The Gate of Heaven: GOD WILL

SCRIPTURE

Genesis 28:10-22 (NRSV)

Jacob's ladder

Jacob left Beer sheba and went toward Haran. He came to a certain place and stayed there for the night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place. And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, the top of it reaching to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. And the Lord stood beside him and said, "I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring; and your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and all the families of the earth shall be blessed in you and in your offspring. Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, "Surely the Lord is in this place and I did not know it!" And he was afraid, and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven."

So Jacob rose early in the morning, and he took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it. He called that place Bethel; but the name of the city was Luz at the first. Then Jacob made a vow, saying, "If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father's house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God's house; and of all that you give me I will surely give one tenth to you."

DEVOTION

It occurs to me that Jacob said something very interesting. He said, IF GOD will be with me..."

As human beings, I think we often start our sentences in this way. IF GOD does this, I will do that. IF GOD keeps his promise, then I will keep mine. IF GOD does what I've asked, then I will obey...

It's so sad that our worship, adoration, and generousity toward God is contingent upon so many things...

Jacob is revered as a great man of our faith, and yet even he struggled with his faith and his belief that God would indeed keep God's promises.

Verses prior to Jacob's "IF GOD," God had said, "Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."

Those were strong words of affirmation; yet Jacob still said, "IF GOD."

Today, I want to encourage us to check ourselves for a Jacob spirit. Wherever there may be disbelief in our hearts, let us affirm our faith in the God who loves us so much that He gave his Son to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life.

Since God loves us this much, we know that GOD WILL do what He said he will do. He will love us. He will deliver us. He will support us. He will provide for us. He will never leave us. He has already saved us!

Hallelujah!

Let's put all of our faith in our God as we pray:

Oh God, thank you that you are a God who keeps your promises! Please help me to steadfastly believe that you are always working things out for my good. Please help me to be aware of your presence with me, everywhere that I go. Please help me to be patient as I wait for you. And may I always be faithful to share the good news that you love, gave, and save! I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Oh When the Saints, Go Marching In!

SCRIPTURE

All Saints Day
Ephesians 1:11-23 (NRSV)

In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of his glory.
I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.


DEVOTION

As a pastor, I have had the privilege of sitting at many a bedside as people transition from this life to the next.

It is always an awesome thing to behold as a Christian, with strong faith, begins to take flight!

Although it is sometimes painful to watch a loved one laboring out of this world, and into their eternal life, we take great courage in the blessed assurance that God is waiting to "catch" them on the other side.

In Christ, we do have the incredible inheritance of eternal life! We are also strengthened as we reflect on our place in the body of Christ!

Often, I imagine that I can hear the strains of the song, "Oh when the saints go marching in...", as I watch a Christian take their final breaths.

Because we are in Christ, we know that they are going to a better and more wonderful place and that we will see them again one day.

God has been so gracious to us by giving Jesus to make atonement for our sin and gifting us with eternal life! As we put all of our hope in him, we know that our eternal lives are secure and we can plan to rest in peace!


Let us pray: Oh God, I feel great peace in knowing that my eternal life is secure in you. Thank you for Jesus' life, death, and resurrection that makes my blessed assurance possible. Thank you for all of the saints who have gone before me into Heaven and thank you that one day, I will join in that number! I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

FREE INDEED!

SCRIPTURE

Reformation Day
John 8:31-36 (NRSV)

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, 'You will be made free'?"
Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.


DEVOTION

Today is a very exciting day in protestant churches; you will probably notice a lot of people wearing red as a result. It is Reformation Sunday--a day set aside to remember the move of God's Spirit on the heart of Martin Luther.

If you are not Catholic, you owe a debt of gratitude to Martin Luther. For it was Martin Luther who began the reformation that led to all other Christian denominations.

The spirit of the reformation is that of freedom! We are reminded that in Christ we are set truly free! We are not slaves to people, institutions, or even our own sin. Rather, we are set free in Christ to fully experience God's Amazing Grace!

I love Ephesians 2: 8-9 which states, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

Isn't it wonderful good news that salvation is a work of God and not of man? We are saved by faith alone in Jesus Christ!

This faith sets us free to express our gratitude through kind and loving deeds toward others; but we must always remember that our good deeds are not a means of securing our pardon or "purchasing" a ticket to get into heaven, rather they are a reasonable response to God's great love!

