Category: Uncategorized

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Exodus 31-32 GW; 2 Corinthians 2 GW

“But I thank God, who always leads us in victory because of Christ. Wherever we go, God uses us to make clear what it means to know Christ. It’s like a fragrance that fills the air.” (2 Corinthians 2:14 GW)  

Sharing Christ makes you fragrant.

Fourteen years ago this day, was my favorite Valentine’s Day Ever.  On that Wednesday morning, I helped one of my closest friends move six and ½ hours away.  On a mission for the Lord, she and her husband were planting Life Community Church (LCC) in Mt. Pleasant, SC.  The women were all clothed in red Old Navy Valentine Tee-shirts. A caravan of cars, led by a U-haul truck, pulled out of Williamsburg, VA, into an unknown future.  Why was this particular V-Day my favorite?  Because we were sharing the best love of all to friends, we had yet to meet. 

Over the past fourteen years, LCC continually shares Christ’s love with their community.  Through the ups and downs of life, they have touched innumerable lives, too many to count. Watching what God did and is doing humbles us all.  When I meet a new face who comes to LCC for one reason or another, I have the same thought.  “We prayed for you before we ever knew you.” 

Christ’s love is perfect.

Someone somewhere is praying for you.  You may know who is praying for you; you may not.  I pray for everyone that reads my devotional.  Whether someone reads it once, or every day, or have yet to read it, I pray the same prayer.  “Lord, let my writing draw them closer to You.  May they know Your love so intimately that they can’t help but share it with others.”  

Focus on Christ’s love today.  Let His adoration for you absorb into your soul.  Then share it with others, letting your fragrance fill the air around you.

Lord, how fragrant your love is today and always.  Forgive us, Lord, if our perspective is on worldly love.  Focus our eyes on You. For all we meet today, let Christ’s love fill the air around us.  As You pour Your love into us, let it flow to the dark world where we live—more of You, less of us.  Let the people in our lives know us by Your love.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Who can you share Christ’s love with today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Exodus 29-30 GW; 2 Corinthians 1 GW

“He comforts us whenever we suffer. That is why whenever other people suffer, we are able to comfort them by using the same comfort we have received from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:4 GW)

Receiving God’s comfort helps comfort others.

God’s ways of comforting people always amazes me.  People go through storms in life, but they don’t go alone.  For one thing, God knows what turbulence you will encounter in this life before you do.  He already is placing His servants in a ready position for when the time comes.  People are His hands and feet, there to wrap arms around you when you need.

My friend’s husband had a heart attack just before Halloween.  When she raced to the emergency room, doctors were shocking his heart back to life.  Out of nowhere, a pastor appeared, someone she had never meant.  He gently guided her from the room so the medical personnel could work, leading her to the chapel to sit and pray with her.  She had no idea who he was, but in her darkest hour, God sent someone to help her.  Gratefully, her husband survived.  When she needed comfort, God provided in the form of a stranger.

Receiving comfort helps give comfort.

What my friend needed was comfort.  Because she received comfort, she knows how to give comfort.  Presence is more important than words.  When life is falling apart around you, the feelings of loneliness can overwhelm you.  But just sitting with someone lets them know they aren’t alone.  God knows what you are going through; He has a plan to get you to the other side of the storm.

Just like God shows up in our darkest hour, show up for others.  Sit with them silently; your presence will comfort their fears.  You don’t have to have the answers, just arms to hold them through the storm.  God sends people who are His hands and feet.  Sometimes they comfort you; other times, you are the comforter.

Lord, how grateful we are for Your comfort.  Thank You for sending people to help us through our darkest hours.  Forgive us when we have not taken the opportunity to comfort others with our presence.  Instead, help us become comforters.  Let us show up for people in need, representing You.   Let our hands and feet bring comfort for others as we sit with them.  As you have comforted us, let us comfort others.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Who needs comfort in your life today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Exodus 27-28 GW; Psalms 96 GW

“Give to the Lord the glory he deserves.Bring an offering, and come into his courtyards.” (Psalms 96:8 GW)

Experiencing God’s presence causes glory.

Our problem isn’t God’s absence; our problem is seeking His presence. Over and over again in the scriptures, God tells us He never leaves us nor forsakes us.  Yet, we all struggle with periods when we don’t think He is living up to His word.  Distractions of the world cause us to miss what is right in front of us.  And the battle of whose will prevails is constant.  But if we seek His goodness, we’ll find it.  When we do, we can’t help but give glory to Him.

