I WILL ....

 April 4, 2025

Letting go of the old to make room for resurrection and renewal.

This Week’s Theme Verse

John 12:24

“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, 

it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

_________________________________

 

Ezekiel 37:21-28

say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will take the Israelites out of the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around and bring them back into their own land. I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. There will be one king over all of them and they will never again be two nations or be divided into two kingdoms. They will no longer defile themselves with their idols and vile images or with any of their offenses, for I will save them from all their sinful backsliding, and I will cleanse them. They will be my people, and I will be their God. “ ‘My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one shepherd. They will follow my laws and be careful to keep my decrees. They will live in the land I gave to my servant Jacob, the land where your ancestors lived. They and their children and their children’s children will live there forever, and David my servant will be their prince forever. I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and increase their numbers, and I will put my sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people. Then the nations will know that I the LORD make Israel holy, when my sanctuary is among them forever.’ ”



Ezekiel 37 captures a beautiful picture of God’s ability to restore what seems lost forever. In a time when His people felt scattered and broken, God spoke of gathering them together and making them whole. He promised to be their God and to care for them as His own. In our reading today the vision presented is meant to remind you and me, that no matter how hopeless things may seem, God’s power can bring life and renewal where we see only brokenness and hopelessness. It’s an invitation to trust that God’s plans are always bigger than our struggles and that His love can restore even the most “lost” situations.

Take this teaching to heart today, we all know that sometimes life’s circumstances can feel so broken that it’s hard to imagine things ever getting any better. What would it mean to believe the message of Ezekiel 37, that even in the darkest moments, when we are longing for God’s restoration, that there is hope for renewal and healing?

Read God's promise again,

 I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and increase their numbers, and I will put my sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people.

That is a good GOSPEL for us today!

Take time to pray and ask God to bring new life where there has been brokenness, trusting that His power is greater than any loss.

 

 

 

 

NOTHING, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING

 

April 3, 2025 

 

Letting go of the old 

to make room for resurrection and renewal.

This Week’s Theme Verse

John 12:24

“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, 

it remains only a single seed. 

But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

______________________________________

Genesis 17:3-9

Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. The whole land of Canaan, where you now reside as a foreigner, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God.” Then God said to Abraham, “As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come.

 

In Genesis 17, God calls Abram into a new identity as Abraham, promising to make him the father of many nations. But this new covenant required Abraham to let go of his old identity and trust God’s plan, even when it seemed impossible. 

Now, we need to recall that when God delivered this message and call to Abram, his wife Sarai had not given birth to a child. A little further in Genesis 17:15-17 we read this, “God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. 16 I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.” 17 Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?” Do you see how impossible God’s promise seemed to Abraham.

Later in Genesis 18:12 Sarah’s response to God’s promise also elicited a chuckle. "So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” God asks in verse 14 the deeply searching question “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”

The outcome of this account is that Abraham trusted God’s promise, like a seed falling to the ground, Abraham’s surrender opened the way for God’s promises to flourish.

Have you ever had to let go of an old dream or way of thinking to embrace something new, that seemed like it had an impossible outcome? We all know that change can be hard, we are reluctant to let go of parts of our life, however, this act of release is often the start of something beautiful.

Is there an area of your life where God might be asking you to let go of something old to embrace something new? Pray for the courage to trust His promises and take the next step of faith. We know the answer to the question, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Don’t we answer that in the words of the old Worship song, “Nothing, Nothing, Absolutely Nothing is Impossible for thee!!”

NOT GOING TO BOW

 

April 2, 2025 

 

Letting go of the old

to make room for resurrection and renewal.

This Week's Theme Verse

John 12:24

“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, 

it remains only a single seed. 

But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

 ___________________________________________

Daniel 3:14-20

Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace.

 

Standing up for what matters comes with a whole set of challenges. We often read about people who stand up against corporations for unsafe practices, politicians who cannot in good conscience carry out careless and harmful policies, or Christians whose faith foundations cannot remain silent over injustice in the workplace, or dishonesty toward clients. In all these situations the risk is high for those who take a stand, from job loss to character attacks, maybe even litigation against them.

What does it take to hold on to our values when the cost feels too high? Where do we find the strength to stay true to what we believe?

