Devotionals

Psalm 90:10, 12

Who hasn’t felt a surge of anticipation while mentally standing on tiptoe, straining to see what lies ahead? Even the writers of a weekly news magazine tried to look beyond today. They didn’t try many predictions, but they did ask some sweeping questions. Among them:

Romans 1:19–20

Sometimes there’s more life-changing power in looking to the heavens than just about anything else.

That thought struck me when I took time to walk deep in the redwoods years ago. I laid back and looked up ... I mean really up ... through the trees. It was one of those clear summer nights when you could see forever. So starry it was awe-inspiring. The vastness of the heavens spoke eloquently. The stars were mute reminders of the glory of God.

Matthew 16:16–18

So, what’s the big deal about the church? What makes it so vital?

It’s a good question that deserves a good answer. Something more than, “You gotta have one to get married in,” or “It’s the place kids oughta be on Sunday.” Or how about, “There’s not a better place to make business contacts.”

1 Peter 2:24–25

The Velveteen Rabbit is a book for children with a message for adults. It’s essentially a revealing nursery dialogue between a new toy rabbit and an old skin horse. As they are lying side by side one day, Rabbit asks Horse:

“What is REAL? ... Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?”

“Real isn’t how you are made,” said the Skin Horse. “It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.”

Mark 1:35–37

Dave Cowens, former star basketball centre for the Boston Celtics, suddenly disappeared. Without warning, he walked off the practice court, showered, dressed, and drove away. Alone.

He kept driving to ... somewhere. His only explanation was the familiar comment, “I need to get my head together.” He added that it could take as little as two weeks or as much as 10 years. The sportscasters, management, team, spectators, and fans couldn’t imagine what he was looking for.

I could.

2 Peter 3:10

Romans 5:8–11

It happens to every one of us. Teachers as well as students. Cops as well as criminals. Bosses as well as executive assistants. Parents as well as kids. The diligent as well as the lazy. Gen Xers as well as millennials. Not even pastors are immune. Or corporation heads who earn seven-figure salaries. The same is true of well-meaning architects and hardworking builders and clear-thinking engineers.

Not to mention pro-ball players, politicians, and presidents.

What? Failure, that’s what. Blowing it. And it happens with remarkable regularity.

Philippians 4:11

Someday when the kids are grown, things are going to be a lot different. The garage won’t be full of bikes, unfinished “experimental school projects,” and the rabbit cage. I’ll be able to park both cars neatly in just the right places, and never again stumble over skateboards.

Matthew 19:14–15

Many teenagers get a bum rap. Always have. For some reason, if you’re between 12 and 20, you’re suspect. Cops stare and senior citizens glare. Why? Well ...

You drive too fast, you apologize too slow, you aren’t responsible, and you can’t betrusted. The music you listen to is wild-n-wicked, the stuff you read is shallow or sleazy, the places you go are loud and low class. You’re allergic to things like homework, dirty dishes, vacations with the family, turning off your phone, saying “Thank you,” getting up in the morning and going to bed at night.

Colossians 4:5–6

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never harm me.

Ever heard that expression? I don’t know who wrote it, but he never went to elementary school!

You and I both know how moronic that statement really is. Words can do enormous damage and, at times, destroy a life. In my nearly six decades as a pastor, a high percentage of my counselling sessions have dealt with an adult trying to overcome the painful words of others in their past. Words can sting and cripple or words can lift and heal.