A Simple Request
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Posted:Jan 11, 2024 6:10 am
Last Updated:Apr 19, 2024 12:36 pm 2884 Views
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Today's Devotional
Read: John 21:17–24
Bible in a Year: Genesis 27–28; Matthew 8:18–34
If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me. John 21:22
“Please clean the front room before you go to bed,” I said to one of my daughters. Instantly came the reply, “Why doesn’t she have to do it?”
Such mild resistance was frequent in our home when our girls were young. My response was always the same: “Don’t worry about your sisters; I asked you.”
In John 21, we see this human tendency illustrated among the disciples. Jesus had just restored Peter after he’d denied Him three times (see John 18:15–18, 25–27). Now Jesus said to Peter, “Follow me!” (21:19)—a simple but painful command. Jesus explained that Peter would follow Him to the death (vv. 18–19).
Peter barely had time to comprehend Jesus’ words before he asked about the disciple behind them: “What about him?” (v. 21). Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” Then He said, “You must follow me” (v. 22).
How often we’re like Peter! We wonder about the faith journeys of others and not what God is doing with us. Late in his life, when the death Jesus foretold in John 21 was much closer, Peter elaborated on Christ’s simple command: “As obedient , do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:14–15). That’s enough to keep each of us focused on Jesus and not on those around us.
How are you tempted to compare your faith walk with others? How will you keep your focus on Jesus today?
Heavenly Father, please continue to conform me into the image of Your .
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A call To Prayer
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Posted:Jan 10, 2024 4:32 am
Last Updated:Apr 19, 2024 12:36 pm 3123 Views
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Today's Devotional
Read: Nehemiah 1:4–11
Bible in a Year: Genesis 25–26; Matthew 8:1–17
I sat down and wept. . . . I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:4
Abraham Lincoln confided to a friend, “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go.” In the horrific years of the American Civil War, President Lincoln not only spent time in fervent prayer but also called the country to join him. In 1861, he proclaimed a “day of humiliation, prayer and fasting.” And he did so again in 1863, stating, “It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God: to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon.”
After the Israelites had been captives in Babylon for seventy years, King Cyrus decreed that any Israelite who wanted to return to Jerusalem could return. When Nehemiah, an Israelite (Nehemiah 1:6) and cupbearer to the king of Babylon (v. 11), learned that those who had returned were “in great trouble and disgrace” (v. 3), he “sat down and wept” and spent days mourning, fasting and praying (v. 4). He wrestled in prayer for his nation (vv. 5–11). And later, he too called his people to fast and pray (9:1–37).
Centuries later, in the days of the Roman Empire, the apostle Paul similarly urged his readers to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1–2). Our God still hears our prayers about matters that affect the lives of others.
Why do you think God calls His people to pray for everyone? Who beyond your own circle can you pray for?
Dear Father, we’re in trouble. Please help and heal us.
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Love Beyond Counting
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Posted:Jan 9, 2024 7:43 am
Last Updated:Apr 19, 2024 12:36 pm 5055 Views
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Today's Devotional
Read: Jeremiah 31:1–6
Bible in a Year: Genesis 23–24; Matthew 7
I have loved you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3
“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” Those words from Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnets from the Portuguese are among the best-known poetry in the English language. She wrote them to Robert Browning before they were married, and he was so moved that he encouraged her to publish her entire collection of poems. But because the language of the sonnets was very tender, out of a desire for personal privacy Barrett published them as if they were translations from a Portuguese writer.
Sometimes we can feel awkward when we openly express affection for others. But the Bible, by contrast, doesn’t hold back on its presentation of God’s love. Jeremiah recounted God’s affection for His people with these tender words: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness” (Jeremiah 31:3). Even though His people had turned from Him, God promised to restore them and personally draw them near. “I will come to give rest to Israel,” He told them (v. 2).
Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s restorative love, giving peace and rest to any who turn to Him. From the manger to the cross to the empty tomb, He’s the personification of God’s desire to call a wayward world to Himself. Read the Bible cover to cover and you’ll “count the ways” of God’s love over and over; but eternal as they are, you’ll never come to their end.
What are some of the ways God has loved you? How can you return His love today?
Thank You for loving me so fully and personally, Jesus! Help me to love You with my life today.
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Willing Savior
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Posted:Jan 8, 2024 2:10 am
Last Updated:Apr 19, 2024 12:36 pm 20505 Views
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Today's Devotional
Read: Romans 5:6–8
Bible in a Year: Genesis 20–22; Matthew 6:19–34
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
While driving late at night, Nicholas saw a house on fire. He parked in the driveway, rushed into the burning home, and led four to safety. When the teenage babysitter realized one of the siblings was still inside, she told Nicholas. Without hesitation, he reentered the inferno. Trapped on the second floor with the six-year-old girl, Nicholas broke a window. He jumped to safety with the in his arms, just as emergency teams arrived at the scene. Choosing concern for others over himself, he rescued all the .