You can praise God for all things, small or big.  When you begin to thank God for something in your life, you’ll start to realize; He is always with you.  One of the worst days of my life was when my nephew died from diabetes at 20 years old.  In my darkest hour, God sent me family and friends who carried me through.  When I couldn’t walk because of grief, God carried me with His people. 

Glory is His.

Offerings of thankfulness and praise belong to God.  Without Him, we are nothing.  The air we breathe is a gift from above.  Living in America, even in political turmoil, is a blessing.  The freedoms we enjoy here, other places don’t.  You may not feel like you have anything to praise God for today, but those two things are a start.  Look around you today, find ten things to praise God for before the sunsets.  See what a difference glorifying God makes in your day.

Lord, all glory goes to You.  Forgive us for taking credit for Your work.  As we move through our day, give us eyes to see what You’re doing.  Help us intentionally find things to glorify You for today.  Hone our vision so that in all things, we see You, even in our darkest hours.  We bring our offerings of praise and worship to You.  Bless our efforts as we strive to seek You.  Help us connect the dots of what You are doing in our lives.  To You, we give the glory.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

How can You glorify God today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Exodus 25-26 GW; 1 Peter 5 GW

“Be shepherds over the flock God has entrusted to you. Watch over it as God does: Don’t do this because you have to, but because you want to. Don’t do it out of greed, but out of a desire to serve.” (1 Peter 5:2 GW)

Your flock motivates service.

Wherever you are in life, you have a flock of people around you.  God grows us where we are.  Family, friends, acquaintances, co-workers are all individuals that create a herd unique to you.  No one else interacts with them as you do.  Every single one of them, whether you like them or not, are God’s children.  Loving God means finding a way to love your flock.  The light God shines through you to the world, no one else has.  

You don’t have to like someone to love them.  To “like” someone means “corresponding or agreeing in general or in some noticeable respect.” My best friends are easy to “like” because we all have similar beliefs and views.  People who have opposite views are not ones I particularly like, but I do love them.  We need people who challenge our thinking because our thinking isn’t always correct. 

Love goes beyond like.

To “watch over” your flock as God does means asking Him for His view.  As you think of the people in your life, lift up a simple prayer.  “God, help me see them as You do.”  When you put this prayer into action in your life, you’ll view your herd differently.  Everyone you encounter will matter to you in a way only possible through God’s lens.  You will want to serve them because of Christ’s love for you.  God’s lens changes your perspective about others, as well as yourself.

Liking people isn’t necessary to love them.  Understanding God’s love for you and others is.  As you absorb God’s love for you today, let it flow to everyone you encounter.  They’re your flock; love them well.

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your view.  Forgive us for our deficiencies in serving the flock You’ve given us.  Help us today to gain a new perspective.   Whoever we encounter today, let us see them through Your eyes.  Let Your love for them motivate us to love them.  Help us tend our herd as You would.  Through You, we can.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

How can you serve your flock today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Exodus 23-24 GW; 1 Peter 4 GW

“Dear friends, don’t be surprised by the fiery troubles that are coming in order to test you. Don’t feel as though something strange is happening to you, but be happy as you share Christ’s sufferings. Then you will also be full of joy when he appears again in his glory.” (1 Peter 12-13 GW)

Suffering with Christ means sharing His joy.

When Christ suffered on the cross, it was temporary.  However, the victory He had over death is eternal.  Our sufferings on earth are not permanent; they will pass.  We share with Jesus in His success, which never ends.  But we will have fiery troubles that will test our faith.  Attitude is everything when facing a difficult trial.

When life knocks you on your back, the only place to look is up.  You will have events in life that cause you to fall to your knees.  Everyone does; no one gets out of this life without suffering.  Don’t let Satan trick you into thinking you’re the only one who has troubles; you’re not.  Some people may hide their problems better than others, but they still have them.  Jesus endured every temptation you will ever face.  In Him, find hope.

The Best is Still to Come.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12 NIV)

Your crown is waiting; hold on.  When life is closing in on me, I have one pervasive thought that carries me through, “Whatever God has on the other side of this is really good.”  The harder the trial, the greater the reward.  But we must endure the suffering to get to the other side.  Eternal life in Christ is the reward.  Today’s woes are tomorrow’s victories.

Lord, thank You for showing us the way.  You didn’t run from suffering but persevered for our sake.  Forgive us for faltering; help us to persevere, no matter what the trial.  Let us focus on the joy we share with You.  Remind us; whatever we are facing, it will pass.  Thank You for working all things to the good for those who believe and trust in You.  IJNIP. Amen.

