Twenty-one days of daily Bible-based devotional thoughts published in Come Ye Apart
Be blessed by thoughts drawn from 2 Chronicles, Job, Isaiah, Jonah, Mark, Romans, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, and Hebrews.
Topics include sin, prayer, service, human inadequacies, Satan's limits, and God's energizing
power.
For your daily devotions
These daily devotional blog posts appeared in the Come Ye Apart devotional quarterly (now titled Reflecting God).
Week 1
Monday
"God has the power to help or to overthrow." (2 Chronicles 25:8, NIV)
God's unlimited resources
King Amaziah was desperate. As he prepared for war
against the Edomites, he began to fear that his Judean army would not be strong enough. So he
hired 100,000 Israelites to fight alongside his soldiers. After he had given these mercenaries
some money, a prophet arrived to caution the king that he had sought help in the wrong place.
The king was told that he should depend on the Lord God instead of on apostate mercenaries.
Amaziah did not always listen to men of God. But this time, he did. And the victory was his.
Sadly, God's people still repeat Amaziah's mistakes. Facing mountainous personal, family,
and even church problems, we sometimes decide that our resources are too limited. So we
succumb to the temptation to look for help in the wrong places. It's good to remember the
prophet's words to Amaziah: God's resources are unlimited. Count on Him.
My Haitian friends are fond of saying: "Bondye kapab."
Translated, this means: "God is able." And indeed He is. Let's trust Him. [ e-book on Haiti ]
Reflection questions
How does the story of King Amaziah's reliance on mercenaries instead of God's help relate
to our tendency to seek assistance from worldly sources in times of personal, family, or church challenges?
What are some "wrong places" that people tend to look for help when facing problems?
What can we do to develop a greater trust in God's ability to help us face challenging situations?
Four Takeaways from 2 Chronicles 25:8
Chronicldes 25:8 points out the importance of relying on God rather than human strength or military might. It suggests that
victory and success come from God rather than from human effort.
The verse speaks of God's
ultimate control over outcomes. In acknowledging that God has the power to grant victory or to cause defeat, we are reminded of God's sovereignty and authority over all situations.
The context of 2 Chronicles 25:8 involves King Amaziah hiring mercenaries from Israel. That was against God's will. The prophet warns Amaziah that going into battle with these hired troops will lead to failure. It is a clear illustration that disobeying God can lead to negative consequences.
While 2 Chronicles 25:8 warns against disobedience, the verse also contains encouragement. By stating "God has the power to help," it reassures that trusting and obeying God brings His support and aid.
In Romans 9, Paul recounts God's dealings with His chosen people, Israel. Then, as
he finishes talking about God's workings in history, Paul bursts forth into spontaneous adoration
with the beautiful words of Romans 11:33-36.
I've seen the same kind of awe on the faces of Nazarene Missions Team members
[ mission trip resources ]. As they've
given praise in dedication services for buildings they've built with their own hands, they've
suddenly caught a glimpse of the way God has been at work in their lives and in the lives of the
people whose church building they came to help construct. What may have seemed a series of
disconnected events suddenly revealed a designer at work as people saw the wise hand of God at
work. Caught up in praise and adoration, they've turned their faces to heaven with tears streaming
down their faces.
I've seen it happen at Nazarene General Assemblies. People gathered from all over the world
suddenly become conscious of God's wise workings in beautiful ways through their
denomination, the Church of the
Nazarene. Overcome with adoration, they've begun to praise God and raise their
arms.
We used to sing a chorus with the words "Isn't He wonderful wonderful wonderful? Isn't
Jesus my Lord wonderful?" He really is. Praise His name.
Reflection Questions
How does being aware of God's inexhaustible resources, wisdom, and knowledge affect our perception of events?
In what ways can understanding God's wise workings in history and in our lives deepen our attitudes of adoration and praise of Him?
How might knowing about God's wise working in the world influence our outlook on the Church and our denomination? How might our words and actions each day be different if we are continually conscious of God at work around us?
Seven Takeaways for Us from Romans 11:33
Romans 11:33 is part of a doxology, a moment of praise to God, and it has at least seven takeaways for believers. They include:
Paul speaks of the "depth of
the riches" of God. By that, he means the boundless grace, mercy, and blessings that
God bestows upon humanity. This should push us to trust in God's provision and generosity.
The mention of God's wisdom
reminds us that His understanding and plans are far beyond our comprehension. God's wisdom
governs the universe. Even when His plans are not clear to us, they are perfect and for the
ultimate good.
God's knowledge involves everything past, present, and future. He knows all things. That includes the deepest thoughts and
needs of every person. We can rest assured that God is fully aware of our situations and is arranging events according to His perfect knowledge.
