Devotions

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Lord, What Should I Be Doing Today?
June 21, 2023
by Binu Samuel

“In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army … But David remained in Jerusalem.” 2 Samuel 11:1 (NIV)

He initiated the conversation, and he was beyond transparent. Without my husband or me even asking, our young friend told us everything and it wasn’t pretty.  My stomach was in knots. As he went through the details, all I could think was, How does someone get themselves into this kind of situation?

In 2 Samuel 11, we read about another young man who found himself in a place of regret.  “In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army … But David remained in Jerusalem” (2 Samuel 11:1).

King David, who should have been at war, decided to take it easy in his palace. He ended up on his rooftop. From there, he spotted a beautiful woman bathing. Fully knowing that she was married and that her husband, Uriah, was off to war (where David himself should have been), David summoned her to his home.  Long story short, sin got a hold of David, and because of his terrible decisions, King David made a huge mess for himself and others. Not only did he sin against Bathsheba, but he committed murder, too, as he arranged for Uriah to be killed at war (2 Samuel 11:15).  Now that escalated quickly. Sin left unconfessed usually does.  Every time I read this story, so many questions go through my mind. How did King David even get himself into that situation?

He was a king. Kings go to war. Why wasn’t he at war? Did he forget who he was?

The more I study this chapter, it becomes clearer that 2 Samuel 11 isn’t simply a lesson about moral failure; it’s a lesson about daily failure (and success) as well.  What if David had started off his day asking the Lord one simple question: Lord, as Your appointed king, what should I be doing today?

I am certain the sinful events of 2 Samuel 11 would not have been on God’s to-do list for David that day … but joining his troops in battle might have been.  The truth is, David wasn’t the first king to have forgotten his God-appointed assignment, nor was he the last. Before I can get too judgmental, the Holy Spirit begins to ask me a few questions: As a daughter of the King, are you always doing what you should be doing?

Do you always remember who you are and the purpose I have for you?

According to 1 Peter 2:9, if we have accepted Christ into our hearts, we are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession” (NIV, emphasis added).

You and I are royalty! The choices we make and what we do throughout our days matter to God just as much as King David’s choices mattered to God.  What if we started our days by asking God this same question: Lord, what should I be doing today? Do You have any special assignments for me?

Then as things come to mind, we can jot them down and add those things to our to-do lists.  It might be something as simple as calling or texting someone whom God wants to connect us with. Or perhaps the Lord will show us someone to pray for … and unlike King David in this story, we can go to war for them and cry out to God on their behalf.  As the conversation with my young friend came to a close, I was inspired not by his mistakes but by his quick confession and humility.  The Holy Spirit was clearly at work in my friend’s life. His willingness to repent and receive advice, correction and rebuke assured me that despite his slip-up, he was going to be OK. God’s plans for him still included a great hope and a victorious future.  Friends, it’s summertime. Do we know what God wants us to be doing in this season?

If not, let’s take a few minutes to ask Him. Then let’s take a few more minutes to listen, giving Him time to answer.

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You Are the Bride of Christ
June 26, 2023
by Sarah Geringer

"For your Maker is your husband—the LORD Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth." Isaiah 54:5 (NIV)

I put on a new white garment and pulled my hair up into a chignon, just like I did when I was a young bride. But this time, I was headed to the attorney’s office.  After many years of effort, my marriage of 21 years was ending against my will.  I dreaded the first attorney meeting. Not because I expected it to be contentious we had agreed on an uncontested split. My dread stemmed from the knowledge that this would be the first official step toward the end I had resisted with all my might.  The meeting started fine. I answered the attorney’s requests for names, dates and addresses. Then he asked where we were married.  “Gatlinburg, Tennessee,” I said.

A city that only held good memories for me of our trip to plan for our happy day, then our wedding a few months later, and a return trip for our 10th anniversary. The memory threads pulled at my heart, and an unexpected gush of grief spilled out.  In my many moments of sorrow during our difficult marriage, I had turned to Isaiah 54:4-8 for comfort. I clung to the hope that when I felt unloved, God’s promises were always true:  “For your Maker is your husband the LORD Almighty is his name the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth” (Isaiah 54:5).

The God of the whole earth, the Lord of hosts and the holy One of Israel, says He is my Husband. He calls me back to Him when I feel deserted and distressed in spirit (Isaiah 54:6). When I feel afraid, disgraced, ashamed and rejected, He shows me deep compassion (Isaiah 54:4; Isaiah 54:7). When I feel abandoned, He draws me near with everlasting kindness (Isaiah 54:8).  As followers of Jesus, we can be comforted by these intimate promises. People in our lives may break vows, abandon us, and let their love for us run cold but our Lord never treats us this way. Instead, He promises that our weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning (Psalm 30:5). He gives us “a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair” (Isaiah 61:3a, NIV).