I am so thankful for God's love revealed to us in Christ Jesus! I am so thankful that I am set free by Christ because of God's Amazing Grace. And I am so thankful for the spirit of reformation which encourages me to read my own Bible, reflect deeply on God's Word, and cling tightly to my personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ!

God is so good and freedom is so sweet! Hallelujah!


Let us pray: Thank you God for setting me free in Christ! Thank you for Jesus' life, death, and resurrection which made atonement for my sin and gifts me with eternal life! Thank you for the words that you spoke to Martin Luther so many years ago. Thank you for his reformist spirit that would not let him be quiet even in the face of great persecution. Help me to be so bold. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

LISTEN

SCRIPTURE

John 8:39-47 (NRSV)

True children of Abraham

They answered him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing what Abraham did, but now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are indeed doing what your father does." They said to him, "We are not illegitimate children; we have one father, God himself." Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot accept my word. You are from your father the devil, and you choose to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is from God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not from God."

DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)


LISTEN

He says we're deaf.
What did you say?
He says we're deaf.
What's that now?
He says we're deaf.
We cannot hear.
We do not listen.
How's that again?
Deaf, I say!
He says we're deaf
and dumb
and devils...
What now?
I cannot hear you!
Thus, I will not believe...
What's that?
Take my fingers out of my ears?!
HUMPH
what did you say?

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Grace & Peace

SCRIPTURE 2 Peter 1:1-11 (NRSV) Participants of the divine nature Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith as precious as ours through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Thus he has given us, through these things, his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and may become participants of the divine nature. For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love. For if these things are yours and are increasing among you, they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For anyone who lacks these things is nearsighted and blind, and is forgetful of the cleansing of past sins. Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more eager to confirm your call and election, for if you do this, you will never stumble. For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you. DEVOTION Indeed our faith is a very precious thing! It does bestow upon the believer a measure of grace and peace that allows us to be--and act--very differently in the world than other people do. Grace is the willingness to give to others that which they do not deserve. I have often thought that "to whom much is given, much is required," speaks richly to my ability to share grace with others. God granted me grace in abundance when Love allowed Jesus to die on the cross to atone for my sin and gift me with eternal life. I know that I did not deserve such an extravagant sacrifice, but God did it anyway! Since God did such a wonderful thing for me, truly I can extend grace to others. Because we live in such a peaceful place as Christians, we are able to attach our faith to goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, mutual affection, and love! These spiritual attributes set us apart from the rest of the world. Our willingness to extend grace and to make peace also set us apart as well. Today, it is my prayer that our faith will be increased in such a way that grace and peace do abound causing us to act in ways that announce the good news in word, thought and deed! Let us pray: Holy One: thank you for Jesus! Thank you for the grace and peace that is mine because I believe in him. Please help me to extend these virtues to others. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen. INVITATION If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

GREATER!

SCRIPTURE

Simon and Jude, Apostles
1 John 4:1-6 (NRSV)

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. And this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming; and now it is already in the world. Little children, you are from God, and have conquered them; for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore what they say is from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us, and whoever is not from God does not listen to us. From this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.


DEVOTION

Little children, you are from God, and have conquered them; for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

The sentence above is going to be my word of encouragement for today!

All of us face challenges in our lives. Some of us have stress at home or on the job. Some of us experience anxiety due to illness or dis-ease in mind or body. Some of us actually have enemies or people who hate us simply because of who we are.

I don't know what your stress, worry, fear, or anxiety is, but I do know who GOD is!

Today's scripture reminds us that we are from GOD and thus we are more than conquerors!

The Holy Spirit resides within us--fighting our battles--and helping us to emerge victorious!

No matter what you are facing today, your God is big enough, bad enough, strong enough, wise enough, and good enough to solve it!

Let us take our rest confident that God is well able to fight our battles and bring about victory in our lives!

Hallelujah!


Let us pray: God, I trust you completely. Greater are you, than any other person, place, or thing in my life. I know that you are able to help me solve my problems. I look to you as the author and finisher of my faith! Since you did not withhold your son, but allowed him to live, die, and rise again for me, I know that you will not withhold anything else! You are an awesome and generous God and I love you. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

GOD'S GOT THIS!

SCRIPTURE

Psalm 84:8-12 (NRSV)

A doorkeeper in God's house

O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
give ear, O God of Jacob!
Selah
Behold our shield, O God;
look on the face of your anointed.