Question for reflection:

How does knowing your victory is in Jesus help you persevere?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Exodus 21-22 GW; 1 Peter 3 GW

“Rather, beauty is something internal that can’t be destroyed. Beauty expresses itself in a gentle and quiet attitude which God considers precious.” (1 Peter 3:4 GW)

Internal peace expresses beauty.

Physical beauty is fleeting.  If nothing else, age takes its toll on outward appearance.  But inner gentleness and quiet radiates beauty.  Beauty and the Beast is a classic example.   Belle, beautiful on the outside, falls for the heart of an ugly monster.  As she gets to know him, she falls deeply in love with his kind and gentle ways.   He radiates loveliness in his actions, which are the result of his pure heart.  Who couldn’t love him?

God knows the beauty that lies within our hearts.  He understands the outward appearance isn’t the whole story.  When we judge on outward appearance only, we’re missing the largest part of the story.  Some of the most beautiful people I have met did not possess physical beauty.  But the loveliness they radiated from within created a far more artistic picture.

Focus on the inside.

Spend your time cleansing your heart.  Allow God to search your soul for areas of darkness.  Let His light shine into the spaces that aren’t at peace.  As God heals the brokenness inside, beauty will radiate from within your soul.  God’s light will shine through you to the world.

“The sermon on the mount is a statement we will live when Christ is getting His way with us.” Oswald Chambers

When you allow God into your heart, you will experience His blessings.  Your soul will overflow with God’s goodness, your life a reflection of it.  Your beauty will come from your pure heart, one that promotes mercy, peace, and righteousness.  From within flows rivers of loveliness to the world around you. 

Lord, how beautiful You are.  As we seek You today, help us see internal beauty.  Forgive us for judging by outward appearance only.  Help us to look deeper into the beauty of the soul.  Search our hearts, cleansing them of any impurities.  Fill us with your gentleness and peace so that we can share them with the world.  Let us live the sermon on the mount as we let You have your way with us.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Who is an example of beauty from the inside in your life?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Exodus 19-20 GW; 1 Peter 2 GW

“ Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.” (Exodus 19:5 GW)

Obedience makes you God’s treasured possession.

Time and again, we find God looking for someone who will do His will.  Abraham, Noah, Joseph, Moses all were obedient to God’s commands.  As a result, they became His treasured possessions.  Obeying God isn’t a punishment; it’s a reward.  Jesus is the ultimate example of obedience to God.  His lifestyle is our model for living.

“True companionship in Christ comes when it’s hard not to respond like He would respond.” Dallas Willard “The Spirit of Disciplines

We have a choice of what type of lifestyle we live in America.  Following Jesus is a lifestyle choice, not just a ticket into heaven.  In reality, eternity is now.  God’s intention isn’t for us to persevere through a miserable life on earth but rather to enjoy His peace that surpasses all understanding at all times.  The closer we draw to Jesus, the more we want to respond as He would.

Live with purpose.

Living an obedient life is a purposeful one.  Spending time with God in private, meeting Jesus in the scripture pages, will lead to an obedient life.  As your heart connects with God’s, you’ll want to do what He wants, more than your desires.  Walking in Jesus’s steps requires seclusion with God, not just public performances.  God is after a relationship with you.  And the more you know Jesus, the more you’ll want to know.

Seek to know Jesus more.  Develop a relationship with the one who treasures you.  Find the true companionship you seek.  Become one with Jesus, experience His peace now.

Lord, thank You for Jesus.  Help us know Him more today.  Forgive us for the times we are disobedient.  Open our hearts to embrace who Jesus was, help us model our lives after Him.  Lead us to true companionship with Him.  As we learn how Jesus would respond, make it hard for us to answer any other way.  Each day You give us, help us know You more.  As we grow closer to You privately,  let Your ways overflow from us to the world.  In all things, help us to obey.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What area are you struggling to obey God in today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Exodus 16-18 GW; 1 Peter 1 GW

 “Moses also said, “You will know that it was the Lord when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord.” (Exodus 16:8 GW)

Entitlement causes grumbling.

Right after Moses performs ten miraculous signs that cause Pharoah to release the Israelites from slavery, they start grumbling.  Instead of working in horrible conditions, they are free to move into the promised land.  But the Israelites aren’t satisfied; they want more. Entitlement is the “belief that one is deserving of or entitled to certain privileges.”  The Israelites felt entitled; they believed they deserved more from God.

I think the Israelites are a bunch of spoiled brats.  Seriously, Moses parted the Red Sea on the way out of Egypt, and they don’t believe God will feed them? How can they watch the water part, walkthrough on dry ground, and not have faith?  But then, I realize I’m a spoiled brat.  Each day God provides food to eat, health to work, and a bed to sleep.  But yet I want more.  Entitlement affects everyone.