One day, the Church will be presented to Jesus as His bride, and everyone who believes in Him will feast together at the supper of the Lamb in heaven (Revelation 19:7-9). We will be wearing white, dressed beautifully for our Husband (Revelation 21:2).  For now, I take great comfort in knowing Jesus is right beside me every day, protecting me and loving me as my Redeemer and my heavenly Husband.  If you have placed your faith in Jesus, you are His bride, too, my friend. Whatever hurts you’ve experienced, He can handle. Whatever betrayal you’ve endured, He understands. His loving presence has been a constant balm to me in this difficult season. I pray that you will adorn yourself daily as His bride, enjoying spiritual intimacy with Him now as you wait expectantly for His return.

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While You Wait
June 30, 2023
by Tracie Braylock

“I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” Psalm 130‬:5‬ (NIV)‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

The phone hanging on the waiting-room wall is used by families to call into the operating room, acting as a lifeline for those wanting to know what’s taking place.  As the operating-room nurse, I’d often answer the phone and hear a concerned voice on the other end requesting information about their loved one’s condition.  “Excuse me, doctor, the family would like an update,” I’d say.

Often, the response would be something like, “Everything is proceeding as expected.”

Because of these experiences, I’ve developed a great deal of empathy for those waiting for answers, for those who simply want to know their loved ones are safe and still in good hands.  I’m also keenly aware of the work taking place in the operating room that very few get to witness. The spaces being surgically opened, cleaned out, newly constructed and masterfully stitched back together. The work that relieves pain, mends wounds, makes way for healing, and ensures living this life remains possible.  You see, sometimes, for those on the other end of the phone, the information that everything is proceeding as expected is enough to calm their obvious concern and curiosity. Other times, this answer isn’t enough. The person standing in the waiting room wants more detail, certainty or even a definitive timeline.  Maybe these people have been in the waiting room so long that they've noticed others, who had previously been waiting with them, have left. Others’ prayers seem to have been answered. Others’ operations have already been completed. Others have gotten to move on while they are still waiting and pacing the floor.  My friend, if you find yourself in one of life’s waiting rooms watching and wondering when you’ll get to move on I encourage you to focus your attention on this passage of Scripture: “I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope” (Psalm 130:5).

You don’t have to spend another moment doubting, worrying or pacing the floor. You and your whole being can wait for the Lord as you redirect your attention and put your hope in His Word.  Even though it seems like you’ve been waiting for so long and there’s no end in sight, know that everything is proceeding as He expected. You don’t need the details or a definitive timeline to know that God will keep every promise He has made concerning you and your future. He is opening doors, cleaning out debris, constructing new paths and masterfully stitching together more than you could imagine.  You may not be standing in the operating room of your situation, able to see what’s happening or witness the process firsthand, but you can trust that God is moving on your behalf, and the work is indeed taking place.

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You Are Chosen
July 5, 2023
by Meghan Mellinger

“You didn’t choose me. I chose you.” John 15:16a-b (NLT)

Thirteen-year-old me wasn’t a fan of gym class for a few reasons: I was an artist, not an athlete, and I was always picked last for any team sport.  Fast-forward a few years, and I’d still rather draw a ball than kick one. But rejection and I have become close friends, and my disappointment résumé is full of line items:

    My crush asking another girl out on a date instead of me.
    Seeing my friends post on social media about an event I didn’t get invited to.
    Not winning sweepstakes for my own private island in the Caribbean.

It’s a lot easier to think of the times I haven’t been chosen than the times I have been.  We all desperately desire to be chosen because it means someone truly and fully sees us. The real, unfiltered versions of ourselves. On the good days when we’re well fed, rested and have adequate sunlight and on the not-so-good days during rush-hour traffic when we use words and hand gestures our grandmas wouldn’t approve of.  No matter how old we are, sometimes we’re still that awkward kid with braces who shouldn’t have cut her own bangs, waiting and wishing in that gymnasium for those magical words: “I choose you.”

We want to be the one selected, preferred and hand-picked for a reason.  I wonder how Jesus’ disciples felt when He said these powerful words to them in John 15:16a-b: “You didn’t choose me. I chose you.”

Our perfect Savior picked some of the most imperfect people to be a part of His team: a doubter (Thomas), a hothead (Peter), and a guy who had a full-time job profiting off of his own people (Matthew). Most came from lowly, insignificant lives. They weren’t the richest or most important. They were often overlooked. They were flawed, unrefined and unqualified.  I’m sure they didn’t feel like the best or most appropriate choice. Yet Jesus saw them fully and chose them anyway.  And together, with Him, they changed the world.mmAs a perfectionist, I feel like this seems too good to be true. But as a human being, I know it’s a sigh of relief.  God doesn't choose perfect people: He just wants us to come as we are.  Every imperfect inch and pound of us, every thought and action.  The real challenge is quieting the doubts and lies in our minds long enough to hear and receive those three affirming words: “I chose you” (John 15:16b).

