Devotions

[PippaJane]

https://proverbs31.org/read/devotions/full-post/2023/07/10/you-are-known-and-loved?utm_campaign=Daily%20Devotions&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_ofygZJ1Y3V0_uB1rhEGau_FZnXgCYqm7zWncwzt4xPk6eMlac3RYf8Il8H2JaO-w6-FauF_67ldxD4Z74OE2WouQpZg&_hsmi=263307313&utm_content=263307313&utm_source=hs_email#disqus_thread

You Are Known and Loved
July 10, 2023
by Tracie Braylock

“You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.” Psalm 139:1 (NIV)

It was during the very first course of our nursing program that we were given one of our most important exams. We were tasked with demonstrating how to do a head-to-toe assessment, an evaluation of all of the body’s systems, which would give us a picture of a patient’s health status and potential problems.  For weeks, I studied for this exam, learning the steps of the assessment, what to look for in each body system, and questions to ask the patient throughout the process.  It seemed like so much information to retain, so many steps, and so much room for error. But as exam day approached, I knew I was ready.  Still, completing this examination and gathering as much information as possible about a person’s body and its current condition can only give a glimpse into the totality of the person.  Even with all of the notes I had taken, the hours of studying, the instruments in my nursing bag, and the support of classmates and professors, my assessment was limited. Because just like the proverbial “tip of the iceberg,” what we can see and measure about a person is only a fraction of all there is to know.  I passed the exam and was grateful that I did. But what will always be more gratifying is knowing that there is One the Great Physician (Mark 2:17) who knows me, and every patient I care for, inside and out.  If you’re struggling with not feeling seen, heard or understood.  If you wish you could share your stories, your secrets or your shame.  If you’re questioning whether anyone knows all of the parts that make you who you are or if it even matters.  I want to remind you of what Psalm 139:1 says: “You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.”

Yes, my friend, God knew you before you were ever formed in your mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5), has numbered the hairs on your head (Luke 12:7), and knows your words completely before they’re on your tongue (Psalm 139:4). There is no part of who you are that is hidden from God or is a mystery to Him.  So when it seems like the doctors just can’t find the problem, or your spouse or friends don’t seem to understand you even though they’ve been right by your side, or all that you’ve been through feels like more information than even you can retain, remember your Creator sees it all. God is aware of every condition you face and each detail about who you are. You can turn to and take refuge in the One who knows your every body system, every potential problem, every thought, desire and care. He is familiar with all your ways, and you can trust that you are thoroughly known and loved by Him.

[Cocopops]

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Reframing Our Loneliness
January 12, 2024
by Meredith Houston Carr

"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." Psalm 139:7-8 (NIV)

“What do you have coming up this week?”

I tried to disguise the crack in my voice as I answered my mom's question as casually as possible, not wanting her to hear the ache of isolation I felt. “Oh, this and that. You know, busy mom life.”

A cross-country move had left me miles away from family and friends. Sure, life was busy in this new place but busy is a poor substitute for relationships and the security of being known. Those days, loneliness felt like my only friend, a BFF so devoted she would never leave my side.  Perhaps you can relate. The friendships you desire haven’t materialized (or perhaps they’ve fallen by the wayside). The partner you’d hoped to spend your life with hasn’t shown up yet (or maybe decided to walk away). Your home that used to buzz with children’s laughter and light is all quiet now (or you’ve dreamed of this home but haven’t been able to build it).  Despite all the blessings in your life, there’s no denying it your heart feels the sorrowful squeeze of seclusion.  When loneliness strikes, the Bible provides comfort. In my season of solitude, I especially found encouragement in today’s key verses from Psalms, beautifully penned by David:  “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” (Psalm 139:7-8).

In poetic form, David reminds us of the one crucial truth we can cling to for dear life when loneliness looms: We are never truly alone, no matter how void our hearts or homes feel.  God's watchful, unwavering presence wraps around us, even when others have walked away. His Spirit goes with us to the world’s farthest reaches or into the workplaces where we feel unseen. He holds us steady when grief gnaws at our souls and when the enemy whispers, You will never belong.  Like David, we can learn to reframe how we see lonely seasons not as a vacuum to fill but as an invitation into a deep and abiding fellowship with our heavenly Father. Through this lens, we can even learn to embrace lonely seasons as a unique opportunity to let Jesus fill our empty spaces. In the process, we’ll find that His presence provides an abundance no earthly relationship and no amount of numbing can match!  The next time loneliness squeezes your heart, let it be a reminder to lean into God’s unseen, unending presence.  Through prayer, tenderly turn over all your pain and tears to Him.  Then invite Jesus into your empty places, dear one and prepare to enjoy the comfort of His closeness like never before.