In the well-known story of Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced a seemingly impossible choice: bow to the king’s idol or stay true to their faith and put their lives on the line. They chose to trust God, even though it meant being thrown into a blazing furnace. We read in our Bible account today that though they trusted God, this did not mean that they escaped the fiery furnace. Yet, we also note that God didn’t leave them alone. In the fire, in the blazing furnace, God’s presence surrounded them and protected them, and they walked out miraculously unharmed. God’s power and glory are overwhelmingly revealed so much so, that King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and declares him worthy of worship. It doesn’t end there, does it, no Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego actually receive a promotion in Babylon.

The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shows us that courage doesn’t come from being strong enough on our own. It comes from trusting that God is with us, no matter what happens. Even when life feels overwhelming, His power and goodness are greater than our fears. Remember, God walks with us through every “fiery” trial, and His presence is your strength.

SET FREE

 

April 1, 2025

Letting go of the old to make room for resurrection and renewal.

This Week's Theme Bible Verse

John 12:24

“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, 

it remains only a single seed.

But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

_________________________________

John 8:1-11

… Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”



In John 8, a woman caught in adultery and is brought before Jesus. Instead of condemning her, like her accusers wanted, He says, “Let the one who is without sin cast the first stone.” One by one, oldest to the youngest of her accusers leave. Did you notice what Jesus does? Jesus then offers her forgiveness and a chance to start fresh: “Go and sin no more.”

I wonder, have you ever felt the weight of your mistakes, like they might define you forever? What does it feel like to you, to imagine being truly forgiven? Slate wiped clean, the chance to start fresh.

This story in today’s reading, shows us something crucial, that dying to our old ways isn’t about shame, it’s about growth and stepping into the freedom and grace that Jesus offers. 

Is there a mistake or regret you’ve been carrying? Bring it to Jesus in prayer, today. The Bible tells us that we can trust Him to forgive us and show us how to live in the freedom of His grace.

 

 

 

THE "NEW LIFE" of SURRENDER

 

March 31, 2025

Letting go of the old

to make room for resurrection and renewal.

This Week's Focus Verse

John 12:24

“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, 

it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

_________________________________________

John 12:1-8

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”



In John 12, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume, an act of deep love and devotion. Others criticized her, 

“Why wasn’t this perfume sold 

and the money given to the poor? 

It was worth a year’s wages.”

but Jesus defended her, seeing it as preparation for His burial.

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. 

“It was intended that she should save this perfume

 for the day of my burial. 

You will always have the poor among you, 

but you will not always have me.”

Mary’s action, I believe, reminds us that love often requires sacrifice and letting go. Think about what Judas says, about this pint of perfume that it "was worth a year’s wages." In any age, that is a huge sacrifice!  There is a lot of love and gratitude in this gesture. 

This story in John 12 of course, also points us to the "greater sacrifice" Jesus would soon make for all of us, because of his extravagant love. 

As Jesus' followers, we are invited to let go of the things we hold tightly, trusting that God will use our surrender to bring new life. 

I want to invite you to remember a time in your life when you surrendered something of great value and worth to God. What "New life" growth occurred?  

For example, I was someone who held our family's finances tightly, our financial future I believed was on me to secure. I was not a very peaceful or generous person. I was a sporadic giver. There came a point in my spiritual journey that I "let go" of our financial future and with "palms down" I surrendered that area of my life into God's care and provision. The "new life" pay off of that decision was that I experienced a freedom, and peace and rest in living, the pressure was off, and generosity flowed. What is your story?

Give consideration today to what "something" you are holding tightly, that might be keeping you from fully following Jesus, and the newness of life he offers? Ask God to help you release it in faith, knowing He will bring something even greater into your life and the life of others through your surrender.

 

ROCK SOLID

 

March 28, 2025

 

Even in our darkest valleys, God is with us, 

offering comfort, hope, and the promise of restoration.

 His love sustains us through every trial.

This Week's Theme Verses

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our troubles

so that we can comfort those in any trouble 

with the comfort we receive from God."