Jesus is calling you to be a part of a greater team than the eighth-grade elite dodgeball squad.  You have not been overlooked; you are fully seen by our all-knowing God. Your brokenness, imperfections and failures have not disqualified you from His purpose for you.  Disappointments and rejection will be a part of earthly life, but your unconditional worth in Jesus will never change.  Today, you may feel undeserving and inadequate. You may feel you’re trying too hard or not trying hard enough. But today, you are fully seen and known. And today, just like yesterday, our God is in the habit of using imperfect people for His perfect plan. So come close and listen to His words:  “I choose you.”

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Slip Away and Pray
July 6, 2023
by Anitha Abraham

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16 (NIV)

After months of planning, my sister, Binu, and I finally had a chance to grab dinner with a particular group of friends. The Thai food was delicious plus, the conversation was fun and meaningful.  Before we could even start thinking about what sugary item we should end our evening with, Binu spoke up: “Hey, ladies, when we’re done, maybe we could all get in my van and pray!”

If you knew Binu, you wouldn't find this shocking. First of all, she loves her van. We have taken many a road trip in it. Secondly, she loves to pray. Her sons have often come home from school to find her praying in their room. She still does this even though they are in college and living away from home during the semester.  When I call her to “vent” about troubles in my life, she listens, advises and says, “Why don’t we pray?”

Then she goes straight to God’s throne room with me on the phone. For big and small things, I will often get a text from her asking for prayer. She believes in the power of prayer and lives it out.  So after dinner that night, instead of going somewhere for dessert, we all hopped in Binu’s van to pray. I’ll admit I was ready to go home and get in my pajamas, but I knew Binu had chosen the better thing time with the Lord.  We took turns sharing our needs along with the needs of people around us. One by one, we prayed over those requests. The atmosphere was ripe with God's power. The Holy Spirit was truly moving among us in that van.  Praying seems easy, but honestly, it can be hard for me. When I see how intentional Binu is about prayer, I am inspired. But even more so, did you know Jesus was intentional about prayer?

“… Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16, emphasis added).

“After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray” (Matthew 14:23a, NIV).

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35, NIV).

Jesus the second Person of the Trinity, the one and only Son of God made time to pray.  I am thankful for the Apostle Paul’s charge later in Scripture to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, ESV). This invites us into an all-day conversation with God, no matter what we are doing. But the examples of Jesus' prayers in the Gospels are very telling as well. While I have no doubt He was in constant dialogue with His Father, the fact that Jesus still slipped away to pray, often in solitude, sets an example for us.  If Jesus prayed in this manner, shouldn’t I?

I don’t want to miss out on time with God by not slipping away. I want what was said of my sister and my Savior to be said of me that I often withdraw to pray.

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When Satan Tempts You To Despair
July 7, 2023
by Asheritah Ciuciu

“Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died more than that, who was raised to life is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Romans 8:34 (NIV)

For years, most of my prayer journal entries started with confessing the same sin struggle over and over again. Few things are as humbling as facing a long record of your own shortcomings in black and white.  For some of us, that record is physically written in our own handwriting. For others, it’s evoked by mental flashbacks to past behaviors we’d rather forget. For still others, it’s whispered by the enemy, who tells us all the ways we fall short. I’m reminded of the old hymn “Before the Throne of God Above”:  “When Satan tempts me to despair, And tells me of the guilt within, Upward I look and see Him there Who made an end of all my sin.”

There really is an accuser who hurls allegations against God’s people before God (Zechariah 3:1-2; Revelation 12:10). And let’s be honest: We all sin. Most of those allegations are probably deserved.  But do you know who now stands before God's throne, interceding on our behalf?

Jesus.  Thanks be to God that Jesus is standing right there defending us before the Father. Not because our good deeds outweigh our bad ones. We have no hope of that. But because Jesus offers His own perfect righteousness to cover all our sins:  “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died more than that, who was raised to life is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Romans 8:34).

We will still struggle against sin as long as we live in these earthly bodies. And it’s healthy to keep short accounts by regularly confessing our sin and receiving God’s forgiveness.  But we do not have to struggle alone. In the fight against our own flesh and the forces of evil, God equips us with the breastplate of righteousness to stand against the enemy's schemes: “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place …” (Ephesians 6:14, NIV).

The wonder of the breastplate of righteousness is that it is not our own righteousness that protects us: It's the perfect righteousness of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21).  What shields your core the very center of your being, the most vulnerable place an enemy would try to attack you is not your own ability to do the right thing. In that case, our breastplates would be full of holes where sin struggles have eaten through like rust. Rather, the protection that covers our front and back is the titanium-strength, sin-proof, perfect, spotless righteousness of Jesus.  Like Adam and Eve trying to cover themselves with fig leaves in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:7), we could never cover ourselves with our own righteousness. It’s only the sacrifice of the spotless Lamb of God that covers us from head to toe.

When God the Father looks at you and me, He sees Jesus’ perfect righteousness, not our own repeated failures.  Hallelujah! What a wonderful and merciful Savior!  So let’s come boldly before the throne of God to receive mercy and grace in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).  Let’s put on Jesus’ righteousness by confessing our sin struggles and receiving His forgiveness and grace. We can ask Him to prepare us for battle as we put to death the sins of the flesh and walk in obedience to His Spirit. And we can rest in the victory of Christ Jesus as we continue walking in His righteousness day by day.