[heartbroken]

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There’s More to It Than You Can See
July 14, 2023
by JaNean Freeman, COMPEL Training Member

“And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.’ Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:17 (NIV)

Hanging up the phone, I did a victory dance. After I spoke to a representative from our cable provider, my family's loyalty to the company was rewarded with a discounted price that would fit into our budget, and I would no longer need to cancel.  But my excitement quickly faded when I received a confirmation email that did not match what I had been quoted. When I called back, another representative reassured me that she could see the reduced price and I didn’t have to worry. I felt relieved until I saw the bill the following month.  For a third time, I called back, now frustrated.  The agent empathized with my frustration and offered a heartfelt, “I wish you could see what I see.”

She said she could see a credit on the account that wasn’t reflected on the bill I’d received, and it would just be a matter of time before everything would line up.  Right then, I felt God speaking to me about situations in my life that had caused me worry, fear and disappointment. I felt God saying, If only you could see what I see. There’s more to it than how it looks. It’s going to work out in the end. Just trust Me.  In 2 Kings 6, we read that the prophet Elisha’s servant was afraid because of how circumstances appeared. He saw an army with horses and chariots surrounding the city to capture Elisha.  When he asked Elisha what they should do, Elisha told him: “‘Don’t be afraid.  Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.’ Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (2 Kings 6:16-17, NIV).

He discovered that there was definitely more to the situation than he could see.  What and how we see makes all the difference in the world. Wouldn’t it be nice to see with our natural eyes all the ways God is working behind the scenes? Bye-bye, fear, worry and doubt! But then again, how would we ever grow in our faith? And would we ever really learn to trust God?

What if, instead, through the eyes of faith, we are able to see a bit of what God sees?

What if the Truth of God’s Word becomes more real to us than what we are able to see with our natural eyes?

I’ve found that it is in those challenging situations, when we feel surrounded by the enemy’s army, that we are able to switch to faith-vision. And if we hold on to God through the process, we see that His plans do work out in the end. The credit finally gets processed. It actually works together for our good.  So, friend, be encouraged: There’s more to your life than you can see.

[heartbroken]

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Can I Really Talk to God About Anything?
July 28, 2023
by Shae Hill

“Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 (ESV)

Prayer is not a natural rhythm for me.  I’m embarrassed to say that as a Christian woman. But I sometimes get stuck ruminating over what to say and how to say it. I wonder if asking for what’s on my heart is even biblical.  Are there any other overthinkers out there?

In January, I determined this year would be different. I wanted to get to the root of inconsistency in my prayer life. Suddenly, I remembered a Bible verse I learned in childhood that I’d always associated with prayer: “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).

While this verse may be commonly quoted, it’s also one of the most misunderstood and misapplied verses in Scripture. It’s tempting to zoom in on “he will give you the desires of your heart” and neglect the first part: “Delight yourself in the LORD.”

There it was. I hadn’t been delighting myself in the Lord. I had overcomplicated what God really intended for my prayer life. I assumed my words needed to sound formal and grand, so things felt stiff and rigid. Praying felt more like an emergency call to a stranger than ongoing communication with a loving God. All along, He just wanted me to come to Him.  At the root of the word “communication,” we see the word “commune.” “Commune” means “to converse or talk together, usually with profound intensity and intimacy; to interchange thoughts or feelings.” This was the ingredient I was missing. Consistent communication with God begins with consistent communion with God.  Think about it like this. If you only talked to a friend when you needed a favor, wouldn’t your relationship start to feel transactional?

Over time, one of you might eventually grow distant; the relationship might get stale, and down the road, you’d just stop talking altogether.  So many of us are in this place in our prayer lives. I’ll be the first to say I’ve been there.  But what if it’s simpler than we realize?

What if connecting with the Lord more consistently in prayer begins with being more present with Him throughout our day?

While we make coffee, commute to work, heat up our lunch, go on a walk, text a friend, console a crying child, get ready for the gym, wind down from the current day, or prepare for the next, we can start seeing these moments as opportunities to pray.  We can pray through tears. We can bring our raw, unfiltered thoughts straight to Jesus. We can pray about the small concerns buried in our thoughts. We can pray about our anxieties and celebrations, our grief and our gratitude. We can bring our own needs and questions. We can cry out on behalf of others and what they’re currently navigating. We can pray out loud. We can pray in our heads. We can pray for big things, small things and everything in between. It all matters to Him because we matter to Him. Every occasion is an invitation to pray.  Friend, God wants to hear from you. You don’t have to use the “right” words or worry about how your prayers sound. Bring your whole, honest heart to Him. He already delights in you, and He’s willing to listen. Start with what feels heavy or what comes to mind first. There’s no better time to pray than right now.