Nicholas demonstrated heroism by his willingness to sacrifice his safety for the sake of others. This powerful act of love reflects the kind of sacrificial love shown by another willing rescuer who gave His life to deliver us from sin and death—Jesus. “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6). The apostle Paul emphasized that Jesus—fully God in the flesh and fully man—chose to lay His life down and pay the price for our sins, a price we could never pay on our own. “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (v. 8.
As we thank and trust Jesus, our willing Savior, He can empower us to love others sacrificially with our words and actions.
How do you feel when you consider the price Jesus willingly paid because He loves you? How can you put the needs of others before yourself this week?
Dear Jesus, help me trust in Your provision as I place others first today.
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Ripe for God’s Restoration
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Posted:Jan 7, 2024 6:47 am
Last Updated:Apr 19, 2024 12:36 pm 21330 Views
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Today's Devotional
Read: Psalm 80:1, 7–14, 19
Bible in a Year: Genesis 18–19; Matthew 6:1–18
Restore us, God Almighty; . . . that we may be saved. Psalm 80.7
The pictures coming from a friend’s text stream were stunning! Photos of a surprise gift for his wife revealed a restored 1965 Ford Mustang: brilliant, dark blue exterior; sparkling chrome rims; reupholstered black interior; and a motor to match the other upgrades. There were also “before” pictures of the same vehicle—a dull, worn, unimpressive yellow version. While it may be difficult to envision, it’s likely that when the vehicle rolled off the assembly line, it was also an eye-catcher. But time, wear and tear, and other factors had made it ripe for restoration.
Ripe for restoration! Such was the condition of God’s people in Psalm 80 and thus the repeated prayer: “Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved” (v. 3; see vv. 7, 19). Though their history had included rescue from Egypt and being planted in a land of plenty (vv. 8–11), the good times had come and gone. Because of rebellion, they were experiencing the hand of God’s judgment
(vv. 12–13). Thus, their plea: “Return to us, God Almighty! Look down from heaven and see!” (v. 14).
Do you ever feel dull, distant, or disconnected from God? Is joyful soul-satisfaction missing? Is it because alignment with Jesus and His purposes is missing? God hears our prayers for restoration (v. 1). What’s keeping you from asking?
When have you experienced the restorative, reviving work of God? What areas of your life need restoration now?
Father, I long for Your restoration. Help me to see my need for it and to receive it.
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The Meaning of Myrrh
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Posted:Jan 6, 2024 6:31 am
Last Updated:Apr 19, 2024 12:36 pm 21730 Views
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The Meaning of Myrrh
Today's Devotional
Read: Matthew 2:9–13
Bible in a Year: Genesis 16–17; Matthew 5:27–48
Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11
Today is Epiphany, the day which commemorates the event described by the carol “We Three Kings of Orient Are” when gentile wisemen visited the Jesus. Yet they weren’t kings, they weren’t from the Far East (as Orient formerly meant), and it’s unlikely there were three of them.
There were, however, three gifts, and the carol considers each. When the magi arrived in Bethlehem, “They opened their treasures and presented [Jesus] with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11). The gifts symbolize Jesus’ mission. Gold represents His role as King. Frankincense, mixed with the incense burned in the sanctuary, speaks of His deity. Myrrh, used to embalm dead bodies, gives us pause.
The fourth verse of the carol says, “Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume / breathes a life of gathering gloom; / sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, / sealed in the stone-cold tomb.” We wouldn’t write such a scene into the story, but God did. Jesus’ death is central to our salvation. Herod even attempted to kill Jesus while He was yet a (v. 13).
The carol’s last verse weaves the three themes together: “Glorious now behold him arise; / King and God and sacrifice.” This completes the story of Christmas, inspiring our response: “Alleluia, Alleluia, / sounds through the earth and skies.”
How do you feel when you ponder the truth that Jesus was born to die for you? How does His resurrection inspire you?
Heavenly Father, may Your Spirit help me live my life in gratitude for Your giving His life for me.
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God at the Crossroads
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Posted:Jan 5, 2024 5:19 am
Last Updated:Apr 19, 2024 12:36 pm 21862 Views
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Today's Devotional
Read: Deuteronomy 30:15–20
Bible in a Year: Genesis 13–15; Matthew 5:1–26
Stand at the crossroads and look; . . . ask where the good way is, and walk in it. Jeremiah 6:16
After days of illness and then spiking a high temperature, it was clear my husband needed emergency care. The hospital admitted him immediately. One day folded into the next. He improved, but not enough to be released. I faced the difficult choice to stay with my husband or fulfill an important work trip where many people and projects were involved. My husband assured me he’d be fine. But my heart was torn between him and my work.
God’s people needed His help at the crossroads of life’s decisions. Far too often, they hadn’t adhered to His revealed instructions. So Moses implored the people to “choose life” by following His commands (Deuteronomy 30:19). Later, the prophet Jeremiah offered words of direction to God’s wayward people, wooing them to follow His ways: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it” (Jeremiah 6:16). The ancient paths of Scripture and God’s past provision can direct us.
I imagined myself at a physical crossroads and applied Jeremiah’s template of wisdom. My husband needed me. So did my work. Just then, my supervisor called and encouraged me to remain home. I drew a breath and thanked God for His provision at the crossroads. God’s direction doesn’t always come so clearly, but it does come. When we stand at the crossroads, let’s make sure to look for Him.