For a day in your courts is better
than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than live in the tents of wickedness.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
he bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does the Lord withhold
from those who walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts,
happy is everyone who trusts in you.

DEVOTION

I am very reassured by the words, "No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you."

I don't know about you, but my life is stressful right now! Between the responsibilities of home, work, and community, sometimes I can't remember if I'm coming or going.

Sometimes, if I'm not careful, I start trying to handle my stress on my own. I start trying to negotiate my stressful circumstances by my own power. When this happens, failure is imminent, because it is GOD, and GOD ALONE, who is the giver of good things.

Today, I am determined to remember that better is one day in God's courts, than a thousand elsewhere!

As I put my complete trust in God, I can rest in the blessed assurance that God has a good plan for my life, not to harm me, but to give me a future and a hope.

GOD'S GOT THIS, FRIENDS! Be at peace...

Let us pray: Oh God! I am so grateful that you gave Jesus to live, die, and rise again to make atonement for my sin and gift me with eternal life. In this action, you proved that you are more than powerful enough to save me from any situation. Please help me to turn my worries, fears, and anxieties over to you, trusting that you will withhold no good thing from me. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

The Writing on the Wall

SCRIPTURE

Daniel 5:1-12 (NRSV)

A hand writing on the wall

King Belshazzar made a great festival for a thousand of his lords, and he was drinking wine in the presence of the thousand.

Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar commanded that they bring in the vessels of gold and silver that his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. So they brought in the vessels of gold and silver that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. They drank the wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.

Immediately the fingers of a human hand appeared and began writing on the plaster of the wall of the royal palace, next to the lampstand. The king was watching the hand as it wrote. Then the king's face turned pale, and his thoughts terrified him. His limbs gave way, and his knees knocked together. The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the diviners; and the king said to the wise men of Babylon, "Whoever can read this writing and tell me its interpretation shall be clothed in purple, have a chain of gold around his neck, and rank third in the kingdom." Then all the king's wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or tell the king the interpretation. Then King Belshazzar became greatly terrified and his face turned pale, and his lords were perplexed.

The queen, when she heard the discussion of the king and his lords, came into the banqueting hall. The queen said, "O king, live forever! Do not let your thoughts terrify you or your face grow pale. There is a man in your kingdom who is endowed with a spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father he was found to have enlightenment, understanding, and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and diviners, because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation."

DEVOTION

Every time I read this scripture I giggle. Truly this is an example of "seeing the writing on the wall."

We use this expression in English vernacular to mean that we see what is coming, or what is going on ahead of time...

In King Belshazaar's time, he learned that one should not worship idol gods or trifle with the things of God.

In our time, we too should see the writing on the wall.

We live in the shadow of the cross. We have seen the glorious power of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. We ought to be able to "see the writing on the wall" and remember the same things Belshazaar learned--don't worship idol gods and don't trifle with the things of God!

God, and God alone, is worthy of our worship and adoration. No one and no thing should come before our love relationship with him.

All too often, we bow down before the gods of money, power, prestige, cars, boats, cabins, 401ks, and the like. In 2010, these are our idols of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and stone.

But, these idols will pass away! And the only god left standing will be the Almighty God, who is Alpha & Omega. It is this God who was in the beginning and will be in the end. It is this God who heals, saves, and delivers. It is this God who made and sustains all things. It is this God who is coming back again to establish a new heaven and a new earth!

Today, I ask you, do you see the writing on the wall? If so, let us turn to God with our whole hearts in worship, praise, and adoration!

Let us pray: Oh God, worthy are you to receive all of the honor, glory, and praise! You are all victorious and I worship you today. Please help me to "see the writing on the wall" and to remember that you are the only GOD that is. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Only God!

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 2:1-10 (NRSV)

Hannah's song

Hannah prayed and said,
"My heart exults in the Lord;
my strength is exalted in my God.
My mouth derides my enemies,
because I rejoice in my victory.

"There is no Holy One like the Lord,
no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.
Talk no more so very proudly,
let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the Lord is a God of knowledge,
and by him actions are weighed.
The bows of the mighty are broken,
but the feeble gird on strength.
Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,
but those who were hungry are fat with spoil.
The barren has borne seven,
but she who has many children is forlorn.
The Lord kills and brings to life;
he brings down to Sheol and raises up.
The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low, he also exalts.
He raises up the poor from the dust;
he lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes
and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's,
and on them he has set the world.