_________________________________

 

John 7:1-12

After this, Jesus went around in Galilee. He did not want to go about in Judea because the Jewish leaders there were looking for a way to kill him. But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” For even his own brothers did not believe in him. Therefore Jesus told them, “My time is not yet here; for you any time will do. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil. You go to the festival. I am not going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.” After he had said this, he stayed in Galilee. However, after his brothers had left for the festival, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. Now at the festival the Jewish leaders were watching for Jesus and asking, “Where is he?” Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, “He is a good man.” Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.”

 

John 7:25-30

At that point some of the people of Jerusalem began to ask, “Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill? Here he is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying a word to him. Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Messiah? But we know where this man is from; when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.” Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, “Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own authority, but he who sent me is true. You do not know him, but I know him because I am from him and he sent me.” At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.

 

Yesterday we noted the experience of the Prophet Jeremiah and the increasing hostility toward him and his prophetic ministry. Today our reading shows us that Jesus often faced threats and was mistreated, long before he was crucified. In these verses, we are told that leaders were planning to kill him, just as we saw in the Jeremiah story.

Jesus demonstrated that even in the face of such rejection and opposition from people, he was able to center on God and respond to these experiences with a radical love. What is striking, I believe, in both Jeremiah and Jesus is that they were not distracted from their God given calling, even under great pressure. In the face of strong external pressures their trust and commitment to God did not waver.

By contrast, our outside influences can often knock us off course. Have you ever felt misunderstood, mistreated, or judged unfairly? If you have then you are aware that experiencing opposition, especially when we’re trying to do what’s right, can be deeply painful. If we are honest about it these experiences often can leave us questioning whether standing firm in our faith is worth the cost.

What we see revealed in the scriptures is that when we live into our relationship with God, when we trust the promises of God, when we remember how God has faithfully led us and protected us and provided for us in the past, we can find a firm foundation beneath us. We often sing in worship, “On Christ the Solid Rock I stand all other Ground is sinking sand.” So, with Jesus we pray “not my will but yours be done” even as we face our moments of suffering and opposition.

As we conclude our week of devotions let us pray for strength to endure trials and center ourselves with faith and humility on our Covenant God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A SHELTER IN A TIME OF TROUBLE

 

March 27, 2025

Even in our darkest valleys, God is with us, 

offering comfort, hope, and the promise of restoration. 

His love sustains us through every trial.

This Week's Theme Verses

 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our troubles

so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we receive from God."

_________________________________________

 

Jeremiah 11:18-20

Because the LORD revealed their plot to me, I knew it, for at that time he showed me what they were doing. I had been like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter; I did not realize that they had plotted against me, saying, “Let us destroy the tree and its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name be remembered no more.” But you, LORD Almighty, who judge righteously and test the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for to you I have committed my cause.

 

Jeremiah faced significant threats, often referred to as the "weeping prophet," he faced numerous plots against his life and ministry throughout his prophetic career. These plots were primarily orchestrated by those who resisted his message of impending judgment and calls for repentance. 

Here is a list of the threats God’s prophet Jeremiah encountered

Jeremiah's first recorded encounter with a plot against his life comes from his own hometown of Anathoth. The men of Anathoth conspired to kill him, saying, "Do not prophesy in the name of the LORD, or you will die by our hand" (Jeremiah 11:21).

Jeremiah faced further opposition from the religious leaders of Judah. The priests and prophets conspired against him, saying, "Come, let us devise a plan against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words" (Jeremiah 18:18)

Pashhur, the priest and chief officer in the house of the LORD, was particularly hostile towards Jeremiah. After Jeremiah prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem, Pashhur had him beaten and put in stocks (Jeremiah 20:1-2). This was intended to intimidate Jeremiah and discredit his prophetic ministry.

The princes of Judah sought to put Jeremiah to death after he prophesied against the city and the temple. The priests and prophets accused him before the officials, declaring, "This man deserves the sentence of death, because he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears" (Jeremiah 26:11)

King Jehoiakim's animosity towards Jeremiah is evident in his reaction to the prophet's scroll, which contained words of warning and judgment. After hearing the scroll read, Jehoiakim brazenly cut it with a knife and threw it into the fire (Jeremiah 36:23). The king then ordered the arrest of Jeremiah and his scribe Baruch.

During the reign of King Zedekiah, Jeremiah was falsely accused of deserting to the Babylonians and was subsequently imprisoned in a cistern, where he sank into the mud (Jeremiah 38:6). This plot was orchestrated by officials who were angered by Jeremiah's continued prophecies of Jerusalem's fall.