The phrase "how
unsearchable are his judgments" implies that God's decisions and decrees are beyond human
scrutiny. We are therefore called to trust in God's justice and righteousness, even when we do not understand His judgments.
God's ways are described as "inscrutable," meaning they cannot be fully understood or traced. This should teach us humility
since we cannot always comprehend God's methods or reasons. Instead of relying solely on
our own understanding, we need to have faith in God's sovereign and mysterious ways.
Romans 11:33 should evoke in us a sense of awe and reverence for God. The verse calls us to approach God
with humility, acknowledging His greatness and our limited understanding. This humility is
crucial for a healthy relationship with God. It should lead us to greater dependence on Him.
Finally, Romans 11:33 encourages us to praise God. Realizing the greatness of His riches, wisdom, and knowledge should naturally lead to worship and adoration.
In short, Romans 11:33 is a declaration of God's immeasurable attributes. It should stir us to trust in His wisdom, knowledge, and judgments. We must respond with humility, reverence, and a heart of worship.
Noteworthy Quotes About the Message of Romans 11:33
“If you understand him, it is not God.” -- Augustine of Hippo, Sermon 117, On the New Testament
“God is known through God alone. Remove God from the center, and what remains is the abyss.” -- Karl Barth, Church Dogmatics, Volume II/1
“The apostle does not explain the counsels of God, but he adores them.” -- Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible
“The mind of God is unfathomable. There are mysteries which are and must remain hidden from us, and about which we must be content to know no more.” -- John Stott, The Message of Romans (The Bible Speaks Today Series)
“To admit that there is One who lies beyond us, who exists outside of all our categories... this requires a great deal of humility.” -- A. W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy, p. 61.
D“The ultimate test of our spirituality is the measure of our amazement at the grace of God.” -- . Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Romans 11: To God’s Glory. p. 341.
Wednesday
"'All we have here,' they said, 'are five loaves and two fishes"' -- Matthew 14:17,
NEB
Our human inadequacies
Five thousand people, and they were all hungry. When Jesus told His disciples to feed the
crowd, all they could come up with were five biscuits and two sardines. Acutely conscious of
how inadequate that would be, the disciples went to Jesus. He took what they had and
transformed it into abundance.
He's still doing that. For example, some people think cross-cultural missionaries are
superheroes of the faith with extraordinary spiritual resources. While we were serving as
missionaries, an American lady told me: "I could never do what you're doing. You're a better Christian than I
am."
While troubled by her inadequacies, she had mistakenly put me on a pedestal. Actually, I'm
just as inadequate as she felt. Alas, in front of life's enormous problems, we are all merely
five-loaves-and-two-fish people. However, that's also good news. Like the little boy mentioned in
John's account of the story, we can give Jesus what we have. However inadequate it may seem,
He will make it sufficient. God has the ability to take little and make much of it. Let's trust Him.
Reflection Questions
What does the story of the five loaves and two fishes say to us about human inadequacies? Can you think of times that you and others were aware (or should have been aware) that Jesus transformed human inadequacies into abundance?
Are there ways that we perceive others as more capable or spiritually superior to us? How can we help each other to overcome the tendency to underestimate our capabilities?
What might the story of the boy offering his small lunch to Jesus teach us about the
importance of giving what we have, no matter how inadequate it may seem, and trusting in God's
ability to multiply and make it sufficient?
What were Jesus' disciples expressing by saying "We only have . . ." in Matthew 14:17?
What feelings led to the response of Jesus' disciples in Matthew 14:17?
Literal Thinking: Were the disciples just thinking in
practical, literal terms? Were they tightly focused on the tangible, immediate reality of the
situation -- a small amount of food versus a large number of people? Was the statement simply expressed the practical limitations they faced?
Concern and Helplessness: Were the disciples expressing concern and helplessness? Feeling overwhelmed by the gravity of the need (feeding thousands of people), did they feel a need to express their inability to do what Jesus asked?
Thursday
"Take courage. It is I. Don't be afraid." (Matthew 14:27, NIV)
Taking courage
As the disciples sailed across Lake Galilee, they were suddenly engulfed by a storm. With
their little fishing boat bobbing up and down in the waves, they became terrified when they saw
something moving toward them on the water. Then the seeming apparition spoke. It was Jesus.
