THE POWER of LONELY PLACES

 

JUNE 30, 2023


Luke 5:16

Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.


When Jesus began His earthly ministry, word quickly spread of His incredible miracles, and people began flocking to Him. Jesus would see people deep into the night- endless days that would leave Him, and the disciples worn-out. Even good solid ministry involvement can make us feel depleted.

Yet, we learn in today’s passage Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. He wasn’t available to all people, at all times, in all places. He limited the access people had to Him in order to stay connected to God, His Father.

This enabled Him to, despite the chaos and commotion around Him, remain at peace. He was as one author put it “unapologetically unhurried.”

The invitation to us yesterday from Jesus was “Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.” Our reading above shows us two important things about Jesus that we need to put into practice if we want to live in that space of the unforced rhythms of grace:

We must spend daily alone time with God in His Word and in prayer.

We must implement healthy boundaries with the access others have to us.

I recognize that these are not easy practices to develop, it takes effort and discipline. There are so many distractions around us that can pull us away from the Jesus way. I just must tell you that the payoff for such effort is so, so, worth it. These practices result in peace of mind and develop our ability to eliminate the hurrying patterns that leave us drained.

REFLECT

What steps might you take to implement the two practices of Jesus in your own life?

Over the weekend take one of these steps and implement some "space for God".

 

WALK WITH ME

 

JUNE 29, 2023

 

Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

 

Well, the day has just begun and I'm already running late
With too many irons in the fire and too much on my plate

I'd be pulling out my hair if I could just get one hand free
And I'd stop this world if I could find the key

STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN, (King of the Jungle)

 

Do you ever get tired of trying to do it all? Running, running, running, packing as much stuff into each day as you can. The pace. Is. Exhausting.

Maybe early summer is the time to be reminded "running, running, running" is not the life Jesus has intended for us. Jesus invites us to live in the space of the unforced rhythms of grace. Jesus wants us to live free and lightly. Regrettably, that kind of life is counter-cultural to the way of life our world pushes us into each day, therefore, it takes planned, deliberate, purposeful, and intentional choices to live this way of Jesus.

The next couple of days let us dive deeper into how we might find the unforced rhythms of grace that Jesus wants for us. It all starts by responding to Jesus invitation "Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it."

REFLECT

What does a typical day in your life look like? Pause take out your calendar and review the last 3 days. 

How much time do you really have for stillness?

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle 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 (NIV)

WHAT IS IT WE FEAR?

 

JUNE 28, 2023

 

Psalm 139:7-12

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

Over the last couple of days, we have noted that as humans we have the tendency to want to hide from God, Adam and Eve did. When you really think about it, it is quite ridiculous to think that we can hide from our creator. It’s kind of like playing with a child, and you walk into child’s room and seeing a lumped form under the blankets, and child thinking they are invisible to you.

One of God’s profound attributes is His omnipresence. This theological word simply means God is everywhere. That is good news for you and for me. We cannot run and we cannot hide from his love. I believe, that running and hiding in any situation and from any person has to do with our fear. Fear of harm, fear of consequences, fear of punishment perhaps. Remember that the Bible tells us that perfect love (God’s Love) casts out all fear.

Consider the words from 1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” Another translation puts it like this, "Love will never invoke fear. Perfect love expels fear, particularly the fear of punishment. The one who fears punishment has not been completed through love." Next time you find yourself attempting to hide from God, "under the blankets" or "in the graden" remember God's unending love for you. There is no need to run and hide. If you are going to do any running, let it be to run into God’s loving embrace.

REFLECT

How have you, or do you find comfort in God’s omnipresence?

I AM LOOKING FOR YOU

 

JUNE 27, 2023

 

Luke 19:10

"For the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."



The gospel says that God, in his incredible love, seeks out humanity. It's not the other way around.

Many religions are trying to find God, trying to seek God, trying to understand God. The gospel says God knows you. God understands you. God seeks you. God fully knows where you've been and what you've done, and God loves you still.

That's the gospel of Jesus Christ.

You don’t need to hide from God, but be assured; if you do, God will come looking for you.

 

REFLECT

How have you experienced God seeking you out?

