Devotionals

Philippians 2:5–11

Genuine character seems more possible in us when we see it modelled in others. That’s why I’ve always believed in being a student of great people.

I’ve always benefited spiritually by considering the character in individuals like David, who at key moments in history, chose to humble himself under the mighty hand of God, allowing Him to fulfil His plan...His way...in His time.

Job 1:20–22

Then, think about your life and your own dealings with the Lord. Think about your past...your own times of severe adversity. Were you able to look up, look ahead, and look within?

Where are you now in your journey of faith?

If you are climbing over the ragged rocks of adversity, take His hand and let Him lead. In the midst of it all, it is His touch which comforts and guides. Don’t fight Him...don’t try to control the outcome.

If the road ahead is smooth right now, that’s great, but be ready. Watch out for falling rocks!

Luke 18:35–43

How do you feel about intrusions? Like an early-morning knock at your door? Like a talkative passenger next to you on a packed-out flight? Like an illness that strikes at the wrong time? Like the piercing ring of the cell phone during a meeting? Like the relentless demands of your job?

Check your attitude. Instead of seeing such things as inconveniences, view all such matters through the lens of Scripture. Jesus shows us the way:

1 Corinthians 15:57–58

All of us benefit from someone’s quest. Let me name a few.

Above my head is a bright electric light. Thanks, Tom.

On my nose are eyeglasses that enable me to focus. Thanks, Ben.

In my driveway is a car ready to take me wherever I wish. Thanks, Henry.

Across my shelves are books full of interesting and carefully researched pages. Thanks, authors.

In our yard flies a beautiful American flag. Thanks, Betsy.

Isaiah 58:3–8

The nation to whom the prophet Isaiah wrote languished through the empty motions of a hollow religion. All the right words, all the right appearances, but zero results. They even fasted and prayed. They looked and sounded orthodox, but they totally missed the experience of God’s favour. They observed the external Sabbath, but they lacked the internal shalom. Why? Don’t hurry through the answer. Here’s a passage worth reading aloud, perhaps more than once.

1 Corinthians 15:56-58

The Psalms are full of powerful lyrics that give us a clear portrait of the Lord God. Never is He portrayed as a mild-mannered, passive Deity, hoping and waiting for things to happen. Always He is vigorously engaged in an all-out war against injustice and inequity.

Yet for us as humans, we battle the force of inertia. The antidote for that foe of effectiveness? You guessed it. Heart. It helps to have a passion for serving the Lord. Reflect on these words from the Apostle Paul:

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18

Are you living every day (as if it’s your last) for His glory? Do you work diligently at your job and in your home (as if He isn’t coming for another 10 years) for His name’s sake? Do you shake salt and shine the light every chance you get?

Do you remain balanced, cheerful, and winsome, as you anticipate His return? How easy to live complacent lives, almost oblivious to some of the more obvious signs ofGod’s purposes being fulfilled. The Scriptures encourage a more alert and engaging approach.

Psalm 8

I recall a wise seminary professor saying to us students, “Some things about God are best left to mystery.” What great counsel! We live in such a highly practical, seemingly enlightened age, that we feel the need to explain all the mysteries of the universe. Offering logical explanations for things that defy all logic. But the psalmist reminds us of the benefit of wonder and awe when considering the things of God.

Psalm 2:7–12

Unfortunately, we have grown accustomed to shrugging off lapses in moral character, manifested in secret and deceptive lifestyles. We are frequently told that trying to find people who value honesty and model responsibility, who promote fairness, accountability, loyalty, respect for others, and who hold to strong, upright convictions is not at all realistic.

“Such people don’t exist ... we need to stop requiring personal purity,” they are told. Or, as one misguided soul said during a presidential campaign, “We’re voting for a president, not the pope.”

Isaiah 29:17–21

I love the word serendipity! It’s not only fun to say, but it also describes things that occur wondrously and unexpectedly. Who doesn’t need more of that in life?

Though we often think of discipline and hard work as important characteristics to mark our lives as Christians, healthy levels of spontaneity and surprise should also appear in the list of traits.