Where do you need direction today? How might God be revealing Himself to you?
Dear God, when I’m uncertain, help me to stand at the crossroads and look for Your provision.
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Quiet Faithfulness in Christ
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Posted:Jan 4, 2024 2:49 am
Last Updated:Apr 19, 2024 12:36 pm 21813 Views
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Today's Devotional
Read: 1 Thessalonians 4:1–2, 9–12
Bible in a Year: Genesis 10–12; Matthew 4
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands. 1 Thessalonians 4:11
I didn’t notice him at first.
I’d come down for breakfast at my hotel. Everything in the dining room was clean. The buffet table was filled. The refrigerator was stocked, the utensil container packed tight. Everything was perfect.
Then I saw him. An unassuming man refilled this, wiped that. He didn’t draw attention to himself. But the longer I sat, the more I was amazed. The man was working very fast, noticing everything, and refilling everything before anyone might need something. As a food service veteran, I noticed his constant attention to detail. Everything was perfect because this man was working faithfully—even if few noticed.
Watching this man work so meticulously, I recalled Paul’s words to the Thessalonians: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands . . . so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders” (1 Thessalonians 4:11–12). Paul understood how a faithful worker might win others’ respect—offering a quiet testimony to how the gospel can infuse even seemingly small acts of service for others with dignity and purpose.
I don’t know if the man I saw that day was a believer in Jesus. But I’m grateful his quiet diligence reminded me to rely on God to live out a quiet faithfulness that reflects His faithful ways.
How should your faith affect the way you work? In what ways is being a faithful worker a powerful testimony?
Father, please help me to remember that there are no small jobs in Your kingdom and to faithfully serve You each day.
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Spotting Hope
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Posted:Jan 3, 2024 4:37 am
Last Updated:Apr 19, 2024 12:36 pm 21909 Views
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Today's Devotional
Read: Psalm 33:6–9, 12–22
Bible in a Year: Genesis 7–9; Matthew 3
May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.
Psalm 33:22
Oceanographer Sylvia Earle has seen the deterioration of coral reefs firsthand. She founded Mission Blue, an organization devoted to the development of global “hope spots.” These special places around the world are “critical to the health of the ocean,” which impacts our lives on earth. Through the intentional care for these areas, scientists have seen the relationships of underwater communities restored and lives of endangered species preserved.
In Psalm 33, the psalmist acknowledges that God spoke everything into existence and ensured that all He made would stand firm (vv. 6–9). As God reigns over generations and nations (vv. 11–19), He alone restores relationships, saves lives, and revitalizes hope. However, God invites us to join Him in caring for the world and the people He created.
Each time we praise God for the whisper of a rainbow splashed across a clouded, gray sky or the glistening waves of the ocean crashing against a rocky shore, we can proclaim His “unfailing love” and presence as we “put our hope” in Him (v. 22).
When we’re tempted toward discouragement or fear as we consider the current state of the world, we may begin to believe we can’t make a difference. When we do our part as members of God’s care team, however, we can honor Him as the Creator and help others spot hope as they place their trust in Jesus.
How has God used nature to affirm your hope in Him? How can you serve as part of His care team?
Loving Creator and Sustainer, help me be a hope-spotter who faithfully serves on Your care team.
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The Also Rises
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Posted:Jan 2, 2024 5:03 am
Last Updated:Apr 19, 2024 12:36 pm 22023 Views
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Today's Devotional
Read: Ecclesiastes 1:1–11
Bible in a Year: Genesis 4–6; Matthew 2
The sun also rises, and the sun goes down. Ecclesiastes 1:5
Ernest Hemingway’s first full-length novel features hard-drinking friends who’ve recently endured World War I. They bear the literal and figurative scars of the war’s devastation and try to cope with it via parties, grand adventures, and sleeping around. Always, there is alcohol to numb the pain. No one is happy.
Hemingway’s title for his book The Sun Also Rises comes straight from the pages of Ecclesiastes (1:5). In Ecclesiastes, King Solomon refers to himself as “the Teacher” (v. 1). He observes, “Everything is meaningless” (v. 2) and asks, “What do people gain from all their labors?” (v. 3). Solomon saw how the sun rises and sets, the wind blows to and fro, the rivers flow endlessly into a never satisfied sea (vv. 5–7). Ultimately, all is forgotten (v. 11).
Both Hemingway and Ecclesiastes confront us with the stark futility of living for this life only. Solomon, however, weaves bright hints of the divine into his book. There is permanence—and real hope. Ecclesiastes shows us as we truly are, but it also shows God as He is. “Everything God does will endure forever,” said Solomon (3:14), and therein lies our great hope. For God has given us the gift of us His , Jesus.
Apart from God, we’re adrift in an endless, never satisfied sea. Through His risen , Jesus, we’re reconciled to Him, and we discover our meaning, value, and purpose.
What occupies your time and what meaning does it hold? How might you change your priorities to follow Jesus?
Loving Father, help me find my fulfillment in You.
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