[heartbroken]

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Words Never To Forget
July 31, 2023
by Katy McCown

“The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” John 17:22-23 (ESV)

Though my dad didn’t know he had only a few weeks to live, it seemed he sensed his time on earth was short. So when he talked, we listened carefully.  In a small, stale room, we gathered in a semicircle around his bed. My sister sat directly across from me while Mom leaned toward the end of the hospital bed.  Dad’s words were the only things that mattered in that moment.  Scooting forward in my chair, I assumed a more serious posture, one that communicated not just hearing but really receiving his words. He told my sister and me to take care of our mom after he was gone and to try not to be sad.  As he talked, I nodded. I wanted my dad to know he could count on me to honor his requests. In the deepest place of my heart, I made a commitment that day to do exactly what my dad asked me to do.  We prayed together and shared memories that brought both tears and laughter. Less than a month later, we stood near my dad’s body again, this time to say our final goodbyes. We would never hear his voice again on this side of heaven. All we had to hold on to were the last words he had left us with.  As I write this, it’s been more than three years since that day in the hospital room, yet I still remember it so vividly. I remember what I was wearing. I remember how I entered the room. The details of the day remain so clear, and they still bring up deep emotions because those were some of the last words I heard my dad say.  Today’s key verses in John 17 record some of Jesus’ last words, spoken in prayer to His Father.  Just as I did with my father’s last words, I think it’s important that we lean into these words of Jesus and consider what was on our Savior’s heart in the shadow of the cross.  And what we find is that Jesus’ heart was for His disciples to “be one” (John 17:11; John 17:20-23). He said to the Father, “The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one” (John 17:22).

If we read about Jesus’ earthly disciples, we will find people who were not the same as each other. Their backgrounds, careers and personalities were different. They were unique, but they could still be one in Christ, and the same is true for us today.  As Christians, we share a common goal and a common love Jesus. We may not be the same, but we can be one in Christ.  Jesus gave a reason why He prayed for us to “become perfectly one”: so that the world may know who sent Him (John 17:23). There is great purpose in becoming one in Christ, just as Jesus is one with His Father it leads others to know who Jesus is, that He was sent by God, that God loves Him, and that God loves us.  The exchange I shared with my dad that day continues to impact my life all this time later. When I remember his words, it prompts me to consider if I am doing what he asked me to do. I evaluate if I’m living in a way that would make him happy.  More than anything, I still want to make my dad proud. I want to do what he would have wanted me to do.  In the same way I cherished the last words of my earthly father, I don’t want to rush past the last words of our Savior. Let’s lean into our Savior’s words, listen closely and remember them often.  To love Jesus is to love what He loves, and Jesus loves His Church. He deeply desires for us to be united perfectly one.

[Lil angel]

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Trusting God When You’re Tired of Trying
August 1, 2023
by Ashley Morgan Jackson

“Thus says the LORD: ‘The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.’” Jeremiah 31:2-3 (ESV)

Picking up my phone off the nightstand that morning, I opened it with dread. Anxiety filled my body at what I knew I would find there other people enjoying their lives while I cried about mine. Life felt so unfair.  I tried to blink back hot tears while whispering a desperate prayer: Lord, am I going to feel like this forever?

As I poured my coffee, I made a mental list of what I felt like I could no longer handle. For starters: battling relentlessly with my mental health, not to mention juggling two kids under 5, my husband’s unforeseen job loss, the sudden passing of my father-in-law, and ongoing financial pressures just to name a few things.  There didn't seem to be any relief in sight, and it was hard not to feel frustrated, fed up, and maybe even a little forgotten by God.  My soul was exhausted, and I was tired of trying. It seemed I had prayed every prayer I knew how to pray and read every scripture I knew that pertained to my circumstances. And yet nothing seemed to change.  Maybe you know this season all too well. Maybe you’ve been hurting so deeply and for so long. Maybe you expected to handle this better, to be stronger when everything came crashing down. But it’s OK that you’re feeling weak and unsure because God wants us to let go of having to figure it all out and instead let Him do what He does best: save us.  When God commanded Moses to save His people from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites never expected their freedom journey to take so long or be so hard. But God took them through the wilderness to teach them dependence on Him and ultimately to bring them into the good land He had prepared for them.  In Jeremiah 31, we see the Lord say in reference to that time, “The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you” (Jeremiah 31:2-3).

God hears our cries for deliverance, and He has grace for us in our wilderness.  As I continued to walk through my own wilderness season with the Lord, I began to realize that all the things I thought were breaking me, He was in fact using to make me more like Jesus. I was exhausted because I believed it was all up to me. But as I chose to trust God to hold my broken heart and received His grace each day, He began to reveal the good plans He had all along.  Friend, will we dare to remember the heart of God when it is hard to understand why He is not fixing our most hurtful seasons?

Will we trust that, like the Israelites, we, too, will find grace in our wilderness?