"Take courage. It is I," He said. Jesus' presence immediately chased away their anxiety and
distress. (Matthew 14:25-33)
One day, I encountered Pastor Odius Merzilus while driving down a dusty Haitian road. This 35-year veteran
of the ministry was trudging up to a mountain village where he was trying to plant a new church. I stopped my jeep. We
talked a bit about the lack of rain. We talked about the malnourished kids coming to his school. We talked about the persecution some of his people were encountering at the hands of voodoo followers. Then, our talk turned to the Lord and what He was doing in our lives. As I drove away, Odius' face crinkled into a smile. "Take courage," he shouted as he waved goodbye. [ e-book on missions in Haiti ]
In the desperate situations of life, we need to be wary of trusting our senses. We need to
look up. He is there. In life's anxious moments, we need to listen for His voice: "It is I. Do
not be afraid."
We need not fear even the worst storms of life. For we are in the hands of Him who is Victor
and Master over all.
What lessons can we learn from the story of Jesus walking on water and calming the disciples' fears? When we are fearful and anxious, how can we do to let this story help us?
When circumstances overwhelm us, what steps should we take to find courage and reassurance?
How would you describe to someone what it means to trust in Jesus as the Victor and Master
over everything?
How can the knowledge of the facts of this story be transformed into something that gives us confidence and faith when we face the storms of life?
Six Lessons from Matthew 14:27
Jesus' presence and reassuring voice can be a source of strength and courage when the storms of life engulf
us. Matthew 14:27 can remind us that we, too, are not alone as we face challenging situations.
Jesus' words "Don't be afraid" challenge us to confront our fears with faith. Fear can be paralyzing. With trust in Jesus, we can face and overcome the things that scare us.
Jesus' words, "It is I" can move us to see God's daily divine presence. That awareness can bring peace and assurance. It can help us to stay grounded and calm even in chaotic circumstances.
The two words "Take courage" is a call to be proactive in the face of fear and uncertainty. We can trust God to give us
the support we need.
The scene in which Jesus walked on water defies natural understanding. This episode called us to trust in God when situations are beyond our understanding.
Jesus' words were meant to reassure and comfort His disciples. When people in our lives are in times of anxiety or distress, let's follow Jesus' example and provide them with reassurance and comfort.
Friday
"The Lord said . . . 'Should I not be concerned about that great city of Nineveh?'" (Jonah
4:11, NIV)
The disease of prejudice
The Lord tried to use Jonah in cross-cultural missionary outreach. However, Jonah's
prejudices against foreigners and his lack of love for them made him endure the experience rather
than enjoy it.
At the end of the biblical account, Jonah sits overlooking the city God had just saved. Jonah's >s and words do not indicate that there was a lump of sadness in his throat as he preached. There were no tears in his eyes.
Exasperated at His prophet, God asks Jonah: "Are not people important?"
"Not these Ninevites," Jonah seems to reply.
His own prejudices had distorted the truth, created barriers, and prohibited him from seeing the
Ninevites with God's eyes. Clearly, Jonah didn't care at all for the people he had just preached to.
It seemed distasteful to him to think that God would care for them. It was a sad moment in salvation history.
God continues to lay great missionary opportunities before His people today. Let us not be
guilty of Jonah's selfish callousness or of using his perverted, narrow-minded scale of values. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to demolish those walls of division created by prejudice. [ Jonah, the reluctant missionary ]
Reflection Questions
How did Jonah's prejudices against foreigners and lack of love for them distort his missionary outreach efforts in Nineveh? What were the consequences of his attitudes and
actions?
In what ways might Jonah's prejudices have distorted the truth and created barriers between himself and the Ninevites? How did this prevent him from seeing them with God's eyes and
caring for their salvation?
How can we guard against selfish callousness and narrow-mindedness like Jonah's?
Can you think of instances when the Holy Spirit broke down walls of division created by prejudice?
Four Takeaways for us from what God said in Jonah 4:11
God expressed compassion and concern for the people of Nineveh despite their sins. That should remind us of God's desire for repentance and redemption rather than immediate judgment.
The mention of those who cannot distinguish their right hand from their left has been thought of as symbolic of moral ignorance or, alternatively, as a reference to the innocence of children. It could suggest that many people in Nineveh were unaware of the gravity of their actions. If that is the meaning, then it could be a call for mercy and understanding.
God's concern extended not only to the human population pf Nineveh but also to livestock. This indicates the value God places on
all life, including animals. It also points to the interconnectedness of creation.
Through His words recorded in Jonah 4:11, God teaches Jonah -- and us -- a lesson in forgiveness and the importance of extending grace to those we
consider undeserving. It challenges us to overcome prejudice and premature judgments and embrace God's mercy.
Overall, Jonah 4:11 serves as a reminder of God's boundless compassion, the importance of understanding and forgiveness, and the value of all life.
