Luke 15:12 The younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
“Life is all about choices.” I say this all the time in the classroom and believe it sincerely. And choices have consequences, which is why it is so important to choose wisely, intentionally. However, I realized yesterday that I am not owning my choices. What I mean is this—when I am faced with a difficult situation, I persist, I persevere, because I feel like there is no alternative, but there is.
Luke 15:13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.”
I could quit, give up, throw my hands up in surrender. I would never do that. It’s not who I am, it’s not what I believe, but is IS a choice, a choice that I DON’T choose. I choose strength, I choose perseverance, I choose persistence because I believe that God can use ALL things for my good and His glory. So when I choose to keep slogging, knowing that God is at work and will use this, too, I need to own that choice, I need to celebrate that choice. It is not the choice of the beaten or broken. It is the hopeful, intentional choice of a deeply loved child of God.
Luke 15:19 ‘I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’
Lord, Thank You for this day, this scripture, this reminder that life is about choices. Thank You that choices made in You are full of light and hope. Thank You that You can, will, and do use all things for our good and Your glory. Help us to make wise choices, Lord. Help us to choose love, choose strength, choose perseverance. Help us, always, to choose You and to live that choice intentionally every day. Draw us closer. Amen.
Luke 15:24 ‘For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
Have a blessed day.
Devotion to Him…. (devo reflection)
Psalm 147:10 His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor His delight in the legs of the warrior….
Yesterday’s idea of an ounce more devotion than fear is still resonating deeply for me, still rattling around in my mind. Our culture is steeped in a love and respect, almost reverence at times, for strength, skill, beauty, cunning. To the victor—the bravest, strongest, surest, swiftest—goes the spoils.
Psalm 147:11 …He takes pleasure in those who honor Him, in those who trust in His constant love.
Except that like so many things, God flips that notion on its head. He rejects the outward trappings, He isn’t swayed by the things others revere. He looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). He celebrates devotion to Him, faith in Him over fear, action in His name in spite of overwhelming odds.
Psalm 44:3a They did not conquer the land with their swords; it was not their own strong arm that gave them victory….
Lord, Thank You for this day, this scripture, the continued strength I find in Your reminder to choose You over fear, worry, weariness. Help me to continue to walk the path You set before me, even when I am afraid, even when I am worried, even when I am so very weary. Help me, even when I struggle, to choose You, to keep pushing, keep striving, in Your strength and Your will. Thank You for looking at my heart, which loves You so deeply, and not at my outward appearances, which don’t always add up in this world. Be my strength. Always. Draw me closer. Amen.
Psalm 44:3b …It was Your right hand and strong arm and the blinding light from Your face that helped them, for You loved them.
Have a blessed day.
Keep taking the next step…. (devo reflection)
Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Max Lucado’s daily devotional, which is one I read during my morning study, today contained this gem about the disciples: “…they were an ounce more devoted than they were afraid….” That idea, an ounce more devotion than fear, resonates deeply with me. I can never be fearless. My penchant for worry, which often manifests itself as fear, is so strong, but I CAN be more devoted than afraid, even if just by an ounce.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
God can take what seems to me a paltry thing, one more ounce of devotion, of faith, than fear, and use it in great ways. I don’t have to muster enough faith to conquer the mountain in my path, just enough to take the next step and the next and the next. God will multiply that faith, He will fuse it with His strength, and He will use it to accomplish His will. I’ve just got to muster enough faith, enough devotion, to keep moving forward.
Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this crucial reminder. The perfectionist in me wants to do everything You call me to exactly right, which often leads to worries, doubts, fears, and inaction. Help me to remember that what You want is for me to choose faith in You over all my fears. Help me, in every situation—worry, fear, weariness—to be an ounce more devoted, to keep taking the next step in Your name and Your power. Give me strength, Lord, to keep moving forward in You and for You. Draw me closer. Amen.
Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Have a blessed day.
Strength to the weary…. (devo reflection)
Matt 11:28 Then Jesus said, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
This morning finds me weary, worn down, physically and emotionally exhausted. It is a frustrating place to be, one I find myself in far more often than I would prefer, but I know what I need to do—take it to the feet of my precious Savior. Lay down my burdens. Seek His renewal, His peace, His strength. Help me, Jesus.
Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
He has set a task before me, one that He uniquely created me to fulfill. I know He has called me, and I know that He will give me strength in my weakness IF I will allow, IF I will humble myself and allow Him to work through me. Help me, Jesus. I cannot do this by myself, and You aren’t asking me too. Infuse me with Your strength.
Isaiah 40:31 …those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Lord, Thank You for this day, this scripture, this reminder that You don’t expect me to do it all in my own strength. Thank You for the reminder that when I am weary, weak, worn out, exhausted, You are my place of refuge, rest, renewal. Help me to find peace, strength, and renewal in You so that I can do what You have called me to do in this life. Help me to shine Your light. Amen.
Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Have a blessed day.
Through life’s storms…. (devo reflection)
Luke 8:23 As they sailed, [Jesus] fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
In my recliner, with my Savior and my coffee, with quiet reigning and peace in my little world, it is very easy for me to critically judge the disciples. My mental conversation with the disciples in the boat goes something like this: ”Jesus was in the boat, people. He was taking a nap. If you truly believed He was sent to save the world (and why would you be following Him otherwise?), how can you be concerned about the storm? Jesus is WITH YOU. Get a clue, disciples.”
Luke 8:24a The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
And yet, when I am in the midst of my own storm, instead of on my safe, tranquil morning-island, with Jesus and coffee, panic is often my first response to life’s storms as well. “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” (Matt 8:26). Help me, Jesus.
Luke 8:24b He got up and rebuked the wind and raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this perspective. Thank You for being with me in the calm, quiet moments, Lord, as well as through life’s storms. Help me to be able to tap into the calm of my daily morning time with You, even when besieged by turbulent storms. Help me to cling to You, to trust You, to know that I am safely sheltered in the palm of Your hand. Always. Draw me closer. Amen.
Luke 8:25 “Where is your faith?” He asked His disciples.
Have a blessed day.
When the going gets tough…. (devo reflection)
Romans 12:2a Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind….
Sometimes God calls us to do difficult things. When the hubs and I felt His prompting for this incredible AT adventure, I don’t think we really had any concept of what He was calling us to do. It has been an amazing journey thus far, but it has had its challenges—both on the trail and on the home front. But God is good, He is with us, and He can use all things for our good and His glory. Thank You, Jesus.
Romans 12:2b …Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
There is so very much that I don’t know, don’t understand about my amazing Savior, but I know He has promised to be with me always (Matt 28:20); I know He has a plan for me (Jer 29:11), and I know I will find Him when I seek Him with my whole heart (Jer 29:13). Even when I’m struggling, I know these truths and I can trust them because the one who promised is faithful (Heb 10:23). Thank You, Jesus.
1 Thess 5:18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for the promises of Your word, for Your fierce love and Your plan for each of us. Help us, even when the going gets tough, even when we are struggling in the present moment, to keep our eyes, minds, and hearts focused solely on You. Help us to be thankful in ALL circumstances, Lord, knowing that You are sovereign and can use all things, even the difficult things, for our good and Your glory (Rom 8:28). Draw us closer. Help us to shine Your light. Amen.
Col 3:10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him.
Have a blessed day.
Rooted in Him…. (devo reflection)
2 John 1:9 …The one abiding in the teaching [of Christ], this one has both the Father and the Son.
It is no secret that I operate by routine. The biggest part of my morning routine for the last five or more years has been rooted in bible study, prayer, reading, and reflection. This daily routine, accomplished before anyone else in my house is stirring (usually), helps me root myself, anchor my day, in my beloved Savior. Thank You, Jesus.
John 15:4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
This morning I did not stick with my routine. I had an obligation that had to be completed at a specific time, and I just didn’t set an alarm to allow for study, prayer, and reflection beforehand. The result was that my morning felt off. I was a bit on edge, a bit grumpy, a bit short tempered. Of course, there are many variables that could account for the change in mood, but I sincerely believe that NOT beginning my morning rooted in My Savior played a huge role. Help me, Jesus.
1 John 2:6 Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for sitting with me quietly each morning, for whispering Your truth to my heart. Thank You for the peace that comes with abiding in You daily and for never being too busy to take time for me. Thank You for loving me more than I could ever deserve. Help me to show others Your deep love. Draw us closer. Amen.
