Posts from February 2019
Devotion – Thu. Feb. 28, 2019
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed (Peter). “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” What happened to the faith that Peter initially felt as he began to walk on the water to Jesus? For a few steps he walked in a miracle; but when his focus shifted to the waves, fear caused him to begin to sink. Faith has much to do with sustained focus. Sometimes the object of focus can determine the strength of…
Devotion – Wed. Feb. 27, 2019
When Jesus got the news (about John the Baptist’s murder), He slipped away by boat to an out-of-the-way place by Himself. Matthew 14:6-14 (verse 13 shown) When Jesus heard of John’s beheading, He withdrew to be alone and process the grief. He lost a beloved partner in ministry. Did His heart sink at the injustice of it all: a drunken king, a lustful dance, a manipulative mother, and a murderous demand for the head of a prophet? Jesus would continue…
Devotion – Tue. Feb. 26, 2019
At the same time, ripe, holy lives will mature and adorn the kingdom of their Father. Are you listening to this? Really listening? Matthew 13:36-43 (The Message) God sees and knows peoples’ hearts. We are tempted to believe that God is overlooking our heartache and ignoring our pain, but this parable teaches us an important truth about patiently waiting for God’s justice. A time will come when righteousness will prevail and followers of Jesus will no longer suffer but “shine…
Devotion – Mon. Feb. 25, 2019
Then Jesus made it clear to his disciples that it was now necessary for Him to go to Jerusalem, submit to an ordeal of suffering at the hands of the religious leaders, be killed, and then on the third day be raised up alive. Matthew 16:21-26 (The Message) Clearly, Jesus was preparing His disciples for the rough road to the cross. His direct and honest conversations revealed a heart fully committed to fulfilling His call. As usual, Peter didn’t understand…
Devotion – Sat. Feb. 23, 2019 – Home
Home God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You…
Devotion – Fri. Feb. 22, 2019 – Leader
Leader …His sheep follow Him because they know his voice. (Vs. 3b) – He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. John 10:4 The Lord’s people hear His voice and follow His lead. They refuse to follow others. This is John’s picture of belief in action. Just as a baby learns to discern its mother’s voice, so new followers of Jesus learn to discern His voice. Isn’t it wonderful that Jesus knows your name? Mary wept at…
Devotion – Thu. Feb. 21, 2019 – New Life
New Life The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy, I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 Jesus started His “Good Shepherd” discourse with a reference to the thief and the robber. Thieves are sneaky and get their booty through subtlety. A robber obtains his booty by violence. Either way, Jesus refers to those who illegally gain access to His flock, try to take them away from the Good…
Devotion – Wed. Feb. 20, 2019 – Solid Faith
Solid Faith “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also.” John 10:16 Embedded in this Good Shepherd discourse is the prophecy that Gentiles would come to Jesus and become a part of His “flock.” (That includes you and me.) In fact, many believers in the first-century Gentile church most likely came from paganism to Christ through the intermediate step of becoming converts to Judaism. The Greek culture worshiped many false gods, but…
Devotion – Tue. Feb. 19, 2019 – All Authority
All Authority “I have authority to lay it (my life) down and authority to take it up again.” John 10:18b The story of Jesus does not end tragically in a gruesome death on a cross. It leads to an open tomb—but it doesn’t end there. It winds down through the centuries, all the way to today, through the lives of millions of transformed followers of Jesus who have experienced resurrection life. Ours is the only religion that points to an…
Devotion – Mon. Feb. 18, 2019 – Good Shepherd
Good Shepherd I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11 The discourse on the Good Shepherd was most likely a continuation of Jesus’ conversation with the Jews following the healing of the blind man (chapter 9). Because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the Pharisees were called in to investigate; and that led to this discourse. Jesus’ purpose was to illustrate the spiritual principles that governed His ministry and to contrast…
Devotion – Sat. Feb. 16, 2019 – Crown of Life
Crown of Life Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 What would you include if you were constructing a “Survival Kit for Life”? Perseverance would be high on my list. Without it, one doesn’t get far. Perseverance finds it strength in faith. Knowing that there is more to life than the current difficult moment…