"You are my servant in whom I will display my splendor" (Isaiah 49:3, NIV)
God's splendor displayed
The first verses of Isaiah 49 form one of the great
"servant" passages of Isaiah. Here, Isaiah shouts his vision of the exalted and glorified Christ. He
had seen that the great light emanating from God was to be focused with brilliant intensity on a
coming Son and Servant whom we know today as Jesus Christ.
Isaiah shouted this message not just to the Jews, but to the islands of the sea, to distant
nations. This message of a Servant in whom was displayed the splendor of God Himself is still
being proclaimed to distant nations. And the message is being heeded. One great evidence of this
is the quadrennial Nazarene General Assembly where Christians from all over the globe gather to
give witness to God's working in their lives and to lay plans for an even wider proclamation of
the Kingdom.
Haitian Christians like to shout together: "Glwa a
Jezi!" Sometimes they'll shout it even three or four times. It means: "Glory be to
Jesus." Yes, indeed. Glory be to Him.
Reflection Questions
How does the concept of Jesus as the Servant in whom God's splendor is displayed speak to you personally? How has that concept formed your understanding of Jesus' role and significance?
In what ways can we, as followers of Christ, be involved in proclaiming the message of the Servant to distant nations? How can we make certain that the proclamation of the Kingdom gets to those still unreached by the Gospel?
Are there occasions where you have witnessed the global unity of the Church? How have these instances inspired and encouraged you?
Fivew Lessons We Can Learn from Isaiah 49:3
The coming Messiah is seen as embodying the essence of true Israel. It suggests to us that all followers of Jesus are
partakers in the promises and blessings given to the people of God in Old Testament times.
Jesus modeled a life of humility and service. Along the way, he exhorted his followers to serve one another with love and
compassion. This verse in Isaiah declares the coming Messiah to be the ultimate servant who would bring glory to God through his obedience and sacrificial love.
The fact that Jesus fulfills the prophecies of the suffering servant demonstrates the divine plan of redemption. It reinforces our belief that Jesus is the Messiah promised in the Old Testament.
The ultimate purpose of Jesus' mission on earth was to bring glory to God. His life, death, and resurrection serve to glorify God.
Some interpretations of Isaiah 49:3 suggest that the servant represents not only Jesus but also the entire community of Christ-followers. The verse can remind us idea that those who follow Jesus are called to participate in his mission of redemption and to bring glory to God.
Sunday
"This so-called foolish plan of God is far wiser than the wisest plan of the wisest man" -- 1 Corinthians 1:25, The Living Bible
The greatest mystery: The power of self-denial
Jesus died while nailed to a crude wooden cross above
Jerusalem's garbage dump. As his life ebbed away, cynics talked smut, a thief cursed, and
soldiers gambled. To passers-by watching him suffer and die, Jesus' claim to be the Son of the
Living God must have seemed absurd. To those who called him Master and Lord, Jesus' public
execution surely must have shaken their belief that He was to be the world's Savior.
As Jesus' friends took his body down from the cross that afternoon, the world scarcely took notice. As a
messiah, Jesus appeared to have been a failure. But he wasn't. He has, in fact, emerged as the triumphant victor, the Messiah he claimed to be. His crucifixion is regarded as a cornerstone event in the history of the world.
Self-denial has proved to be more powerful than self-assertion. Divine love, grace, and mercy had devised a plan of salvation so radical that some still refuse to accept it. Jesus' suffering, self-sacrifice, devotion to principles, and heedlessness of immediate consequences run contrary to all human wisdom.
But out of all that has come the greatest good the human race has ever known. [ a Easter blog post
]
Rewfelection Questions
How does the concept of self-denial challenge conventional wisdom and understanding of success and power?
In what ways does Jesus' crucifixion exemplify the "foolish plan" of God mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:25? How does it contrast with worldly expectations regarding greatness and triumph?
Think about this statement: "Out of [Jesus' crucifixion] has come the greatest good the human race has ever known." How might this viewpoint on suffering and sacrifice influence our understanding of redemption and salvation?
How can we communicate the message of 1 Corinthians 1:25 to unbelievers?
Five Lessons for Us from 1 Corinthians 1:25
The verse speaks about the contrast between divine wisdom and human wisdom. God's wisdom and power surpass our understanding.
Acknowledging the limits of human wisdom triggers humility. We must acknowledge that our understanding is finite and often flawed.
Trusting in God's wisdom and strength requires faith. Even when circumstances seem contrary, we can rely on God's wisdom and
strength to guide us.
Instead of relying solely on our own intellect or abilities, we should rely on God for guidance and strength.