 

FULLY KNOWN ... FULLY HEALED ... FULLY LOVED

 

JUNE 26, 2023

James 5:16

“Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed…”

We were created to be fully known and fully loved.

But the world we live in tells us that we can’t be fully known and fully loved. According to the world’s pattern, if you want to be fully loved, you must be only partially known, because if people knew everything there was to know about you, they're not going to like you, much less love you.

So, we believe this lie and we hide our true selves through many creative and guarded practices. I know this is true because I have lived there. Have you? Living in this guarded space can cause us to live in great tension and fear of someone finding out the things we wish to keep concealed.

But this is not what God intends. His intent is that we receive healing and wholeness from confessing our sins to one another, allowing ourselves to be fully known. It is only by being fully known that we can truly be fully healed and fully loved.

This concept is perfectly portrayed in the book, The Cure. The Cure suggests that this century’s religious obsession is sin-management. The authors view is that this has poisoned the Christian community, “obscuring the Original Good News and sending people away-wounded, angry and cynical, of any organized expression of faith.” The authors ask, “What if there’s a place that is so safe, that the worst of you could be known, and you’d be loved more, not less, in the telling of it?”

What we need to be know today and everyday is there is that place, and it’s right in the heart of God’s grace, lived out in the context of an authentic Christ-focused community.

GRATITUDE: IT IS THE DIFFERENCE

 

JUNE 23, 2023


1 Thessalonians 5:18

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”



Have you ever noticed how people who live with gratitude seldom complain? They may very well go through difficult circumstances, but they still seem to be able to hold onto hope in the midst of those circumstances.

We see that a lot in the Psalms, particularly in the songs of lament. As Matt Redman says in The Unquenchable Worshipper: “A true lament never challenges or questions the worth of God. Instead, it reveals that His goodness and greatness are the only hope for a bleak situation.” You can cry out to God amid your struggles and still be grateful. After all, "God isn't in the grumble. God is in the gratitude."

Reflect

Try this, as you wake each day for the next five days, before you get out of bed, give thanks to God for five things for which you are grateful.

May you have a wonderful weekend 

and remember 

YOU ARE LOVED.

ONE THING REMAINS

 

JUNE 22, 2023

 

Romans 8:38-39

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”


When Adam and Eve committed the original sin, the scene described for us in Genesis 3, they immediately felt a separation from God. We know this because they hid from God in the garden. What would God do to them? Would God’s love and affection be withdrawn? I believe that they recognized that their choice to go against God’s command had ruined the perfection God had created. But what they failed to understand is that God is love. His love is not dependent on our behaviors. He loves because that is His nature.

We may make the choice to sin, and that certainly affects our relationship with God. But because of Jesus’ sacrifice, for those who believe, it does not change our standing with God. We are justified through Christ – just as if you had never sinned – and nothing can separate you from His love.

That’s hard for us to grasp sometimes, isn’t it? We easily become convinced that by our sinful choices we are somehow unworthy of God’s love. We forget that Christ has made us worthy. Or sometimes, when something unwanted, painful, or difficult happens to us, we get angry at God and separate ourselves from Him. We grumble instead of groan. Ever done that? Even separating from our Creator cannot and will not ever change His love for us.

Now, that is some good news for us to remember today!!

Reflect

How does knowing that God’s love is constant encourage you to approach God with openness, rather than hiding for him?


Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant through the trial and the change
One thing remains, yes, one thing remains

Your love never fails
It never gives up
It never runs out on me

Because on and on, and on, and on it goes
Before it overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never, ever, have to be afraid
One thing remains, yes, one thing remains

Your love never fails
It never gives up
It never runs out on me

(One Thing Remains, Jesus Culture)

AN IMPORTANT DISTINCTION

 

JUNE 21, 2023

Exodus 2:23-25

During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.


Psalm 6:3-6 

My soul is in deep anguish.
How long, Lord, how long?

Turn, Lord, and deliver me;
save me because of your unfailing love.

Among the dead no one proclaims your name.
Who praises you from the grave?

I am worn out from my groaning.

All night long I flood my bed with weeping
and drench my couch with tears.

Numbers 11:1-2, 4-6 

Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the Lord, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. When the people cried out to Moses, he prayed to the Lord and the fire died down…

The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!”