"He will guard the feet of his faithful ones,
but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness;
for not by might does one prevail.
The Lord! His adversaries shall be shattered;
the Most High will thunder in heaven.
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth;
he will give strength to his king,
and exalt the power of his anointed."


DEVOTION

"There is no Holy One like the Lord, no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.

The verse above is going to be my "song" on today.

I don't know about you, but I am truly facing a situation in which I need a miracle!

I need the Lord to meet fear with love and anxiety/worry with peace.

I need the Lord to cause those who do not know me to look upon me with favor and to extend to me love and grace that I do not deserve.

I need the Lord to remove physical, mental, and spiritual obstacles that stand in the way of my dreams and desires!

And I need God to do a supernatural work in my life and family, opening and closing doors, making grief gentle and joy abound!

Without God, none of this is possible. It is only God who does such wonderful things!

Like Hannah, let us turn our eyes to God who is able to grant us the ultimate victory, in Jesus' Name!


Let us pray: Oh God! Thank you that ultimate victory is in Jesus Christ! Thank you for his life, death, and resurrection. Thank you for the atonement of sin and gift of eternal life. Please forgive me for trying to rely on my own power, wisdom, and timing. You are a great God, with an awesome plan for my life. I trust you completely. I pray this in the Name of your dear son, Jesus, my Savior and Lord, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Continue in what you believe!

SCRIPTURE

2 Timothy 3:10-15 (NRSV)

The persecution of the godly

Now you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and suffering the things that happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But wicked people and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.


DEVOTION

Paul is far bolder than me in declaring his good example to others. But, having said that, I do pray that there is something in "my teaching, conduct, aim in life, faith, patience, love, and steadfastness" that will be an encouragement to those around me!

As Christians we are invited on a daily basis to "continue in what we have learned and firmly believed..." We know that our salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and as we live into that joyous reality we will manifest the fruit of the Spirit and other godly attributes that will be a blessing to others.

Although all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, we can do our best to set a good example--especially for our loved ones and neighbors who have not yet put all of their hope in Jesus!

I am so glad that Love gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life! I hope that my gratitude radiates out of my life and into the lives of others!


Let's pray: Oh Good God, thank you for all of the ways that you bless me to be a blessing to others! Please fill me with your love, joy, and peace, so that by my example others will come running to you! I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Live in Light & Victory!

SCRIPTURE

2 Timothy 3:1-9 (NRSV)

Godlessness

You must understand this, that in the last days distressing times will come. For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, brutes, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the outward form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid them! For among them are those who make their way into households and captivate silly women, overwhelmed by their sins and swayed by all kinds of desires, who are always being instructed and can never arrive at a knowledge of the truth. As Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these people, of corrupt mind and counterfeit faith, also oppose the truth. But they will not make much progress, because, as in the case of those two men, their folly will become plain to everyone.


DEVOTION

Today's scripture reading makes me so grateful for the blessed assurance that Jesus saves and he saves to the utmost!

Surely, we are in the "last days" described above. We need look no further than our computers, televisions, and newspapers to realize that we are a sinful people prone to hurting ourselves and others.

I am so grateful for Jesus Christ, who gave his life upon the cross to atone for our sin and gift us with eternal life!

Although we don't know exactly when Jesus will chose to come again ushering in an age of peace and prosperity unlike any before, we do know that we have his promise that he will!

It is awesome to live in the victory of The Light. Light did indeed conquer darkness and Jesus has overcome the world!

This is good news and I pray that we will boldly share it with others! When Jesus was resurrected, victorious over sin, death, and the grave, he set us truly free!

Today, let us confess our sin, receive our pardon, and live in The Light and Victory of Jesus!


Let us pray: Lord God Almighty! You are so Mighty to save! I love you so very much! Please help me to walk in the victory of your resurrection. Please forgive my sin. Please help me to share the good news with others. I pray this in your Holy Name, Amen!

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

The Eye of the Storm...

SCRIPTURE

Psalm 57 (NRSV)

Vindication from God

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
until the destroying storms pass by.
I cry to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
He will send from heaven and save me,
he will put to shame those who trample on me.
Selah
God will send forth his steadfast love and his faithfulness.

I lie down among lions
that greedily devour human prey;
their teeth are spears and arrows,
their tongues sharp swords.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
Let your glory be over all the earth.