1 Corinthians 1:25 challenges conventional wisdom by suggesting that what may appear foolish or weak in human eyes can actually be powerful and
wise in God's sight. That is a call to reevaluate our priorities and attitudes in light of God's wisdom.
Bottom line: 1 Corinthians 1:25 calls us to approach life with humility, faith, and a reliance on God's wisdom rather than trusting our perceptions.
For Sunday
Scripture Reading — Romans 7:1-6
We have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in
the old way of the written code" (Romans 7:6).
Serving in a new way
When Barbara and I lived in South Texas, we had some "Jesus people" friends who
felt the central theme of the Christian's life was to be "freedom in the Spirit" rather than "service
to the King." They define this as meaning there are few moral restraints on their lives.
They neglected to see that human beings were created to serve God.
Paul reminds us that, though we now live under grace, we are still to serve God. Believers have been freed from the curse of the law. Because of that, they can now obey God from love, with spontaneity and gladness of heart. In itself, the law — though just, holy, and good — was insufficient for freeing people from the power of inbred sin. So, under the law alone, human beings had great difficulty serving God in the way they for which they were created.
Our joy in the Christian life comes not because we have been released from the law. Rather, our joy springs from the fact that now we can "serve in the new way of the Spirit."
Our service to God now is no less demanding than it was under the law. But now the Spirit makes power for service available to us. The secret of victory in the Christian life? It is serving "in the new way of the Spirit."
Reflection Questions
How does the concept of being released from the law and serving in the new way of the Spirit differ from a "worldly" way of looking at things?
How do we balance the concepts of freedom and moral restraints with the idea of serving in the "new way" of the Spirit?
In what ways does serving God in the new way of the Spirit differ from serving under the
law? How does this understanding impact our motivation and attitude toward obedience?
Think about the idea of joy coming from being able to serve in the new way of the Spirit. How can we develop a greater reliance on the Spirit's power for service and experience victory?
Worship in Song no. 398:
Jesus is the Joy of Living;
He's the King of Life to me.
— "Jesus Is the Joy of Living" by Alfred H. Ackley
Romans 7:1-6 discusses the relationship between the law and believers, using the analogy of marriage to illustrate how believers are released from the law through Christ. There are at least four takeaways for us in these verses:
Just as a widow is no longer bound to her husband, believers are no longer bound to the law due to their union with
Christ. Through His death and resurrection, we are freed from the law's authority.
Christ-followers are to serve God in the new way of the Spirit rather than in the old way of a written code. Life in Christ is to
be marked by living according to the Spirit rather than slavishly attempting to follow the letter of the law.
The law serves to reveal sin. It shows our need for a Savior. By exposing our sinful nature and our inability to attain
righteousness on our own, the law actually points us to Christ.
Believers are joined to Christ. Because of that, we can bear fruit for God. Our union with Christ brings transformation. We are no longer slaves to
sin. We are empowered to live righteous lives through the Holy Spirit.
Week 3
For Monday
Scripture Reading — Acts 10:17-23
"So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them."
(Acts 10:20).
A vision of universal grace
Peter's rooftop vision was painful for him. It called him to renounce racist pride and
prejudice. It meant repentance from his narrow Jewish parochialism. But he did not shy away
from letting the Holy Spirit alter his attitude and motivations.
That did not solve the problem for all mankind, however.
Racial pride and prejudice (anti-black and anti-white, anti-Jewish, and anti-Arab, as well as other
expressions of racism), political imperialism, cultural insensitivity, sexual oppression, and
indifference to the plight of the needy and powerless have continued to mar the church's
testimony to the universality of God's grace.
So I may need my eyes opened, too. Whatever "us-them"
lines keep me from witnessing across racial, social, political, or economic boundaries must be
swept away. The only dividing line that should counts is the one between those in Christ and those
not in Him. Satan can easily use all other divisions to block the gates of the Kingdom.
Equality may often be a hollow dream everywhere else, but in the kingdom of God, it
is a reality! May my life and attitudes ever be a testimony to that truth!
In what ways should Peter's rooftop vision reported in Acts 10 challenge attitudes in our society of racial
superiority and prejudice?
Have you seen occasions in which divisions based on race, politics, or social status that were vocalized by believers harmed the church's testimony to the universality of God's grace?
The Bible affirms equality in the kingdom of God. How can we be certain that our attitudes, words, and actions testify to this truth in a world marred by prejudice, divisions, and injustice?
Worship in Song, no. 337:
Hark, 'tis the Shepherd's voice I hear,
Out in the desert, dark and dear,
Calling the sheep who've gone astray,
Far from the Shepherd's fold away.