In the readings today we see that God’s people expressed their distress in two ways: groaning and grumbling. Groaning seems to be encouraged in the Bible, but grumbling is a problem.

What's the difference between them?

Groaning is something I say to God; grumbling is something I say about God.

Groaning I do to God's face; grumbling I do behind God's back so to speak.

Grumbling is self-centered. Groaning is God-centered.

The place where Israel would groan or lament is on their knees in prayer to God, just as they did in the Exodus passage. The place where they would grumble is in their tents, in isolation, where they were free to exaggerate or make up whatever they wanted too about what they were not pleased about. But God heard them.

Did you happen to notice how the grumbling was contagious? Numbers 11:4 mentions that the rabble (crowd) started to crave other food, and their grumbling spread to the Israelites. This demonstrates how incredibly poisonous grumbling is. It’s destructive to families, to workplaces, and our communities.

Distinguishing between grumbling and groaning to express our discontent is important in order that we might redirect our hearts toward God and prevent the destruction that can come when we fall into a pattern of grumbling.

When you find yourself in difficult circumstances what are your tendencies?

Groaning?

or

Grumbling?

Reflect

We all experience times of discontent and distress where grumbling is our primary response.

In those times, how might you trade in your grumbling, and take your grievances to God in humble prayer? Reread and Use Psalm 6:3-6 as an example today.

LET US PRAY

Give ear to my words, O Lord;
consider my groaning.
Give attention to the sound of my cry,
my King and my God,
for to you do I pray.

Psalm 5:1-2

A FAST CHALLENGE

 

JUNE 20, 2023

Deuteronomy 1;21, 26-27, 34-36

“See, the Lord your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged…

But you were unwilling to go up; you rebelled against the command of the Lord your God. You grumbled in your tents and said, “The Lord hates us; so he brought us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us…

When the Lord heard what you said, he was angry and solemnly swore: “No one from this evil generation shall see the good land I swore to give your ancestors, except Caleb son of Jephunneh. He will see it, and I will give him and his descendants the land he set his feet on, because he followed the Lord wholeheartedly.”


Yesterday I suggested that it seems we’ve evolved into a culture of complaint, if you are anything like me, it can be very easy to let the world around us squeeze us into its mold. (Romans 12 JB Phillips)

Today’s passage reveals, in the story of Israel’s rescue out of Egypt, that grumbling and complaining not only have consequences, but it also reveals the heart of the complainer.

I suppose simply put, the complaining of the Israelites revealed hearts that lacked a trust in God. Let’s get to the backstory here, God had delivered them from slavery by miraculous signs and wonders, things they witnessed with their own eyes, including the parting of the Red Sea to escape the threat of the Egyptians. Despite witnessing this and the continued encouragement from Moses, they quickly and frequently fell into a place of ingratitude and lack of trust, the sad reality of our passage is that this cost them the privilege of seeing the Promised Land.

There are consequences in life, are there not? I sometimes wonder what “promised land” moments I have missed because in my heart I have lacked trust and confidence in God, and have been short on gratitude, and therefore spent far too much time complaining rather than praising.

We have much to learn. The condition of our heart influences our perception, and consistent complaining therefore reveals something about our spiritual condition.

Here’s a little assessment to measure your level of complaining. Rate on a scale of 1-10 (1 strongly disagree, 10 strongly agree) your responses to the following:


I usually share my problems with others.
I regularly express my negative feelings to others.
I focus more on the causes of problems than on their solutions.
If my life was made into a movie, I would characterize it as a drama instead of a love story, comedy, or inspirational tale.
I complain a lot.

What was your score?  

Above 25, may mean we need to spend some time praying about our tendency to complain and ask God to reveal to us the source of our dissatisfaction. 

REFLECT

Consider doing a "No Complaining Fast" for a day to help you determine how deeply seated your complaining might be.

LET US PRAY

God, I come to You, confessing that I tend to have a heart that is filled with whining and complaining instead of gratitude. Please forgive me. Help me learn to see Your hand at work in my life. I want to trust You even when I don’t understand my circumstances. Right now, I choose to praise You, Lord. AMEN


"Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness."

Colossians 2:7

 

NO COMPLAINT HERE

 

JUNE 19, 2023

Philippians 2:14-15 

“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.”


