March 19,2024

Genesis 2:16-17

16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

It’s really important to understand what’s going on here. God isn’t making a careless or cruel punishment for a small, understandable blunder. Adam and Eve have been given everything needed for a perfect life if they will depend on God, but will they?

The option is there for our first parents to leave God’s way and head out on their own. That crime ends up with death because a flower can’t pluck itself from the dirt and expect to go on living. We need God for life and joy so walking away from Him must lead to death. It’s like trying to breathe without air or eat anything but food. Go to God today to see His face and find what you need for life.

Prayer prompt: Lord, I come to You today to learn to find joy in the only place joy can really be found. Teach me to go to You for life!

March 18, 2024

Luke 15:11-12

11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them.

Below is an excerpt from Tim Keller’s Prodigal God. Grab a copy here to explore this excellent work on God’s truly awesome gospel!

“This younger brother…is asking his father to tear his life apart. And the father does so, for the love of his son. Most of Jesus’ listeners would have never seen a Middle Eastern patriarch respond like this. The father patiently endures a tremendous loss of honor as well as the pain of rejected love. Ordinarily when our love is rejected we get angry, retaliate, and do what we can to diminish our affection for the rejecting person, so we won’t hurt so much. But this father maintains his affection for his son and bears the agony.”

Prodigal God, page 23

Prayer prompt: Lord, You continued to love us when we did all we could to leave You. Help us to really see and understand Your amazing love.

March 16, 2024

Job 2:11-13

11 Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, they came each from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They made an appointment together to come to show him sympathy and comfort him. 12 And when they saw him from a distance, they did not recognize him. And they raised their voices and wept, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads toward heaven. 13 And they sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great.

Part of the reason we drop the ball with grieving individuals is that we flat don’t know what to say. Whether you have suffered like that person or not, their suffering is still intense and intensely personal. Coming up with something to say feels like letting your kids help with cooking, you just hope they don’t mess it up too much. Here we have some good news: your presence is your best ministry.

One pastor’s wife who lost her son to suicide said these friends of Job did such a good job until they started speaking. While Jesus has come to undo death, at the tomb of Lazarus He wept with the family. If you know someone who is in a grief, big or small, take it upon yourself not to fix them, but to weep with those who weep. And do so knowing you serve a God who wept with you.

Prayer prompt: Lord, thank You for healing me by suffering with me. Teach me to be willing to suffer for others.

March 15, 2024

Matthew 18:21-22

21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

It is nearly impossible to forgive well, if we ever even attempt it. Forgiveness requires me to see the offense in all its grizzly detail, choose to accept the pain of the offense, trust God with the justice, and love the offender again. Apart from a lack of love, we also suffer from a lack of confidence in God to bring about justice. If God may not give me justice, I’ll have to settle my own accounts.

Comparing Jesus’ words in Matthew 18 with Lamech’s words from yesterday in Genesis 4, we see the heart of the matter. Lamech promised to make his own justice because he didn’t trust God. Jesus, who trusted God infinitely, gave His followers the example of infinite forgiveness. Let’s practice everyday with the small offenses so that when the big offense comes we’re ready.

Prayer prompt: Lord, I trust You to give justice and mercy according to Your infinite wisdom. Teach me to forgive others as I rely on You.

March 14, 2024

Genesis 4:23-24

23 Lamech said to his wives: “Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say: I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for striking me. 24 If Cain's revenge is sevenfold, then Lamech's is seventy-sevenfold.”

When you read through Genesis, the wonder of the words mixes with confusion and a strong sense of curiosity about what’s not there. God speaks all things into existence like a Father telling a lovely story. But why does He choose to rest? And the passage about the nephilim seems like such a tease. What He has given us must be all the more important for being chosen over all the other things He could have told us. This poem, sung by the descendent of Cain, is as dense with meaning as any other passage in Genesis.

In just a line or two, we have the crystal clear picture of the curse of pride. Like Cain who became murderous by God’s criticism of his sacrifice or the men of Babel who desired to make a name for themselves that God could never wipe away, Lamech declares his own glory. We can either drink the humility of being God’s creation, which we are, or choke on our own fake glory. Ask God to show you today the places you follow Lamech instead of Christ.