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You Can Walk Through Divorce and Be Better Than Okay
July 11, 2023
by Brandi Wilson

“Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” Luke 2:38 (NIV)

Sitting in an office with stiff leather chairs and walls painted a depressing shade of beige, I took a deep breath and signed my legal name: Brandi L. Wilson.  I’d signed that name thousands of times since the moment I walked down the aisle toward the man I loved. A walk toward the person I planned on spending the rest of my life with till death do us part. A walk that signified a beginning full of hopes for our future.  This time, the signing of my name signaled an end. An end to my marriage. An end to my current family unit. An end to being a wife.  No one foresees their marriage ending in divorce. No one expects to live through the division of a life they worked hard to create with the person they loved. Splitting Christmas decorations, furniture, savings accounts, and the most difficult time with children. No one delivers a baby, looks into that infant’s eyes, and thinks, I can’t wait to spend every other weekend and even-numbered-year Christmases with you!  Some of you know what I’m talking about. You yourself have gone through a divorce. And if you haven’t, chances are that someone you love has.  We all go through seasons of suffering that force us to question what we believe and who really loves us. Trust me I wish I didn’t have to write about divorce, but I choose to share the value a season of suffering can bring.  One person who models hope in the midst of suffering is Anna, a prophetess we find in the New Testament.  Anna entered the story of Scripture when the infant Jesus was presented by His parents at the temple. Luke writes, “There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:36-38, NIV).

We don’t know a lot about Anna, but we can gain insight into how her suffering strengthened her and brought her closer to God.  First, Anna chose worship over bitterness. After her husband’s death, Anna probably grew tired at times, wondering how much longer she’d be on those temple steps alone. Regardless of what she felt, she chose praise.  Second, Anna was committed to hope. Luke 2:37b says “she never left the temple” (NIV).

She was committed to seeing the story of redemption play out in her life.  Third, Anna saw God in places where others didn’t. When the Savior of the world came to the place where she worshipped, she recognized Him immediately, even though He was only a baby. She had been focused on God with her whole being.  We follow a God who is with us in every experience of our lives, especially when we’re suffering. We can allow our dark times to draw us closer to Him so that we will see God at work in ways others might not. God opens our eyes to see beauty in brokenness.  As I signed “Brandi L. Wilson,” I knew I was devastated but not destroyed. Moving forward wouldn’t be easy. But deep down, I knew I could heal.  And that’s what I did.  I don’t know what season you’re in. But wherever you are, know that this isn’t the end. And if you are going through what feels like hell right now, let me remind you:  You are worthy.  You are strong.  You’re going to make it through this.  You’re going to be better than okay.

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The God Who Fights Our Battles
July 12, 2023
by Sarah Freymuth

“And he said, ‘Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you, “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's.”’” 2 Chronicles 20:15 (ESV)

Rain tears across the pavement, batters the windows and distorts the view as I push myself into the morning. Shortly after I rise, I’m reminded of the physical, mental and emotional strain I’m sludging through, my heart constantly heavy from the burden I bear.  It all feels insurmountable, impenetrable. The thorn in my side doesn’t dislodge. I am weary and worn out, my faith on the brink of surrender.  But the sun streaks suddenly through the sky, pushing back the rain clouds that give way to rays of light. Nothing about my circumstances shifts in this moment, but a steady knowing grows in me: My God sees and understands, and He has not left me to flounder through life on my own.  The Lord is fighting for me. He is at work because He hears the cry of His daughter.  Sometimes the pain of this world or our own personal suffering can corner us and fill us with a fear we never thought possible. It feels like the enemy of our souls is charging toward us and there is no stopping the advance.  But the God of our fathers stands ready with power and might in His hand, making a way (2 Chronicles 20:6).  We see the Israelites in a similar position in 2 Chronicles 20 trapped, with their enemies marching against them. A mountain of armies descended around King Jehoshaphat and the people of Israel. Fear was palpable through the city, and a great alarm was raised.  What did King Jehoshaphat do?

He called the people from every town in Judah to stand with him at the temple of the Lord and inquire of God (2 Chronicles 20:4).  He prayed, “O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12, ESV).

The people stood and waited, placing their lives and hope in the Lord in an act of great dependence. The Israelites had nowhere to turn except toward God.  Our situations can be so dire that we come to the absolute end of ourselves, unable to see a way through. But we have a saving grace in our God, who hears our cries and is mighty to save.  When the Lord spoke through Jahaziel son of Zechariah, He responded with compassion and authority, both incredible characteristics of One who comes to save:  “And he said, ‘Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you, “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's”’” (2 Chronicles 20:15).