Will we cling to the truth that God has restfulness for our worn-out souls and He will never stop loving us?

Regardless of how we feel, we can stand in the confidence that God will continue to be faithful.

[Lil angel]

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Growing the Fruit of Peace and Patience
August 2, 2023
by Brooke McGlothlin

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.” Galatians 5:22-23 (CSB)

Recently, I taught a Sunday school class on the topic of peace. At the time, there was lots of drama happening in our small community, and I personally struggled with some anxiety related to my children. I believed that a reminder about the source of our peace would serve us all well in that season.  Ironically or perhaps not God put my Sunday school teaching to the test just two days later at a junior varsity football game, of all places and my kids weren’t even playing! The score of the football game was a little more lopsided than I’d hoped for, so my mind started to drift to the upcoming baseball tournament both of my children would be playing in the next weekend.  While I love baseball and all the life lessons it has taught my children and me, I confess that it can also be a source of great stress. Over the last summer, I experienced several symptoms related to anxiety every time my children stepped up to bat, including an elevated heart rate that easily approached 140 beats per minute. This led me to keep saying what I call “panic prayers,” which only seemed to make me feel worse.  Now, any good baseball mom or any other kind of sports mom for that matter knows that she has very little control over what happens when her child is at bat or in the thick of the game. The preparation leading up to that point, both physical and mental, is what impacts that moment the most. I’ve learned to be outwardly quiet except for an initial “Let’s go!” as I yell out my sons’ jersey numbers.

But over that summer, my insides were anything but quiet. In fact, they were a roiling, boiling mess. The intensity of my prayers, while well-intentioned, didn’t match the situation at hand. I prayed for my sons to have good games with as much emotion as if I were praying for them to live after an accident. I knew it was a problem, but I had a hard time stopping my anxious reactions until God reminded me of this truth:  Peace is not a feeling; it’s a fruit.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things” (Galatians 5:22-23).

According to these scriptures, peace and all of the other eight traits that characterize the life of a believer in Jesus is something God’s Spirit plants in our hearts at our salvation, then grows into maturity as we pursue knowing Him more and more.  Don’t miss this: If you have a relationship with Jesus, you already have a seed of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control planted in your heart. Notice that patience is on the list too.  You may not feel like you have a lot of patience to offer your children, but remember that patience, like peace, is a fruit, not a feeling. There is some measure of patience already sown in your redeemed heart, and with God’s help, it can sprout into something beautiful that helps you live your life in a way that brings glory to God and makes others wonder what you have that they need.  So today, friend, let's press in. Let’s feed our fruit. And watch it grow.

[PippaJane]

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When Life Feels Like Labor Pains
August 3, 2023
by Kia Stephens

"We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies." Romans 8:22-23 (NIV)

I remember labor with both of my children.  The oldest entered the world with textbook contractions: gradually intensifying, peaking and then subsiding, with a well-deserved break in between.  That was soon forgotten 19 months later when I went into labor with my youngest child. I thought I had childbearing all figured out until my body decided to do something different.  The youngest son made his grand entrance with what is called “contraction coupling.” This happens when two or more successive contractions occur without the coveted break to separate them. Essentially, the pain intensifies, peaks and then peaks again without returning to the original baseline.  To say that I was begging for mercy is an understatement. I wanted whatever aid I could get, and I gladly accepted when the nurses injected something into my IV to take the edge off, but by that point, it was time to push.  It was exhausting to say the least! But somehow God managed to get an 8-pound child out of my worn-out body. That little baby has now morphed into a tween, but sometimes I still reflect on the contraction coupling I endured.  Here comes another one, I remember thinking. My body tensed up with anxiety. I held my breath in anticipation of the inevitable pain and gripped the hospital bed railings in an attempt to brace myself.  Sometimes I feel like this in life too. Bad news has a similar effect on me. I learn of one traumatic event a shooting, a war, a crime, a natural disaster and then my body reacts. I tense up, hold my breath, feel anxious, and attempt to brace myself for the next bad report I hear. Bad news seems to be coming more and more frequently. Before I have a chance to recover, there is another occurrence of equal or greater concern.  Just like contractions, life's challenges can be “coupled” too. I believe this is what the Apostle Paul was referring to in the book of Romans as he recounted the increasing impact of sin in our world. Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3), and we are still dealing with the consequences. Their hasty decision led to personal and collective suffering, moral decay, and a longing for the day when Christ will free humanity from the ramifications of sin.  Paul likened this longing to the pains a woman experiences in childbirth. He said, “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8:22-23).

If the events in our individual and collective lives feel like ever-increasing coupling contractions, it is no surprise. The Apostle Paul explains that creation is groaning, longing and waiting for Christ’s return. With every subsequent bad report, creation is saying, “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20c, ESV).