They set a net for my steps;
my soul was bowed down.
They dug a pit in my path,
but they have fallen into it themselves.
Selah
My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast.
I will sing and make melody.
Awake, my soul!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn.
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
For your steadfast love is as high as the heavens;
your faithfulness extends to the clouds.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
Let your glory be over all the earth.


DEVOTION

Let those in need of a word of encouragement draw near today!

Hear the words of the psalmist, "in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by..."

I don't know about you, but I know what it is to have fierce storms raging in my life! I've heard it said, "When it rains, it pours!" and it is true. Sometimes it feels like everything goes wrong all at once--the rains are falling, the winds are blowing, and we're soaked to the skin--physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually...

It is at times like these that God invites us to remember that God is our refuge in the time of storm.

As we begin to praise God in the midst of the storm, a funny thing happens. We find that we can stand in THE EYE OF THE STORM. The storm rages and blows all around us, but in the center of the storm we find love, joy, and peace with God, through Jesus Christ!

The psalmist said, "My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing and make melody. Awake, my soul! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn. I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. For your steadfast love is as high as the heavens; your faithfulness extends to the clouds."

Oh yes! Hallelujah! GOD's faithfulness extends to the clouds...

Be not dismayed, dear one, God is with us! (even in the midst of the storm)


Let us pray: Oh God! The storms are raging in my life, but you are an anchor and I trust you! Thank you for loving me so much that you allowed Jesus to live and die and rise again to atone for my sin and gift me with eternal life. Thanks for standing with me in the eye of the storm. You are good! Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

An "Abigail" Voice...

1 Samuel 25:23-35 (NRSV)

Abigail pleads for life

When Abigail saw David, she hurried and alighted from the donkey, fell before David on her face, bowing to the ground. She fell at his feet and said, "Upon me alone, my lord, be the guilt; please let your servant speak in your ears, and hear the words of your servant. My lord, do not take seriously this ill-natured fellow, Nabal; for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him; but I, your servant, did not see the young men of my lord, whom you sent.

Now then, my lord, as the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, since the Lord has restrained you from bloodguilt and from taking vengeance with your own hand, now let your enemies and those who seek to do evil to my lord be like Nabal. And now let this present that your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow my lord. Please forgive the trespass of your servant; for the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house, because my lord is fighting the battles of the Lord; and evil shall not be found in you so long as you live. If anyone should rise up to pursue you and to seek your life, the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living under the care of the Lord your God; but the lives of your enemies he shall sling out as from the hollow of a sling. When the Lord has done to my lord according to all the good that he has spoken concerning you, and has appointed you prince over Israel, my lord shall have no cause of grief, or pangs of conscience, for having shed blood without cause or for having saved himself. And when the Lord has dealt well with my lord, then remember your servant."

David said to Abigail, "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me today! Blessed be your good sense, and blessed be you, who have kept me today from bloodguilt and from avenging myself by my own hand! For as surely as the Lord the God of Israel lives, who has restrained me from hurting you, unless you had hurried and come to meet me, truly by morning there would not have been left to Nabal so much as one male." Then David received from her hand what she had brought him; he said to her, "Go up to your house in peace; see, I have heeded your voice, and I have granted your petition."

DEVOTION

Ha!

In today's WWF culture, we often celebrate and encourage violence. When we know that there is conflict between persons, we often take perverse joy in stirring it up and stoking the fires for our own entertainment.

It is a sad circumstance that more Christians do no function as an "Abigail voice" in our culture and society.

As followers of The Way and children of the King of Love, it is our duty and delight to speak a word of love, peace, and forgiveness where there is threat of conflict.

The Spirit teaches us what to say and in Wisdom speaks to the hearts of those who hear us.

I love the fact that as Christians we are reconcilers! We who have been reconciled with God, through Christ, now have a ministry of reconciliation with others!

Today, may we take up the valor, courage, and boldness of Abigail as we speak truth to power that all of our neighbors may dwell in peace with one another, and most importantly with God!

Let us pray: Oh Lord! Please make me a reconciler. Please forgive me for the many times that I have failed to listen to and heed the Abigail voice of another, taking perverse pleasure in fighting with others. I know that you are Peace and that you desire for us to be peace-makers. Please embolden me by your Holy Spirit to speak truth this day as I boldly declare the good news that "Christ has died! Christ has risen! Christ shall come again!" In Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

True Worshipers

SCRIPTURE

Psalm 61 (NRSV)

Prayer for a long life

Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I call to you,
when my heart is faint.

Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I;
for you are my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy.

Let me abide in your tent forever,
find refuge under the shelter of your wings.
Selah
For you, O God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

Prolong the life of the king;
may his years endure to all generations!
May he be enthroned forever before God;
appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!

So I will always sing praises to your name,
as I pay my vows day after day.


DEVOTION

I love the words, "I will always sing praises to your name!"

Today, although the storms of life are raging all around me, I want to make up my mind to be a true worshiper.

A true worshiper does not worship merely because it is convenient. A true worshiper does not only worship when things are good. A true worshiper cannot be deterred from their commitment to offer God honor and praise--no matter what the circumstance.

Instead, a true worshiper will worship even when times are tough, when trouble threatens to overwhelm, when circumstances don't work out as they had hoped, and even when it appears that all hope is lost.

The psalmist says, "Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to you, when my heart is faint."

Sometimes we have to call on God even when our hearts are faint! It is at these times that God hurries to our aid, providing refuge and acting as our strong tower.

How I love our God for being so praise-worthy and faithful to us!

Won't you make up your mind to be a true worshiper today?


Let pray: O God, I worship you! I love and adore you! I bow down my heart before you! I do not worship based on external circumstance, but because my heart is very sure that you love me and gave Jesus to die on the cross for me! Thank you for the atonement of my sin! Thank you for the promise of eternal life! Please teach me to worship you in spirit and in truth. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Go in peace...

2 Kings 5:15-19a (NRSV)

Naaman seeks to repay Elisha

Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company; he came and stood before him and said, "Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel; please accept a present from your servant." But he said, "As the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will accept nothing!" He urged him to accept, but he refused. Then Naaman said, "If not, please let two mule-loads of earth be given to your servant; for your servant will no longer offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god except the Lord. But may the Lord pardon your servant on one count: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, leaning on my arm, and I bow down in the house of Rimmon, when I do bow down in the house of Rimmon, may the Lord pardon your servant on this one count." He said to him, "Go in peace."

DEVOTION

It occurs to me that most of us are a lot like Naaman. We get really excited when good things happen! We want to share our joy with others! We sometimes remember to thank the human being who delivered the service, but we often forget to thank GOD for using the hands, feet, mouth, or smile of the human to accomplish the good work!

Even if we do remember to thank GOD it comes with stipulations. I will praise you on Sunday at church, but not Monday at work. I will lift up my hands at the contemporary worship service, but not at the traditional. I will boldly proclaim the Name of Jesus to strangers, but not to my family.

We are so challenged a sin-sick ones! We have such great potential to walk in right relationship with God--for we were created to do so, but the reality of sin thwarts us every time!

Thanks be to God who gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life! Thanks be to the Law of Love that looks beyond our faults and sees our needs.

I am struck by Elisha's words to Namaan, "Go in peace..."

I can hear God saying the same thing to us on this day!

GO IN PEACE...

As we desire to give thanks, as we desire to worship God, God is pleased!

Now, ain'ta that good news?!

Let us pray: Oh God! Thank you for being so generous toward me in so many ways! I thank and praise you for being so wonderful! I especially thank you for Jesus! Please help me to share the good news with everyone that I meet. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

PERSONAL vs. PRIVATE

SCRIPTURE

2 Timothy 2:1-7 (NRSV)

Share in suffering

You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus; and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well. Share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving in the army gets entangled in everyday affairs; the soldier's aim is to please the enlisting officer. And in the case of an athlete, no one is crowned without competing according to the rules. It is the farmer who does the work who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things.


DEVOTION

I am struck by the words, "Entrust [the gospel] to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well..."

This verse reminds me that the Gospel is meant to be given away. We may have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, but that doesn't mean it's PRIVATE.

Our faith is not private; it is meant to be very publicly given away!

As we walk through life, we have the privilege of looking for "God-moments." I think of these as opportunities to share the good news with others or to be the hands, feet, or smile of Jesus in the lives of others.

I also think about the importance of being in a wonderful Bible study with others who love God and neighbor and who can sharpen us along the way!

Yesterday I was tremendously blessed as I was teaching Bible study. I realized that I was learning as much--if not more--from the people who had assembled, as they were learning from me!

Together we were entrusting the good news to each other, in order that we would be empowered and equipped to share it with those who have need.