The battle is not ours it’s the Lord’s. Yet He still tells us to turn and face our hardship. We don’t run from it; we stand with our eyes toward the fear, the irresolution, the crumbling walls around us. But then we watch for our deliverance with faith fastened to the God who makes good on His promises. He promises to be with us when we face our battles, whatever they are.  Today the sun will stay, and I will take hold of what I cannot yet see. By faith, I stand and face the turmoil, believing that the battle is the Lord’s. He goes before me, making a way.  He promises to fight for us when we turn our hearts to Him and seek His voice; pour out our helplessness to Him; and let Him move against our enemies, those hounds of hurt, confusion and fear.  Whatever your struggle is, lay it before the Lord. Have faith in Him. Give thanks and keep a posture of humility and gratitude, even before you see any changes. Especially before. He is faithful, and His deliverance will come.  As we praise, He is at work. He is always at work.

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Remember Who You Are
July 13, 2023
by Lysa TerKeurst

“And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.” Genesis 1:31 (ESV)

“Remember who you are.”

These are words I've spoken to my children countless times, especially when they were younger. I want them to remember they are children of the almighty God. I know if they remember this truth, they will be better able to live this truth.  Genesis 1-2 reads like this kind of reminder to me. A reminder I needed when my heart was broken and it felt like everything good was slipping away from me. I felt so insignificant. I was trying to move forward after the deep pain of betrayal. I kept asking, “Is it even possible to heal from something like this?”

As we navigate a world full of hurt and hearts so often full of shame, these first two chapters of the Bible feel like God whispering to us: Remember who you are. Remember how I designed you. Remember all I’ve called you to be.  When God formed, shaped and painted this world and its creatures into being, His goodness seeped in with every thought and touch. And when He was done, Genesis 1:31a says, “God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.”

I love that God declared Adam and Eve to be exceedingly and abundantly good, even though the actual ingredients He used to make them were so very humble and basic. Dust and broken-off bone (Genesis 2:7; Genesis 2:21-22) don’t seem like the most promising of beginnings.  Left on their own, these ingredients would amount to nothing. Insignificant. Unacceptable.  But chosen by God and then breathed on and touched by God, they became the only part of creation made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). They were nothing turned into the most glorious something. They were made to be a visible reflection of the image of an invisible God.  And I don’t want us to miss the significance of Genesis 2:18 when God said He would make a helper suitable for Adam. The Hebrew word translated “suitable” in the NIV Bible is נֶגֶד (neged), meaning “what is in front of you, in your sight, before your face, in your view.” So this word “suitable” gives meaning to the kind of help Adam needed. Beyond just needing a helper to work the garden or a partner uniquely designed to be able to carry children so they could bring forth life, Adam needed a visual someone in front of him to view.  This seems to me to be a reflection, but not like a mirror reflecting only what you place in front of it. No, this was more like a reminder that what was standing in front of Adam was a reflection of God’s image.  It seems Eve, in being a helper suitable for Adam, was to be a reminder of who he was a human made in God’s image. A reflection of the glory and goodness of God. It’s a reminder Eve would have needed as well. And together, Adam and Eve were to fill the earth with the glory of God. Not just to be fruitful and multiply by having children but to multiply evidence of God Himself (Genesis 1:28).  Their design in the image of God declared to the world, “God is worthy of praise!”

And their design allowed them to declare to each other, “Remember who you are. You are of God. From God. Made in His image. Loved from the unfathomable depth of the Father’s heart. Treasured beyond imagination.”

This is the Divine Echo. This is what Adam and Eve were called to, and it’s what we’re called to as well. Every single one of us with a beating heart. And the more we remind each other of who we really are, the more God’s goodness and glory will echo throughout the earth.  We aren’t just dust and bone.  We aren’t what we’ve done or what’s been done to us.  We aren’t the worst of what others have said about us.  We are the very breath and touch of God. Designed and loved by God. A reflection of the glory and goodness of God.  These are the truths I needed to remember about who I am. I am so much more than the sum total of my hurt and pain and insecurity. Maybe it’s what you need as well so let me whisper to your soul: “Remember who you are.”

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Walking With a Rabbi
July 18, 2023
by Shala W. Graham

“Later, when Jesus was alone with the twelve disciples and with the others who were gathered around, they asked him what the parables meant.” Mark 4:10 (NLT)

This past winter, I found myself walking the streets of northern Italy for 17 days with a group of women from my seminary class. It was an intensive class on women in the early Church and the arts, pondering their lives and documenting evidence of their church leadership.  Our two professors guiding the trip taught us to interpret Christian art, understand the context of New Testament scriptures, and uncover the stories of dozens of female martyrs in the early Church. And we each had an opportunity to teach one another about a woman or a related topic we researched.  Whenever we would gather in a center of worship in Italy, one of our professors would launch into a hymn, and our ragtag group of women would join in chorus. The first time, I had no idea what was happening! But it quickly grew to be one of my favorite things we did. People thought we were a real singing group and would sometimes ask for an encore, which we happily obliged. I mean, we all could use a little more worshipping of the King in our lives!  After departing a church in Assisi, I was intrigued by something I saw.  My professor was surrounded by a few classmates who were asking all their questions about scriptures related to women in the Church. As they walked together, they discussed the Apostle Paul and the situation in Ephesus. So what did Paul mean when he said this and that?