As we lament the tragedies of wars, shootings, political mayhem and natural disasters, we are reminded that a day is coming when all lament will end for those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ (Revelation 21:4). Until then, this world is not our home. We are living in this world but not of it. We are residents but not citizens, and we inwardly long for the day when our Savior will return and liberate us from death and decay.  Though we experience sorrow in this world as we wait, we also wait in hope, knowing Jesus will return and redeem creation once and for all. When life’s traumatic events intensify like labor pains, we can rest in the fact that our Savior’s return is imminent.

[Lost Soul]

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Finding Rest for Your Soul
August 7, 2023
by Wendy Blight

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:3-4 (NIV)

Several years ago, unceasing, all-consuming anxiety overcame me in ways that paralyzed my life. Even more frustratingly, I had no idea why my emotions felt so out of control.  I found myself continuously asking, Will I ever feel normal again?

Why can’t I shake this intense unsettledness? Do You see me, God?

Where are You, God?

All I wanted was to experience His promised peace.  Even now, remembering those days is difficult. If you’re there right now, friend, hear me say: I’m sorry. I understand. I remember.  When those anxious thoughts intrude and we give them permission to remain, they make themselves at home in our hearts and plant deep roots. That’s why God’s Word tells us to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV).

God wants us to regulate our out-of-control emotions with His Truth. When we do this, we keep the steadfast mind God speaks of in our key verses, Isaiah 26:3-4:  “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.”

I believe with all my heart that God brought you here to receive comfort, hope and practical tools to help you walk through this hard season. Here are three truths to plant yourself in today:  First, know that you’re not alone. Out-of-control emotions fueled by fear and anxiety lead us to feel alone and isolated. I’ve been there, too, and I’m praying for you now. God sees you and hears you, and His eyes are always upon you (Genesis 16:13; Psalm 139). God brought you here to meet Him in His Word and learn to pray that Word into your fear and anxiety.  Second, know that your out-of-control emotions don’t mean you’re weak or a failure. We live in a fallen world, so we will inevitably feel overwhelmed by our emotions at times. But what matters is what we do with those emotions and the thoughts they’re born from. As daughters of God, we have the power to take our thoughts captive.  Third, know that your emotions are manageable. You can manage them in many ways, relying on God’s Word and prayer and also seeking counseling and medication if needed. One counseling tool in particular helped me tremendously. My counselor told me that when my emotions rush in at full speed, I can let them wash over me like a wave rolls over me in the ocean. Don’t fight your emotions, she advised fighting only makes it worse. Instead, I can ride the wave, trusting God through it.  You and I can trust God through all our emotions both practically and spiritually:

-  Practically: Breathe, taking eight big, deep breaths. Count to five as you breathe in, and count to eight as you breathe out. Breathing allows your body to recalibrate and rest.
-  Spiritually: Find a Bible verse to declare over your heart and mind as you ride that wave of emotion. I desperately needed to take my anxiety captive with peace. So I chose today’s key verses, Isaiah 26:3-4. I turned those verses into the prayer I prayed through my out-of-control emotions:

Thank You, God, that You will keep me in Your perfect peace because I’m trusting in You and keeping my eyes fixed on You. I will trust You forever, Lord. You are my Rock eternal. In You, I will not be shaken. Amen.  Friend, I pray the Lord met you here today, calmed your heart, and brought a little bit more rest to your soul.

[Cocopops]

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Faithful in the Everyday
August 8, 2023
by Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright

“... 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!'” Matthew 25:21 (NIV)

My (Rachel-Ruth’s) grandmother hung over her kitchen sink a sign that said Divine Service Will Be Conducted Here Three Times Daily. It was a continual reminder that even mundane, everyday chores should be done as unto the Lord.  The Bible confirms that one day, cooking, traveling, transportation and other day-to-day activities will have inscribed on them “HOLY TO THE LORD” (Zechariah 14:20-21, NIV).

When I’m in the middle of cooking another dinner or driving to one more practice or answering a never-ending stream of emails, I need to take a deep breath and remember that everything I do should be done as unto God. For His glory.  Much of the Christian’s walk consists of being faithful in the everyday. As we wait for Jesus’ return, we must continue to faithfully live out our lives for Jesus in all things, including life’s not-so-glamorous tasks. In fact, we can have an incredible encounter with God in the middle of those menial tasks. We see this throughout Scripture:

*  Moses encountered God when he was on the far side of the desert, tending his father-in-law’s sheep. God spoke to Moses through a burning bush and called him to return to Egypt, where God would use him to set the Israelites free from slavery (Exodus 3).
*  The woman at the well encountered Jesus while filling her jar with water. Jesus, the Living Water, completely changed her life in one conversation (John 4)!
*  Mary and Martha opened their home, served others a meal, and had a front-row seat to Jesus’ ministry (Luke 10:38-42).

Each of these people was faithfully carrying out their day-to-day tasks when they encountered God in a personal, life-changing way.  Could that be you?

Are you, like them, faithfully working day in and day out?

Whether you’re a janitor scrubbing toilets, a mom in the carpool line, a dad helping his son with homework, an administrative assistant in an urban high-rise, a caregiver for a sick relative, a CEO in a morning meeting, a college student, or a cashier whatever work the Lord has you doing are you faithful?

God sees you go the extra mile to help someone at the office. He sees you work hard when others around you are cutting corners and leaving early. He sees you stay up late to do the dishes, start a load of laundry, and pack your kids’ lunches. He sees you wake up early to pray and study the Bible before you leave for a busy day at work. God sees you and your faithfulness, even when you think no one sees or cares!  When Jesus returns, wouldn’t it be wonderful to hear Him exclaim, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21)?

What task has God assigned to you that you feel isn’t very significant?

Whatever it is, God is watching. Open your eyes and heart to a fresh encounter with Him every day.

[heartbroken]

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Courage To Obey the Call
August 9, 2023
by Aleena from Pakistan

“Still another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.’ Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.’” Luke 9:61-62 (NIV)

Editor’s note: Preaching the gospel in Pakistan is a dangerous calling. The country is a fortress for Islam, and Christians comprise less than 2% of the population. The country’s stringent blasphemy laws make it extremely risky to share the gospel. Despite the danger, Aleena, our sister in Christ, obeyed the call to preach the gospel and was kidnapped by extremists. Her story is one of courage and surrender to Jesus. Let it inspire you today.

You may call me Aleena, though that’s not my real name. I live in Pakistan, and for the most part, my country is very hospitable. But for Pakistani Christians, it’s not always that simple. Christians are seen as unclean by the majority of people.  This is why I must disguise everything my face, even my name because if anyone found out who I really was and what I do, I might be killed.  I grew up in a Christian home, which isn’t very common in my country, but I kept my faith to myself. I heard horrible rumors of what could happen to a believer if they told someone about Jesus.  So, early in my life, when God began to call me into ministry, I totally resisted.  But God can soften even the hardest heart. Over time, He made my heart more tender and open to His call. When I finally decided to give up my life and serve Him, I did so with total abandon. There would be no turning back, as the Scripture says in Luke 9:61-62:  “Still another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.’ Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.’”

Then one July 10, in the hot season of Pakistan, my commitment was put to the test.  A group of us, one other woman and five men, traveled to an unreached community in the northern part of the country. We preached the gospel to those who had never heard the name of Jesus!  But our taxi driver overheard us speaking about Jesus and quickly told the village authorities. Soon, our car was surrounded by an angry mob who wanted to burn us. We were trapped.  Men in army uniforms dispersed the crowd. We thought just maybe they were there to save us. But when the crowd finally left, the men abducted us and, for the next 48 hours, routed us from city to city.  Taking us to an abandoned home, they locked us in a hot, windowless basement. Over the next two months, we were physically and mentally tortured for spreading the gospel. They continually asked us to deny Jesus and accept Islam. When we refused, they were violent.  After two months, the guards released me but they kept my phone, laptop and ID numbers, which means I’m still at risk of capture.  My traumatic experience led me into a deep depression. It took a long time to recover my courage, but Jesus slowly began to restore and mend my heart.  Now, nothing can stop me from the mission He’s called me to. Because of His mercy, I’m sharing the love of Christ again this time much more carefully, doing everything with the utmost secrecy. I travel quietly and meet with women some of whom are wives of the Taliban.  Because I have promised to serve God, I will never give up. If one day I die spreading the gospel, I consider it an honor to die for the name of Jesus.

[Lil angel]

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Holding On to Truth in Trying Times
August 16, 2023
by Jasmine Williams

“Only let us hold true to what we have attained.” Philippians 3:16 (ESV)

I’ve always had a soft spot for sleeping in on the weekends. The thing is: The longer I sleep, the harder it is to fit in all the things that are important to me. I know getting up earlier on Saturday mornings would give me more time to tackle the many ideas and projects that swirl around in my mind. Still, right at those moments when the alarm beeps, all logic goes flying out the window!  Yes, I know hopping out of bed without hitting the snooze button over and over would help me to accomplish more in the day. But that truth gets lost somewhere in the corners of my mind when my bed is feeling extra warm and cozy after a full week.  It’s a lot like everyday life, you know?

There’s always such a thin line between knowing the truth and holding on to it when we need it most. Sleeping in is one tiny example, but we all have those tough times when it’s just difficult to live by the truth we know.  When Paul said to the Philippians, “Only let us hold true to what we have attained” (Philippians 3:16), he knew there would be times when clinging to God's Truth would be the only way for them to keep living out their faith.