John 15:23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves Me will obey My teaching, and We will come to them and make Our home with them.”
Have a blessed day.
Handling the naysayers…. (devo reflection)
John 6:41 At this the Jews there began to grumble about Him because He said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.”
Jesus faced critics. He faced those who thought, derisively, “Who does He think He is?!? That’s Joseph and Mary’s Son. There’s nothing special about Him!” When I am struggling with those who are putting me down, who are questioning why I think I have a right to do something, my compassionate Savior understands because He has lived it Himself. Thank You, Jesus.
John 6:42 They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can He say, ‘I came down from heaven‘?”
As I reread these verses this morning, I am struck by the way He handles the naysayers. I internalize everything. The doubts others express become doubts I feel I have to wade through, to justify. But not my precious Savior. He knows who He is. He knows Whose He is. His reaction is much more of a “shake the dust off your feet” (Luke 9:5) instead of a “take the doubts to heart and struggle with your identity.” Thank You, Jesus.
John 6:43 “Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus answered.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for such a positive example of how to handle doubters, especially when we are engaged in Your kingdom work. There is so much that I don’t know, Lord, so much that I don’t understand, but I know that You love me fiercely. I know that You want me to show others Your love, especially those who don’t understand it, who don’t realize they can’t earn it or be worthy of it, that Your love is Your gift to Your children, freely and lavishly given. Give me strength to tell others. Draw me closer. Amen.
John 6:44 “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws them….
Have a blessed day.
Pearls of wisdom…. (devo reflection)
1 John 2:6 Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did. (NIV)
There is so much packed in this verse. The commentary* provides two pearls of wisdom I want to explore further. The first is: “To be or abide in God or in Christ implies an habitual condition….” In other words, if we are truly abiding, residing, in Christ, then it’s not just something we do when we feel like. It is a continual state, meaning that just like Jesus on the Mount of Olives, we pray, continually, “…not My will but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Jesus, Help me.
1 John 2:6 Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked. (BSB)
The other pearl contained in the commentary* on this verse states: “Christian love teaches us to value our brother’s soul….” So, who is my brother? In Matt 12:50, Jesus says, “For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” But Jesus repeatedly goes out of His way to tell others about His Father (Remember the woman at the well? The prisoner crucified at His right hand? The soldiers, casting lots, that He prayed for at His death?) God is love. Jesus is love. They want us to value their creation, all those with life. Jesus, Help me.
1 John 2:6 If we say we are His, we must follow the example of Christ. (CEV)
Lord, Thank You for this day and for this scripture, for the reminder that abiding in You is a way of life, not a whim. Help me to keep my pride in check so that in every circumstance I can seek Your will instead of my own. Help me to look past my prejudices and to see You in all those around me. Help me to treat them with unconditional positive regard, to treat all others with the same loving care with which You have always treated me. Help me to follow Your example, to do as You have done for me. Draw me closer. Amen.
John 13:15 I have set an example so that you should do as I have done for you.
Have a blessed day.
*The commentary referred to in this reflection is from BibleHub.com for 1 John 2:6 and can be found by following this link. Scroll to the bottom and look at both the Pulpit Commentary and the Matthew Henry Commentary.
Spiritual maturity is a process…. (devo refletion)
Col 1:28 He is the One we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.
I am not the same person I was in my youth. Physically, I have grown and matured. Mentally, I have as well. I learned, often through trial and error—mine and others—what I will accept, what I feel is the right thing to do. That’s how you mature—you end up in a situation, you figure out how to move forward, you evaluate the outcome, the positives and negatives, decide if you would do things the same way again. There is no exact formula. It is entirely an individual experience, often a process of trial and error.
Col 2:6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him….
Spiritual maturity is a process as well, uniquely individual, full of trial and error, lots of opportunities for growth. Those situations where I feel utterly powerless to act in my circumstances are usually the ones that lead to much growth because I learn, again and again through my weakness, that God is the source of my strength, that I can lean on Him, that I can trust Him completely. Thank You, Jesus.
Col 2:7 …rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for the fact that I am not the same person—physically, mentally, spiritually—that I was. Help me continue to grow in my faith, no matter my circumstances. Help me to trust You and to lean into You always. Draw me closer. Amen.
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Have a blessed day.