Then our professor would pull up an app on her phone to read the scriptures in question in Greek, interpreting them for all of her curious students. She was patient and always eager to teach so we could understand and be equipped in our unique callings.  Then it hit me. This is a taste of what it must have been like to walk with Jesus!  At that moment, God gave me this beautiful image of what it must have been like for Jesus’ disciples to walk with their Rabbi through the streets of Galilee.  We had opportunities to walk, talk and eat with our professors and to be taught by them on a hillside. We asked our professors big life questions and got to know the personal details of their lives. Our professors were like our rabbis, teaching us about Jesus in the way of Jesus.  The way of Jesus made room for His disciples to ask all their questions. Regularly, throughout the Gospels, we see this beautiful relationship in action.  When Jesus began teaching in parables, those who were gathered with Him asked “what the parables meant,” and Jesus was careful to reveal to His followers “the secret of the Kingdom of God” (Mark 4:10-11, NLT).

In their walking and sailing with Jesus, they saw Him teach people, calm storms, cast out demons, eat with sinners, and raise people from the dead. Then Jesus sent them out two by two, giving them authority to do as He did (Mark 6:6-13).  I could see Jesus as I walked with my “rabbis.” And while I’m grateful to have had the privilege to learn from these incredible women in Italy, I’m most grateful that God has given the Holy Spirit to all Christ followers in all places to guide us and cultivate our training as disciples.  The Holy Spirit can also lead us to spiritual mentors: Think about a faithful woman whose life and maturity you admire maturity in age, season or experience who demonstrates what it looks like to follow Jesus in the everyday things. Then consider humbly asking her to take you under her wing for genuine discipleship.  Likewise, maybe you are the woman who has spiritual maturity to share. Has God put someone on your heart who is going through a season you've already walked through and could use your guidance? Invite her to come near and walk with you as you walk with Jesus.  As we reach out to hold hands in true discipleship, may we imitate the beautiful relationship the disciples had with Jesus as they walked with their Rabbi.

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When You Can’t Take Care of It
July 21, 2023
by Cara Blondo, COMPEL Training Member

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)

With shoulders slumped and her head hanging, she began: “Mom, there’s a problem ...”

As I listened to my daughter share details of a situation, I realized this problem was beyond my authority or influence; I could not get involved. Despite wanting to intervene with every fiber of my being, I had to sit this one out and stay on the proverbial bench.  “I care about this,” I said repeatedly, “but I can’t take care of this.”

As her mother, I cared deeply. I longed to help make things right in order to bring hope to her hurting heart. But I couldn’t. Not this time, not in this situation.  I care about it, but I can’t take care of it.  The words seemed to echo within my heart as my thoughts turned toward my heavenly Father. Then I realized: Never will I come to Him with a problem, concern or heartache and be met with “No, I can’t help you” or “Sorry, I won’t help you.”

Our heavenly Father is both able and willing.  “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

While I had the heart but not the authority to help my child, God has the heart and the authority to help every one of His children in their times of need.  Why?

Because God is King not only over all the earth but over His daughters you and me. He is present everywhere and sees and knows all. The painful words spoken against us?

He heard them. That devastating loss?

He saw it. And He is actively involved in our lives for our good and His glory. He rules, reigns, and is seated upon His throne, a symbol of His power, able to make things right and comfort the hurting places within us.  But not only is God able; He is willing, and He beckons us to “draw near” (Hebrews 4:16).  Throughout Jesus’ earthly ministry, those in need continually came to Him: the blind, the lame, the rich, the poor, the seeking, the downcast and the outcast. Whichever you most identify with today, He bids you to come. He is able to help you.  People came to Jesus in times of desperation, helplessness, hopelessness and uncertainty. Now in your time of need come. God is willing to help you.  People brought Jesus their questions; their fears; and, yes, their worship. God cares about it all, regardless of what we hold in our hearts or hands at the moment.  Crowds of followers sought comfort, hope, healing and wisdom from Jesus. Whatever you need today or whatever you are seeking, remember this: God cares about it and can take care of it because He cares about you and can take care of you.  Draw near to God’s throne of grace. In doing so, you will find all the help you need.

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The Missing Piece to a Powerful Prayer Life
July 24, 2023
by Christina Patterson

“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.” Psalm‬ 145‬:3‬ (ESV‬‬)‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Walking swiftly through the glass doors, I crossed the marble floor and went directly to the bank’s reception desk. “May I speak to a manager?” I asked.

It wasn’t that I was upset, but I knew the matter I needed help with could only be resolved by someone in charge. Imagine my embarrassment when the woman I thought was the receptionist calmly looked up at me and replied, “I am the manager.”