Prayer prompt: Lord, teach me to see myself as You see me, that I may be humbled and blessed.

March 13, 2024

Psalm 23:6

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

In just 6 verses we have about the most beautiful and visual description of God’s care for us ever expressed. Imagine the ancient worship of a god like Moloch who demanded your infants be cast into his terrible mouth, or the South American gods who demanded priests kill young women to appease their wrath. Then look on this God, who sees our sin, dies for it Himself, then continues to care for us with the knowing, loving, and gentle hands of a Shepherd.

Even in horribly difficult times in a dark and dangerous world, the psalmist can say that goodness and mercy are right behind him, chasing him forward to the presence of the Lord forever. God’s love and mercy, seen as grand as the ocean in the cross and as small as a kiss in the thousand daily blessings He bestows, lead us on. And one day, we will sit at His feet, perfectly whole and His forever.

Prayer prompt: Lord, there is no command to follow after thinking through such a blessing. Help me to rest in and wonder at Your love.

March 12, 2024

Jeremiah 31:12

12 They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord, over the grain, the wine, and the oil, and over the young of the flock and the herd; their life shall be like a watered garden, and they shall languish no more.

We don’t really know what it’s like to have the grain, oil, and wine truly be seasonal. Our grocery stores are full and our products are year round, and we’ve never had our year’s worth of food stolen by raiding tribes. We do resonate with that word languish though. We know what it is to have bread, strong drink, and medicine yet not be satisfied.

God’s presence brings to this people not merely the stuff needed for a good life, but the power to enjoy it. The verse starts with a song and ends with this picture of the people like a watered garden. They are singing with joy like the trumpet bell of a lily, or the shy grace of a rose. Spend today seeking the Lord and walking in His paths with your eyes firmly on this good reward.

Prayer prompt: Lord, I trust You to bring me Home. How can I bring others to You today?

March 11, 2024

Psalm 127:2

2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

What’s more American than hard work? The stats that compare our vacationing with Europe make me so proud. Is all that extra effort just the happy consequence of the storied Protestant Work Ethic or is there something else there? WIth greater wealth than our parents and grandparents, do we also have greater contentment and less anxiety? Are we just busy like the diligent ant described in the Proverbs or anxious like, well like most modern Americans?

The verse lays out our only way forward. We can and should work hard, as to the Lord even. But we have to work as those who see the Lord as Lord. We can’t work as though our effort will keep calamity away or guarantee our bread. Beloved, trust your Father to provide.

Prayer prompt: Lord, I trust You to care for me.

March 9, 2024

Proverbs 20:5

“The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.”

Disobedience to God is never healthy or safe. We have to repent immediately when we see sin in our lives. But don’t stop at the stuff you can see from the outside. We must go deeper in to understand more about our rebellion. I sin with my anger, but I also sin with my pride. There is more to clean out than just the surface. 

Like the ice fisherman who cuts a hole, then with skill brings things up from the deep, we need to look deeper at our actions. Jesus saw murder in our anger and adultery in our hidden lust. He would often address the heart attitudes of the pharisees in the room even when they hadn’t voiced their objections. Things like judgmentalism, pride, resentment, and lust swim beneath the surface of your heart. Look more deeply and let Jesus clean you all the way down. 

Prayer prompt: Lord, teach me to go deeper in my pursuit of holiness for Your glory.

March 8, 2024

2 Corinthians 4:7-8

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;

The world today is overwhelmingly perplexing. The speed of technological development changes the way we interact constantly and deeply. The speed of social change creates wild new questions for ethical considerations about categories as obvious and determined as mountains to previous generations. Add to that the everyday questions about speaking with love and wisdom to coworkers or spouses and you’ve got a very perplexing world.

God has our confused minds in His plan for displaying His glory to the world. We don’t despair when our knowledge covers such a small percentage of our responsibility because the Lord planned to use our smallness to show His bigness. He can change a culture even with such limited servants. What big questions do you have about how to act in this world? Take them to the Lord and gain confidence in His good plan.