When life’s circumstances don’t seem to line up with the joy we find in Christ, it can be easy to forget how good God is. Those challenging moments can awaken a fight-or-flight response in us that makes us feel alone and unseen, as if we have nothing to rely on but ourselves. All the truths of God, even if we believe them to be accurate, somehow seem so far away.  Like the Philippians, we, too, need reminding to hold on to what we know to be true about God: He is good (Psalm 31:19). He is faithful and trustworthy (Psalm 57:10). He loves us beyond measure (John 3:16).  God knows that when you’re battling sickness, it takes faith to declare He is a healer. When you have loved ones fighting addiction, it takes perseverance to believe He sets captives free. Still, God uses His Word to remind us to hold on to Truth even when it's hard.  The view from our circumstances doesn’t determine His greatness, but His greatness can empower how we view our circumstances. From his own experience as a persecuted follower of Jesus, Paul knew the Philippians would face hard times that would test their faith, and that's why he told them to cling to Christ.  So today, friend, I want to encourage you to live out God’s Truth even when everything around you seems to declare the opposite. It may sound like a daunting assignment, but God is with you. He is a healer, a deliverer, and all else that you need Him to be.  When we can’t see a way out and we feel powerless, God’s Truth tells us we are more than conquerors in Him (Romans 8:37). We have an overwhelming victory in Christ, and nothing that happens on this side of eternity can stop God's plans for us as we hold on to His Truth.

[Lil angel]

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Three Reminders When Our Week Overwhelms Us
August 17, 2023
by Grace Valentine

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)

Last week I found myself juggling a busy work schedule, feeling overwhelmed about some friendships, battling loneliness, and trying to prepare for an upcoming car bill that would drain my bank account. I couldn't sleep from tossing and turning, staring at the ceiling fan, thinking of all I had to do.  Some weeks are just exhausting.  I’m sure you’ve felt this way too. Maybe you’re having a week right now where you can’t stop worrying or feeling behind and overwhelmed.  It’s our human reaction to jump to conclusions and find ourselves stressed when our to-do list is long, when school or our job wears us out, and when we feel lonely.  My worry was causing me to think of the worst-case scenario, and it was stealing my time. While I was obsessing over everything I thought I had to do, I forgot what Jesus has done and the peace that’s available to me if I seek His presence. If you’re finding yourself overwhelmed today, here are three things to remember:

1.  Our future selves likely won’t remember that one harsh email or difficult test. Our future selves probably won’t remember the conflict with a co-worker or the moment we felt left out by a friend. But our future selves will be proud we woke up each day expectant of God’s goodness.  Instead of expecting the worst, stay expectant that God will fulfill His promises to you. Sometimes you’ll see His goodness in a promotion at work or a B in a class where you thought you’d get a C. But sometimes you’ll see His goodness in sunshine on a walk, a phone call with an old friend, or even a late-night ice cream run. Don’t forget that the little things are just as important as the big things because they are from your big God.

2.  Chances are you’re overwhelmed because life isn’t going as expected. You made your plans, but life wrecked those plans, and you’re reminded that you aren’t in control. Life isn’t always what you plan it to be, and you might be walking through something very hard but right now, in some area of your life, you’re also in the middle of a blessing. Despite your hard circumstances, you can have the courage to look for the blessing you’re standing in. No matter what else happens, if you've placed your faith in Jesus, every day you are lovingly “being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV).

3.  Second Timothy 1:7 says, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” In our overwhelming weeks when we need strength, let’s ask God for His power. We can’t have true empowerment if we don’t know who actually holds the power. May we pray for the Spirit of God to lead us. God’s Spirit won’t make our problems and weekly duties just go away with a "bibbidi-bobbidi-boo" like a fairy godmother.  We may still have a crazy, stressful week. But with the Spirit of God, we get the power we need to:

• Have self-discipline to work hard in His name.

• Follow through with our God-given responsibilities.

• Love the people God has placed in our lives.

• See the love God has for us that reminds us we’re valued by Him.

This week may be a lot, but our God has a lot of love for us and can help both you and me walk with confidence. Let’s not worry about tomorrow. Instead, may we find God in our tomorrows.

[PippaJane]

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God Isn’t Asking Us To Hold It All Together
August 31, 2023
by Dr. Joel Muddamalle

“He did this so that they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” Acts 17:27 (CSB)

If there is one thing that makes me uncomfortable, it’s uncertainty.  When faced with uncertain situations, I tighten my grip on anything I can, just trying to hold all the pieces together. If I can keep things under control, maybe I can keep things from falling apart.  The problem is: The more I realize all that is outside my control, the more panicked I become.  As a Christian, I want to trust God wholeheartedly. I want to surrender into His capable hands my desperate desire for control. But if I’m honest, the minute things feel uncertain, I’m more propelled to feel scared than I am to remember God’s sovereignty.  Can you relate?