I expected the manager to be seated in one of the corner offices beyond the reception desk, not at the desk. As I apologized for the misunderstanding, the manager explained that at this bank, branch managers sat out in the open to make themselves more available to customers like me.  In retrospect, I should have been more honoring to her instead of quickly asking for what I wanted.  When I think of prayer, I realize I often treat God the same way with a focus on asking for what I want without first honoring who He is and what He is capable of doing.  Although asking is a necessary part of prayer, there is another commonly overlooked aspect of prayer we don’t want to miss: adoration. Adoration is the reverence and honor we give God because of who He is, which helps us to remember who we’re praying to in the first place.  In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus taught His disciples how to pray what is now known as the Lord’s Prayer. He didn’t start His prayer by making requests but with adoration, saying, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name” (Matthew 6:9, NIV).

“Hallowed” means God is holy, set apart and deserving of worship. Jesus started His prayer this way because adoration helps us to recognize the powerful God we are praying to, even before we make our requests of Him. Adoration prepares our hearts to remember that God is greater than anything we could ask for and combats our temptation to think God is unable to answer.  As we look at the book of Psalms, we see many prayers of adoration. Specifically, Psalm 145, written by David, reveals three ways adoration puts God into focus as we come to Him in prayer:

1.  Adoration focuses our heart and will on God’s goodness.

“Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever” (Psalm 145:2, ESV).

The words “I will” show a determination to point out the goodness of God despite our circumstances. Adoration of God is a choice, not a prerequisite to a perfect life. No matter what we are facing, we can choose to say with the psalmist, “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable” (Psalm 145:3).

2.  Adoration focuses our mind on God’s goodness.

“On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate” (Psalm 145:5, ESV).

David adored the Lord by meditating on who God is and what He is capable of doing. Meditation is a popular practice today, but it is not new to the Bible. While some other methods of meditation include clearing the mind, biblical meditation is about filling the mind with thoughts of God. David's adoration of the Lord teaches us to think of God’s majesty and wondrous works.

3.  Adoration focuses our words on the goodness of God.

“They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness” (Psalm 145:6, ESV).

David adored the Lord with his mouth: He spoke of God's awesome deeds, declared His greatness, and sang of His righteousness.

Effective and powerful prayer doesn’t start with perfect words, and while casting our cares on God is a faithful practice (1 Peter 5:7), not every prayer starts with listing off our requests. As we pray, let’s first focus on who God is and what He is capable of doing in our lives.

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The Kind of Prayer I’d Like To Avoid
July 25, 2023
by Meghan Ryan

“Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins.” Psalm 25:18 (NIV)

Confession: I’m really resistant to practicing confession in my prayers.  I don’t think I’m alone in this, either. Admitting where we don’t measure up, where we fall short, and what we hide in the straight-up ugly and dark places of our hearts is not exactly something I think anyone feels enthusiastic about. In fact, I think it’s a prayer we like to avoid.  Especially when it seems like we keep running into the same struggles over and over again. As hard as we try, we just can’t seem to overcome that one sin. Is it possible to change?

If you feel this tension, too, I want to show you why confession matters. By definition, it is an act of faith. First John 1:9 says we confess our sins because God “is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (ESV). In Scripture, “confession” often refers to an acknowledgement of our sins before God and in some cases, also before a fellow Christ follower or anyone we have sinned against.  Admitting what we’ve done wrong, the things we aren’t proud of, and the moments that make us want to hide in shame doesn’t sound like the access code to change. But acknowledging our faults and failures paves the way for us to experience freedom.  King David, the author of Psalm 25, experienced this freedom when he brought his sins before God. While we don’t know the circumstances he faced, we do know that in asking God to save him, he admitted he was not innocent.  In today’s key verse, David approached God and asked Him to “look on [his] affliction and [his] distress and take away all [his] sins” (Psalm 25:18).

David’s confession of his sins didn’t leave him in despair and dismay; it reminded him of his desperate need for God. He knew God was the only One who could rescue him.  So how should we confess? Where do we start? David did three things in his confession that we can also practice.

1. Reference God’s character. Throughout Psalm 25, David stated characteristics of God. His love is steadfast, and He’s faithful (Psalm 25:10). He is good and upright (Psalm 25:8), He does not put us to shame (Psalm 25:3), and He mercifully pardons our guilt (Psalm 25:11).

2. Remember what God has done. Knowing that God instructed and brought His people out of their distress in the past gives us hope that we, too, can move forward after we sin (Psalm 25:6-7).

3. Remind ourselves of what God will do because of who He is. In referencing God’s characteristics, David reminded himself that God would forgive him, instruct him and deliver him from trouble (Psalm 25:3; Psalm 25:8; Psalm 25:15).

Friend, change is possible. And confession is the first step in admitting that we can’t do it on our own and that only God can save us. Confession is not about shaming us it’s about freeing us from the weight of shame. When we stop hiding, we can start healing.  Let this be an invitation to approach God and admit your need for Him to forgive and heal you today.

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The Closeness We Crave
August 4, 2023
by Lynn Cowell

“My heart says of you, 'Seek his face!' Your face, LORD, I will seek.” Psalm 27:8 (NIV)

As you look at your journey with Jesus, are you sometimes bothered by the inconsistent intimacy you feel?