Prayer Prompt: Today, I don’t know what to do about this situation (trade the word “this” for a perplexing situation in your life.) Lord, please teach me to trust in You so that You increase and I decrease!

March 7, 2024

James 1:19-20

19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 

Thinking of the gift of anger makes me think of weapons. God has given us something awesome and dangerous. If we’re not careful, we’ll shoot our eye out. Anger is given for focusing a person, mind and body, on protecting something. Threaten my child and watch me hulk up! By God’s grace, that doesn’t happen much. I’m usually angry for much stupider and much more sinful reasons.

It is a helpful exercise for the day today. Take a moment to notice each time you get angry. Then write a sentence or two in a note app or on a piece of paper about why you’re mad. Sit down at the end of the day and ask the question, “What was I protecting with that anger?” If you’re like me, you can then start repenting for all the times your anger flares over pride, selfish pursuits, or unrealistic expectations. Then be thankful that God’s anger for our sin has been spent on Christ!

Prayer prompt: Lord, teach me to see my anger and repent of it.

March 6, 2024

James 1:22-25

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

What do you see in the mirror? It if is a true mirror, you see yourself with an unvarnished truth. You may have known people like that, who aren’t cruel but brutal in their honesty. God’s law uncovers us in exactly that way. His perfect standard shows us not only how we are to act around others but even how a truly righteous person thinks and loves. It shows us just how much we’ve twisted away from that lovely perfection into perversion and ruin.

What do you do with that truth? If you are a hearer of God’s word and not someone actively seeking to put it into practice you are like the man who has forgotten. You can pretend that the pimples and ingrown hairs and briar patches for eyebrows aren’t there, but everyone else sees them! How much worse when a blemish really describes sin which leads to death. Take God’s dire warnings to heart and pursue change today.

Prayer prompt: Lord, show me a specific sin to work on today and guide me to a brother or sister who can help.

March 5, 2024

Psalm 46:4-7

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. 6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

How do some Christians keep giving to everyone and maintain such patience? They seem to push out into the world and the world conforms to them while they maintain a humble look and joyful disposition. You may be blessed enough to know one in real life, but many of us see flashes or only read about them in books. These verses hold out the key to being just such a conqueror. 

These people are just like this city of God. The Lord is in the midst of them. He has made His home in them providing them with that water that makes them glad and that foundation that makes them immovable. All around us may rage, but at His voice the earth melts. The only way the enemy can take you down is to hide this unbelievable truth from you. Trust in the Lord!

Prayer prompt: Lord, help me to look to Your strength so I will have confidence to fight in Your Name.

March 4, 2024

Psalm 136:1-3

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

2 Give thanks to the God of gods,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords,

for his steadfast love endures forever;

Do yourself a favor today and read all of Psalm 136. If you do, you’ll notice a little repetition. The writer was impressed by God’s unfailing, never-ending, never-moving love. So much so that he just keeps saying it over and over. The repetition itself acts as a constant reminder of the constant love of God.

God gives us love in our relationships to mirror His love for us. You may be in love with someone new or no one at all. You may be daily seeing an all too familiar face that fills you with excitement and desire. If so, you know how frail and delicate a thing you must protect as you enjoy. Above and behind and through all that wonderful or not so wonderful human love, look further to the ever-increasing, cross-proven, death-defying love of God.

Prayer Prompt: Lord, I love You. Teach me to love You and enjoy Your perfect steadfast love.

March 2, 2024

Matthew 16:18

18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

This incredibly interesting verse brings together some of the most bold and solid imagery in Scripture. Jesus has declared His followers to be rocks that will become a like a living building. His Church will be a growing, living, stronghold of God’s presence on Earth, but it won’t be a building like we often use the word church to mean. No, His believers become these living stones.

Then we can see the mighty way He will fulfill the second part of the verse. It seems like a mixed metaphor to describe a building attacking a city gate. But Jesus means us, His people like living rocks, will expand to cover this world. When the enemy’s strong hold stands in the way of our advance even the gate, the most secure point, will crumble before God’s magnificent new creation. Put your eyes on God’s victorious march and stand firm today!