We start our devotions this week addressing something we all deal with to some extent: complaining.

Culturally, it seems we’ve evolved into a culture of complaint, and with this has come less respect for others, anger, and less courtesy. The new normal, seems to be an acceptance to give full vent to every grievance one has.

As followers of Jesus, how do we resist this? How do we carry out Paul’s exhortation to do everything without complaining, that we might stand out as bright lights in a dark world?

This week, as we look more closely into the history of God’s people and their tendency to complain, and a few of the examples that God gives us in Scripture, my prayer is that we will become more aware of our own tendency to grumble and that we will learn to submit our hearts to God in this area, so that we might stand out as “bright lights” in  our world.

REFLECT

What most causes you to complain?

In what ways do you think your complaining has prevented you from standing out as "bright Lights in a dark world"?

LET US PRAY

GOD, you know I am sometimes guilty of complaining and negativity. I ask you to help me recognize negative thoughts that lead to grumbling and complaining, and give me an awareness to look for reasons to praise. Amen.

 

 

 

LEARNING THE SECRET TO CONTENTMENT

 

JUNE 16, 2023

Philippians 4:11-13

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”


Contentment is a powerful defense in the battle against comparison in our lives. When you’re content, you can rejoice with others in the blessings they experience because you are enjoying the blessings in your own life. It seems to me that at times we resent God’s goodness in the lives of others, while ignoring God’s blessings in our own lives. A lack of contentment in life does that.

I have noticed, maybe you have too, that when you are content, comparison rarely happens. To be sure, the temptations to compare still come, but when you’re satisfied in life, you’re less likely to give in.

The apostle Paul, who wrote about contentment in his letter to the Philippians, credited his contentment to God who gave him strength from day to day. In all things, Paul had learned the secret to contentment: gratitude. Whether he had little or much, he recognized that all blessings came from God’s provision, and even when he had little, God had a purpose in that. Paul’s desire was for God to be glorified in him, and if that were to happen, Paul’s desire for his own praise and fame would have to die. So must ours.

Can I suggest that over this weekend at some point you take time to write down some of the things that God has given you that you are most thankful for.

Then, place your list where you can easily view it.

During those times when you find yourself closing your eyes to God’s blessings in your own life, and then resenting God’s goodness in the lives of others. Go to the place where your list is and read your reasons for gratitude.

May this help us to stay focused and to be able to say, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”

REFLECT

Where do you lack contentment? 

Ask God to help you become more content in these areas.

LET US PRAY

God, grant me a heart filled with gratitude and grace, that I may find contentment in Your loving care and blessings in my life. I come before You today with a heart full of gratitude. Thank You for the countless blessings that You have showered upon my life. In the midst of life’s challenges, I ask for the grace to be content with what I have and to trust in Your divine provision. Amen.

Matthew 6:33

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

 

WHAT IS THAT TO YOU?

 

JUNE 15, 2023

John 21:19-22

“Then he said to him, “Follow me! “Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”2 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”


In the story of the disciples, particularly from the perspective of John, (who also happened to be the youngest of them all) you’ll see a little “brotherly comparison” going on between Peter and John.

In John 13:23 we see John identifying himself (he wrote this Gospel after all) as the “disciple Jesus loved” and there he was reclining next to Jesus, as though in the seat of honor. On the morning of resurrection, after the women’s report, we’re told in John 20:3-4 that Peter and John raced to the tomb and John beat Peter to it. And just in case you missed this little detail, he repeats it in verse 8, and he makes sure we remember that he’s the disciple that Jesus loved.

In the next chapter, we see their competition again when, in John 21:7, they are out fishing and the resurrected Jesus is on the shore cooking fish. At first, they don’t recognize Jesus, but then, when Jesus calls to them, John (again referring to himself as the disciple Jesus loved) calls out “it is the Lord!”. Immediately, Peter jumps into the water to get to Jesus first.

All of this happens before the little scene in our reading today. Jesus is telling Peter what is ahead for him as his follower. When Peter asks, “what about him?” (referring to John) Jesus gently reminds him to forget John, and keep his eyes on Jesus alone. “Follow me”, Jesus says.