This Gospel--or good news--is indeed our greatest treasure! It sets our hearts aflame, as the wind of Spirit blows leading us to love and serve wherever God leads!


Let's pray: God, please help me to always be faithful to the Gospel. Please help me to never be ashamed of this good news that is the power unto salvation for those who believe it! Please help me to share your love, joy, and peace with everyone that I meet. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

NO GREATER TREASURE...

SCRIPTURE

2 Timothy 1:13-18 (NRSV)

Paul in prison

Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.

You are aware that all who are in Asia have turned away from me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain; when he arrived in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me - may the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! And you know very well how much service he rendered in Ephesus.

DEVOTION

You know, it occurs to me that we have no greater treasure than that of the Gospel--or good news--regarding Jesus Christ!

Yesterday I met with a financial adviser; I said in no uncertain terms that one of my life's goals is to amass as much wealth as possible in order to pass it on to my children and grandchildren.

While this is a lofty goal, it is not my most important one! My most important aspiration in life is to hold to sound teaching in faith and love, so much so that my children will "catch" my love for Jesus and pass it to their children...

This is the greatest legacy a human being can leave to those whom they love! This is why Paul warned Timothy to "guard" this great treasure!

As we "guard" this treasure it is not so that others won't take it..in fact, we WANT to give it away liberally. But, we guard it so that the trials and tribulations of this life don't suck our joy and faith away!

As we persevere during hardship, let us hold fast to love and faith. Let us always look to God who is the source of all of our help. Let us boldly rely upon the Holy Spirit to empower and equip us to endure...

Let us pray: God, sometimes life is tough, but I refuse to let anyone or anything steal my faith or love. You are a good God and you are able to see my through even the toughest of circumstances. I look to you as the source of my strength and I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen!

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

The Eternal Weight of Glory!

SCRIPTURE

Psalm 3 (NRSV)

Deliverance comes from God

O Lord, how many are my foes!
Many are rising against me;
many are saying to me,
"There is no help for you in God."
Selah

But you, O Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
I cry aloud to the Lord,
and he answers me from his holy hill.
Selah

I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, for the Lord sustains me.
I am not afraid of ten thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.

Rise up, O Lord!
Deliver me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;
you break the teeth of the wicked.

Deliverance belongs to the Lord;
may your blessing be on your people!
Selah

DEVOTION

Today I am truly encouraged by the scripture reading for I am facing many challenges in my life.

Sometimes, when I look at all that there is do, I begin to panic and I worry that I will never get everything done!

I'm sure you've experienced something similar; Just in my house alone, we are currently dealing with the fall-out from a car accident and the need to heal injuries, the advent of new family members, and all of the usual ups-and-downs that come with married life and children!

To add insult to injury, because I am human, there are definitely some people in my life who do not like me and are actively wishing me ill.

All of this sounds so very discouraging until I remember the words, "But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. I cry aloud to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy hill."

I love that God is my glory! I don't have to walk around with my head hanging low--downcast, depressed, or anxious. I do not have to worry about physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual attack--for God is a shield around me!

Every day I try to remind myself that we serve a good, great, mighty, strong, omnipotent and omniscient God who can do anything but fail!

This knowledge fills me with the blessed assurance that although my trials are annoying, they are nothing compared to the eternal weight of glory that comes from a love relationship with God through Jesus Christ!

Despite any hardship, trial, or tribulation that I may be facing right now, I know beyond a shadow of doubt that because I am in Christ,all of my stories will end, "And she lived happily ever after..."

Now, ain'ta that good news?!

Let us pray: Oh God, the weight of this life is pressing down on me and I am so very tired. Help me to know and believe that you are my glory and the lifter of my head. I turn all of my worries and fears over to you, in Jesus' Name, Amen!

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Glad & Generous Hearts!

SCRIPTURE

Habakkuk 2:5-11 (NRSV)

Those who heap up what is not theirs

Moreover, wealth is treacherous;
the arrogant do not endure.
They open their throats wide as Sheol;
like Death they never have enough.
They gather all nations for themselves,
and collect all peoples as their own.

Shall not everyone taunt such people and, with mocking riddles, say about them,
"Alas for you who heap up what is not your own!"
How long will you load yourselves with goods taken in pledge?
Will not your own creditors suddenly rise,
and those who make you tremble wake up?
Then you will be booty for them.
Because you have plundered many nations,
all that survive of the peoples shall plunder you -
because of human bloodshed, and violence to the earth,
to cities and all who live in them.