Prayer prompt: Lord, when my sin or circumstances keep me from fighting for Your Kingdom, remind me of the victory Christ promised.

March 1, 2024

1 Corinthians 8:9

9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.

When people think of Christianity, they may associate it with a list of rules and outlawed pleasures. We would argue hard against such a view as God only outlaws things that will turn pleasure into bitterness if used sinfully. Idols, sexual immorality, funny things that really are just grumbling hearts all have their appeal but don’t actually please. There are so many pleasures in the Christian life that the verse above actually warns us to give some up so that we might better serve those around us.

If that concept makes you mad, take a deep look at those around you. They aren’t just immature and in need of your help they are brothers and sisters for whom Christ died. If you have to reduce some of the things you wanted to do to serve them better, shockingly, they actually become the ones serving you. If there’s something you wouldn’t willingly set down for the love of a brother or sister in Jesus you may in fact be holding an idol. Thanks be to God for a little sibling who will knock it out of your hand!

Prayer Prompt: Lord, teach me to trust You to use even inconveniences to lead me away from sin and to true Pleasure!

February 29, 2024

Psalm 86:11-13 

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

Look at the way the Psalm writer prays. He asks God to teach him, then to unite his heart. Do you understand the feeling of both wanting and not wanting God? It’s a cruel place to be because you’re never happy with any decision you make; part of you is always disappointed. How do we get a united heart?

Gratitude unites the heart. Whatever else is corrupting his affections, this guy feels a whole-hearted thankfulness to the God who delivered him from death. God’s steadfast love blazes with enough heat to weld your heart to His forever. Spend time this morning giving thanks for this God and His love.

Prayer prompt: Lord, thank You for loving me even when you can see my wayward heart.

February 28, 2024

Psalm 86:11-13 

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

Look at the way the Psalm writer prays. He asks God to teach him, then to unite his heart. Do you understand the feeling of both wanting and not wanting God? It’s a cruel place to be because you’re never happy with any decision you make; part of you is always disappointed. How do we get a united heart?

Gratitude unites the heart. Whatever else is corrupting his affections, this guy feels a whole-hearted thankfulness to the God who delivered him from death. God’s steadfast love blazes with enough heat to weld your heart to His forever. Spend time this morning giving thanks for this God and His love.

Prayer prompt: Lord, thank You for loving me even when you can see my wayward heart.

February 27, 2024

Psalm 119:54

54 Your statutes have been my songs

    in the house of my sojourning.

Hear the words of Origen, a pastor born in 186AD and know that our Lord has been faithful to suffering Saints from Christ’s time to today:

“Understand, then, if you can, what the pilgrimages [sojourning] of the soul are, especially when it laments with groaning and grief that it has been on pilgrimage so long. We understand these pilgrimages only dully and darkly so long as the pilgrimage still lasts. But when the soul has returned to its rest, that is, to the homeland of paradise, it will be taught more truly and will understand more truly the meaning of what the pilgrimage was. He is right. On this side of heaven we walk by faith and don’t have all the answers we would like. But there is reason to believe that you will find certain hopes fulfilled even on this side of paradise.”

Origen, Homily XXVII on Numbers, sec. 4, CWS, 250; cited in Thomas Oden, Classical Pastoral Care, Crisis Ministries, vol. 4 (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1994), 6.

Prayer prompt: Lord, teach me to trust You even in the sojourning You allow until you bring me home.

February 26, 2024

Romans 15:14

14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.

Where do you go for help? We need to have our in-case-of-emergency plans ready to go. We know 911 and where the nearest Emergency Rooms are. I hope you have walked with your family through exit strategies if a fire flares up. But where do we go for the everyday pains and worries that add up to a miserable life?

Many people are tempted to wait until things are really bad and find a counselor, but Paul points you somewhere surprising. The other Christians in your church have the Bible, the Spirit of God, and God’s commands to care for one another. We are able to instruct one another. Invest in relationships in your church this year with the intention to have someone to lean on and be there for someone else to lean on you.

Prayer prompt: Lord, prepare me to be someone my church can lean on and teach me to look to my brothers and sisters for help.