I find these to be very suitable words for us as well. To whomever, or whatever we may find ourselves comparing, Jesus says to us, “…what is that to you? Follow me.”

REFLECT

How might you take your eyes off those areas where you tend to compare, and instead set your focus on following Jesus?

What impact might this have on your life, to shift your focus on Jesus alone?

LET US PRAY

Heavenly Father, would you help me to fix my eyes on you today? Please work in me to turn my attention toward you in all things. I put my hope and my confidence in you right now. Thank you for your faithfulness to me. Amen.

 

AN IMPORTANT "LITTLE DETAIL"

 

JUNE 14, 2023

1 Samuel 18:6-8

When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres. As they danced, they sang: “Saul has slain his thousands and David his tens of thousands.” Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?”




In the story of David, Goliath, and Saul, God provided victory for the nation of Israel by empowering David, a young shepherd boy, to kill the Philistine giant Goliath. Goliath was so imposing that he left Saul and his entire army “shaking in their boots.”

We notice that David’s faith was stronger than his fear and he refused to allow the giant and the Philistine army to mock his God. David’s courage and faith enabled him, this so-called underdog, to do what seemed impossible: he slayed the giant.

What a great day for God’s people! One would think this would bring joy and celebration, after all Israel was saved! And it did. 

This outcome also brought an immediate temptation to King Saul, comparison. Now kings and rulers historically, tend to be insecure, always looking over their shoulder for the next threat to their position of power. Undoubtedly, when David killed the giant, Saul began to think to himself that it should have been him. He was the mighty king, he was ruler over Israel, and David was, in Goliath’s words, a boy who came to him with sticks.

As the people celebrated the victory and gave homage to both David and Saul, Saul chose to get hung up on one tiny detail of their songs: David was credited with slaying tens of thousands, Saul only thousands. This refrain became his obsession and would send him on a journey of jealousy, envy, hatred of David, and ultimately the pursuit to kill him. In fact, from that time on, Saul kept a jealous and watchful eye on David. Despite David’s complete faithfulness to Saul as the anointed of God, Saul’s suspicion and comparison and sin would eventually cause his destruction. And it all started with one tiny comparison, tens of thousands vs. thousands.

This story is intended to let us in on this little detail: it shows us where sin can be birthed and what it can become in our lives. I am thankful that God in his word gives us this story to teach us and caution us so that we can by leaning on the Spirit's help avoid such stumbling blocks.

REFLECT

 
Can you think of a time when one small statement or comment was implanted in your mind and sent you on a downward spiral of comparison?

 
How did you handle that situation?



LET US PRAY

Jesus,
You are with me always and see everything I do. Fashion me in Your image. Give me Your wisdom and strength to avoid sinning. Show me when and how to flee from situations where I am tempted. 

If it means making some difficult decisions, give me the courage to make them. I want to devote myself to You, and I need Your Spirit to help me. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

 

 

 

WHOSE THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR?

 

JUNE 13, 2023

Genesis 4:3-8

“In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor.

So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.”



Cain and Abel. The very first siblings we encounter in the Bible. Do you ever wonder how the first humans went from eating forbidden fruit to murdering their own brother in such a short time?

I feel that their story is meant to serve as a warning to us. God’s words to Cain are striking, “sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” This admonition holds true for all of us. “sin is crouching" at our doors, too.

When God received Abel’s offering as acceptable and Cain’s He did not, rather than examining himself as to why his offering fell short, Cain immediately compared himself to Abel. In this, he allowed a seed of resentment and bitterness to take root. His anger was not directed at God, it was not directed at himself, it was wholly directed at his brother. That is some heavy duty deflecting!

God went to Cain and gave him an opportunity to bring his sin forward, but Cain wasn’t having any of that. He allowed his own sin to give birth to jealousy, envy, and bitterness to the point that he was consumed by it. And that comparison caused the death of his own brother.

Ok, I know that the act of comparison does not result in someone’s death all the time, the Cain and Abel story are an extreme example. Yet, there is something in the details of their story that serve as a caution to us. This story in Genesis 4 is a sobering truth of the power of sin when left unchecked. Do you remember what Jesus said? "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41.

Perhaps that is why we’re told in Scripture: "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." (Hebrews 12:14-15)

Reflection

What are your own temptations?