"Alas for you who get evil gain for your houses,
setting your nest on high
to be safe from the reach of harm!"
You have devised shame for your house
by cutting off many peoples;
you have forfeited your life.
The very stones will cry out from the wall,
and the plaster will respond from the woodwork.


DEVOTION

Today I am reminded of the expression, "to whom much is given, much is required."

When God grants us great wealth or great influence, we have an obligation to share our resources with others who are not as fortunate.

I think of the Golden Rule that I learned as a child, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

All that we have has been gifted to us by a kind and generous God in stewardship. As stewards, we are to use our King's wealth wisely, advancing the Kingdom of Love in all that we say or do.

As we give of our time, talent, and treasure to the work of Love, good will overflow! The hungry will be fed. The thirst will drink. The naked will be clothed. The homeless will be housed. The sick and imprisoned will be visited and the widows and orphans will receive care.

My friends, it is NOT all about us! It is all about HIM--The One who lived and died and rose again in order to make atonement for our sin and gift us with eternal life.

His name is JESUS. And on the night that he was betrayed, he taught us, "If I your Lord and Master have served you, you ought to serve one another." Another word for this type of radical service is LOVE.

Let us love one another with glad and generous hearts, for God is love!


Let us pray: Oh God! Please forgive me for being so selfish with the time, talent, and treasure that you have entrusted to me. Please help me to utilize my many gifts in ways that bring glory to your name and fill all of your children with your love. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

You Shall Not Die...

SCRIPTURE

Habakkuk 1:5-17 (NRSV)

The wicked swallow the righteous

Look at the nations, and see!
Be astonished! Be astounded!
For a work is being done in your days
that you would not believe if you were told.
For I am rousing the Chaldeans,
that fierce and impetuous nation,
who march through the breadth of the earth
to seize dwellings not their own.
Dread and fearsome are they;
their justice and dignity proceed from themselves.
Their horses are swifter than leopards,
more menacing than wolves at dusk;
their horses charge.
Their horsemen come from far away;
they fly like an eagle swift to devour.
They all come for violence,
with faces pressing forward;
they gather captives like sand.
At kings they scoff,
and of rulers they make sport.
They laugh at every fortress,
and heap up earth to take it.
Then they sweep by like the wind;
they transgress and become guilty;
their own might is their god!

Are you not from of old,
O Lord my God, my Holy One?
You shall not die.
O Lord, you have marked them for judgment;
and you, O Rock, have established them for punishment.
Your eyes are too pure to behold evil,
and you cannot look on wrongdoing;
why do you look on the treacherous,
and are silent when the wicked swallow
those more righteous than they?
You have made people like the fish of the sea,
like crawling things that have no ruler.

The enemy brings all of them up with a hook;
he drags them out with his net,
he gathers them in his seine;
so he rejoices and exults.
Therefore he sacrifices to his net
and makes offerings to his seine;
for by them his portion is lavish,
and his food is rich.
Is he then to keep on emptying his net,
and destroying nations without mercy?


DEVOTION

These words give me tremendous comfort in times of trouble, "Are you not from of old, O Lord my God, my Holy One? You shall not die."

Isn't it grand to remember that God is from everlasting to everlasting? Isn't it thrilling to remember that God is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end? Doesn't it give you peace to know that there is NO-thing new under the sun?

The evil behavior and poor choices of humanity do not shock our God as if they had never been seen. The sinfulness of people does not surprise God, as if it had never been done before...

When trial, tribulation, or hardship befall me because of my own sin or the sin of others, I take heart in knowing that God knows what to do to make things right.

First and foremost, God sent Jesus to die on the cross to make atonement for my sin and gift me with eternal life...And that ultimately takes care of everything!

But, in addition to that great and eternal solution, God gives me solutions day by day! God provides for my every need--day by day! God saves me from myself and others--day by day!

How I love our God, for God is always good to me!

Take heart today! God has already overcome the world, by the blood of the Lamb!


Let us pray: Oh God, sometimes I think that you don't see the evil that befalls me, or that you do not care. But, today I am reminded that you are of old and you do not die. You have seen all and know all and NO-thing surprises or shocks you. You are the solution to all of my problems. JESUS is the band-aid for all that hurts me. I look to you as my only source of salvation. I love you and I pray that you will help me to share our love with others. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta