly know your will and pray your will.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

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John Devotionals

Jesus’ heart

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When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught…

Come and have breakfast,” Jesus told them…

Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. (John 21:9-10, 12-13)

I love this chapter on a lot of levels. We see Jesus’ heart, particularly for Peter in this chapter.

But today, I was thinking about why Jesus would prepare breakfast for his disciples. I mean he’d just performed a great miracle for them already.

I think the answer is very simple. The thought came into his head, “They must be tired and hungry. Let me do something for them.”

I wonder where did he got the fish and bread from. I strongly doubt he miraculously made them (though he could have easily done so).

My guess is he had bought the bread in a nearby village perhaps the day before, and had perhaps bought the fish from some other fishermen who had been more successful catching fish earlier that morning.

Whatever the case, he was thinking about his disciples and wanted to bless them. This was no big miracle he performed. Just a simple act of kindness.

That’s a part of Jesus’ heart that I want more of. A greater awareness of what the ones I love need, not just in the big things (like restoring Peter), but in the small. And then doing what I can to bless them.

Jesus, give me that kind of heart.

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John Devotionals

Peace

Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:19, LSB)

Just thinking about the disciples and how they were feeling that Sunday. Fearful. Anxious. Confused. And Jesus comes into their midst and says, “Peace be with you.”

Later he would say to Thomas, “Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” (27)

It mirrors what Jesus said to his disciples earlier.

Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. (John 14:1)

There are certain things on my mind this week. And it’s easy to get fixated on them. To get anxious or worried about them.

And yet, Jesus comes to me where I am, and says, “Peace be with you. I am with you. Trust me. Don’t be unbelieving, but believing.”

My Lord. My God. Prince of Peace. Immanuel. In the midst of all I go through, Jesus, that’s what you are. Help me to remember that…and trust you.

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John Devotionals

Drinking the cup God has given us

At that, Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword away! Am I not to drink the cup the Father has given me?” (John 18:11)

Sometimes, we go through trials, and as we’re praying, God makes it clear that he is not going to take it away. This is the cup he has given us.

Jesus experienced this (Luke 22:42-43).

Paul also experienced this (2 Corinthians 12:8-9).

And faced with that cup, we have a choice. We can either be bitter, fighting the cup God has given us.

Or we can say, “Your grace is sufficient for me. You are with me. And you are enough for me.”

One path leads to a miserable life and death.

The other leads to joy…and ultimately resurrection.

So the question I’m asking myself today is this. “Is God’s grace enough for me? Is God enough for me?”

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John Devotionals

Jesus’ patience

patience

I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. (John 16:12-13)

I wonder how many times Jesus says that to me. How many things does he yet have to tell me, but I’m not ready to hear it.

And yet Jesus doesn’t scold me for not being ready yet. He patiently waits. And as I continually open my heart to him, in his time, his Spirit will tell me the things I need to know.

Jesus you know my heart. You know what I’m ready to hear and what I’m not ready to hear. Thank you for your patience and gentleness toward me.

Continue to prepare my heart to hear your words. Help me to keep a soft heart towards you.

Holy Spirit, I open my heart to you. In your time, lead me into all truth, even though it may be hard to hear.

And Jesus, help me to show the same patience and gentleness you’ve given me to those around me.

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John Devotionals

Knowing Jesus

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip?” (John 14:9, ESV)

As I read Jesus’ words, it made me think, “Would Jesus say to me what he said to Phillip?”

“Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me? Really know me?”

I certainly know him better than I did when I first became a Christian. And I’d like to think I know him better than I did even last year.

But how much more do I need to learn about Jesus? I know it’s a lifelong process. Paul himself had been a Christian a long time when he said, “I want to know Christ.” (Philippians 3:10)

As much as he knew Jesus, he knew he needed to know Jesus more.

And if I’m honest with myself, so do I.

Jesus, I want to know you more. Really know you.

I have a lot of head knowledge about you. But let all of that head knowledge go down to my heart.

I want to trust you more. I want to join in your work, doing even greater things than you did. (I have a hard time wrapping my head around what that even means).

You promised you would reveal yourself to those who love you. (John 14:21)

So I’m asking. Reveal yourself to me more and more each day. I truly do want to know you more.

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John Devotionals

Clean

clean water

Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean… (John 13:10)

A lot of Christians live steeped in guilt. All they can see is their own sin and failures.

Is that you?

If you have put your faith in Jesus and what he’s done for you on the cross, his words are for you.

“You are clean.”

Let Jesus’ words ring in your soul.

“You are clean.”

It’s made all the difference in my life.

Yes, my feet get dirtied by sin as I walk through this world. But I know he has accepted me. And I know that when I come to him, in his grace, he’ll wash my feet and I’ll be completely clean again.

That’s the confidence I walk in. That’s why I have joy as a Christian, despite all my weaknesses and failures.

Is that the confidence and joy you walk in?

Meditate on Jesus’ words. Repeat them in your heart and mind.

Let them sink deep into your soul.

“You are clean.”

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John Devotionals

Too late?

tomb

“Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. (John 11:21)

As soon as Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and told him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died!” (32)

I’d always seen Mary’s and Martha’s words as a kind of rebuke of Jesus. “Why didn’t you come earlier? If you had come earlier, Lazarus wouldn’t have died.”

Now I’m not so sure.

Lazarus had been in the grave four days when Jesus arrived. Which means even if Jesus had left right away, Lazarus would have still been in the tomb two days when Jesus arrived.

And so it seems more likely to me that they were saying, “I wish you hadn’t been so far away when Lazarus got sick. If you had been here, he wouldn’t have died.”

But one thing that’s clear to me is that when Jesus arrived, Mary and Martha had no thought that Jesus could raise Lazarus from the dead. It never entered their heads to ask him.

Even when Martha told Jesus, “I believe God will give you anything you ask,” looking at her words in verses 24 and 39, it’s very clear she wasn’t thinking Jesus would raise Lazarus right then and there.

It just made me think. Do I ever think, “It’s too late; it’s no use praying anymore”?

Is my Jesus so small, that I don’t think he can raise the things I consider dead and beyond hope to life again?

Do I truly believe he is able to do far more than I can ask or imagine? Or is my thinking as to what Jesus can do still too small?

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John Devotionals

I believe

Jesus heard that they had thrown the man out, and when he found him, he asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”

“Who is he, Sir, that I may believe in him?” he asked.

Jesus answered, “You have seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.”

“I believe, Lord!” he said, and he worshiped him. (John 9:35-38)

Father, give me the heart of that man who had been blind. A heart open to you. A heart that is quick to believe you, to trust you, to worship you, to follow you, no matter what others say.

He was so opposite to the Pharisees who were willfully blind, refusing to see what was so plain, refusing to believe.

I don’t want to be like that.

So Jesus, today, with that man, I come to you in worship, and with the heart of a child say, “Lord, I believe.”

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John Devotionals

The mark of a disciple

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. (John 8:31)

Jesus’ words really spoke to me this morning.

One of the marks of a disciple is of course love (John 13:34-35).

But Jesus says here that another mark of a disciple is that we not only believe him, but continue in his word. That is, we continually open ourselves up to his word, receive it, and obey it.

Jesus said to the Jews in verse 37.

I know you are descendants of Abraham, but you are trying to kill me because my word has no place among you. (37)

The translation in the NET Bible is very interesting:

But you want to kill me, because my teaching makes no progress among you. (37, NET)

As I read that, I sensed God asking me, “Are you truly making room for my word in your life? Is my word making progress in your life?”

If we truly make a place for God’s word in our lives, it will transform us. It will change the way we think and the way we live. We will think and act like Jesus did. We will think and act like children of God.

And Jesus says that as we remain in his word, opening ourselves up to it, believing it, receiving it, and obeying it, his truth will set us free. (32)

How about you? Are you making room for God’s word in your life? Is it making progress in your life?

Father, how much is your word making progress in my life? Sometimes I wonder.

Help me to have a heart that is always receptive to you.

When I hear your word at church, when I read it at home, when people share your word with me, help me to hear it, receive it, and obey it, even when it’s hard. Even when it’s something I don’t want to hear.

Because I believe you are good. And I believe that in your word, I will find freedom and joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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John Devotionals

What Jesus wants to give us

Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled…

I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “No one who comes to me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in me will ever be thirsty again.” (John 6:26, 35)

Why do we seek Jesus? Why do we come to him? Do we come to him for solely for what he can give us? Or do we come to encounter him? To know him?

Certainly Jesus wants to meet our needs. But the thing he wants to give us more than anything else is himself. Because he is the only one who can satisfy the hunger and thirst in our souls.

And the good news is that when we knock on his door, he will always open it to us. And as he himself said,

…the one who comes to me I will never cast out. (37)

Jesus, I come to you today, not simply for what you can give me. I want you. I long to know you more. Thank you for always opening the door to me.

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John Devotionals

Entering into Christ’s labor

Christ's labor

My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work…

I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor. (John 4:34, 38, ESV)

“Entering into their labor.”

God touched me with those words this morning.

The disciples entered into the labor of that Samaritan woman whose testimony caused many Samaritans to seek Jesus. The disciples entered into the labor that Jesus himself started when he started talking to that woman by the well.

And I just felt God telling me, “I want you and all my people to enter into the labor of my Son, the labor he started on the cross. The labor that others have continued in the centuries since.

“Lift up your eyes. See the people around you who are dying in their sin and need me. Don’t shut your eyes to them. Don’t ignore them. Reach out to them and touch them with my love.”

So that’s been my prayer today.

Father, let me enter into your labor today and every day, touching those around me that Christ has died for. Use me.

Help me to do your will and accomplish the work you’ve given me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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John Devotionals

As we seek a miracle

“Do whatever he tells you,” his mother told the servants. (John 2:5)

Some of you may be seeking a miracle in your life this year. It may be physical healing. It may be the healing of a relationship. It may be a new job. It may be the resolving of a seemingly never-ending problem.

But as we come to God seeking that miracle, let us take the attitude of Mary.

Let us not just pray repeatedly, “God, please solve my problem.”

Instead, as we think about our problems, let us come to Jesus, saying, “What do you want me to do? Whatever you tell me, I’ll do it.”

That’s the heart God seeks.

Not a heart that that simply sees him as a genie.

Not a heart that seeks to bribe or manipulate him.

But a heart that is fully submitted to him.

And as we submit to him, we’ll find that the greatest miracle is not the change God brings about in our circumstances, but the change God brings about in our own hearts.

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Isaiah Devotionals

Following our Lord’s example

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

He awakens me each morning; he awakens my ear to listen like those being instructed. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I did not turn back. (Isaiah 50:4-5)

In a lot of ways, Jesus fulfilled the words found in verses 4-7. (Mark 1:35-38; Luke 9:51; John 12:23-33; Matthew 26:67; John 19:1-3)

But it is his example in verses 4-5 that I especially want to follow this year and every year.

I want to have the tongue of a disciple of Christ, able to sustain the weary with a word.

But if I’m going to do that, I need to have the ears of a disciple of Christ, listening to my Lord, giving him my time each morning.

More importantly, I need the heart of a disciple of Christ, submitting to him as my Lord moment to moment, day to day,

Father, give me the ears of a disciple of Christ, listening to your voice. Give me the tongue of a disciple of Christ, giving the weary your words of life. Give me the heart of a disciple of Christ, submitting to Jesus as Lord, moment to moment, day to day.

Jesus, I want to be like you. Amen.

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12 Days of Christmas Devotionals

Twelfth day of Christmas

cross

And she conceived again, gave birth to a son, and said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” Therefore she named him Judah. (Genesis 29:35)

Judah’s name sounds like the Hebrew word for “praise.”

Yes, I know, Judah was the fourth of Jacob’s 12 sons. But considering that it was through Judah that Jesus came, it seems appropriate to end this way.

With the birth of Judah, for a short time anyway, Leah took her eyes off her misery and stopped trying to fill the hole in her heart with Jacob. Instead, she turned her heart to God in worship.

So this year, let us do Leah did. Not just for a day, or a week, or a month. But every day, let’s lead our hearts, taking our eyes off of ourselves and our troubles and instead look to Jesus, saying each and every morning, “Today, today, I choose to praise the Lord.”

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12 Days of Christmas Devotionals

Eleventh day of Christmas

ascension
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When they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth, and her labor was difficult. During her difficult labor, the midwife said to her, “Don’t be afraid, for you have another son.”

With her last breath—for she was dying—she named him Ben-oni, but his father called him Benjamin. (Genesis 35:16-18)

Ben-oni means “son of my sorrow,” while Benjamin means “son of my right hand.”

Both terms can be applied to Jesus.

Isaiah said of Jesus,

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief… (Isaiah 53:3, ESV)

And yet, after the cross,

[God] raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. (Ephesians 1:20-21)

Son of sorrows. Son at the Father’s right hand.

Let us worship him!

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12 Days of Christmas Devotionals

Tenth day of Christmas

grace

Then God remembered Rachel. He listened to her and opened her womb. She conceived and bore a son, and she said, “God has taken away my disgrace.” She named him Joseph and said, “May the Lord add another son to me.” (Genesis 30:22-24)

Joseph sound like the Hebrew for “he has taken away” but means “he adds.”

Just as God took way Rachel’s disgrace by giving her a son, he took away the disgrace of our sin by giving us his Son to die on the cross for our sins.

And now because of Jesus, he adds to us grace upon grace upon grace each and every day.