Acts 10:17-23 draws attention to the importance of being open to the Holy Spirit's guidance. Peter was
initially perplexed by the vision. However, he remained open to what it might be saying and to the Spirit's leading. Peter's attitude and reaction point to the value of spiritual receptivity and obedience, even when we don't fully understand God's plans immediately.
Peter's vision and the arrival of Cornelius' men illustrate the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers. Peter, a Jew, was being directed to visit Cornelius, a Gentile. This signals that the gospel is for all and that there is a need to break down prejudices and divisions. The passage should challenge us to reach out and embrace those who are different from us.
Peter showed hospitality by inviting the men into his home. This act of welcoming strangers models for us the need to practice hospitality and openness in our own lives. Our homes and church buildings must be places where others can experience God's love and acceptance.
The Acts 10 passage shows the importance of responding soon and obediently to God's call. Peter didn't hesitate to follow the Spirit's direction. This should call us to be attentive and responsive to God's leading. We can trust that He has a purpose for us.
The story points out the unity that results when people follow Christ. Despite their deep cultural and religious
differences, Peter and Cornelius were brought together by their faith.
The narrative shows that God's plans are sovereign and that they are often beyond our ability to understand them. God set up the meeting between Peter and Cornelius for a greater purpose. Shouldn't this teach us to trust in God's plan even when we cannot see the full picture?
For Tuesday
Scripture Reading — Acts 16:6-10
"We got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel unto them" (Acts 16:10).
A vision of enlarged ministry
Quite a few years ago the Holy Spirit laid before Denver First Nazarene Church a vision of enlarged ministry. They responded and became a potent spiritual force in that city as well as the largest Nazarene church in North America at that time.
In 1975, a group of "dare-saints" under Paul Moore moved into New York's Times Square with a Holy Spirit-inspired vision bigger than their pocketbooks.
The Oregon Pacific District of the Church of the Nazarene entered the 1980s with the aim of planting more than a dozen new congregations every year
A vision of enlarged ministry has pushed Los Angeles First Church into becoming a mosaic
of linguistic, ethnic, and cultural groups.
This list could go on and on. Not of man-made dreams, but of Holy Spirit-given visions of ministry. Paul's vision at Troas was an example of how the Holy
Spirit will lead both churches and individual Christians.
It is never a mistake for God's servants to follow His leading. As we follow Him, we will discover like Paul did, that to follow the Holy Spirit is to
find ourselves involved in an ever-enlarging ministry. God will call. He will lead. Will we follow?
Reflection Questions
How do the examples of the churches mentioned demonstrate what can happen in response to a vision of enlarged ministry?
How would you describe what the Holy Spirit can and will do to guide churches and individual Christians toward expanded ministry opportunities?
What can be learned from Acts 16:6-10 regarding following God's leading in ways that can lead to an expanded and fruitful ministry?
Worship in Song, no. 356:
Proclaim to ev'ry people, tongue, and nation
That God, in whom they live and move, is love.
Tell how He stooped to save His lost creation,
And died on earth that man might live above.
— "0 Zion, Haste" by Mary AnnThomson
For Wednesday
Scripture Reading — Hebrews 12:5-11
"The Lord disciplines the one he loves." (Hebrews 12:6).
Discipline for servanthood
"I was really sailing along good, and then this happened . . ."
Maybe that is the wrong reaction when we hit a bump in the
road of life. God can use what may appear to be unnecessary trouble to discipline us. True, it may
be a bitter medicine at times. But consider this: It may be our Father's hand of
love measuring out the dosage and asking us to drink it.
If we are honest, we will admit that, at times, we all need to be disciplined. God's gracious
and firm discipline will improve us as believers. Divine discipline, which is perfect in every way,
aims to make us sharers in the very holiness of God himself. While the suffering occasioned by
divine discipline will not save us, it can produce more holiness in us.
Let us never lightly dismiss God's disciplinary efforts nor allow such rigors to discourage us. God's discipline shows us clearly that we are loved by Him as His children. May the correction efforts of our Heavenly Father produce in us the ever-growing peace (shalom) of a righteous life!
Reflection Questions
Can you think of times in your life or in the lives of other people when difficulties faced could later be seen as having been helpful to spiritual growth??
What can we do to improve our ability to see and appreciate God's discipline as an expression of His love?
How might understanding God's discipline as a means to share in His holiness affect our thoughts about suffering and hardship?
Worship in Song, no. 279:
Deeper, deeper! tho' it cost hard trials,
Deeper let me go!
Rooted in the holy love of Jesus,
Let me fruitful grow.