Yet, even with all these threats and pressures, Jeremiah placed his trust in God as his defender and refuge.  He remained faithful to his divine calling with unwavering commitment to proclaiming God's truth. His prayer above in today’s reading, reflects both honesty about his fears and a deep dependence on God’s justice. Jeremiah’s example encourages us to bring our struggles to God, trusting that He is our shelter in times of trouble and the One who works all things for good in His perfect timing.

Let's apply these teachings to our lives today by taking time to name any fears or worries weighing on your heart. Bring them to God in prayer, asking Him to be your refuge and strength. Trust Him to provide protection and peace, even in the face of uncertainty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOWN THE MOUNTAIN THE RIVER FLOWS

 

March 26, 2025

 

Even in our darkest valleys, 

God is with us, offering comfort, hope, and the promise of restoration.

His love sustains us through every trial.

This Week's Theme Verse

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 

who comforts us in all our troubles 

so that we can comfort those in any trouble 

with the comfort we receive from God."

______________________________________

 

Ezekiel 47:1-10

The man brought me back to the entrance to the temple, and I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. He then brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and the water was trickling from the south side. As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist. He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross. He asked me, “Son of man, do you see this?” Then he led me back to the bank of the river. When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river. He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh. Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live. Fishermen will stand along the shore; from En Gedi to En Eglaim there will be places for spreading nets. The fish will be of many kinds—like the fish of the Mediterranean Sea.

Ezekiel 41:12

Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”

 

I would imagine that most of us have experienced “seasons of suffering” that leave us feeling empty, disconnected, and in need of renewal. Often during these experiences we use words of feeling “spiritually dry”, or in the “desert place”, the “wilderness”, or as St, John of the Cross called it the “dark night of the soul.”

What we are saying in these life moments is we feel as if we’re just going through the motions of spiritual practices, there is no sense of God’s presence, we feel disconnected from our Creator. These moments can come because of sin in our life, or because of weighty circumstances of trauma, or grief, illness, or discouragement about our life situation. 

In these periods in our spiritual lives we find that praying is difficult, maybe boring, or even unfulfilling and we wonder whether we’re just wasting our time with these spiritual practices. Our efforts to find connection with God seem to be missing the mark, it feels as if God has withdrawn from us. All the spiritual devotions and forms of prayer that we used to find helpful or engaging are no longer helpful it seems. In these moments, we may wonder if life can ever flow back into the places that feel so dry and desolate.

Today in our account of Ezekiel’s vision of water flowing from the temple that brings life and healing wherever it goes is a promising and hopeful truth. This living water is a symbol of God’s Spirit, renewing and reviving even the driest places. The river represents the abundance of God’s provision and the transforming power of God’s presence, reminding us that nothing is too broken, too dry, too dark, for God to restore.

Jesus promised, “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). Living water that Jesus offers us is a sure remedy for experiences of spiritual dryness. God promises through Ezekiel’s words a beautiful outcome.

Look again at Ezekiel 41:12 “Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”


Spend time in prayer throughout today asking the Holy Spirit to pour out fresh life into any areas of dryness or despair.

 

 

 

OUR FUTURE HOPE

 

March 25, 2025

Even in our darkest valleys, God is with us, 

offering comfort, hope, and the promise of restoration. 

His love sustains us through every trial.

This Weeks Theme Verse

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

‘Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 

who comforts us in all our troubles 

so that we can comfort those in any trouble

 with the comfort we receive from God.”

 ____________________________________

Isaiah 65:17-21

“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more. “Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed. They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.

 

The Prophet Isaiah paints a picture of God’s promise to create new heavens and a new earth. He will wipe away past troubles, bringing joy and delight instead of sorrow. Now that sounds like a message of amazing hope we could use these days. 

These verses today are a vision of God’s ultimate plan for redemption, where suffering will be no more, and God’s people will experience unending peace and celebration. We need to remember, and the Prophet Isaiah helps us with this,  that God’s constant vision and purpose of restoration is being worked out in this present moment, and is our future Hope as well.

We need to keep Isaiah 65 in mind in our various experiences of living. Challenging and demanding seasons in life stirs a deep longing for something new, hope for a fresh start, a new chapter, or renewal and healing where there has been pain. When life feels heavy, it’s natural to yearn for restoration, refreshment, and “the new”.