And when you were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive with him and forgave us all our trespasses. He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross. (Colossians 2:13-14)

Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness. (John 1:16)

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12 Days of Christmas Devotionals

Ninth day of Christmas

crown

Then Leah conceived again and bore Jacob a sixth son. “God has given me a good gift,” Leah said. “This time my husband will honor me because I have borne six sons for him,” and she named him Zebulun. (Genesis 30:19-20)

The name Zebulun sounds like the Hebrew word for “honored.”

No matter what we do, we may never receive the honor from people that we desire. Despite Leah having given Jacob six sons, we see no hint that Jacob ever did honor her as he did Rachel.

But God has now crowned us who believe in Jesus with glory and honor. Not because of anything we have done, but because of what Jesus did for us.

What is man that you remember him, or the son of man that you care for him? You made him lower than the angels for a short time; you crowned him with glory and honor and subjected everything under his feet…As it is, we do not yet see everything subjected to him.

But we do see Jesus—made lower than the angels for a short time so that by God’s grace he might taste death for everyone—crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death.

For in bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was entirely appropriate that God—for whom and through whom all things exist—should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. (Hebrews 2:6-10)

As Paul would add in another letter,

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)

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12 Days of Christmas Devotionals

Eighth day of Christmas

gift

God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son. Leah said, “God has rewarded me for giving my slave to my husband,” and she named him Issachar. (Genesis 30:17-18)

Issachar sounds like the Hebrew word for “reward” or “wages.”

It’s highly doubtful that God was rewarding Leah for giving her slave to Jacob to sleep with. But the problem with sin is that it deceives us into thinking that it’s giving us something good. It may even claim God is the one giving you the good.

How much better to receive the free gift of God that comes through Jesus.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

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12 Days of Christmas Devotionals

Seventh day of Christmas

Anna
www.LumoProject.com

When Leah’s slave Zilpah bore Jacob a second son, Leah said, “I am happy that the women call me happy,” so she named him Asher. (Genesis 30:12-13)

The name Asher means “happy.”

Leah, in trying to fill the hole in her heart, allowed her slave to sleep with Jacob. By doing so, she found “happiness.” And yet, by verse 20, you see her still trying to fill that hole in her heart with Jacob’s love.

But hundreds of years later, a descendant of Asher would learn where true happiness is found. In Luke 2:36-38, we see the story of Anna. Anna lost her husband after only seven years of marriage. But for the rest of her life, she sought God day and night. And ultimately, her hole was filled when she saw Jesus for the first time.

At that very moment, [Anna] came up and began to thank God and to speak about [Jesus] to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:38)

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12 Days of Christmas Devotionals

Sixth day of Christmas

blessings

When Leah saw that she had stopped having children, she took her slave Zilpah and gave her to Jacob as a wife. Leah’s slave Zilpah bore Jacob a son. Then Leah said, “What good fortune!” and she named him Gad. (Genesis 30:9-11)

The name Gad means “good fortune.”

Children are indeed a blessing from God. But what price did Leah have to pay in order to receive her “good fortune.” Was it really worth now having to share her husband with a fourth woman?

Let us not seek that kind of “good fortune.” Instead, let us seek the blessings that come in Christ. The awesome thing about those blessings? The price for them was already paid for us on the cross.

Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)

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12 Days of Christmas Devotionals

Fifth day of Christmas

broken relationships

Rachel’s slave Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. Rachel said, “In my wrestlings with God, I have wrestled with my sister and won,” and she named him Naphtali. (Genesis 30:7-8)

The name Naphtali sounds like the Hebrew for, “my wrestlings.”

How often do we wrestle others for things that can never fill the hole in our hearts? That’s what Rachel did in wrestling with Leah for the love of Jacob. But the sad thing is, all our wrestling will leave us empty. Only God can fill that hole. Let us seek the Giver over the gifts.

What is the source of wars and fights among you? Don’t they come from your passions that wage war within you? You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and wage war. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. (James 4:1-3)

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12 Days of Christmas Devotionals

Fourth day of Christmas

favel

Rachel said, “God has vindicated me; yes, he has heard me and given me a son,” so she named him Dan. (Genesis 30:6)

Rachel had her husband stolen by Leah on her wedding night. Worse, though Jacob now had married her too and clearly favored her over Leah, Rachel had no children, while Leah had four. So she gave her servant Bilhah to Jacob to sleep with, and the children born to her were counted as Rachel’s children.

Dan sounds like the Hebrew word for “judged” or “vindicated.”

It’s highly doubtful that God was taking sides between Rachel and Leah. But one thing that’s clear is that for us who have put our faith in Jesus: God is definitely on our side.

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)

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12 Days of Christmas Devotionals

Third day of Christmas

hugging couple

[Leah] conceived again, gave birth to a son, and said, “At last, my husband will become attached to me because I have borne three sons for him.” Therefore he was named Levi. (Genesis 29:34)

The name Levi sounds like the Hebrew word for “attached.”

Leah longed for attachment, for love.

Many today seek that kind of attachment and love.

And that’s what God has given us in his Son.

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. (Ephesians 2:12-13)

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12 Days of Christmas Devotionals

Second day of Christmas

depression

[Leah] conceived again, gave birth to a son, and said, “The Lord heard that I am neglected and has given me this son also.” So she named him Simeon. (Genesis 29:33)

The name Simeon sounds like the Hebrew word for “heard.”

Leah was unloved by Jacob. She was neglected, broken, and hurting.

But God heard Leah’s cries. And in the same way, he hears the cries of all who love him.

Another angel, with a golden incense burner, came and stood at the altar. He was given a large amount of incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar in front of the throne. The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up in the presence of God from the angel’s hand. (Revelation 8:3-4)

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their cry for help…

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears,
and rescues them from all their troubles.

The Lord is near the brokenhearted;
he saves those crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:15, 17-18)

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12 Days of Christmas Devotionals

First day of Christmas

Jesus' birth
www.LumoProject.com

Merry Christmas all!

Starting today, I will be doing a special Christmas meditation for the 12 days of Christmas. These are based on a message I gave at my church recently, which you can hear here.

In it, I basically took the names of Jacob’s 12 sons, names born largely out of the pain of Rachel and Leah, and reinterpreted their meanings in light of Christmas, and God’s message toward us.

Today, Reuben.

When the Lord saw that Leah was neglected, he opened her womb; but Rachel was unable to conceive. Leah conceived, gave birth to a son, and named him Reuben, for she said, “The Lord has seen my affliction; surely my husband will love me now.” (Genesis 29:31-32)

The name Reuben means, “See, a son.”

It seems Leah was crying out to Jacob, “See, I’ve given you a son. Love me!”

But now God looks down at us, and says, “See, my Son! I do love you.”

Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)

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. (1 John 4:9)

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Isaiah Devotionals

A Christmas song

Lord, you are my God;
I will exalt you. I will praise your name,
for you have accomplished wonders,
plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. (Isaiah 25:1)

That song resonated with me this morning, especially as I think about Christmas.

According to his plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness, God sent his Son.

But Isaiah 24-25 seem focused not on Jesus’ first coming, but his second.