— "Deeper, Deeper" by Charles P. Jones
For Thursday
Scripture Reading — Acts 16:23-34
"At that hour of the night, the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he
and all his household were baptized." (Acts 16:33).
Bleeding to bless
Disorders. Floggings. Earthquake. Those were the
headlines out of Philippi. The morning dawned brighter, though. Third-century preacher John
Chrysostom — himself no stranger to persecution — sums it up this way: "The
jailer washed them from their stripes, and was himself washed from his sins."
The jailer and his family may not have been the only
converts that night. Maybe even some of the other prisoners were to become part of that
congregation to whom Paul would later write a letter we know as his Epistle to the
Philippians.
What could have been interpreted as just the calamities of
life was actually God's way of leading someone to hope and salvation. The good news is
that God can be at work in the midst of trouble. Through the painful experiences of Paul and
Silas the Spirit of the living and loving God was at work to bless other people.
Are you hurting in some way? Even in what may seem to be
useless wounds, let's look for the hand of God at work. Let's pray that He'll use our bleeding to
bless someone else.
Reflection Questions
Think about the story of the jailer and his family in Acts 16:23-34. How can that story remind us that God can use difficult and painful experiences for a greater purpose.
Are there times in your life when you have experienced hope and salvation amid personal trials and tribulations?
Can you think of times when God to used the wounds and hardships of other people to bless and buoy you up?
Worship in Song, no. 349:
Rescue the perishing; care for the dying;
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave.
Weep o'er the erring one; lift up the fallen;
Tell them of Jesus, the Mighty to Save.
— "Rescue the Perishing" by Fanny J. Crosby
For Friday
Scripture Reading — Mark 14:32-42
"They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, 'Sit here while I
pray.'" (Mark 14:32).
Jesus prayed too
Prolonged anxiety sometimes seems to turn the heart to stone. A spiritual life fed only by
prayers of habit withers in the face of soul anguish and one finds himself the victim of the sin of
prayerlessness.
I wasn't in the full-time ministry very long before I had already discovered that when many
weary souls called for the pastor, they were not wanting their prayer life revitalized. More often
than not, they're looking for temporary psychological props.
Jesus' response to heartbreak was radically different. On the night of deep agony of spirit, the
Son of Man turned again and again to prayer. He knew that prayer was the quickest and surest
way of recovering spiritual equilibrium.
Jesus came from that hour of repeated praying and
submission with a sense of power and poise. As He prayed, His words reflected a growing
perfectness of submission to the Father. This ought to be our pattern to follow.
Life's buffetings and long-prolonged struggles should not be allowed to exhaust us emotionally and spiritually. Instead, they should compel us to desire ever more intensely the intimate fellowship of prayer.
Reflection Questions Ib Orayer
What does Jesus' example of prayer in the face of heartbreak and struggle say to our prayer lives? In what ways can we emulate His pattern of repeated prayer and submission to the Father?
Is there a danger of relying on temporary psychological props instead of cultivating a genuine prayer life? How can we distinguish between seeking spiritual equilibrium through prayer and seeking temporary relief or comfort in difficult times?
How can we maintain a fervent desire for prayer even when faced with prolonged struggles or emotional exhaustion? What practical steps can we take to develop a consistent and passionate prayer life?
Worship in Song, no. 479:
Oh, how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day.
Jesus experienced deep anguish and distress. That revealed His human side. He sought support from His disciples
and prayed fervently to the Father. All of this showed that even in His divinity, He had real human emotions.
Jesus ultimately submitted to the Father's will, praying, "Not what I will, but what You will." We
too need to align our desires with God's will, especially when it seems difficult to do so.
Despite Jesus' request for his disciples to keep watch, they repeatedly fell asleep. This touches on human weakness and
the challenge of staying spiritually vigilant. It may also show the disciples' inability to fully understand
the gravity of the situation.
Jesus' response to imminent and intense physical suffering was to pray. That should push us to turn to prayer in times of trial.
For Saturday
Scripture Reading — Job 1:6-12
"The Lord said to Satan, 'Very well, then, everything [Job] has is in your power, but on the
man himself do not lay a finger.;" (Job 1:12).
This far but no farther!
Numerous buildings in Florence, Italy, have little
plaques marking the height of floodwaters on November 4, 1966. On that day the Arno River
overflowed its banks and came swirling into buildings, depositing debris, mud, and oil
everywhere. In some places, the water rose as high as 20 feet, damaging and destroying
businesses, homes, and art treasures.
Those little marble markers serve a tourist function. But I
like to think they also say: Yes, the river invaded us. All the way up to here. It did its worst. But
it had a limit. And we survived.