Pause for a moment, and think about What would it look like in our lives and our world to trust in God’s promise to bring joy and renewal, even in the midst of brokenness and suffering?

Perhaps the application of the promise of Isaiah 65:17-21 is to consider the question:

“Where do you need God’s restoration in your life?”

Ask God to renew your heart and trust in his promise keeping work, even in your heartache, and the discomfort of suffering.

NEED A LITTLE COMFORT?

 

March 24, 2025

Even in our darkest valleys, God is with us, 

offering comfort, hope, and the promise of restoration. 

His love sustains us through every trial.

This Week's Theme Verses

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

‘Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

 __________________________________

Psalm 23:1-6

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures, 

he leads me beside quiet waters, 

he refreshes my soul. 

He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; 

your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; 

my cup overflows. 

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

I believe we know that suffering can leave us feeling isolated and directionless, as if we are navigating dark valleys without any light. Have you ever experienced pain so intense that it seemed impossible to feel God's presence? The burden of our hardships can test our belief that God is always present with us. However, scripture reassures us that we are never truly alone, even during our lowest moments.

Notice that Psalm 23 reminds us that even in the valley of the shadow of death, God is with us. God is our shepherd, guiding, comforting, and preparing a table before us. The Psalm’s image of still waters and green pastures reflects God’s desire to give us peace and rest, even during trials. We are told that God’s goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives, offering hope that sustains us through every circumstance. This psalm, the beloved Psalm 23, provides reassurance that God's love accompanies us through both peaceful and trying times.

Did you need this reminder today? I wonder where you need to experience God’s comfort. Let’s take a moment to pray through Psalm 23 today, read through each verse slowly, inviting God to lead you through any valleys you face.

DOUBTERS ANONOMOUS

 

March 21, 2025

Mark 9:23-24

“Everything is possible for one who believes.”
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”



We have been talking a lot this week about faith and trust. I want to conclude our week of devotions with reflecting on the role doubt plays in our faith journey. In my early walk with Christ, I believed that doubt was wrong, that to question some of the teachings in the Bible was a sign of disrespecting God. To be truthful, I carried a great deal of shame about doubt. I have a feeling some of you know what I am talking about. 


Theologian Paul Tillich put it this way, Doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is one element of faith. Faith includes noticing the mess, the emptiness and discomfort, and letting it be there until some light breaks through. In other words, doubt is not the enemy and not something that needs to be fought. It needs to be understood, expressed, and used.

Let’s look at how the Bible highlights the doubters.

Abraham and Sarah doubted God’s promise of a child; actually they laughed at it. (Genesis 16-18)

Asaph doubted because the wicked prospered and he doubted the value of serving God. (1 Chronicles 16:4-7, Psalm 73)

Moses doubted God could use him to lead Israel out of Egypt. (Numbers 11:21-22)

Gideon doubted God could use him to turn the tide against Israel’s oppressors. (Judges 6-8)

The Nation of Israel seemed to be in a constant state of doubt.

Thomas, Jesus’ disciple, doubted Jesus rose from the dead. (John 20:24-29)

I could go on, but the point is the Bible is full of people that doubted, even some of the main characters do.

Doubt is not disbelief, these are two separate issues. God doesn’t condemn us for asking questions. Jesus didn’t condemn Thomas for wanting to see the nail holes in his hands. Moses wasn’t reprimanded asking why him. And Abraham and Sarah still received God’s promise despite laughing in doubt.

Let's always remember that God is interested in our hearts, not some artificial relationship in which we act one way but feel the opposite. Sometimes what’s going on inside of us is doubt!! We cannot hide it from God, and that’s not what God wants. We shouldn’t be afraid or ashamed to bring our doubts to God. God is not wanting to condemn us for our lack of faith. Rather, God wants to instruct us, teach us, restore and strengthen us through or doubts and questions. I believe that can only happen when we honestly open our hearts to him. 

Jesus said in our verse, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” I take that to mean that God can use our doubts to produce in us a richer faith. That is what we see, in Mark, chapter 9 isn't  it?