When Jesus comes again, he will make all things right, destroying all evil. And after he does so, he will conquer the final enemy: death.

Death which covers this world like a burial shroud will be taken away forever. God will remove the disgrace and shame of all our sin. And he will wipe every tear from our eyes. (Isaiah 25:7-8)

Paul and John also talk about this, so I really encourage you to read their words. (1 Corinthians 15:20-28, 51-57; Revelation 20:7-21:4)

Anyway, on that day, we will see Jesus and sing this Christmas song, a song we can sing now, but one which will have far greater meaning when he comes again.

Look, this is our God;
we have waited for him, and he has saved us.

This is the Lord; we have waited for him.
Let’s rejoice and be glad in his salvation. (Isaiah 25:9)

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Malachi Devotionals

Leading our hearts to trust God

In my church, recently, we’ve been talking a lot about not simply following our hearts and going wherever it takes us, because there are times our hearts will take us in the wrong direction. Rather, we are to lead our hearts to follow God.

That’s important because in a broken world, it’s easy to get cynical.

That’s how the Jews were. They had returned from Babylon, the temple and city walls were rebuilt, and yet they still faced many problems as a nation.

As a result, they questioned God’s love (1:2), they questioned whether he was really a God of justice (2:17), and they questioned whether it was truly worth serving him (3:14).

And all this showed in how they treated God, dishonoring him (1:6-8) and robbing him (3:8-9). It also showed in how they treated their wives (2:14-16) and each other (3:5).

But not all were like this. There were the few who despite their circumstances, despite what others were doing, continued to lead their hearts to trust the Lord.

They chose to believe God loved them. They chose to believe he will eventually bring justice to this world. And they continued to faithfully serve him.

The result?

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)

Are you getting cynical towards God when you see all the problems in this world and in your own life?

Will you choose to lead your heart and trust him?

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Malachi Devotionals

Following our High Priest’s example

Jesus, you were and are the perfect high priest. You revered your Father and stood in awe at his name. True instruction was in your mouth and nothing wrong was found on your lips.

You walked with the Father in peace and integrity and turned many away from iniquity. Your lips guarded knowledge and people desired instruction from your mouth.

But now you have made every Christian, including me, your priest. We are a kingdom, priests to your God and Father. (Revelation 1:6)

So each day, may I follow in your footsteps.

May I revere your Father each day and stand in awe of his name. May true instruction be in my mouth, and nothing wrong found on my lips.

Let me walk with the Father moment to moment, day to day, in peace and integrity, turning people from iniquity.

Let my lips guard knowledge and may the people around me see your wisdom in me and desire instruction from your my mouth.

Father, I feel so inadequate to the task. I am a man of unclean lips living among a people of unclean lips.

But by your grace, you’ve touched my lips, you’ve removed my iniquity, and atoned for my sin. (Isaiah 6:5-7)

So now I stand before you simply saying, “Here I am, send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)

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Titus Devotionals

Because God showed his love and kindness to us

But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:4-5)

“His love for mankind.”

That phrase stuck out to me because in some English translations, it’s just translated “his love.”

But the Greek word there actually refers to a specific love for mankind and is where we get our word “philanthropy” from.

It also struck me because of other things Paul said in this chapter.

Remind them…to be ready for every good work. (Titus 3:1)

I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone. (8)

Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works for pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful. (14)

Why do we do these things? Because God first showed his love and kindness to us.

And so just as he loved us, not just in word but in deed, we are to love others by our deeds as well.

The question God was asking me this morning was, “Do you love the people around you as much as I do?”

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Titus Devotionals

True worship

He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works. (Titus 2:14)

I’ve been thinking the last few days about what people mean when they say, “I love to worship.”

For that matter, what do I mean?

I think for many people, it means, “I feel good when I sing songs to God. I sense his love. I feel so close to him.”

I confess, it’s easy for me to think of worship this way.

But is that all worship is?

Worship recognizes that by his great mercy, Jesus went to the cross for our sins. He did so to cleanse us of our sin and make us his own people, a people eager to do good works, serving him.

We are his now. We belong to him.

And so worshiping God doesn’t just mean singing love songs.

It’s living a life that says, “My life is completely yours. My money. My time. I offer every aspect of my life to you.”

Paul recognized that in Romans 11-12.

Paul sang a song, but it’s notable that it wasn’t just a love song. It was a song which recognized that all things in this world are from God, through him, and to him, and that all glory belongs to him. (Romans 11:36).

And then Paul defines true worship:

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

When you say that you love to worship, is that what you mean?

Father, help me to love worship. To joyfully offer you all I am and all I have to you, holding nothing back.

It’s only right that I worship you by offering myself to you. For you created me and by your will, I was created and exist (Revelation 4:11).

From you, and through you, and to you are all things. So not just in my songs, but in every aspect of my life, be glorified. In Jesus’ name amen.

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Titus Devotionals

The unlying God

…in the hope of eternal life that God, who cannot lie, promised before time began. (Titus 1:2)

The unlying God.

I suppose “the God who cannot lie,” is a good translation. But somehow, the more “literal” translation rang more in my heart this morning.

It’s the reason I have hope. Because he is the unlying God, what he has promised, he always does.

And that includes the promise of eternal life that he gave before time began.

The promise that found fulfillment in his Son.

I can’t help but think of Simeon’s words in Luke 2.

Now, Master,
you can dismiss your servant in peace,
as you promised.


For my eyes have seen your salvation.
You have prepared it
in the presence of all peoples—
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory to your people Israel. (Luke 2:29-32)

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Ephesians Devotionals

Understanding God’s will

Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— making the most of the time, because the days are evil.

So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (Ephesians 5:15-17)

Father, as I walk each day, help me keep in mind the bigger picture of what your will is.

Your will is that everything would be brought under your Son’s rule. (Ephesians 1:9-10)

That includes me. That includes the people around me. That includes all creation.

That’s the bigger picture. But as I see the bigger picture, help me also see the smaller picture of what you want me to do today.

Help me to see the opportunities you’re giving me to touch other’s lives. To rescue Satan’s prisoners of war and bring them into your kingdom.

Give me your compassion for them. Help me to walk in love as Jesus loved me.

And help me to make the most of every opportunity you give me today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Ephesians Devotionals

God’s power in us

Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us… (Ephesians 3:20)

I was thinking about that last phrase: “his power that works in us.”

So often, I thought of that as God’s power working through us to do his work, to touch others’ lives.

But today, it occurred to me that God’s power is at work in me to change me. And he is able to do in me above and beyond all that I could think or imagine.

Many times when I face problems, I ask God to take the problem away. To change my circumstances.

God in his grace sometimes does that.

But so often, he’s not so interested in changing our circumstances.

He’s interested in changing us, to make us like his Son. (Romans 8:28)

Sometimes, though, that seems impossible.

My pastor has been preaching recently about leading our hearts. (Proverbs 23:19)

That can be hard. Especially when it comes to forgiveness or other hurts we deal with in our lives.

We want others to apologize. We want them to change.

But all the while, we harbor doubt that our hearts can change if they don’t, if our circumstances don’t.

But God is able to do above all we ask or think. Why? Because his power, the power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us.

The question is, “Do we believe that?”

Father, root me in your love. Firmly establish me in it.

Help me to understand the length and width, height, and depth of your love so that the void in my heart may truly be filled with you and all my wounds healed.

I don’t ask that you change my circumstances or the people around me. I ask that you change me.

By your power, which can do more than all I could possibly ask or imagine, make me like your Son. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Ephesians Devotionals

But God…

But God…made us alive with Christ…He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus…

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:4-6, 10)

I was just marveling at God’s grace this morning.

In the Greek, “his” is stressed in verse 10. Paul says, “We are HIS workmanship.”

I wondered at that. Why stress “his”?

Then Paul’s words in verse 4 struck me: “But God…

Because of everything I’VE done, I was spiritually dead, separated from God. Because of all I’VE done, I was a child under God’s wrath, deserving hell.

But GOD…

God made me alive. He forgave my sins through the blood of Christ shed on the cross. He raised me up and gave me new life. And he has seated me with Christ by his side.

Why?

Not because of how great I am or anything I’ve done.

But because of his great love and mercy toward me.

When God first made me in my mother’s womb, I was his “masterpiece.” (Psalm 139:13-14, Ephesians 2:10, NLT)

But with me dead in my sins, a “masterpiece” broken and scarred, by his grace, God then made me anew.

I am twice HIS masterpiece!

And he made me not so just so that people might admire me. He has prepared me for a specific work: to touch people for his kingdom. And I want to walk each day, doing that work.

You are God’s masterpiece too. Twice his masterpiece. Let’s rejoice in that. And let’s walk each day, doing the things he has given us to do.

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Isaiah Devotionals

Shepherds’ song?

Shepherds

I was reading a Christmas advent devotional today and thinking about the shepherds. I was thinking about how they felt when they saw the angel.

Luke tells us they were terrified. Why?

God had been silent for 400 years. Now he was breaking that silence. For what? To bring judgment on his people?

No. To bring good news.

His anger was ended. And now he was bringing salvation through his Son.

Did the shepherds think of Isaiah 12 when they heard the angels?

Probably not. But if they had, I think they would have been singing it.

I will give thanks to you, Lord,
although you were angry with me.

Your anger has turned away,
and you have comforted me.

Indeed, God is my salvation;
I will trust him and not be afraid,
for the Lord, the Lord himself,
is my strength and my song.
He has become my salvation. (Isaiah 12:1-2)

Jesus, the root of Jesse had come. (Isaiah 11:1-5, 10)

And after seeing Jesus, the shepherds went and told everyone what they had seen and heard. (Luke 2:16-18)

Cry out and sing, citizen of Zion,
for the Holy One of Israel is among you
in his greatness. (Isaiah 12:6)

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Isaiah Devotionals

Take me back Tuesday — For you

A little something I wrote a few years ago, but seems appropriate to bring back as we start approaching the Christmas season.

You may feel like the shepherds. You may feel insignificant. Unimportant.

But Jesus was born for you.

For you.

For you (Isaiah 9:6; Luke 2:11)
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Isaiah Devotionals

Choosing to trust

For Aram, along with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has plotted harm against you.

They say, ‘Let’s go up against Judah, terrorize it, and conquer it for ourselves. Then we can install Tabeel’s son as king in it.’

This is what the Lord God says: It will not happen; it will not occur. (Isaiah 7:5-7)

As I read that, I wondered: “How often do I worry about things that will never happen?”

I can remember times I have actually lost sleep worrying about things that never happened.

How much better is it to trust God? How much better to remember that he is with me.

Two thousand years ago, he gave me a sign of his presence. The sign came in the form of a baby, lying in a manger.

Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel. (14)

As Matthew points out, “Immanuel” means “God with us.” (Matthew 1:22-23)

It’s easy to criticize Ahaz for refusing to trust God. But how often do I fail to look at the sign he has given me and trust him?

Jesus you are always with me. You truly are Immanuel. So whenever I’m tempted to worry, help me to turn to you…and trust.

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Isaiah Devotionals

Holy God, gracious God

Joy Ornament

This passage is one of my favorites in the Bible and it never fails to touch me.

I was just thinking today about God’s holiness and God’s grace.

The seraphim (a kind of angel) cried out,

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Armies;
his glory fills the whole earth. (Isaiah 6:3)

That was something that King Uzziah failed to recognize late in his life. (2 Chronicles 26:16-21)

Isaiah, on the other hand, recognized God’s holiness all too well, crying out,

Woe is me for I am ruined
because I am a man of unclean lips
and live among a people of unclean lips,
and because my eyes have seen the King,
the Lord of Armies. (5)

And yet, we see God’s grace just as clearly.

Ironically, we see it in the judgment God declared on Israel. He told Isaiah to harden the hearts of the people.

How? By telling them the truth they didn’t want to hear.

But while the nation would ultimately fall to the Babylonians, there would remain a stump, a remnant of people who would remain faithful to God because of the words Isaiah spoke. People like Daniel, Ezekiel, Ezra, and Nehemiah.

And ultimately, through that remnant, Jesus came to save us. The King that Isaiah saw that day in his vision would come down from his throne to die for our sins. (John 12:23-41)

That’s what Christmas is all about. The King coming down from his throne to save us.

And now, when we come before him burdened with guilt and shame as Isaiah did, he looks at us in grace, and tells us, “Your iniquity is removed. Your sins is atoned for.”

That’s why we sing,

Joy to the world!
The Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King!

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Isaiah Devotionals

When healing will come

Father, we are waiting for the day when the mountain of your house is established. For the time when war is at an end. When all evil is judged with justice. Where people seek you. (Isaiah 2:2-4)

When will healing come? This whole world is spiritually sick. And so are its people. (Isaiah 1:5-6)

Why? Because they don’t recognize their Lord. They don’t understand the source of life, the one who can satisfy the hunger in their hearts.

Instead, they’ve abandoned you, despised you, turned their backs on you. (Isaiah 1:3-4)

When will healing come?

It won’t come by putting our trust in money or anything else we take pride in. (Isaiah 2:7-18)

It certainly won’t come by any of our political leaders. (Isaiah 2:22)

Healing will come when this world recognizes you as King, as Lord, as God.

Healing will come as we seek you. Truly seek you, not just in form, but from the heart. (Isaiah 1:11-19)

When people turn to you saying,

Come, let’s go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us about his ways so that we may walk in his paths. (Isaiah 2:3)

That starts with us, Father. That starts with your people turning to you with all our hearts.

So Father, put a hunger in me to seek you. Moment to moment, day to day, in full trust and dependence on you. Seeking your Word. Seeking your will. Seeking your wisdom. Seeking your strength.