That's what Job's story tells us about Satan's demonic powers. Satan has his limits. And he
can go no farther than God will permit. We, too, are a part of the cosmic battle which involved
Job and Satan. Sometimes, we feel like pawns in a battle between equal superpowers, but we
need not succumb to pessimism and lose sight of the triumphal theme of the gospel.
Job's life teaches us that nothing can touch us except with our Father's knowledge and His
permission. Alleluia! We are ultimately in God's hands. God's power is revealed even as Satan's
limits are uncovered.
Reflection Questions
How might the story of Job demonstrate the limits of Satan's power and the ultimate
authority of God?
What can we learn from Job's experience about our lives and the battles we face?
Why can we say that the knowledge that God is sovereign and has power over all things
brings hope and encouragement in times of challenges and trials?
Worship in Song, no. 431:
In the midst of battle be thou not dismayed,
Tho' the pow'rs of darkness 'gainst thee are arrayed.
God, thy Strength, is with thee, causing thee to stand;
Heaven's allied armies wait at thy command.
"I pray that out of his glorious riches, he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in
your inner being," (Ephesians 3:16).
Equipped for every circumstance
Got any rivers you think are uncrossable?
Got any mountains you can't tunnel through?
Remember that classic little chorus? It reminds me of the last part of Ephesians 3. Here in the middle of a letter whose main subject is the Church, Paul breaks forth in
a prayer for victorious strength in Christ. He seems fired to an incandescent glow by the thought that there is limitless power available to achieve God's goals for us.
Paul's prayer for believers battling in the thick of the fray reminds us that we do not have to be despondent stragglers in the rear. Like Paul, we can be
happy passengers in the chariot of God, calling out to others with infectious enthusiasm: "Come up and ride with us!"
In these days when shadows of human error and apostasy hang dark on the world, let us live
intoxicated by the thought that we can be divinely strengthened to be victorious in every circumstance.
There is no limit to God's power! Only our words and thoughts about it are limited.
Reflection Questions
In what ways does the affirmation about being "divinely strengthened to be victorious in every circumstance" challenge your current point of view on facing challenges and adversity?
What does it mean to live "intoxicated by the thought" that limitless power is available to achieve God's goals for us? How might this mindset impact your daily life and
decision-making?
Think about what you have thought and said in the past about God's power. Are there any limitations or doubts you have placed on His ability to work in your life? How can you develop a mindset that fully embraces and relies on God's unlimited power?
Worship in Song, no. 362:
Trials many will beset my pathway,
And temptations I shall surely meet;
But my Saviour promised grace to help me
Till I lay my trophies at His feet.
— "My Soul Is Filled with Glory" by J. M. Harris
-- Howard Culbertson,
The Come Ye Apart" is now published quarterly as
Reflecting God by Word Action Publishing and available through
what is now called The Foundry.
Eight Benefits of a Daily Devotional Time
Having a daily time of personal devotion, which may involve prayer, meditation, journaling, music, and other reflective practices, can be beneficial for at least eight reasons:
Personal devotion provides a designated time to center yourself, quiet your mind, and focus on what truly matters. It is easy to get swept up in the chaos of daily life. A set time for personal devotion allows us to pause and reconnect with our values and goals and bask in the inner peace brought by God's Spirit.
Engaging in practices like meditation or prayer can reduce stress and promote relaxation. By calming our minds and bodies, we can find ourselves better equipped to handle the challenges and pressures of everyday life.
Personal devotion time can provide a safe space for processing emotions. That may mean expressing gratitude, seeking
guidance, or finding comfort in times of difficulty. Journaling, in particular, can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and emotional release.
A daily time of personal devotion will deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ. Regular engagement with the Bible, prayer, and devotional writings can inspire us, nurture spiritual growth, provide insights and a sense of connection to God.
A personal devotion time can help us clarify our thoughts and priorities. It can help in making decisions that align with our values and aspirations. Those quiet times offer moments of pause to consider our options mindfully, rather than always reacting impulsively.
Studies have shown that regular spiritual practices, including personal devotions, can have positive effects on mental
health. These include reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving resilience, and fostering a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
Personal devotions aren't just about self-care. They can also strengthen your relationships with others. For example, praying for loved ones or reflecting on ways to show kindness and compassion can deepen your connections to other people and promote empathy.
Establishing a daily practice of personal devotions develops discipline and consistency. That can spill over into other areas of our lives. By prioritizing this time each day, we build resilience and self-mastery. That can translate into increased fruitfulness and accomplishment in whatever we are involved in.
Simply put, having a daily time of personal devotions can be beneficial for our overall well-being. It can bring peace and provide insight and growth even in the busyness of life.