Gratitude defeats grumbling.

Focus on what you have instead of what you don’t have.  Look around and start thanking God.  For starters, you have a device from which to read God’s word and devotionals.  More than likely, you have clothes on your back, a chair where you can sit, and a roof over your head.  God’s provision is abundant in your life, as in mine.  We have nothing to grumble about, yet we do.

Instead of grumbling for what you don’t have, praise God for what you do have.  Trust that He knows your every need and will provide it.  Don’t confuse need with want.  God provides wherever He guides.

Lord, how grateful we are for Your provision in our lives.  Forgive us for our entitlement.  Help us remember today all You have done for us.  Just as you led the Israelites out of slavery, lead us out of our traps.  Give us eyes to see the miraculous works You do for us every day.  Let our hearts overflow with gratitude for what You have done.  Give us confidence in our soul; whatever we genuinely need, You will provide.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

How has God provided for you in your life?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Exodus 13-15 GW; Psalms 114 GW

“Earth, tremble in the presence of the Lord, in the presence of the God of Jacob.” (Psalm 114:7 GW)

God makes you tremble.

When you begin to grasp the depth of God’s love for you genuinely, trembling occurs.  However, most people don’t understand God’s passion for them.  They equate God’s love for them with their circumstances.  If life is good, God is good.  If life is bad, God is bad.  That’s not how God works.  God loves wholly and completely all of the time. 

“God’s sovereignty is not an excuse or reason for the bad things in life.  Sovereignty is at work to heal all things.”  Sarah Bessey  “Out of Sorts”

God is in the business of redemption.  Whatever ache you have, He’s working to heal it.  Over time, in His way, all things become new again, including you.  But first, we have to accept in our soul; God does love us.

God operates from love.

We don’t have to question God’s motive; it’s love.  He sent Jesus to help us understand His love for us.  We can’t grasp His love in our humanness, but through Jesus, we begin to see.  Jesus became human so that we can relate to Him.   He felt what we feel.  Every temptation we’ve faced, Jesus faced first.  When Jesus got on the cross, He did so willingly.  Why?  Because He truly understood the depth of God’s love for Him and us.

Think of someone in your life you know who loves you without a shadow of a doubt.  God loves you more than they do.  Think of someone you love more than anyone else.  God loves them more than you do.  He parts seas, moves mountains, and destroys giants.  God makes the earth and its inhabitants tremble.

Lord, how thankful we are You love us.  Forgive us that we struggle to understand how much you care for us.  Open our eyes and ears today to what You are doing in our lives.  Let our hearts receive Your love, filling them to overflowing.  As we begin to realize the extent, You love us, help us share that love with the world.  Today, as we go about our business, let us feel Your love, then help us share it with everyone we meet.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Who can you lavish with God’s love today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Exodus 11-12 GW; Psalms 91 GW

“Whoever lives under the shelter of the Most High will remain in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1 GW)

Life is full of choices.

Every day, we choose our shelter.  Safe haven’s protect us from bad weather or danger, a place we can live without fear.  From a spiritual standpoint, sheltering under the Most High keeps us in God’s shadow.  But you have to choose to live in God’s shelter.  When you live in His sanctuary, you find security from the changing world.

What does choosing God’s shelter mean?  Your lifestyle lives in close communion with God.  Amid life’s heartache, instead of focusing on the pain, you rest in God’s goodness.  Life is painful for all of us.  Everyone is suffering in some way.  But if you choose to take shelter in God, you will find His protection.  His love will calm your fears.  Though the storm rages around you, His peace will sustain you.  In Him, you find rest from the world.

God’s shelter is available to all.

To enjoy living in God’s shelter, all you have to do is believe.  Have faith that God’s word is right.  When He makes a promise, He keeps it.  Jesus came in the flesh to give us an earthly example to follow.  Of his 33 years on earth, Jesus spent most of them in seclusion.  His time spent with God in private made His public ministry possible.  Jesus understood living in God’s shelter meant communing with Him regularly, one-on-one.

Every relationship you have in your life is different.  Your close relationships are the ones you spend the most time with each day.  Make God one of your most intimate relationships.  Spend intentional time alone with Him each day.  As you live more deeply in His shelter, you will find the security for which you yearn.

Lord, Your shelter is where we want to live.  Forgive us when we look for security in places other than You.  Draw us under your wings as we take steps towards You.  Each morning, before we roll out of bed, help us choose You.  Help us embrace not only Jesus’s teachings but His lifestyle.  As we seek Your shelter, protect us from life’s storms.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

How can you rest in God’s shelter today?