Let your kingdom come to this broken world and the broken people around me.

Use me to that end.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Philippians Devotionals

What we dwell on

Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

“What does my heart dwell on?”

That’s what I was thinking today after reading verse 8.

For me, there’s a lot I can dwell on.

Political issues. Social issues. The war in Gaza.

On a more personal level, family problems.

But when I dwell on these things, they inevitably lead to frustration, anger, sadness, and anxiety.

Certainly not peace.

And so many times I sense God telling me, “Shift your focus. Turn off the TV; turn off the internet. Stop arguing with people in your head. Turn to me.”

Part of that is turning to his words. Letting his words shape the way I’m thinking. Letting his words change my focus to that which is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, morally excellent and praiseworthy.

Part of that is simply taking the time to talk to him about all that’s running through my mind.

As Paul says, being “anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition, making our requests known to God.”

What are you dwelling on?

Jesus, you are the vine; I am the branch. You are my source of life and spiritual nourishment. So set my heart and mind on you.

You know all that goes on through my mind during the day. But help me not to dwell on these things. Help me to dwell on you. You are my life.

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Philippians Devotionals

Our hope

One of my favorite scriptures is found in Philippians 1:6.

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.

We see more of that idea in 12-13 of chapter 2.

…continue working out your salvation with awe and reverence, for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort—for the sake of his good pleasure—is God. (Philippians 2:12-13, NET)

One thing that has always given me hope as a Christian is that even though I see all my sins and weaknesses, God never gives up on me. What he has started, he will complete.

Even now, he is working in me, giving me the desire and the ability to be more like Jesus.

Sometimes that process seems slow. I still see all my flaws. I am far from perfect. But I have also seen the change God has worked in my life over the years.

And I stand in awe and reverence at his incredible grace toward me each and every day. That’s what motivates me to keep following after him.

Not guilt.

Not fear of God’s anger or rejection of me.

But his amazing grace.

Is that your hope?

What motivates you?

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Colossians Devotionals

Fight!

He is always wrestling for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills. (Colossians 4:12)

“He’s always wrestling for you in his prayers.”

That word “wrestle” is sometimes translated “fight” in the New Testament, (1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7)

So you could probably translate Paul’s words, “He’s always fighting for you in his prayers.”

That resonates with me.

How often do I fight for people in my prayers?

There are two people in particular that I’m thinking of right now who are really struggling. But there are many more I know who are also having a really hard time.

And I just feel like God is saying to me, “Fight for them in your prayers. Fight! Don’t just give brief, token prayers for them. Fight!”

Who is God putting on your heart right now that he wants you to fight for?

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Colossians Devotionals

Seeing our brothers and sisters as God sees them

Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another.

Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.

Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:12-15)

Sometimes, our brothers and sisters in Christ can be frustrating.

But God reminded me of something this morning as I read this passage.

Yes, I am chosen by God, holy, and dearly loved by him.

But so are my brothers and sisters in Christ.

And that’s why he calls me to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience when dealing with them.

That’s why he asks me to bear with them and forgive them. To love them. And to let his peace rule in our relationships.

When we forget how God sees our brothers and sisters, it’s easy to slander them in our hearts.

In doing so, we indirectly blaspheme God, because we slander someone made in his image. (The word translated “slander” is generally translated “blaspheme” when used in reference to God).

And so God reminded me this morning, especially when I look at my wife and daughter, to remember that all his children are chosen, holy, and dearly loved by him. And I am to treat them that way.

How do you see your brothers and sisters in Christ?

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Colossians Devotionals

Fully pleasing, fully accepted

We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God…(Colossians 1:9-10)

“Fully pleasing.”

Those words struck me this morning. I want to be fully pleasing to God. And yet there are many times I fall short. Times when I don’t walk worthy of the Lord.

And yet, Paul also says these words:

But now he has reconciled you by his physical body through his death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before him… (22)

No, I don’t always walk worthy of the Lord. No, I’m not always fully pleasing to him.

And yet because of what Jesus did on the cross, I’m holy, faultless, and blameless before him.

In short, I’m accepted.

Fully accepted.

How about you?

Do you walk with Jesus each day with that assurance?

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Matthew Devotionals

What God didn’t do

“I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said.

“What’s that to us?” they said. “See to it yourself!” (Matthew 27:4)

The amazing thing to me about God is he did not respond to us as the priests responded to Judas.

When we came to God in our guilt and shame, he didn’t say, “What is that to me? See to it yourself.”

Had he done so, we would have been left in despair and death as Judas was.

But instead, God sent his Son.

…he was pierced because of our rebellion,
crushed because of our iniquities;
punishment for our peace was on him,
and we are healed by his wounds.

We all went astray like sheep;
we all have turned to our own way;
and the Lord has punished him
for the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:5-6)

I’ll never know why you did what you did.
You didn’t have to die, but you did.

You hung on the cross so that I wouldn’t be lost.
You took my place, now you’re pleading my case.

You didn’t have to do it, but I’m glad you did.
You didn’t have to do it, but I’m glad you did.

Crystal Lewis
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Matthew Devotionals

Your will be done

Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven…Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:9-10)

My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done. (Matthew 26:42)

Just thinking, Father, the exact words Jesus put in his “disciple’s prayer” is what he prayed the night before he was crucified.

It’s easy to teach others to pray that way.

It’s easy to pray that way as a general prayer to start the day.

It’s so much harder when I’m facing something I don’t want to face.

Can I say, “Your will be done” when it affects my life. When it means going through suffering or hard times? Can I still call you “My Father” during those times and not be bitter, questioning your goodness?

Jesus, I am so weak, as Peter was. As the disciples were.

So especially when I’m facing something bigger than me, something I can’t handle on my own, give me the grace, the strength, the faith, to say as you did, “Father, your will be done.”

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Matthew Devotionals

Merely pointing fingers?

They tie up heavy loads that are hard to carry and put them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves aren’t willing to lift a finger to move them. (Matthew 23:4)

The Pharisees and scribes had a habit of pointing out others’ sins.

But one thing they never did was reach out with compassion to those burdened with their sin.

And it made me think, “Am I as quick to help people who are struggling with their sin as I am to point our their sin?”

I believe Paul was thinking of Jesus’ words when he wrote,

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

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

Father, unlike the scribes and Pharisees, I don’t want to be a person who merely points out others’ sins. May I instead have Jesus’ heart toward those struggling with their sins. Give me his heart of mercy towards them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Matthew Devotionals

Take me back Tuesday — Ignorant of the scriptures?

Words that always strike me: You are mistaken, because you don’t know the Scriptures or the power of God. 

Can that be said of us?

Ignorant of the scriptures
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Matthew Devotionals

The fruit God seeks

Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruit. (Matthew 21:43)

As I read today’s chapter and especially those words, I was reminded of John the Baptist’s words to the Pharisees and Sadducees in chapter 3.

Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance…The ax is already at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. (Matthew 3:8-10)

What is the fruit God is seeking? It’s the fruit consistent with repentance.

It’s what the tax collectors and prostitutes showed and that’s why they would enter God’s kingdom and the religious leaders who refused to repent wouldn’t (Matthew 21:31-32).

That difference in attitude was also shown in the parable of the two sons. (28-30)

And the fig tree Jesus cursed and the parable of the vineyard he told is a warning to those who don’t show that fruit consistent with repentance. (18-19, 33-34)

Repentance is not just a change of mind, a mere mental assent to the things God teaches. Repentance leads to the fruit of a changed heart and a changed life.

As we say at my church, it’s a life of “head, heart, hands.”

God’s word enters our heads. It then transforms our hearts. And as a result, our lives change.

That’s the fruit God is looking for.

Is that the fruit you’re producing?

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Matthew Devotionals

When your words are hard

Jesus, sometimes your words are hard.

They were hard for the disciples when you talked about marriage.

They were hard for the rich young man when you told him to let go of what he held most dear in order to follow you.

Sometimes you say things that I don’t want to hear.

I don’t want to hear it because my heart is hard, and I would prefer to do things my way because my way is “easier.”

Or there are things in my life that I don’t want to let go of.

But when your words are hard, help me to remember that you are good.

When your words are hard, help me to remember your way is best.

And when your words are hard, help me to keep a soft heart, following you and your ways.

Because though your words may be hard, they are the words of life. (John 6:63, 68)

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Matthew Devotionals

Failing to hear

While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased. Listen to him!” …

As they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus told them, “The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised up.”

And they were deeply distressed. (Matthew 17:5, 22-23)

How many times are we like Jesus’ disciples? God has plans. Good plans. But we don’t always see them because we’re not hearing all he’s saying.

All we’re hearing are the destruction of our own hopes, plans, and dreams. And we become deeply distressed.

But we fail to see what will rise from those ashes.

Joy. Peace. Life.

But most importantly, we’ll see Jesus.

So in those times when you’re distressed because God’s plans seem counter to your own, let’s remember the Father’s words.

“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased. Listen to him!”

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Matthew Devotionals

Short memories

You of little faith…Don’t you understand yet? Don’t you remember…? (Matthew 16:8-9)

How often is our lack of of faith, our inability to understand what God is trying to teach us due to our short memories?

We read his words in the Bible or hear them in the Sunday message. We’re encouraged and inspired by those words…and then we forget.

We see how God has worked in our lives. We marvel and rejoice in it…and then we forget.

How much would our faith increase if we would just remember.

Father, increase my faith. Help me to remember the things you’ve taught me and the things you’ve done for me. And as I remember, in the good times and bad, may I rejoice and trust in you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Matthew Devotionals

Who we are following

The story of how John the Baptist’s life ended is really heartbreaking when you think about it.

But today, I thought about his disciples’ response. They came to take his body and bury it. And then they told Jesus.

But the thought came to me today, “What did they do after that?”

Did they follow Jesus?

Or did they just go home?

We don’t know.

I would hope they followed Jesus. After all, Jesus was the one John had pointed to.

It made me think, though. Who are we following?

Many people become Christians because of someone influential in their lives. It might be a a pastor. It might be a friend. It might be a family member.

But what happens when they leave us?

Some may literally pass away.

Others may move away.

Sadly, some may even fall into sin and walk away from God.

And the question is, what then?

Do we just “go home?”

Or do we turn our eyes to Jesus and follow him?

Because as Jesus proved through the miracle of the feeding of the 5000, he is the bread of life (John 6). He is the one imparts true life to us, filling our spiritual hunger and thirst.

And he is the one who will always be there for us, no matter what storms may hit.

People will leave us. People let us down.

Jesus will not.

So I ask again:

“Who are you following?”

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Matthew Devotionals

Deeply rooted faith?

And the one sown on rocky ground—this is one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy.

But he has no root and is short-lived. When distress or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he falls away. (Matthew 13:20-21)

The picture Jesus gives here is of a seed sown in a thin layer of soil over limestone. And because the limestone prevents the roots from growing deep, the plant quickly withers in the heat of the trials and persecution.

As I was reading, I thought about what that limestone was which kept the roots from growing deep.

Could it be the limestone of unbelief? Namely, doubt about God’s goodness and love toward us?

Some people hear about God’s love and goodness, and they’re immediately excited and joyous.

But then trials come. Persecution comes. And a deep-seeded doubt that lies beneath the surface of their hearts is revealed:

“Is God really good? Does God really love me? Then why are these bad things happening to me?”

The result? They quickly fall away.

How about you? When trials and persecutions come, is your first thought, “If God is good, if God really loves me, why is this happening to me?”

Or is your faith rooted deeply in your conviction of God’s love and goodness toward you?

How deep are your roots?

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Matthew Devotionals

Words of grace, words of judgment

What struck me today were the words of grace and judgment coming from Jesus’ mouth in this chapter.

The words of judgment were for the cities who had failed to respond to his call to repent, despite all the miracles he had shown them.

And ultimately, that was the line that Jesus always drew throughout his ministry. He called people to repentance.

It was the message he preached (Matthew 4:17), and when he sent out his disciples to preach, he gave them the same message (Mark 6:12).

And if people didn’t repent, he warned them of judgment. (Luke 13:1-8, John 5:14)

But at the same time, Jesus’ words were full of grace. To John, whose faith was shaken after being thrown into prison, Jesus gave words of encouragement.

And to people who were burdened by the guilt of their sin, to those weighed down by all the legalistic rules the religious leaders had put on them (Matthew 23:4), Jesus offered rest.

But it’s a rest that only comes with repentance and putting our trust in him.

It’s a message reminiscent of what Isaiah once told the Israelites.

In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it. (Isaiah 30:15, NIV)

That was the problem with the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. And Jesus judged them for it.

But to those with soft hearts, even though they may struggle with feelings of guilt or doubt, Jesus is full of grace.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.

Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

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Matthew Devotionals

Our heart, our message

[Jesus] said, ‘It is not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice.

For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners. (Matthew 9:12-13)

As I was reflecting on Jesus’ words, I thought about what our heart should be toward non-Christians who come to our churches.

We should have hearts of mercy towards them. They are like sheep without a shepherd, harassed and cast down by the Enemy.

We shouldn’t be avoiding them. We should be reaching out to them, showing Christ’s love to them.

At the same time, we have a message for them. Jesus came to call sinners. But what does he call them to do?

Luke is a little clearer about that in his account of this story. Jesus said,

I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Luke 5:32)

Love does not tell people, “It’s okay to stay in your sin.”

Love tells people, “Repent.”

It was Jesus’ message from the beginning. (Matthew 4:17)

It’s what Jesus told Matthew and the other tax collectors and sinners while he was talking with them over dinner.