In processing this, I found myself in Acts 17. Here, we find Paul speaking to the people of Athens at the Areopagus. The Areopagus was a place filled with uncertainty. People would gather and talk for hours, trying to understand and solve the issues of humanity like religion, politics, family, etc. In this context of unknowns and a fair amount of anxiety, Paul said these assuring and comforting words:  “The God who made the world and everything in it he is Lord of heaven and earth does not live in shrines made by hands. Neither is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives everyone life and breath and all things. From one man he has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live. He did this so that they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find him, though he is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:24-27, CSB).

This passage highlights hope-filled truths about God:  He is Lord of heaven and earth. In other words, He is the King of all things.  “Sovereignty” is simply defined as God’s authority, rule, reign and control over everything. Even when we are shaken by what we face, God never is. God’s sovereignty is meant to bring us peace, not make us feel more out of control.  God is the source of life. The source of life needs nothing because He sustains all He creates.  God has determined the “appointed times and the boundaries” of our existence (Acts 17:26, CSB). We could have been born at any time in human history and in any geographic area. Yet the times and the boundaries of our existence are divinely placed and purposed by the hands of God Himself. This can bring us peace when we endure both good and hard times.  Friend, if you’re paralyzed with fear around the uncertain situations in your life today, here’s what I want you to know: We can respond to the uncertainty of life with certainty in God’s plan and purpose for us.  Paul says the purpose of life is that we might reach out, find God, and come to realize He was never far from us (Acts 17:27). Though our uncertainty may make us feel like we’re in darkness, God is the light that is with us and guides us.  What we’re facing may be making us uncomfortable, but the God of all comfort is right here with us (2 Corinthians 1:3). As believers, we can count on the certainty of God’s nearness. Theologian Charles Spurgeon says it this way: “God is near, and therefore hope is near.”

Are you battling sickness?

God is near. Hope is near.  Are you riddled with fear and anxiety?

God is near. Hope is near.  Are you in a tough parenting season?

God is near. Hope is near.  Are you waiting for a prayer to be answered?

God is near. Hope is near.  Even in uncertainty, we can keep moving forward with steps of faith, trusting that every detail of our lives is held in the firm and faithful hands of our heavenly Father.

[Lost Soul]

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An Invitation To Settle Your Unsettled Soul
September 5, 2023
by Wendy Blight

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 (NIV)

Do you find yourself in a season of unsettledness?

Like someone or something has hijacked your peace?

I found myself there several years ago, in ways that complicated my life beyond what I could have imagined.  I think Jesus, in His humanity, may have often experienced a troubled and sorrowful soul as He walked the earth. We see that demanding crowds surrounded Jesus (John 7:12; Luke 8:42b), and He experienced grief at the loss of friends (Matthew 14:12-13; John 11:35-36). But most profoundly, Jesus expressed sorrow over the gravity of His assignment and what lay ahead for Him and His disciples, whom He loved dearly.  When I see Jesus feeling His feelings, I want to learn from Him watch what He does pay attention to what He says.  Matthew 26:36-46 tells us Jesus took three of His disciples into the garden of Gethsemane with Him, asking them to pray for Him. Jesus then went deeper into the garden alone to pray and receive strength, processing His emotions as He surrendered His will to His Father’s.  This image gives us a beautiful picture of what it means to take a sacred pause with God. To slip away alone to a quiet place and wrestle through those times when our souls feel overwhelmed with our circumstances and the things we struggle to understand.  This is where the holy habit of solitude comes in. Solitude requires temporarily removing ourselves from people to be present with God. I call it my “be still” time with God. One of my most treasured ways to spend my “be still” time is reading God’s Word.  God opens the book of Psalms with a wonderful blessing for those who choose to be still with Him in His Word. Psalm 1:1-2 says, “Blessed is the one whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night” (NIV).

The word “meditate” brings to mind the image of sitting quietly, pondering and reflecting upon a spiritual truth we're studying. That is the meaning of the English word. However, in Hebrew, this word is hagah. It means “to moan, utter.” It’s often translated “to ruminate, eat or chew on.” This Hebrew connotation creates a much more active and powerful image of meditation.  Friend, today I’m inviting you into “be still” time with God. A sacred pause where you meet Him in His Word to hagah a verse or passage of Scripture. For example, I chose Romans 15:4, our key verse for today:  “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”

This verse reminds me that the very Word I’m spending time in was sent by God to settle my unsettled soul. Even if my unsettledness continues, His Word will sustain me, equip me to be steadfast, and encourage me that He is with me in the stillness.  Because in the stillness, our Father draws near. He sits in the pages of Scripture, waiting to speak to us, minister to us and bless us.