A father approaches Jesus with the desire to see his son healed of an impure spirit. The man says to Jesus, “if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us”. Jesus replies, “If you can? Everything is possible for one who believes”. Jesus can see that the man doubts Jesus’ ability to heal his son. The man then recognizes his doubt and immediately says, “I do believe; help me with my unbelief”. That's a good prayer to start with. 

This man is clearly wrestling with doubts. He has trouble believing that Jesus is really powerful enough to heal his son, but instead of giving up, he asks Jesus for help with his disbelief. Looking at this story, we can take note of how the man handles and confronts his doubt. Just as Tim Keller wrote, “we ought to acknowledge the areas of our faith that are confusing or hard to trust to begin to make our relationship with Jesus our very own.” Notice, the man in Mark 9 didn’t just believe in Jesus because of the faith of those around him, rather, He asked Jesus himself to help him with his confusion, doubts and questioning.

I have learned to embrace the doubt in my faith. It makes it richer in a way. My doubts have actually pushed me closer to God. If you are facing doubt in your faith I would encourage you to do the same. Don’t push your doubt aside. Embrace it. Sit with it.

Turn to God and ask Him to help build your faith and give you a stronger foundation. Pray “I do believe; help me with my unbelief”. Let your doubt lead you closer to Jesus.

Amen. 

TRUSTING IN GRACE

 

March 20, 2025

 

This Week’s Theme Verse

Mark 8:34-35

“Whoever wants to be my disciple 

must deny themselves 

and take up their cross and follow me.”

______________________________________________

Matthew 5:17-19

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

 

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the idea of trying to live a good life? Sometimes we think we have to get everything perfect, to be acceptable to God. I know I did. I was very aware of my imperfections, and trying to manage those imperfections, with God's law created for me a helplessness and hopelessness. How could I ever be acceptable to God! Does that sound familiar to any of you? I remember reading the words of Reformer Martin Luther about keeping the law. He said that he in terms of the law he dotted every "i" and "crossed every "t" but instead of feeling closer to God he felt farther away. What if God’s way is more about trust than perfection? Luther, himself, would embrace the biblical teaching that the "just shall live by faith". The apostle Paul in Romans 1:17 put it like this: "For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last." 

In Matthew 5, Jesus explains that He didn’t come to erase God’s teachings but to complete them most beautifully. His life was the perfect example of love and faithfulness, showing us what it looks like to live in harmony with God’s heart. Following Jesus isn’t about trying harder or being perfect—it’s about trusting Him to guide us and letting His love shape how we live. His way is gentle and freeing, inviting us to walk humbly with Him and find rest in knowing we’re never alone in the journey. That is the gift of grace.

Our take away today is to ask yourself the question "where am I trying to be perfect, instead of trusting God?" 

Now, Ask God to help you rest in His grace and follow His way with joy and humility. The outcome will take the pressure off us as we faithfully follow.

I AM WILLING

 

March 19, 2025

 

This Week’s Theme Verse

Mark 8:34-35

“Whoever wants to be my disciple 

must deny themselves and 

take up their cross and follow me.”

_________________________________

Luke 1:26-38

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Have you ever faced a moment where it seemed that at the call of God everything in your life was about to change? Such experiences can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time, especially when it feels like God is asking for more than you think you can give.


I know our Bible reading today seems out of season. This is Lent not Advent! Yet I believe Mary's story speaks to us in any season and holds a revelation that we need to be reminded of today.

When the angel told Mary she would give birth to Jesus, she was given a choice: trust God with her life or let fear hold her back. Her response, “I am the Lord’s servant,” shows incredible faith and confidence in God. 

Of course, saying “yes” to God didn’t mean an easy road for Mary, however, Mary's surrender to God's way had an amazing outcome. Mary's "yes" to God meant being part of something bigger than she could ever have imagined. Here is what I have been learning, perhaps you have too, that following Jesus often requires of you and me the same kind of faith and trust and courage we see in Mary, even when to do so, to say our "yes" to God, feels overwhelming.

What is one area of your life where God might be asking you to trust Him more? 

Take a moment to say in your prayers today, “God, I am willing, to say yes, Lord, Yes, to your will and your way" and then ask God to give you the boldness and the courage through the Holy Spirit, to take the next step on the journey. I wonder what amazing outcomes await us!