What sin might be crouching at your door, desiring to have you?

LET US PRAY

God, Help me to live by faith and not my feelings.
Remind me that there is hope in you.
While, as Jesus said, the enemy (Satan) intends to steal, kill, and destroy; God you give limitless mercy, abounding grace, and abundant life.

Help me to turn to you, I need you daily.  Please help me with the temptations that I will face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

NO COMPARISON

 

JUNE 12, 2023

2 Corinthians 10:12

“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”

2 Corinthians 10:12 (The Message)

12 We’re not, understand, putting ourselves in a league with those who boast that they’re our superiors. We wouldn’t dare do that. But in all this comparing and grading and competing, they quite miss the point.


Comparison.

It can be somewhat of a contradiction. On one hand, comparison is necessary in our everyday lives.

We compare prices to get the best value. Wise Stewardship.

We compare how we were doing last year, to how we are doing today, to measure progress toward our goals.

These kinds of comparison and measurements are healthy and good.

But there’s another type of comparison and measurement that is not so healthy and good. And it’s not healthy and good for two reasons:

We tend to identify our worth and performance and value based on how we compare with others.

Comparing ourselves with others brings in our ego, which wants to be exalted over another person.

In summary, these comparisons result is feeling like we will be diminished if another person is enhanced, or we feel superior and puffed up when we see ourselves as better than another.

The problem in both of these is that comparison destroys love. It robs us of the ability to genuinely love another person and in some cases, even love ourself.

Join me in a quick inventory to see where the tendency to compare might exist in us.

Have you ever:

Compared yourself to another based on looks? (Physique, hair, teeth, beauty/handsomeness)

Compared your career, Education, intelligence, or athletic ability to someone else’s?

Compared your house, car, or other “toys”?

Compared your kids, your spouse, or family history, with someone elses?

Compared your faith to another’s?

Compared your social media followers? Or Post likes to others?

If you’re feeling a bit busted right now, please recognize that you’re not alone. But let us also recognize that we can be intentional about rejecting comparing ourself to others because we know it’s a miserable, contaminated, anti-Kingdom-of-God way to live. And we can choose to nurture contented living in God's Kingdom.

This week in our devotions we will look at some people in the Bible for whom comparison killed, some literally. And we will be challenged to dig out, from the source, and the trend in our own life to compare, so that we might be able to experience God’s love more freely, and indeed to truly love others more fully.

REFLECT

Who are those people that you most tend to compare yourself to? 

Ask God to help you stop comparing yourself to them. 

LET US PRAY

Heavenly Father, please forgive me for comparing myself with others rather than praising You for the way You've knit me together and gifted me. I know I'm Your workmanship — Your handiwork. Today, I let go of the measuring stick of comparison, and take hold of the way You've uniquely fashioned me for Your purposes. Amen.

BITTER or BETTER?

 

JUNE 9, 2023

Matthew 10:2-3

2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

John 13:34-35

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

In this life, there will always be something to be offended about. Don’t you find that to be the reality? Whether it’s a contentious news headline, a differing opinion, a minor traffic incident, or a yielding in a construction zone, we will have no shortage of reasons to take offense each day.

I saw a post a few weeks ago that said

Think about the last time you took offense at something. Did it make your life better? Or did it make you bitter?

Here’s the thing that the Bible teaches: A heart filled with anger won’t produce a life filled with peace.

Truth is there have always been reasons to take offense, and Jesus’ disciples were no exception.

Think about what the Gospels tells us. Jesus chose 12 disciples from wildly different backgrounds, professions, and political views, and they demonstrated love to one another. Sure, they had their disagreements, like when they argued about who would be the greatest or most important, who would sit in the places of honor in Jesus coming kingdom, but they stayed unified around their mission despite their differing opinions.

Matthew even points out the differences, when he describes Jesus calling of the disciples. He makes sure to note his own occupation as a tax collector and calls Simon “the Zealot.”

Simon, as a Zealot, would have been part of a group that desperately wanted to overthrow the Roman government. Meanwhile, Matthew worked for the government. Despite those very different positions, these men were friends. They served together. They ate together. They did life together.