In my day-to-day walk with Jesus, I wonder why sometimes there seems to be a block in my relationship with Him or times when we don’t seem as close. If I slow down and ponder why that might be, I see that seasons of busyness, grieving, choices not to obey His nudges, or even numbness in my heart have all impacted my relationship with Him at times.  While it is normal to have a relationship that is dynamic and looks different from day to day, I don’t want to pull away from Jesus with each new obstacle in my life or have a faith that disintegrates when I need it most.  So I’ve been seeking the Lord through His Word, and I’ve found hope in the life of the not-so-perfect disciple Peter.  In Matthew 16, Jesus asked His disciples a question: “‘Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God’” (Matthew 16:15b-16, NIV).

Jesus confirmed to Peter that he was right; this revelation was straight from God Himself (Matthew 16:17)! This interaction must have made Peter feel closer than ever with Jesus.  But later, Jesus was preparing His disciples for His death and resurrection, revealing that He would suffer, die, and be raised again on the third day. This time, Peter completely missed the truth. “Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. ‘Never, Lord!’ he said. ‘This shall never happen to you!’” (Matthew 16:22, NIV).

In fact, Peter was actually the one who needed rebuking. Jesus said to him, “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (Matthew 16:23b, NIV).

I can only imagine how Peter felt after his big mistake.  Even though Jesus was physically present with him, Peter still experienced an up-and-down relationship with his Savior. Though Jesus was constant, Peter was not.  Peter’s perception of Jesus ebbed and flowed sometimes he had an accurate picture of the Savior, and other times he lacked discernment yet Jesus’ pursuit of Peter never waned. Because of His great love for Peter, Jesus kept coming after him. Because of Jesus’ constancy, their relationship continued to deepen despite the hard and trying times, even surviving Peter’s betrayal of Jesus when He went to the cross (Luke 22:54-62).  As Peter continued walking with Jesus day by day, eventually his faith matured. In the letters he wrote to the early Church (1 and 2 Peter), we see a mature disciple a man who no longer strayed so often from his Savior.  Jesus desires intimacy with each of us each day. We can pursue that intimacy by doing as Psalm 27:8 says: “‘Seek his face!’ Your face, LORD, I will seek.”

As God is consistent in His pursuit of us, our return of that pursuit, developing constancy in our lives, brings us to spiritual maturity.  When I am not experiencing the closeness of Jesus that I desire, it sometimes helps to ask myself a few questions:

    Am I treating Bible reading and prayer like boxes I am simply checking each day?
    Am I intentionally listening for God's voice and responding back to Him?

Asking questions like these can help us as we look for the abundant life Jesus promises and wants for us. In pursuing God as He pursues us, we can live out the words of James 4:8a: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (ESV).

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The Prayer I Pray Every Morning
August 10, 2023
by Lysa TerKeurst

“Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” Psalm 86:11 (NIV)

Very early in the morning, my sleepy eyes beg me to stay in bed a little longer. But my soul stirs to get up and talk with Jesus.

It’s not always easy to prioritize a morning with God.
It’s not always perfectly quiet or undistracted.
It’s not always for a long, extended period of time.

But I know time set aside with God prepares me for what I will need throughout the day. It’s the time when He equips me to handle what is ahead with His gentle boldness, quiet strength and loving grace. And though I can’t physically see Him, I know He is present.  Many times when I open my Bible, I find myself in the book of Psalms and pray through the verses. As I do, a beautiful melody of God’s Truth rises up, and my worries fade. His perspective on what troubles me overshadows my anxiety.  In Psalm 81:10b, God instructs me, “Open wide your mouth and I will fill it” (NIV).

This reminds me that He will give me what to say. What to say in happy moments and in aggravating moments. What to say when I feel insecure and what to say when I am confident. He also reminds me that sometimes it is good to say nothing at all as the Holy Spirit guides me in self-control.  Psalm 84:1 reminds me that God’s “dwelling place” is “lovely” (NIV). So I ask for Him to dwell in me richly. I want it to be evident that I’m a girl who spends time with Jesus and that He’s working on me.  Psalm 86:11 prompts me to say, “Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.”

Each of these verses leads me to a morning prayer I’ve been praying for years:

God, I want to see You.
God, I want to hear You.
God, I want to follow hard after You.

And I know …
God, You are good.
You are good to me.
You are good at being God.

Therefore, this morning, I trade my will for Thy will because I’m so assured that You will guide me through this. Thank You that I don’t have to figure everything out. As I walk into this day, I'm intentionally going to look for someone to forgive, someone to bless, and evidence all around me of Your goodness and faithfulness.  After I finish my quiet time and close my Bible, I’m amazed that the Savior of the world would desire a few minutes with me every morning. I pause to remember what a gift it is to sit with Him like this.  Oh friend, we must exchange whispers with God before shouts with the world. Instead of immediately checking social media in the first moments of our day or diving right into our to-do lists, we can put God first by giving Him our first thoughts. I know that for me, every time I do, I’m more ready to face the day ahead of me than I was before. I’m armed with His Truth. Filled with His hope. Held and surrounded by His love. And I believe the same can be true for you.