It’s certainly what he told Zacchaeus and his friends. (Luke 19:1-10)

So as we encounter non-Christians in our church, let us take on Jesus’ attitude, welcoming them, and showing love and mercy to them.

But at the same time, with humility and gentleness, let us share with them the same message Jesus did with Matthew and his friends.

“God’s kingdom is near. There is a God who loves you and is inviting you to join his kingdom. So repent of your sins and turn to him. And you will find life.”

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Matthew Devotionals

Following Jesus

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, because he was teaching them like one who had authority, and not like their scribes. (Matthew 7:28-29)

What does it mean to follow Jesus?

Part of it is recognizing Jesus’ authority.

Jesus certainly has it.

He commanded the wind and waves, and they obeyed.

He commanded the demons, and they obeyed.

Yes, Jesus has authority. But the question is, do we recognize his authority in our lives?

The centurion certainly did.

As for the two men who wanted to follow Jesus, we don’t know if they did or not.

And as for the crowds mentioned in the above verse, some did come to recognize Jesus’ authority, and others outright rejected it.

But it’s possible to recognize Jesus’ authority and still not follow him.

The demons recognized his authority and hated him for it.

The people of the Gadarenes were frightened of him and asked him to leave.

What about us?

Jesus is asking us, “Do you recognize my authority in your life? And do you love and trust me enough to obey?”

Do you want to follow Jesus?

Do you love him and truly want to know him?

Then remember his words:

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. (John 14:21)

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Matthew Devotionals

Breaking off pieces of the bedrock

Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. (Matthew 7:24-25)

As I was reading Jesus’ words this morning, a picture came to mind that I’d never thought of before.

Jesus, of course, gives the picture of someone building their house on bedrock.

But the image that came to my mind this morning was of someone not building his house on bedrock, but instead breaking off pieces of that bedrock and trying to make it part of his house’s walls.

And though the bedrock was part of the house’s walls, because the house’s foundation was sand, it ultimately all collapsed.

There are many people like that today. They claim to follow Jesus, but they don’t build their lives on all of Jesus’ teaching. Instead, they “break off” the parts they like, and try to incorporate it into their way of thinking.

We can’t do that. We can’t just take the parts of Jesus’ teaching we like, add it to our own way of thinking, and reject the rest of Jesus’ words. To live that way is not following the Father’s will, but our own.

Our lives need to be built on all he Jesus taught, not just the parts we happen to like.

And of course, the first thing Jesus ever taught was “Repent!”

We cannot enter God’s kingdom if we don’t repent of our sins. (Matthew 4:17)

If we refuse to repent, if instead we cling to our sins, the day will come when we call out to him, “Lord, Lord,” and he says, “I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers.” (23)

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Matthew Devotionals

That my eyes may be healed

The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.

But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light within you is darkness, how deep is that darkness! (Matthew 6:22-23)

Father, heal my spiritual eyes that I might see things as they really are.

To see that you are a good Father. That you really do care about me, and I don’t need to worry about anything.

To see that the things of this world will pass away.

To see what’s truly important: your kingdom, your righteousness.

Too often, my eyes are diseased. So heal my eyes.

Help me to value you above all else. And help me to value the people you love that you’ve placed in my life.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Matthew Devotionals

A mirror of Your heart

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)

Father, I want to be more like you. You know all the ways that I fall short. You know all the ways that my righteousness falls short of your righteousness, all the ways my love for people falls short of your love for people.

But as I gaze upon your love and goodness to me, increase my desire to become more like you. As I gaze upon your beauty and perfection, increase my hunger to be like you.

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
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Matthew Devotionals

A prayer from a child of God

When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water.

The heavens suddenly opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him.

And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17)

Father, how is it that by your grace, you open up heaven to me, give me your Spirit, and say, “You are my beloved child. In you I am well pleased?”

How is it? That’s incredible to me!

So Father, let me bear the fruit of repentance. You know the sins that I still struggle with.

Father, don’t let me be like the Pharisees and Sadducees, merely pretending to be righteous. Let me truly bear the fruit of righteousness in my life

Jesus, you said I am already clean because of the Word you have spoken and I have believed. Now let your words abide in me.

Pruning me. Shaping me. Transforming me. Changing the way I think and act. Convicting me of sin.

Yet reminding me of your forgiveness and love. Encouraging me to take the next step forward with you, becoming more like you.

You are the vine. I am the branch. Teach me what it means to abide in you. Without you I can do nothing. But with you, I will bear much fruit. And I do want to bear fruit for you. (John 15:3-7)

Holy Spirit, as you filled and led Jesus throughout his earthly life, fill and lead me, moment to moment, day to day.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Matthew Devotionals

God with us

Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son,
and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.” (Matthew 1:22-23)

I was just meditating on those final words: God with us.

With us.

Not far from us.

With us.

Not keeping his distance from us because we’re not worthy of his love.

With us.

Not giving up on us because of sins and failures.

With us.

Not constantly accusing us, but rather defending us.

With us.

Not abandoning us when the enemy attacks, but fighting for us.

With us.

Our God is with us.

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

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1 Timothy Devotionals

Where training in godliness starts

…train yourself in godliness. (1 Timothy 4:7)

But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn to practice godliness toward their own family first and to repay their parents, for this pleases God. (5:4)

I have a mother who is a widow, so these words especially resonated with me. Particularly since she’s going through depression right now.

I live far from her, so there’s not much I can do, but I do keep in touch with her, talking with, praying with, and praying for her. That said, in these times, it’s tough to follow Paul’s words and serve my mom. I truly need God’s grace.

And yet, this is part of my training in godliness.

But Paul’s words are not only for me or others who have mothers who are widows. They’re for all of us.

Practicing godliness starts with our family. We can’t simply practice our godliness at church or at our workplace.

We need to practice it at home with our parents, our siblings, our spouses, our children.

And when we do, it pleases our Father.

But it can be tough at home. Especially at the end of a long day when we’re tired. Particularly when our families start getting our nerves.

But if we want to truly be like our Father who loves us, it starts at home.

Father, I want to be like you. Help me to practice godliness with my mother. With my wife. With my daughter.

I want to please you each day by how I treat them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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1 Timothy Devotionals

Men of prayer

Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument. (1 Timothy 2:8)

It’s always interesting to me that Paul specifically tells the men to pray.

How much do we men actually value prayer?

How often, instead, do we live as practical atheists, living each day as if God isn’t there, as if we are dependent only upon ourselves?

What marks our lives in our homes, at our workplace, at church?

Anger?

An argumentative attitude?

Or are we marked by prayer, each day lifting holy hands to our Father?

Of course, women should pray too. Everything I said applies to you too.

But men, in this passage, Paul is talking to you.

So let’s take up the challenge God has given us and be men of prayer.

We are soldiers for Christ, fighting an enemy who wants to destroy us, our families, and those we love. (2 Timothy 2:3-4; Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Peter 5:8; John 10:10)

So as Christ’s soldiers, let’s get on our knees and fight like men.