We can learn from their example. We don’t have to agree on everything to be loving. And choosing to put aside our differences allows us to make a difference.

So, what grudges do you need to let go of?

What offenses do you need to lay down?

What anger can you release?

Every minute spent being angry is a minute of joy and peace we lose. So, it’s time to surrender.

LET US PRAY

God, help me see others the way You do. Reveal to me any offenses or anger I need to release and help me surrender them fully to You. I don’t want to carry offense, anger, rage, or bitterness anymore. Instead, fill me with more of Your joy, peace, and love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

KNOWN BY OUR LOVE

 

JUNE 8, 2023

John 10:10

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.


Ephesians 4:21-26


21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,

Matthew 5:43-47



43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?




My spirit has been deeply troubled over the last few years with the overwhelming collective anger we have and are experiencing in our culture. Whether we are talking about the so-called secular culture or the sacred culture of religion we notice this trend. Why are most of us so offended or angry much of the time?

I suspect part reason is that our anger is now publicly recorded. I believe I am correct when I say this, people used to get angry and then move on. That was my experience in a general way at least. Things change don’t they, now, people post on social media when they are angry, offended and frustrated and this seems to ignite more outrage.

We also have to remember, what John 10 says above that we have a real enemy whose objective is to steal, kill, and destroy. I believe left unchecked our human anger feeds right into that plan.

Now Anger itself is just an emotion, not a sin. But what we do with that anger can become a problem. Here are three ways our anger can be destructive, a problem.

It divides us.

We’ve all been there. You see a relative or a close friend, maybe a fellow believer, share something you disagree with, and you’re immediately triggered. Your blood is boiling, and your gut reaction is to retaliate, respond harshly, or unfriend them altogether. But here’s the thing: A divided world needs a unified church. We need one another. And if we shut out people we disagree with, we rob ourselves of the opportunity to learn, grow, and share God’s love.

It distracts us.

Our anger can sometimes distract us with earthly concerns instead of eternal matters. That doesn’t mean we ignore the things Jesus cares about or passively ignore injustices that hurt people. But it does mean that we can’t allow our anger to keep us from loving like Jesus.

It discredits us.

When we’re constantly angry, people won’t see the love of Jesus in us. Yes, sometimes Jesus got angry. But He was known for His love, not for His anger.  We’re called to love. So let us be careful not to discredit our testimony and witness by confirming the world’s idea that Christians are hypocritical, judgmental, or bitter. Frankly, I have seen way to much of this in the last few years.

“Let’s let go of the anger that keeps us captive. And instead, let’s be like Christ, who didn’t let His anger lead to sin. His love was powerful enough to cover both the oppressed and the oppressor. And we’re called to do the same, to right wrongs without writing people off and to seek justice while also loving mercy.” (taken from Devos Daily Devotions, June 2022)

Micah 6:8

8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

LET US PRAY

God, I don’t want my anger to divide, distract, or discredit my ability to show Your love to others. Show me any areas where my anger has become a problem, and humble me. Help me be known for my love, not my anger. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I HAVE PRAYED FOR YOU

 

JUNE 7, 2023

 

LUKE 22:31-34

31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”

34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”

Ephesians 2:4-10

4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.


Jesus was never shocked by sin, yet we often are. We tend to point fingers, cast judgment, and get angry, but Jesus simply showed up, listened well, and offered truth and grace.

As Jesus neared the end of His earthly life, He knew that Peter would deny Him three different times. Now as we read above, Peter refused to believe this, saying that he would never deny Jesus. “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” Jesus, knowing full well that betrayal was coming, gives this beautiful instruction to Peter:

“… I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:32 NLT

Jesus wasn’t surprised by Peter’s actions nor offended at the pain they’d cause Him. Instead, He called him to greatness after his repentance.

We can choose to give others that same gift. When someone hurts us or wrongs us, it’s easy to be offended and head down a trail of payback. But how much better would it be to extend grace instead?

Some time ago I read the article How Can We Let Go of Anger and Offense? The Author said, “many of us are carrying offenses like accessories, not even realizing that they’re weighing us down. So how do we let go of our anger, our offense, or our frustration in a healthy way?

Lower your expectations of others.

Raise your gratitude for God’s grace.”

We have options. We can keep holding onto offenses that keep us bitter and keep others hostage. Or we can choose to lay them down, remember grace, and find freedom.


LET US PRAY

God, thank You for giving us undeserved grace. Help me remember and appreciate Your grace so that I can freely give it to others. I lay down the offenses I’ve been carrying, and I ask for healing instead. In Jesus’ name, amen.

SHINING BRIGHTLY

 

JUNE 6, 2023

2 Timothy 3:1-4 

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.



I would say that the chances are that we are going to encounter people who display the tendencies listed in today’s passage from 2 Timothy 3. Our encouragement today is 1) to avoid being one who displays these tendencies, and 2) to deal with those who do with love.

Let us be honest the “way of Love” is not always easy.

I would think we all have noticed, especially in the last few years, that our culture is becoming increasingly lacking in respect and graciousness, and the behaviors described in our reading seem to be on the rise.

Yet, what a great opportunity as a follower of Christ to shine brightly in a context of anger, agitation, and frustration!

In order for us to be this “bright light” we must rise above the day to day temptations to allow the culture to “squeeze us into its mold.” I must admit that it takes a conscious choice to resist being offended at every turn. That struggle is real. To be those shining examples of Jesus way that we all want to be, we must, with the help of God’s spirit, remain focused on the purpose to which we have been called: “Love one another. As I have loved you so you must love one another.” (John 13:34-35)


Think about the last time you encountered someone who was ungrateful or unforgiving. 

How did you respond? 

With LOVE? or With OFFENSE? 

LET US PRAY

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
fill me with life anew,
that I may love the way you love,
and do what you would do.

HELPING or HURTING?

 

JUNE 5, 2023

James 1:19-26

19My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

26Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.



It seems like all it takes to be outraged or offended is a quick scroll on social media. We see it throughout our feeds—friends fighting on Facebook, controversial news headlines, and families not speaking because of something someone posted.

And the truth is, as media analysts will tell you, that outrage sells. Headlines that create a rift, that drive apart people or positions, get more clicks, so news outlets keep writing them. I was reading in an article recently that the benefit of what has been called Cancel culture is that it gets people talking, (maybe arguing) and the outcome is increased revenue for advertisers.

So, what is it about outrage that keeps us engaged?

People may not easily admit it, but many like being angry. I know, we may not enjoy up-close conflict, but we often like taking a stance or choosing a side.

Followers of Jesus, sometimes will label their anger as “righteous,” justifying it when they think it’s for a good cause. Now we must acknowledge that righteous anger is a biblical concept, yet it is worth asking ourselves: Is my anger actually righteous, or is it a just an excuse for me to prove I’m right?

Look at what James 1:19-20 NIV says:

… Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

Some anger is good. When something hurts one of God’s children for example, we should absolutely get angry. But that anger needs to lead to acts of love and compassion, not to pride and separation.

The Bible teaches us that godly anger prompts us to do something to help. Human anger prompts us to do something that hurts.

Let us think today about our anger, ask yourself

Is my anger most often fueled by righteousness or my desire to be right?

Is my anger helping others or hurting others?

LET US PRAY

God, thank You that through Christ, there is no condemnation. Help me fully receive Your grace and mercy so that I can extend it to others. Reveal to me any areas in my life where I am harboring unrighteous anger, and help me lay it at Your feet. Purify me of anything that isn’t pleasing to You, and help me humbly accept and live from Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.

TRUST GOD'S PURPOSE

 

JUNE 2, 2023

Matthew 1:18-24

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet. “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.



It may seem strange to be looking at Mary’s story in early June. But there is perhaps no one who was given something beyond what they could handle than Mary. Being a teenager, unmarried and pregnant in the first century was a near impossible situation. In the usual way of things, she would have been divorced by Joseph, cast out from her family, and more than likely forced into slavery or prostitution just to survive.

But God.

God gave Mary, and Joseph for that matter, far more than they could handle in their own strength. All because God had a perfect plan for the liberation (redemption) of the world that He would accomplish in part through them.

Here is what I am learning, You never know what God may have in store, when He leads you to a place that is far beyond what you can handle. But know this: He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly far more than you can ask or imagine in the midst of it, and He has purpose for you in it as well.

TRUST HIM!!